08-13-2009, 10:24 PM
Yes, I have both papers. Devine actually makes an argument for the wedge at Gaugamela. Here he is surely on much more solid ground as it is clear that Alexander could (and did) make a wedge of his forces (Arrian 1.6 ff). Arrian describes Alexander as arranging "his wedge" with the cavalry (Companion) "all of the infantry in this sector of the line" (the hypaspists, Agrianes). Even with an aspis the infantry, refused back to the left, is exposing itself in some fashion. Sarisa-armed troops are not exactly at that disadvantage though due to the reach of the weapon.
Devine errs, though, with his view that Eumenes used the same tactic (in reverse, that is on the left) at Gabiene. That is taking the text - "engaged the entire opposing phalanx", which I see as hyperbole for leading the assault - too far. The Silver Shields hardly took on the entire enemy array in a wedge. If that were the plan it will have been performed - a la Alexander - with the cavalry. Eumenes well knew that he confronted the enemy's strength (their right wing) and advantage (cavalry) and this was likely to be a bloody, drawn out confrontation. In that respect he can hardly have expected his infantry to form an unprotectd wedge and "roll right". The fact that Piethon rides to the unprotected infantry does not necessarily have to mean []iflank[/i]. Evidently their rear, as they are heavily engaged, is just as vulnerable.
Devine errs, though, with his view that Eumenes used the same tactic (in reverse, that is on the left) at Gabiene. That is taking the text - "engaged the entire opposing phalanx", which I see as hyperbole for leading the assault - too far. The Silver Shields hardly took on the entire enemy array in a wedge. If that were the plan it will have been performed - a la Alexander - with the cavalry. Eumenes well knew that he confronted the enemy's strength (their right wing) and advantage (cavalry) and this was likely to be a bloody, drawn out confrontation. In that respect he can hardly have expected his infantry to form an unprotectd wedge and "roll right". The fact that Piethon rides to the unprotected infantry does not necessarily have to mean []iflank[/i]. Evidently their rear, as they are heavily engaged, is just as vulnerable.
Paralus|Michael Park
Ἐπὶ τοὺς πατέρας, ὦ κακαὶ κεφαλαί, τοὺς μετὰ Φιλίππου καὶ Ἀλεξάνδρου τὰ ὅλα κατειργασμένους
Wicked men, you are sinning against your fathers, who conquered the whole world under Philip and Alexander!
Academia.edu
Ἐπὶ τοὺς πατέρας, ὦ κακαὶ κεφαλαί, τοὺς μετὰ Φιλίππου καὶ Ἀλεξάνδρου τὰ ὅλα κατειργασμένους
Wicked men, you are sinning against your fathers, who conquered the whole world under Philip and Alexander!
Academia.edu
