03-05-2013, 05:59 AM
Plutarch, being a Roman historian, only writes what was the Roman point of view...
Actual intention can be determined only when reading Parthian sources.
A Polish source describing the battle of Legnica in 1241 also writes that the Mongols were "pushed back by attacks of Polish forces" - yet modern historians claim it was a feigned retreat, rather than being pushed back... Here the same can be the case - Romans thought Parthians got scared of their deep formation (how many ranks, BTW?) but Parthians knew better what they were doing and why.
Actual intention can be determined only when reading Parthian sources.
A Polish source describing the battle of Legnica in 1241 also writes that the Mongols were "pushed back by attacks of Polish forces" - yet modern historians claim it was a feigned retreat, rather than being pushed back... Here the same can be the case - Romans thought Parthians got scared of their deep formation (how many ranks, BTW?) but Parthians knew better what they were doing and why.
