In 22 June 168 Romans under the command of consul Aemilius Paulus clashed with Macedonians under King Perseus in the battle of Pydna.
The two armies appear quite evenly matched in numbers. The Romans had 29,000 men, of which 24,500 were infantry, including two legions (approximate strength 15.000 foot and horse). The Macedonians had 44,000 soldiers, of which 21,000 were phalangites. The cavalry forces were roughly equal, about 4,000 each. Macedonians advanced fast towards the Roman Legions and Consul Paulus was alarmed as he saw a wall of spears running towards his army Romans tried to beat down the enemy pikes or hack off their points, but with little success and were beaten back. Paulus thought of retreating but a sudden move from tribune C. Nasika who broke away from formation (it was his own initiative) with his cavalry and outflanked Macedonian Phalanx encouraged him to continue the battle and eventually win it...
WI Aemilius Paulus losted cmpletely his nerve and retreated and left Macedonians as victors? Could Rome returned and challenged him again? How is this altering History? Any thoughts?
The two armies appear quite evenly matched in numbers. The Romans had 29,000 men, of which 24,500 were infantry, including two legions (approximate strength 15.000 foot and horse). The Macedonians had 44,000 soldiers, of which 21,000 were phalangites. The cavalry forces were roughly equal, about 4,000 each. Macedonians advanced fast towards the Roman Legions and Consul Paulus was alarmed as he saw a wall of spears running towards his army Romans tried to beat down the enemy pikes or hack off their points, but with little success and were beaten back. Paulus thought of retreating but a sudden move from tribune C. Nasika who broke away from formation (it was his own initiative) with his cavalry and outflanked Macedonian Phalanx encouraged him to continue the battle and eventually win it...
WI Aemilius Paulus losted cmpletely his nerve and retreated and left Macedonians as victors? Could Rome returned and challenged him again? How is this altering History? Any thoughts?
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