08-27-2014, 12:07 AM
Mark wrote:
In both Josephus' and Arrian's detail I think there is a much simpler answer. I'd also note that I would expect flank guards to be both formed units and at a considerable distance from the main column to then be effective.
At (4) and (9) of Arrian’s expedition against the Alans he mentions flank guards deployed in a single line for the infantry. This would give the column a depth of six men (four infantry and two horses). This would indicate the army is in open terrain, and the flank guards marching some distance from the infantry. I believe Josephus’ six men wide formation is the same as the above. Besides Vegetius, what other references are there to six deep formations in the primary sources?
In both Josephus' and Arrian's detail I think there is a much simpler answer. I'd also note that I would expect flank guards to be both formed units and at a considerable distance from the main column to then be effective.
At (4) and (9) of Arrian’s expedition against the Alans he mentions flank guards deployed in a single line for the infantry. This would give the column a depth of six men (four infantry and two horses). This would indicate the army is in open terrain, and the flank guards marching some distance from the infantry. I believe Josephus’ six men wide formation is the same as the above. Besides Vegetius, what other references are there to six deep formations in the primary sources?
