Hellenistic Armies - Battle Arrays

Battle Arrays

The phalanx would be formed in the center, charging the enemy in pursuit of a swift victory. Its flanks would be protected by battalions of infantry, which ideally would be more trustworthy in case of disorder. Cavalry and elephants would array in the wings to counter those of the enemy. Light infantry would be deployed in front of the phalanx in an effort to throw the enemy line into confusion. Then they would run to the wings to assist in the cavalry and elephant battles.

Of course deviation from the norm exist, when the circumstances called for a different plan. Pyrrhus countered the Roman legions by using a mixed phalanx formation of pikemen, spearmen and elephants, an array that proved successful in all battles against them, regardless his "more than average" losses. A most competent tactician indeed, his decisions were influenced by the composition of his army, which included many untrustworthy troops from Magna Graecia. The battle of Sellasia was also peculiar, in reality being more of an assault against a static enemy, a fact that enabled Antigonus to effectively launch a series of separate attacks.