Wedge- This tactic has thin lines that are used to break through the enemy lines. The shape is like a pyramid so the lines get increasingly longer as the lines go farther back.
Single Line Defense- soldiers are sent out in a single line to be able to overlap the enemy or meet a wider formation if they come across it.
Cannae Tactic-The center is left weak to 'invite' the enemy into the middle. The surrounding flanks are stronger to surround the opposing army.
Zama Tactic-Channels are left between maniples to lead enemy war elephants away from heavy infantry. This is very dangerous because flanks are left vulnerable.
Strong Right Flank- Strength would be on the right flank in order to break the enemies left flank. The 'roll up line' would then attack the enemy from the rear.
Protected Flank-He would use a natural barrier to protect one side of the flank.
Combats:
Hand to Hand- This occurred after the missiles were fired
The Acute Shock- bursts of shots to shock and scare the enemy
War Machines- Machines the threw rocks and balls of fire
Resource Tactics:
1. intercept supplies while they are in transit. find main supply place of enemy and make a stopping point so when the enemies stopped the Romans would run and steal supplies
2. attack resource area and grab as many things as they could until they were forced out.
3. army would surround location and cut off supplies. This would cause the enemy to eventually have to fight or surrender.
Structure:
1. Contubernium-8 men
2. Centuria-80 men
3. Cohort-6 centuries or a total of 480 fighting men
4. Legion-10 cohorts
5. Field army: a grouping of several legions and auxiliary cohorts
6. Equites: Each legion was supported by 300 cavalry (equites)
7. Auxilia and velites: allied contingents and specialist fighting services, like archers, slingers or javelin men.
8. Non-combatant support: the dirty work
Link to project is HERE Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_infantry_tactics
http://www.the-romans.co.uk/weapons.htm
http://www.ancient-rome.biz/the-gallic-wars.html
http://www.battlefieldanomalies.com/caesar/
Really interesting topic. Am I the only one who sees connections to present day warfare? Its hard to believe that people who did not have iphones and all the technological advances we have today, would be so sophisticated and smart. I wonder if Caesar based his tactics on someone else. Who was the first one to look at warfare so strategically?
ReplyDeleteI think you are right, Dora. I also see the influence of Caesar's war tactics in present day combat. This topic is very interesting and provides are very informational and easy way to understand Caesar's war tactics.
ReplyDeleteI really like how this shows a lot of Caesars brilliance. He was a tactical genius when it came to war and I think its important for us to understand him and his way of war because of all the things we can learn from him. Caesar was ahead of his time and it showed through his military prowess.
ReplyDeleteI feel like my perception of ancient wars is that everyone lined up in a line and ran at their enemies. I might get this idea from movies. However, it is clear that there were many thoughts and methodical plans went into these battles.
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