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The hoplite phalanx was a formation in which the hoplites would line up no less than four deep in very close order. In this formation the hoplites would lock their shields together while the first few ranks of soldiers would project their spears out over the first rank of shields thus allowing for the first three or so ranks of spearmen to engage their spears against the enemy. Therefore, the phalanx was essentially a formation in which the hoplites created a mass spear and shield wall. The effectiveness of the phalanx depended upon how well the hoplites could maintain this formation while in combat, especially when engaged against another phalanx.