Equipping your ancient army.

[Afterburner]

Although inventing new weapons wasn't the original intent of the thread, I do like where this is going. I'd say feel free to invent whatever weapons would have been capable of being developed from the Middle-Ages and before.

Though I'd be hesitant about accepting steam power since it wasn't actually used for anything until recently. Also at least try to keep training and money in mind. I wouldn't even know where to start for setting a budget, but try to be reasonable.

[Anlushac11]

I was watching a Discovery show about Ancient warfare and some of the stuff that was invented even back with what we call primitive technology.

There were flame throwers and even primitive torpedoes.

Steam power had been discovered, differential gearing had been discovered, and the wheel had been discovered.

The problem was no one put it all together for another couple thousand years.

But what if they had? All the technology was there it just took someone to put it together.

For that matter look at the C.S.S. Hunley, the first submarine credited with sinking a enemy man of war. The Hunley used a boiler plate hull and ballast to achieve neutral buoyancy. Motive power was by IIRC 12 guys turning a crank. Lighting was by a candle.

Since were not talking about diving to crush depth a hull of bronze with a wood or bronze crankshaft could have been built. The 1860's had glass but I guess ancient times could have used cut crystal.

The only thing missing was the spar torpedo.

And there is the story of Alexander the Great taking a ride in a diving bell.

[Octovon]

Originally Posted by Anlushac11

I have always wondered how Mongol mobility and tactical flexibility would have done against a Roman Legion when they were at their world conquering best.

Mongol flexibility and adaptability versus Roman discipline and order.

Mongols also had a similar discipline for combat deserters. The deserter and 9 of his compatriots were executed.

I imagine the Mongols would win the first battle, their mobility and archery skills would certainly outmatch the slow, heavily armoured legionnaires, with an outcome possibly like Carrhae. The Romans were also highly adaptable and equally stubborn, and I'd have to go with them in the rematch. They always found ways to get around their weaknesses, like they had against Carthaginian naval superiority, Hannibal's elephants, Pyrrhus's armies, the destruction of the legions at Carrhae and Teutoburg, and so on. The Romans were stubborn and I think they'd keep battling the Mongols until they beat them, it would be one of those matters of honour that the Romans couldn't back down from.

[MrFancypants]

Originally Posted by Anlushac11

I have always wondered how Mongol mobility and tactical flexibility would have done against a Roman Legion when they were at their world conquering best.

I guess that would depend on where they meet. Somewhere in the Asian steppe the Mongolians would have the clear advantage, but in middle or southern Europe you often have hills, forests or swamps which would probably reduce the effectiveness of giant horse-archer armies.

I think an important factor of the Mongolian horde was that it didn't necessarily have to fight an enemy. With all those horses they could disengage and cause a bit of havoc behind the enemy lines before choosing a nice place for their battle.

[Cheese!]

I would train an elite group of my army like the Spartans. Close combat, no fear. This would be maybe 100-500 soldiers and they would head the assault. I would then have 500 of our best archers, 1000 men to be calvary on horses with spears, followed by 5500 regular foot soldiers trained by the elite in close quarters combat. I would have a good 100-250 men dedicated to our catapults, as well as 250 men on chariots (spread out through the ranks). Then I would have 250 of our fastest runners to be scouts, 100 as an elite guard for myself, and the remaining 1650 as reserve troops.

[Mihail]

10,000 Phalaxed Hoplites from the era of Alexander.

[Anlushac11]

Originally Posted by Mihail

10,000 Phalaxed Hoplites from the era of Alexander.

In its day the Phalanx was a military force to be reckoned with.

Unfortunately it was discovered to be vulnerable to flanking and rear attacks and ranged attacks by lighter more mobile troops using arrows and slings.

A Phalanx would be at a severe disadvantage against a considerably more mobile army...such as the Mongols.

[Mihail]

I never said it would be the best army, but It's the one that I would choose.