h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I'm sure you probably read this already, but theres a chapter in a book I read once. I'm sure it's Polybius Early History of Rome where he makes a direct comparison between the Macadonian Phalanx and the Roman Legions. Pros, cons etc where it suffered most, where and when they got their asses kicked. If you've not checked it it's worth a look. He was close to Publius Scipio so he's probably had a releable witness.

Hmm i dont see the comparison personally. The macedonian phalanx was wide and deep, with the front being where the punch lay, and also being difficult to manuevre. The legion on the other hand moved quicker as a single body, and in the early years, fought with spears (iirc) rather then sarissas in order to get round flanks quickly, whilst having no flanks of its own

Sorry you misunderstand me. I just thought that for someone interested in the phalanx you would be interested in when it met it's match (ie against the legion). In 'The Rise of the Roman Empire' Polybius makes (as far as I know) the only historical reference to the demise of the Greek/Macedon phalanx. In book XVIII in the chapter 'on the phalanx'. Not that it matters...

Ahhhhhh i see now.

How long is the section, and could you send me some of the key points? Its just that the phalanx had been effective for well over a millenia and as i point out in a way it was mimicked and still used, but a big turning point would be helpful

Sure not a problem. I'll look it out tonight.

I've taken probably the most relevant quotes. But if your interested you should get a copy and read it. Polybius was a Greek (200-118bc). He became a fried of Scipios and was with him during the 3rd Punic war. Anyway the start of the chapters all about Hanibal and how he felt that his generalship defeated the Romans. Then he moves on to how the Romans subdued the mighty greek/macedon phalanx.


Book 13 Para 31
If it remains on the ground which suits it best, not only is it unable to assist its allies, but it cannot even insure its own saftey, for the transport of its supplies will easily be stopped by the enemy when they have undisputed command of the open country. On the other hand, if it leaves the terrain which favours it and attempts an action elsewhere, it will easily be defeated. Or again, supposing that the enemy does decide to descend into the plain and fight there, but, instead of committing his entire force to the battle when the enemy has his one opertunity to charge, keeps even a small part of it in reserve...

Book 13 Para 32
...the Romans do not attempt to make their line numericaly equal to the enemies, nor do they expose the whole strenght of the legions to a frontal attack by the phalax. Instead they keep part of the forces in reserve whille the rest engage the enemy. Later in the battle, whether the phalanx in its charge drives back the troops opposed to it or is driven back by them , in either event it loses its own particular formation. For either in pursueing a retreating enemy or falling back before an oncoming one, the phalanx leaves behind the other units of its own army; at this point the enemys reserves can occupy the space the phalanx has vacated, and are no longer obliged to attack from the front, but can fall upon it from flank and rear...thus easy to deny the oportunities it needs and minimize the advantages it enjoys...

..they (soldiers) must occupy favourable positions in advance, besiege others and be besieged themselves... the Macadonian cannot operate in either smaller unit or individualy...All these eventualities are part and parcel of war..Every Roman soldier, once he is armed and goes in to action , can adapt himself equaly well to any place or time and meet an attack from any quarter.

Hope it's usefull.