05-25-2013, 09:55 PM
Before battles, orders would be issued and often these would be given in written form to the commanders. It ordains what should be done by them, how they should deploy their forces on the march and in the battle and how they should react to enemy maneuvers.
Arrian writes that the phalanx should be deployed 8 rank deep and in close order and then gives further details regarding the four first ranks, which should be formed of men with kontoi, stating even how they should stand and hold their arms. He then writes that the 4 next ranks should be of the logchophoroi and also sets a 9th rank of foot archers, an interesting addition of a rank of light infantry to support the phalanx.
Arrian writes that the phalanx should be deployed 8 rank deep and in close order and then gives further details regarding the four first ranks, which should be formed of men with kontoi, stating even how they should stand and hold their arms. He then writes that the 4 next ranks should be of the logchophoroi and also sets a 9th rank of foot archers, an interesting addition of a rank of light infantry to support the phalanx.
