Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Phalanx warfare: Closing of the ranks
#40
(09-13-2016, 06:40 PM)Bryan Wrote: What happens when a 25 rank file begins to get pushed back in othismos? I mean they charge forward, the promachoi close shield to shield, they start getting pushed back a bit until all rear rankers are flush, shield to back, with the rank in front of them. With the promachoi get crushed if the rear ranks don't give? Will shield crack? Or do they start simply churning up dirt with their feet and not really moving anymore?

We produced close to half a ton peak forces with a couple of files together and our aspides groaned and creaked a bit, but held, and the men groaned a bit and held too!  Hard to say with 25 because those accidental peaks could be real high, but probably men  and shields were fine.  We do know that shields were "crushed" at Coronea, a "battle like no other".  So it could happen.  My feeling is that the deep Theban ranks, met by Spartan skill in coordinating may have produced truly huge amounts of force.  Maybe more than the aspis was designed to handle.
Reply


Messages In This Thread
RE: Phalanx warfare: Closing of the ranks - by Paul Bardunias - 09-13-2016, 06:49 PM

Possibly Related Threads…
Thread Author Replies Views Last Post
  [split] Phalanx warfare: use of the spear JaM 247 79,000 12-03-2016, 02:39 PM
Last Post: Bryan

Forum Jump: