Shield wall?

[Aliksander]

Ok I have been wondering what the true benefits of shield wall is. Obviously a long line of tightly packed infantry makes a good defensive front but there are some things I am not quite sure about.

1) actual in-game benefits given to units
2) Does it work better with spear warriors or melee (axe/sword) warriors?
3) Is it viable for an offensive action?

[swabian]

i think it gives a hidden shield bonus as well. It's best used defensively with spear units against cavalry or in deep formations against numerically superior forces and if youre surrounded. It's basically usefuol to defend against dangerous charges but it's not that good for offense (especially for decisive charges), since only few individuals are actually participating at the fight.