- cross-posted to:
- roughromanmemes
- cross-posted to:
- roughromanmemes
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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.
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.
Teeeechnically, when they were city-states they were not “infighting”.
Outfighting one’s neighbors 💪
Plus they did manage to put aside their differences for the Persians.
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.
Except for the bit where numerous Greek city-states sided with the Persians.
The cowards self selected to come out of the resistance and weaken the Persians instead! 💪
And of course a Simpsons reference
Why did I think it was a Peep Show reference? … sounds like a peep show reference…
