Greek and Roman
A Retreat Becomes a Rout
“Thus our troops were able, without any risk, to kill as many of them as there was time to kill.” […]
Tactics
Greek and Roman
Insults from the Battlements
“Did those pygmy Romans, they asked, wither their feeble hands and muscles, imagine that they could mount such a heavy tower on top of a wall?” […]
Britons and Celts
Chariot of the Britons
“Thus they combine the mobility of cavalry with the staying power of infantry; and by daily training and practice they attain such proficiency that even on a steep incline they are able to control the horses at full gallop, and to check and turn them in a moment.” […]
Orient
Profile of a Victorious Army
“They have trained their horses so well that they wheel this way or that as quickly as a dog would do. When they are pursued and take to flight, they fight as well and as effectively as when they are face to face with the enemy.” […]
Greek and Roman
Caesar’s Marines
“One device, however, that our men had prepared proved very useful – pointed hooks fixed to the end of long poles, not unlike the grappling-hooks used in sieges. With these the halyards were grasped and pulled taut, and then snapped by rowing hard away.” […]
Greek and Roman
Caesar’s Surprise Victory
“The Roman soldiers could tell that they were afraid by their cries and hurried movements, and, spurred on by the recollection of the previous day’s treachery, burst into the camp. Those of the Germans who were quick enough in seizing their weapons resisted for a time, fighting under cover of their wagons and baggage.” […]
Supernatural
Follower of a Fickle God
“But since Odin now does not wish to grant me victory; then may he let me fall in the battle with all my host, if he will it not that the Danes have the victory as before. And all the slain that fall on this field, I give to Odin.” […]