06-26-2007, 12:20 AM
Quote:I'll try to read up on it tonight, but IIRC both Vegetius as well as Maurice (Arrian, even?) mention missile-throwing in support of ranks 5-8 while ranks 1-4 who are engaging the enemy.
That's Arrians formation against the Alans. Front ranks with heavy pila
used as pikes to stop the enemy cavalry, back ranks throwing lighter
javelins over their heads. I think there were units of archers as well.
Maurice also mentions his suggested method of Roman cataphract
charges. Front ranks of lancers followed by back ranks of horse-archers
shooting over their heads into the enemy shield-wall to disrupt it just
before the lancers hit. 8) Sounds familiar, I know; probably because
he was adapting it from Alan/Sarmatian tactics used against Romans
for centuries. :lol:
Ambrosius/Mike
"Feel the fire in your bones."