10-28-2004, 09:54 AM
Under the same conditions - aperto or publico marte, as it was called (cf. Vegetius) - I guess Caesar would win. At least I think he would not loose.<br>
Thats not soo much because his troops were superior. Although the cohort tactic was more flexible than anything else before. But much more because Caesar (and other Roman generals too) had learned to use them in a way that was much superior to Alexanders leadership.<br>
The difference:<br>
Alexander positioned his troops, then charged at the head of his companions into the enemy. He could not lead his army from that on.<br>
Caesar positioned his troops, and always had some second line or reserve troops under his immediate command. So he could react even after the battle had started, something that Alexander couldnt. <p></p><i></i>
Thats not soo much because his troops were superior. Although the cohort tactic was more flexible than anything else before. But much more because Caesar (and other Roman generals too) had learned to use them in a way that was much superior to Alexanders leadership.<br>
The difference:<br>
Alexander positioned his troops, then charged at the head of his companions into the enemy. He could not lead his army from that on.<br>
Caesar positioned his troops, and always had some second line or reserve troops under his immediate command. So he could react even after the battle had started, something that Alexander couldnt. <p></p><i></i>
