The sarissa (σαρίσσα) was another significant spear used by the ancient Greeks, especially during the Hellenistic period. This was a much longer spear, often ranging from 13 to 21 feet in length, making it notably different from the traditional dory. The sarissa was designed for use in the phalanx formation, where its length allowed soldiers to strike their enemies from a greater distance while remaining protected behind their shields. The sarissa’s extended reach gave it a significant advantage over shorter spears, especially in the tightly packed formations where Greek armies, particularly those of Philip II and Alexander the Great, excelled. Its length made it highly effective in both offense and defense, allowing soldiers to thrust at opponents before they could close the distance for hand-to-hand combat.

The use of the sarissa marked a shift in Greek military tactics, and its introduction by Philip II of Macedon revolutionized the effectiveness of the Macedonian phalanx. The sarissa allowed for the creation of a formidable line of soldiers armed with long spears, each of which could engage enemies from several feet away. This made it difficult for the enemy to penetrate the formation and provided a significant advantage in pitched battles. While the sarissa was not easily wielded in confined spaces, its effectiveness in open battle was unparalleled.

In addition to the sarissa and dory, there were other types of spears used in ancient Greece, such as the kontos (κοντός), which was a long spear or polearm, typically used by cavalry. The kontos was often much longer than the dory, allowing mounted soldiers to strike from a higher position while charging into battle. However, it was less commonly used by infantry in comparison to the sarissa or dory.