Freeze Frame: The Demise of the Macedonian Phalanx
It was the 22th of June, 168BC. The battle of Pydna of the Third Macedonian War takes place between the Republic of Rome and The Kingdom of Macedonia.
This day, marked the loss of supremacy of Alexander’s homeland; the beginning of the end of his empire’s successor kingdoms.
The mighty Macedonian phalanx was unbeatable, but the Roman legions had the advantage. The phalanx was only unbeatable….from the front.
Perseus of Macedonia made a grave mistake: he encamped on the foothills of Mount Olocrus rather than the plains of Katerini. The terrain was uneven, gaps presented itself between the Macedonian lines, Paulus Macedonicus took this spot of luck to his advantage. The Hastati were ordered forward through the gaps, flanking the venerable Macedonian sides.
Perseus allowed his phalanxes to be flanked, he failed to utilise the war machine that could win empires. The legions prevailed.
That day, the Macedonian Phalanx lost it’s position; the sarissa and pelte has been replaced by the simple gladius and shield. (The roman legions we all know about is after the Marian Reform.)
/hÆretic.Out
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