Where generals were positioned during battles?

[Anonymous]

Of course, that is by no means an absolute principle. Some generals really did prefer to lead "from the front." The most famous example, of course, was Alexander, who commanded his right wing cavalry in what he generally expected would be the decisive blow. "Gladiator" may have been playing on this image. On the other hand, since the emperor, the commander-in-chief was present as well and leading from the back, so Gladiator actually shows both approaches. (Actually, combining both approaches by having a star unit commander or an XO command a decisive strike force is also a common tactic which sort of splits the difference; Jackson and Lee did such things, most famously at Chancelorsville: check it out as a great "archetype battle.")<br>
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There are I'm sure other completely different approaches as well. Just a few thoughts...<br>
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Aaron <p></p><i></i>