Sarisa was an ancient long spear, which was the main offensive weapon of the macedonian phalanx . It was made of hardwood cornel, a tree that abounds in the mountains of western Macedonia (the ancient Upper Macedonia). Cornel tree reaches a great height with a straight trunk, thus providing long, relatively light, hard and durable spears. The main characteristic of sarisa, which basically differentiated it from the hoplite phalanxes was none other than its impressive length. Initially about 5.5 meters, it reached 6.5 meters on the second century BC. It consisted of an iron tip (longhi) and a metal spear-butt (savrotiras) at the opposite end which served as a counterweight to help it pin to the ground, and required the use of both hands.

Sarisa was both offensive and defensive weapon, its length could hold enemies at a safe distance which prevented them from hitting the phalangists, while with their iron tips were breaking the enemy lines.