What was the greek military formation called?
It was a series of ranks of armoured infantry forming a shield wall with protruding spears. The number of ranks and length of the spears changed as the formation evolved. The end-of-evolution Macedonian one was 16 ranks deep with 18 foot pikes. The first three ranks had their pikes protruding, while the rear ranks rested theirs on the shoulders of the rank in front, where they intercepted incomig missiles. The rear ranks’ contribution was mainly pushing the ranks in front, supporting the tussle with the opposing force.