Training in the battlefield at the end of the 10th century AD. / Battlefield formation in the late 10th century.
In the military manual "Praecepta Militaria" by Nicephorus II Phocas written about the year 965 AD. it was about the disposition and tactics, above all, of the Eastern Roman infantry. The manual had the name of “Στρατηγικὴ ἔκθεσις καὶ σύνταξις Νικηφόρου δεσπότου” = Strategikè ékthesis kaì syntaxis Nikephórou despótou ("Presentation and Composition for the War of Lord Nicephorus).
The manual consists of six chapters and presents the Eastern Roman army of the 10th century AD. and contains several novel aspects not covered in other Roman imperial military manuals, such as the exact exposition of the formation and use of the cataphract wedge, the new mixed infantry brigade (taxiarchia), the proper formation of intervals between units and how they should be guarded and the use of the menavlon spear. The treaty generally emphasizes the practical aspects of warfare: various operational scenarios are discussed, as well as the establishment of camps, reconnaissance, and the use of spies. The religious ceremonies of the army are also emphasized, reflecting the emperor's own religious zeal.
The infantry formation described in the Praecepta Militaria is a hollow square with purposely placed intervals in the heavy infantry lines so that cavalry can move in or out of the square. The intervals were protected by light infantry such as javelin throwers, slingers, and archers, who would attack and disrupt approaching enemies to allow time for the Hoplitai heavy infantry to form up properly. Some of the tactical changes Nicephorus introduced to improve the infantry's ability to defend against heavy cavalry are detailed in the manual. One of the most significant changes was to place the pikemen (menavlatoi) or heavy spearmen (kontarati) in the front ranks and in the center as reserve, the light infantry, the archers behind the hoplitai and all ensuring that the cavalry could be organized. on time in formation. The infantry square was to be 7 or 8 men deep, with 3 hoplitai or peltastas carrying long spears (kontarion) forming a phalanx, then 2 or 3 toxotai archers, and finally 1 or 2 hoplitai or peltastai to cover possible Drops in the front frame areas.
The eastern Roman phalanx was used as a spear projection in frontal assaults. The Eastern Romans included, as I have commented, the support of archers (toxotai) on the flanks or behind the spearmen to soften the enemy onslaught. It was used from the 6th to the 13th century AD. They were used putting the menavlati (pikemen) in front and the kontarati (spearmen) behind and flanking (or behind the first rows of spearmen) the archers (toxotes), and light skirmishers with slings and javelins.
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Re: BYZANTIUM (Politeia ton Rhomaion)
Originally Posted by j.a.luna
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. Not being aggressive will not help you much, but I wouldn't completely ignore the reputation, because if it's very high you will be more or less tolerated, so some diplomacy will be possible.
