01-07-2019, 06:27 PM
In all histories of warfare, usually written by the victors, magnifying the ferocity and success of your enemy - magnifies your eventual victory over them.
I've always considered yelling, banging and clanging, ferocious appearances...etc had much more to do with steeling the nerves of the attackers than frightening the defenders.
Panic is indeed a real dynamic that can change the course of a battle, as is poor morale, lack of discipline, fatigue...etc but from experience I'm skeptical that large numbers of rested and trained infantry standing with their comrades and veteran centurions/NCOs can be intimidated easily by the appearance or sounds of their opponents no matter how fierce or loud.
I've always considered yelling, banging and clanging, ferocious appearances...etc had much more to do with steeling the nerves of the attackers than frightening the defenders.
Panic is indeed a real dynamic that can change the course of a battle, as is poor morale, lack of discipline, fatigue...etc but from experience I'm skeptical that large numbers of rested and trained infantry standing with their comrades and veteran centurions/NCOs can be intimidated easily by the appearance or sounds of their opponents no matter how fierce or loud.
Joe Balmos
