by Calarn the Black » Sun Oct 25, 2009 12:32 pm
Someone metioned the Swiss pikemen earlier...however, these gropups, along with the Landsknecht, were pike formations supported by arquebusiers, working from a formation called the Gevierte Ordnung. this formation was adopted by the Landsknecht from the Swiss, so, according to the thread title, this would dicount the Swiss Pikemen and the Landsknecht bands from contention.
All the phalanx formations had the disadvantage of being impossible to deal with an attack from the rear. Also, when advancing over rolling terrain, the phalanx would loosen, and in some cases come apart. (This anecdote is from the book Greece and Rome and War, and was tested many times. If anyone wnts the reference, I can send you the book information).
Honestly, I'd have to agree that the Roman legions from the early empire (Marian reforms through Contantine the Great) were a superior fighting force to many of the day, due to their constant training and drill. The legions also had the ability to adapt to many battle situations, and their auxiliary troops filled gaps in their formations, such as archers and better cavalry.
Sir Calarn the Black
Knight Lt. of House Dregoth
Knight of Tir Asleen