Depth, what is it good for? The problem of the many ranks

Omissi, A. (2020) Depth, what is it good for? The problem of the many ranks. Ancient Warfare, XIV(1), pp. 52-55.

Abstract

This article considers the various arguments that have been offered for the way in which a phalanx operated in battle, most specifically as that operation related to the question of the depth of the formation. Deeper formations were obviously considered advantageous (at least under certain conditions), but explaining why this is the case proves difficult when one attempts to model the phalanx in battle. This article considers three major arguments for the role of depth in phalanx warfare and their relative strengths and weaknesses.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: No
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Omissi, Dr Adrastos
• Authors: Omissi, A.
• Subjects: D History General and Old World > DE The Mediterranean Region. The Greco-Roman World
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Classics
• Journal Name: Ancient Warfare
• Publisher: Karwansaray Publishers
• ISSN: 1874-7019