Xenophon describes the end stage of Coronea as being characterized by "shield against shield," a motif echoed elsewhere in literature. Though hoplites tended to run when formation was broken, there are occasions when both sides clearly entered into a general melee for some time--at the final stand at Thermopylae the defenders attacked with their fists and even teeth. We have numerous depictions of swords being used against fallen or running enemies, and we have several depictions of axes and a similar weapons. But when things devolved into a general melee we have every indication that things got messy