Alan Military Tactics

[Michael Kerr]

Evan, regarding Alan drill and the other drills mentioned by Maurice & the regions they are named after. On re-reading Stratigikon on cavalry I noticed something that has been overlooked (at least by me) in the discussion & that was that Maurice says the Scythian, Alan & African manoeuvres are simulated drills not meant for battle but the exercise yard while the Italian drill is for actual use & it was a 2 line formation with the 2nd line within a bow shot of 1st line for support & Macedon is probably correct when he said

they were called so because. of certain tactics within them that were adopted and fitted into the Roman manner only.

However in my copy (Dennis) from my reading the Illyrian drill is a variant of the African drill in which Central Moira has assault troops and wings consist of defenders.

Maurice mentions

each formation or drill should be identified in a special way, so the soldiers who are trained in these manoeuvres may recognize the differences and not be puzzled by them. Now there are three simulated formations: the Scythian, the Alan, the African; and one for actual use, the Italian.
The Italian system is both a formation and a drill which, in our opinion, is suitable for use against any people. It consists of two lines, a front line and a support, with assault troops and defenders, with flank guards, outflankers, and detachments for ambush, all of which has been explained above and illustrated by diagrams.

Interesting that Spanish riding tactics like Cantabrian circle so admired by Arrian seems to have lost favour by Maurice's time. So it it looks like Alemany, who I find is usually conservative with assuptions on sources concerning Alans probably got it wrong with this one.
Regards
Michael Kerr