Ancient Warfare Expert Rates 10 Battle Tactics In Movies And TV | How Real Is It? | Insider
Insider・2 minutes read
Ancient warfare tactics, such as boiling oil and shield formations, were often inaccurately portrayed in movies, with more practical and effective alternatives existing. Movies tend to oversimplify siege scenes and misinterpret historical concepts like the Greek othismos, leading to widespread misconceptions about ancient warfare.
Insights
- The Greek concept of othismos has been wrongly interpreted as mass shoving in warfare for a century, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of ancient battle tactics.
- Movies often oversimplify siege scenes, distorting the reality of warfare by portraying unrealistic tactics and formations, leading to misconceptions about historical military strategies.
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Recent questions
Are shield formations depicted in movies accurate?
No, shield formations in movies are unrealistic.
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Summary
00:00
Myth vs Reality in Ancient Warfare
- Boiling oil is a common trope in movies, but it didn't actually happen in ancient warfare.
- The Greek concept of othismos, meaning pushing, has been misinterpreted as literal mass shoving for the last 100 years.
- Switching from formation fighting to targeting individuals who resist was a realistic tactic in ancient warfare.
- Attacking walls with ladders is a risky tactic that usually doesn't work unless the defenders lack courage or strength.
- Movies often simplify siege scenes, making it easier for attackers than it would be in reality.
- Using the sun to blind enemies and create openings for cavalry charges is a realistic tactic, though still a fantasy element.
- Depicting Scots in leather and war paint in movies is historically inaccurate; they would have worn chain mail and helmets.
- Fire arrows were used historically during siege assaults to set things on fire, not in open battles.
- Cavalry charging through a forest is a bad idea as horses could break their legs; open ground is preferable.
- Shield formations depicted in movies are unrealistic; there was no such formation in Greek history.
12:38
Effective Siege Tactics and Historical Accuracy
- Boiling oil as a siege tactic is deemed unnecessary and impractical, with alternatives like throwing rocks being more effective and cost-efficient.
- During sieges, all individuals, including women, children, and the elderly, were expected to contribute in various ways, such as carrying arrows, putting out fires, and aiding the wounded.
- Catapults should be placed on top of walls for better defense, and cavalry should be strategically positioned away from the main line to surprise the enemy.
- The movie "Game of Thrones" inaccurately depicts the Persian Army as flimsy warriors, while the Greeks were known for their organized and silent battle tactics.
- The depiction of infantry formations like the pike phalanx is praised for accuracy, but certain battle strategies, like the eight-gates formation, are deemed impractical due to the complexity and lack of feasibility.
- Viking shield walls were historically accurate, but the movie's portrayal of a three-layered shield wall seems excessive, earning a rating of six or seven out of 10 for historical accuracy.
