Phalanx Formations
Posted by MRL on Dec 31st 2006
The Classical Phalanx
Drums beat in the distance, keeping the rhythm of the advance. The hot Greek sun beats down on you under your heavy armor and equipment. The overlapping shields of you and your fellow soldiers keeps you locked into formation, steadily advancing towards your enemy. Several yards out from the enemy line, the order is given to charge. You crash into your opponents shield with a sickening crunch; the pushing match has begun. Fri...
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The Battle of Blanchetaque
Posted by MRL on Dec 31st 2006
Battle of Blanchetaque 1346 - 100 Years WarA Feat of Arms
A very notable feat of arms took place on the morning of August 24th, 1346, in the marshy estuary of the River Somme. The small and starving English army of Edward III was in desperate need to cross to the north side of the river as staying where they were on the south side kept them bottled up between the sea and the river. But that wasn't the worst of it, for there was also an enorm...
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The Viking Order
Posted by MRL on Dec 31st 2006
The Vikings were extremely fierce in battle and considered by those they attacked as blood thirsty barbarians. Some of this reputation came from the Viking code of ethics that allowed for blood feuds to be common place. And in fulfilling this code nothing was deemed out of bounds. There's even evidence of battles involving multiple men against another man. Maybe not fair by todays standards, but back then justice could be enforced by anyone wrong...
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