03-23-2005, 08:45 AM
I agree with Goffredo and Alexandr.<br>
<br>
I would not look at the number of 10.000 horse archers as decisive in any way. The Gallic cavalry was able to repulse them easily enough, but I think they would never have beaten them.<br>
However, if the cataphracts would indeed have tired sooner (or through better tactics on behalf of the Romans), the archers are unlikely to have pressed on. I think the Parthian army would have withdrawn, opening up a new can of worms - what would Crassus have done?<br>
<br>
This tactic of evading was a common tactic of the Parthians and the Sassanid Persians, who would fight on their terms or evade and fight later. Crasus could possibly have captured much land and even the capital, but like other Emperors after him he would hardly have gained anything lasting.<br>
<br>
I agree that this was not a mistake on behalf of the cavalry commander, who in all likelyhood never encountered the Parthians before. I think Crassus was too rash and did not prepare properly for the campaign. He could have been told about Parthian tactics by Roman allies, but either he was not or did not listen. Crassus wanted suceesses on the battlefield, and that got him killed.<br>
<br>
It's interesting to speculate though.<br>
<br>
What would Crassus have done, had the Parthians withdrawn at Carrhae? Would he have followed them? I think he would have.<br>
<br>
Would Caesar have fared any better (as he planned to invade Parthian lands shortly before he got killed)? <p>Valete,<br>
Valerius/Robert<br>
[url=http://www.fectio.org.uk/" target="top]fectienses seniores[/url]</p><i></i>
<br>
I would not look at the number of 10.000 horse archers as decisive in any way. The Gallic cavalry was able to repulse them easily enough, but I think they would never have beaten them.<br>
However, if the cataphracts would indeed have tired sooner (or through better tactics on behalf of the Romans), the archers are unlikely to have pressed on. I think the Parthian army would have withdrawn, opening up a new can of worms - what would Crassus have done?<br>
<br>
This tactic of evading was a common tactic of the Parthians and the Sassanid Persians, who would fight on their terms or evade and fight later. Crasus could possibly have captured much land and even the capital, but like other Emperors after him he would hardly have gained anything lasting.<br>
<br>
I agree that this was not a mistake on behalf of the cavalry commander, who in all likelyhood never encountered the Parthians before. I think Crassus was too rash and did not prepare properly for the campaign. He could have been told about Parthian tactics by Roman allies, but either he was not or did not listen. Crassus wanted suceesses on the battlefield, and that got him killed.<br>
<br>
It's interesting to speculate though.<br>
<br>
What would Crassus have done, had the Parthians withdrawn at Carrhae? Would he have followed them? I think he would have.<br>
<br>
Would Caesar have fared any better (as he planned to invade Parthian lands shortly before he got killed)? <p>Valete,<br>
Valerius/Robert<br>
[url=http://www.fectio.org.uk/" target="top]fectienses seniores[/url]</p><i></i>
Robert Vermaat
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
