04-11-2006, 10:31 PM
Hello,
I read the first Greek ever to undertake a winter campaign was the Spartan general Brasidias with his capture of Olynth and Amphipolis 424-423 BC.
Did the Greeks often wage war in the winter and did they do it deliberately or only when really forced to?
Are there occasions when Greek armies deliberately attacked in the winter time as an element of surprise (like much later the Mongols with their winter attack on Kiev in 1240) ?
And, considering the potential advantages of winter surprise attacks, what logistical and other difficulties prevented Greek armies from campaigning regularly in the winter?
And, finally, could we make a comprehensive list of significant Greek campaigns?
Note that I have also opened a thread about Roman Winter campaigning here.
Eleatic Guest
I read the first Greek ever to undertake a winter campaign was the Spartan general Brasidias with his capture of Olynth and Amphipolis 424-423 BC.
Did the Greeks often wage war in the winter and did they do it deliberately or only when really forced to?
Are there occasions when Greek armies deliberately attacked in the winter time as an element of surprise (like much later the Mongols with their winter attack on Kiev in 1240) ?
And, considering the potential advantages of winter surprise attacks, what logistical and other difficulties prevented Greek armies from campaigning regularly in the winter?
And, finally, could we make a comprehensive list of significant Greek campaigns?
Note that I have also opened a thread about Roman Winter campaigning here.
Eleatic Guest
Stefan (Literary references to the discussed topics are always appreciated.)