Ancient-Warfare Expert Rates 10 More Battle Tactics In Movies And TV | How Real Is It? | Insider

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Ancient warfare expert Roel Konijnendijk critiques the historical accuracy of ancient battle scenes in modern media, highlighting common inaccuracies like volleys of arrows and unrealistic tactics in Hollywood portrayals. He discusses various aspects of ancient battle formations, tactics, and weaponry, emphasizing the importance of historical accuracy in depicting combat scenes.

Insights

  • Archers in movies often fire in volleys, which is historically inaccurate; battle formations typically involved shield walls and spears to drive enemies back, showcasing the discrepancy between Hollywood depictions and historical reality.
  • Alexander's preference for open spaces in battle to maximize cavalry effectiveness, along with the successful strategies against elephants through missile attacks, highlights the importance of adaptability and innovation in ancient warfare, showcasing the evolution of tactics and responses to new challenges.

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Recent questions

  • How are archers inaccurately portrayed in movies?

    Archers in movies are often shown firing in volleys, which is historically inaccurate. In reality, archers would have individual firing rates rather than synchronized volleys. This depiction in movies does not accurately represent the tactics and strategies used in ancient warfare.

  • What were the key elements of Roman battle formations?

    Roman battle formations involved three lines arranged in a checkerboard pattern. This formation allowed for flexibility and reinforcement during battle. Additionally, ditches were crucial fortifications used to control enemy movement and protect the Roman soldiers. Understanding these formations provides insight into the strategic prowess of ancient Roman armies.

  • How did Alexander the Great utilize open spaces in battles?

    Alexander the Great preferred fighting in open spaces to effectively utilize his cavalry. By avoiding wooded areas where horses could trip and lose formation, Alexander maximized the mobility and impact of his cavalry units. This strategic choice showcases Alexander's tactical brilliance in utilizing the terrain to his advantage during battles.

  • What tactics were used to overcome elephants in battle?

    In a battle where Alexander encountered elephants for the first time, initial shock was overcome by driving off the elephants with missiles and causing them to panic. This tactic of using projectiles to disrupt the elephants' composure and drive them away highlights the importance of adaptability and quick thinking in ancient warfare scenarios.

  • How were shield-wall formations utilized in medieval times?

    Shield-wall formations with tower shields were used as defensive barriers, especially in medieval times with the advent of crossbows. These formations provided protection against ranged attacks and allowed soldiers to maintain a strong defensive position. Additionally, trebuchets were employed in sieges due to their effectiveness, despite their slow firing rates. Understanding the strategic use of shield walls and siege weapons sheds light on the complexities of medieval warfare tactics.

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Summary

00:00

"Analyzing Ancient Warfare in Modern Media"

  • Roel Konijnendijk teaches ancient history at the University of Edinburgh
  • Ancient warfare scenes in modern movies and TV are analyzed for accuracy
  • Archers in movies are often depicted firing in volleys, which is historically inaccurate
  • Battle formations involved shield walls and spears to drive enemies back
  • Encirclement in battle leads to surrender or desperate attempts to break spears
  • Horses appearing unexpectedly in battle would cause infantry to retreat
  • Hollywood often depicts unrealistic tactics in battle scenes
  • Wedge formations in battles are debated for their effectiveness
  • Roman battle formations involved three lines in a checkerboard pattern
  • Ditches were crucial fortifications in battles to control enemy movement

13:22

Strategic Warfare Tactics Through History

  • Alexander preferred fighting in open spaces to utilize his cavalry effectively, avoiding wooded areas where the horses could trip and lose formation.
  • In a battle where Alexander encountered elephants for the first time, initial shock was overcome by driving off the elephants with missiles and causing them to panic.
  • The hollow square formation was used for quick response to potential threats during marches, while chariots became obsolete with the rise of mounted cavalry.
  • Shield-wall formations with tower shields were used for defensive barriers, especially in medieval times with the advent of crossbows, while trebuchets had slow firing rates but were effective in sieges.
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