I've decided to polish off R:TW and play again. Not that I'm bad at the game (I'm quite capable), but I want applicable tactics. What did the Romans do that made them so capable militarily? What were those strategies that made Alexander able to overcome amazing odds. To me, it sort of seems like a bunch of guys hacking away at a bunch of guys. Yeah, I know there's more to it, but what did these great generals do that made them great, on the battlefield that is?
Classical Tactics?
- Thread starter DNK
- Start date
Neonanocyborgasm
Deity
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2004
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- 4,695
Alexander didn't invent much that was new. Most of what he used was invented by his father, Philip II. This included the ridiculously long spear (sarissa) and the use of modified formations, such as wedge. Alexander also made more use of cavalry that allowed for combined-arms tactics. The Macedonian army was also more disciplined than previous Greek armies. Before, armies were often followed by large trains of vendors and prostitutes, and this tended to slow it down. Philip II banned followers, allowing the army to move much faster.
I would say the best reason that Alexander won so much was because his enemies used considerably more primitive technology. The average Persian soldier had almost no armor and a shorter spear. They also still utilized chariots even though they were regarded as obsolete by then. The Persians relied more on overwhelming the enemy with massive numbers as well archers, who were relatively easily repelled. This is not to say that Alexander lacked strategy or tactical brilliance.
The Roman innovation was to use highly maneuverable soldiers in divisions called maniples. The prevailing form of warfare in the day utilized phalanxes, which were powerful but easily outmaneuvered due to over-reliance on cumbersome spears. The Romans devised a system where this was overcome. In addition, like the Macedonians, the Roman army was far more disciplined than most of its enemies, so that it was far easier for generals to command.
SeleucusNicator
Diadoch
Roman soldiers were trained professionals. The enemies they fought were frequently neither. It's amazing how smaller groups of trained soldiers can defeat -- even decisively defeat -- larger, untrained forces.
rilnator
Emperor
The flanks. Always aim at attacking the flanks so you can surround them. Always try and keep some cavalry in reserve, and use the terrain to your advantage.
cybrxkhan
Asian Xwedodah
its called tactics. its knowing that sometimes luck isn't everything.
