Posted on May 26, 2016
Is anyone familiar with the power shift from the Macedonians to the Romans?
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I do realize the tactics were similar but yet different. I think the Macedonians gave a good fight, but became isolated as the Romans made significant strides in the number of allies. This is of interest to me.
Posted in these groups: 
Strategy
Ancient History
Strategy Ancient History
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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I love this question. This is hands down the most exciting question I've seen on Rallypoint. No I am not being sarcastic. If I lived in Seattle, or if you lived near Central Lake Michigan, you'd be invited for BBQ TONIGHT!!!
Are you speaking in terms of Grand National Strategy, Strategy, Operations, Tactics, techniques, technology, or professional soldiers vs citizen soldiers? Any one of which would take a long book to give an "adequate" explanation that would be subject to great debate.
Are you speaking in terms of Grand National Strategy, Strategy, Operations, Tactics, techniques, technology, or professional soldiers vs citizen soldiers? Any one of which would take a long book to give an "adequate" explanation that would be subject to great debate.
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CPT Joseph K Murdock
I think I want to know all of them as strategy, tactics, politics, and attrition were big factors.
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From what I understand. Phalanx formation only works in when there is a large army formation, and only in a forward attack/defense. The Romans developed a military that could easily adapt to what is in front of them. The standard cohort was armed with a short sword known as the Gladius and a sheild.
I think it bowels down to iron vs bronze. Overall.
Beyond that, not entirely sure. Just started looking into Hannibal and the Romans in the Second Punic War.
I think it bowels down to iron vs bronze. Overall.
Beyond that, not entirely sure. Just started looking into Hannibal and the Romans in the Second Punic War.
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CPT Joseph K Murdock
You are right. The Phalanx was built for straight combat while the legions often attacked the flanks. Hannibal who had won many battles against the Romans lost a war of attrition against him.
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CPL (Join to see)
Yes sir. By bypassing the "canal" don't have a name for lol. Between Spain and N. Africa and crossing the Alps (was it in the winter?) being cut off from supply. I couldn't imagine the toll of casualties he sustained.
I'm pondering if his Army kept marching to Rome, would the Legions have the time to organize and march north. Or if Hannibal had a Army that was still capable of sacking Rome.
I wish that there were more questions like this on RP. Really gets me motivated.
Also, sir. Do you think the amount of engineering it took for Hannibal to create a campaign of this sort, had a influence on the Legions and how they were able to move quickly?
I'm pondering if his Army kept marching to Rome, would the Legions have the time to organize and march north. Or if Hannibal had a Army that was still capable of sacking Rome.
I wish that there were more questions like this on RP. Really gets me motivated.
Also, sir. Do you think the amount of engineering it took for Hannibal to create a campaign of this sort, had a influence on the Legions and how they were able to move quickly?
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SFC Josh Billingsley
Makers of Modern Strategy had a great section on Hannibal battling the Romans. You should check it out
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CPL (Join to see)
SFC Josh Billingsley -
I will check tomorrow if the library is open tomorrow.
Should be a good read. Thanks for the recommendation Sgt.
I will check tomorrow if the library is open tomorrow.
Should be a good read. Thanks for the recommendation Sgt.
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Macedonia (Greece) and Rome were the two major powers left in the Mediterranean after the Persia and Carthage were taken out of the equation. Macedonia ascendency began to slip after the death of Alexander and the splitting up of his conquered territories. Roman further subverted Macedonian power by making allies with the nations in the region.
On the battlefield, the Macedonian Phalanx and the Roman Legion were both very effective formations, each with varied strengths and weaknesses. On an open field, head to head, a phalanx will plow right over a legion. However, in broken terrain, where maintaining rigid formations is hindered, a legion's ability to use small unit maneuvering and individual leadership is a huge advantage.
On the battlefield, the Macedonian Phalanx and the Roman Legion were both very effective formations, each with varied strengths and weaknesses. On an open field, head to head, a phalanx will plow right over a legion. However, in broken terrain, where maintaining rigid formations is hindered, a legion's ability to use small unit maneuvering and individual leadership is a huge advantage.
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CPT Joseph K Murdock
It would be interesting to see Alexander fight the Romans considering he never lost a battle.
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