Paul: one thing regarding the Othismos theory - what exactly would be the tactical benefit of it? As always, i dont think they would use something without a clear combat advantage, yet, as i see it, pushing own men against enemy presents quite a lot negatives of its own - pushing a man towards danger is quite a good way how to make that man rout and become ineffective in combat, psychological effect of being forced against a line of presented enemy weapons was always quite problematic, no matter the era, or soldier equipment..
Therefore i think if such a thing was supposed to be used, it would have to have some clear tactical benefit.. yet, i kinda don't see any. From your previous descriptions, you said it would be not lethal the front rank, therefore it would be also not lethal to the enemy. If it was not used to create a hole in enemy line, then what would it be used for then?
Therefore i think if such a thing was supposed to be used, it would have to have some clear tactical benefit.. yet, i kinda don't see any. From your previous descriptions, you said it would be not lethal the front rank, therefore it would be also not lethal to the enemy. If it was not used to create a hole in enemy line, then what would it be used for then?
Jaroslav Jakubov
