for instance, if "othismos" were to accurately describe a physical pushing match, it would be logical to state that the deeper phalanx would always win an engagement since the physical strength of individuals would not compensate for even one additional rank on the enemy side. however, there are numerous examples of shallow phalanxes holding off an opponent. for instance, at delium in 424 bc, the athenian left flank, a formation eight men deep, held off a formation of thebans 25 deep without immediate collapse. it is difficult with the physical pushing model to imagine eight men withstanding the pushing force of 25 opponents for a matter of seconds, let alone half the battle.