Which battle formation was commonly employed during the Middle Ages?

During the Middle Ages, the shield wall and phalanx formations were commonly employed because they provided soldiers with both protection and offensive capabilities in battle. The shield wall, in particular, created a solid barrier of shields that protected the front line of fighters, making it difficult for enemies to penetrate. Warriors would stand closely together, using their shields to form an impenetrable front while allowing for spearmen or archers to be positioned behind them for additional support.

The phalanx formation, which originated from ancient Greek warfare, involved soldiers arranged in a dense rectangle or line, with overlapping shields and spear tips pointed outward. This formation was designed to create a strong front against enemy forces, maximizing the effectiveness of their weaponry and minimizing vulnerabilities.

In contrast, other formations listed, such as the V-shaped formation, which is more commonly associated with later military strategies, or the column formation, which was less effective on the chaotic medieval battlefield, did not provide the same level of protection and cohesion as the shield wall and phalanx did. The wedge formation, while used for specific tactical purposes, did not serve as a primary deployment style for large engagements typical of the Middle Ages. Thus, the shield wall and phalanx formations were foundational strategies for medieval armies