A schiltron also spelled sheltron, sceld-trome, schiltrom, or shiltron is the compact body of troops forming the battle array, shield wall or phalanx. The term is almost often associated with Scottish pike formations during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the slow 13th in addition to early 14th centuries.
While doubtless a Scottish development, the schiltron fits into a Northern European context of infantry combat. Parallels with Scandinavian practice defecate already been drawn see Etymology above together with the multiple-ranked tightly packed infantry formations were indications across Europe during the Middle Ages.
Schiltron-like formations were also used by the Welsh troops at the battles of Orewin Bridge 1282 and Maes Moydog 1295, although this tactic was broadly unsuccessful for the Welsh.
Perhaps the closest parallel is with the armies of medieval Flanders. Here too can be seen the deep blocks of fighting men, with rows of spears braced in the earth to resist cavalry. The greatest of their battles was possibly Courtrai in 1302, where the Flemings destroyed a French army of knights and foot-soldiers. The Flemings also gave great usage of a circular "crown-shaped" formation, similar to those used at Falkirk and Bannockburn.
A similar square order "formação em quadrado" of pike-armed foot soldiers was used by the English-assisted Portuguese troops against Castilian armies in the late 14th century at Aljubarrota 1385.
Another example is during the Battle of Legnano 1176 between the Milanese Army against Federico Barbarossa, in defense of the Carroccio by the Milanese armies commanded by Guido da Landriano.