[split] Phalanx warfare: use of the spear

[JaM]

wait, so you say push would start only after shields are against each other?

btw my point was about different vectors, shield is not flat, opposing shield neither, so vector of your group pushing would apply at different place than vector of opposing force. (unless forces are perfectly synchronized with each file perfectly against each other)

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Brian wrote: The rear rankers are almost never threatened and almost always the first to run, which is why both the Greeks and the Romans had officers stationed in the rear ranks or behind the formation. Rear rankers, unless given special status and higher rank, are never going to be part of the percentage of forces that are considered "quality." If you have eight men and have to assign them into a phalanx, the best will go in the front, where they are needed the most. The Greeks, especially the Macedonians, actually also started putting sub-officers in the rear ranks just to prevent what we are describing.

yes, but if they are just pushing, they are not endangered.. so they have no reason to start rout... if anybody would have that reason, it would be those men in front rank, not those in the rear...