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Unlike a Phalanx where the pikes were concentrated to the front and defence at the side and rear depended on a cohesive battle line with cavalry screens at the side, the schiltrons were circular with pikes in all directions. This allowed the Scots to fight their battles in a far more flexible manner than with the use of traditional formations.
The most famous engagement where schiltrons proved decisive was the Battle of Bannockburn. They were also used at the battles of Stirling Bridge, Flodden Field, Falkirk (1298).
Tactically they are the forbearers of the the Napoleonic age infantry square s in which Scottish infantry regiments fought at the Battle of Waterloo when attacked by Ney's French cavalry.
The word "schiltron" dates from at least 1000 AD and derives from Old EnglishOld English (also called Anglo-Saxon is an early form of the English language which was spoken in England around the year 1000. It is a West Germanic language, and is therefore similar to Frisian and Old Saxon. It is also quite similar to Old Norse (and, roots expressing the idea of a "shield-troop".