What is the difference between Swiss Pikemen formations and Alexander (well his father's anyway) Macedon Pikemen formations and tactics?

by Duckmanjones1

What is the difference between Swiss Pikemen formations and Macedon Pikemen formations and tactics?

On the surface of it, and with the pictures they looks very similar as men in tight formation with very long spears (or halberds at one time for the Swiss) keep the enemy at spear point with a wall of death.

  1. How are they similar?
  2. How are they different?
  3. Were the Swiss aware of the Macedon Phalanx or maybe to a lesser extent the Greek one, since the Greek one seems to have translated to Medieval/Renaissance warfare with shield formations.

thx

slightly_offtopic

New answers are always welcome here, but while waiting for them, you may be interested in reading these old threads: