Roman Battle Tactics

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Tactical Improvements of Roman Armies Battle tactics are said to have changed over time. However, just the opposite is evident. Battle tactics are for anyone to use, but work best with the militaries that are stable and continually training. In many cases, militaries throughout the world can be seen using the same tactics today as used in the 2nd Punic War, particularly the Battle of Cannae. Battle tactics improve so well by repetition of both practicing in training and executing tactics on the battlefield. Roman battle tactics improved with learning from defeats or victories against enemy, primarily the defeat at the Battle of Cannae and the victory at the Battle of Zama. During the start of the Roman Army, soldiers ranged from 17-45 years…show more content…
There Hannibal waited out the night to ambush the Roman army led by Consul Gaius Flaminius who was trailing him. Inevitably, by the next morning the Roman soldiers marched early and were hit by the ambush. With complete surprise on his side, Hannibal’s cavalry was able to run down the sides of the Roman force and essentially eliminated soldier’s one right after the other. This was made possible because the Romans were assaulted from the front, side, flanks, and the rear. Surprising Consul Flaminius in this way made it impossible for him to get troops in their battle formation. Thus, soldiers were in marching formations which completely enabling them from responding swiftly and appropriately. This battle ended with 15,000 Roman soldiers and allies dead along with 10,000 captured. In the midst of the battle, Consul Flaminius was killed as well. In turn, Hannibal released his captives to return home as an insult to Rome.…show more content…
This young soldier took on campaigns throughout the Iberian Peninsula expanding his military expertise. At the Battle of Baecula in 208 B.C., Scipio employed his extensively rehearsed tactics, that he had trained his troops on during the previous winter, against Hasdrubal (Hannibals brother). The Cohort formation allowed Scipio’s troops to be spaced out and arranged so that the formations were flexible and effective, but deceiving to the enemies on the front. Advancing his front line of light infantry backed up by heavy infantry, he could take on a frontal assault. After the initial engagement began, he would then deploy his troops from the rear out to both flanks and collapse them on Hasdrubal. This forced Hasdrubal to retreat and take a

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