12-02-2007, 06:33 PM
Laus, Paralus. I've left this debate because I'm way too busy and there isn't much to be said: in my opinion the Cyropaedia has far too many purely fictional or idealized elements to be used without the greatest of caution.
Artabanos, in my opinion we know there were many heavy infantry in Artaxerxes' army. The Greek half of Cyrus' rebel army faced Egyptian troops with large wooden shields, who probably inspired the Egyptian hoplites of the Cyropaedia, and gerraphoroi (the Greek word for sparabara). The gerraphoroi were probably backed with more spearmen or archers, making them heavy infantry either way since they fought in close order and had to hold their ground when attacked.
Of course, the Egyptians were from a newly conquered land, which may explain why they ran so easily and spoiled Artaxerxes' plans.
I agree with your estimate of 70,000 in Artaxerxes' army although it may be a bit high and I don't believe he had as many as 10,000 cavalry. Personally, I would say Cyrus probably had 25,000 to 30,000 soldiers for the battle, and Artaxerxes 50,000 to 60,000 (since 13,000 Greeks and 1,000 cavalry were about half of Cyrus' army, and Artaxerxes' army had a line twice as long).
Wow, this thread is off topic.
Artabanos, in my opinion we know there were many heavy infantry in Artaxerxes' army. The Greek half of Cyrus' rebel army faced Egyptian troops with large wooden shields, who probably inspired the Egyptian hoplites of the Cyropaedia, and gerraphoroi (the Greek word for sparabara). The gerraphoroi were probably backed with more spearmen or archers, making them heavy infantry either way since they fought in close order and had to hold their ground when attacked.
Of course, the Egyptians were from a newly conquered land, which may explain why they ran so easily and spoiled Artaxerxes' plans.
I agree with your estimate of 70,000 in Artaxerxes' army although it may be a bit high and I don't believe he had as many as 10,000 cavalry. Personally, I would say Cyrus probably had 25,000 to 30,000 soldiers for the battle, and Artaxerxes 50,000 to 60,000 (since 13,000 Greeks and 1,000 cavalry were about half of Cyrus' army, and Artaxerxes' army had a line twice as long).
Wow, this thread is off topic.
Nullis in verba
I have not checked this forum frequently since 2013, but I hope that these old posts have some value. I now have a blog on books, swords, and the curious things humans do with them.
I have not checked this forum frequently since 2013, but I hope that these old posts have some value. I now have a blog on books, swords, and the curious things humans do with them.
