09-10-2010, 06:27 PM
Quote:Your tests re-inforce similar practical results, in that rioting mobs, no matter how deep, seem unable to push back lines of police never more than three or four deep, and 'Society of Creative Anachronism' combat results which show that 'wedges', 'columns' etc are unable to 'break through' lines three or four deep.
Both of these statements are untrue. Crowds only fail to break lines of police because there is no coordinated pushing against them, crowds much shallower than these can break steel guardrails. Police "herd" rioting crowds by beating and slamming into those at the perifery who then in turn push into the interior, they do not push the mass of people. This type of herding of the perifery into the center is what occurred at Cannae for example- which is obvious because horses don't push like men.
You are confused on the SCA experience. It is well known that a rush of men- like the running hoplite charge- will not break a line of three or more, but a purpose designed compact column will. You can see how it is accomplished by SCA types on my blog.
Paul M. Bardunias
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A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
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A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
