Hellenistic Land Battles 300-167 BCE : A History and Analysis of 130 Engagements

The Hellenistic Period (323-31 BCE) saw the Grecian phalanx--long dominant in Mediterranean warfare--challenged by legionary formations from the rising city-state of Rome. The Roman way of war would come to eclipse phalanx-based combat by the 160s yet this was not evident at the time. Rome suffered numerous defeats against the phalanxes of Pyrrhus and Hannibal, its overseas campaign against the brilliant Spartan mercenary Xanthippus met disaster, and several Roman victories over Hellenistic foes were not decisive. The story of combat in this pivotal era is not well documented. This book for the first time provides detailed tactical analyses for all 130 significant land engagements of Hellenistic armies 300-167 BCE. Cover 1 Preface 10 Introduction 12 1. Instruments of War 14 2. Phalanx Versus Legion 30 3. Gauls, Pyrrhus, Carthage and Rome 49 4. Sundered Realms 76 5. Phalanx Triumphant 97 6. The Road to Zama 121 7. Twilight of the Phalanx 140 8. An End to the Greek Way of War 157 Conclusions 178 Appendix 1: Roman Defeats at Allia (390 BCE) and Caudium (321 BCE) 188 Appendix 2: Hellenistic Land Battles/Keys to Victory (300–167 BCE) 191 Appendix 3: Legion Versus Phlanx (280–168 BCE) 195 Chapter Notes 196 Bibliography 228 Index 234