07-03-2009, 09:23 PM
Yes, it must be self evident that no lateral movement is possible with pikes lowered, for each file ( at least the first 5 ranks) is effectively "fenced" in ! :lol:
To answer Paralus' question regarding synaspismos at Hydaspes, I see no difficulty in no. 5 giving the order to raise pikes to his 'quarter-file', during a lull, or even in action - no enemy will be near enough to impede him.
As to 'chaos' and casualties in the ranks, and some ranks/files depleted, that must have been a norm in any heavy battle, yet battlefield manouevres are attested - as here. It would largely be a matter of discipline and training, just as 18C units manouevred after having great holes torn in their ranks by cannon fire or modern units carry out attacks etc despite heavy casualties.....I don't think Macedonian soldiers any less capable
To answer Paralus' question regarding synaspismos at Hydaspes, I see no difficulty in no. 5 giving the order to raise pikes to his 'quarter-file', during a lull, or even in action - no enemy will be near enough to impede him.
As to 'chaos' and casualties in the ranks, and some ranks/files depleted, that must have been a norm in any heavy battle, yet battlefield manouevres are attested - as here. It would largely be a matter of discipline and training, just as 18C units manouevred after having great holes torn in their ranks by cannon fire or modern units carry out attacks etc despite heavy casualties.....I don't think Macedonian soldiers any less capable
"dulce et decorum est pro patria mori " - Horace
(It is a sweet and proper thing to die for ones country)
"No son-of-a-bitch ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" - George C Scott as General George S. Patton
Paul McDonnell-Staff
(It is a sweet and proper thing to die for ones country)
"No son-of-a-bitch ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" - George C Scott as General George S. Patton
Paul McDonnell-Staff
