Use of the formation dates back to ancient infantry and cavalry warfare when attempting to flank an enemy or to break one wing with overwhelming numbers. One of the earliest uses was at the Battle of Leuctra when the Thebans attacked the Spartan right with a column 48 men deep while their weaker center and right were refused. The echelon formation was also used by Hannibal at the Battle of Cannae, and by Frederick II of Prussia. Echelon formations are also commonly used by civic, or riot police to move crowds either to the left or right.