Battle of Chaeronea (338 BC) - Strategic and Tactical Considerations

Strategic and Tactical Considerations

The Greek army had taken up a position near Chaeronea, astride the main road. On the left flank, the Greek line lay across the foothills of Mount Thurion, blocking the side-road that led to Lebedea, while on the right, the line rested against the Kephisos river, near a projecting spur of Mount Aktion. The Greek line, which was about 2.5 miles in length, was thus secure on both flanks. Moreover, the Greek line seems to have slanted north-eastwards across the plain in between, so that it did not face the direction of Macedonian advance full-square. This prevented Philip from attempting to concentrate his force on the Greek right wing, since the advanced position of the Greek left wing would then threaten Philip's right wing. Although Philip could attempt to concentrate his force against the Greek left, the troops there occupied high ground, and any attack there would be difficult. Since the Greeks could remain on the defensive, having only to prevent Philip's advance, the Greek position was therefore strategically and tactically very strong.