Explanation: The Hellenic states which the Roman Republic fought, and overcame, were centered around the Macedonian-style phalanx, in which troops with 15-20 foot pikes formed a near-impenetrable front line of presented spears. And it was nearly-impenetrable - as long as they didn’t have to do anything like ‘turn quickly’ or ‘move over rough terrain’.
The Roman maniple system of mobile units of ~120 men was not a surefire path to victory - there were certainly some battles when the Romans were defeated by the phalanx. But on the whole, battles are unpredictable, and generally the side which can adapt to changing conditions - or accurately predict their opponent’s deployment - is better-placed to win than the side which is not.
Explanation: The Hellenic states which the Roman Republic fought, and overcame, were centered around the Macedonian-style phalanx, in which troops with 15-20 foot pikes formed a near-impenetrable front line of presented spears. And it was nearly-impenetrable - as long as they didn’t have to do anything like ‘turn quickly’ or ‘move over rough terrain’.
The Roman maniple system of mobile units of ~120 men was not a surefire path to victory - there were certainly some battles when the Romans were defeated by the phalanx. But on the whole, battles are unpredictable, and generally the side which can adapt to changing conditions - or accurately predict their opponent’s deployment - is better-placed to win than the side which is not.
And of course a Simpsons reference
Why did I think it was a Peep Show reference? … sounds like a peep show reference…
https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/good-old-rock-nothing-beats-that
To be fair there was also the small fact that they were overcome because of their own infighting. Truly Macedonia was a tragedy for Greece.
tbf, when was Greece NOT infighting?
Teeeechnically, when they were city-states they were not “infighting”. Plus they did manage to put aside their differences for the Persians.
Outfighting one’s neighbors 💪
Except for the bit where numerous Greek city-states sided with the Persians.
And later the Spartans sided with the Persians against the Athenians in the Peloponnesian War.
The cowards self selected to come out of the resistance and weaken the Persians instead! 💪