Page:Frontinus - The stratagems, and, the aqueducts of Rome (Bennet et al 1925).djvu/165

 STRATAGEMS, II. ni. 17-20

to need, the light-armed troops and the cavalry, which lie placed in the rear. He then commanded the post- signani,^ who were in the second line, to drive firmly into the ground large numbers of stakes set close together, and as the chariots drew near, he withdrew the line of antcsignani ^ within these stakes. Then at length he ordered the skirmishers and light-armed troops to raise a general battle-cry and discharge their spears. By these tactics either the chariots of the enemy were caught among the stakes, or their drivers became panic-stricken at the din and were driven by the javelins back upon their own men, throwing the formation of the Macedonians into confusion. As these gave way, Sulla pressed forward, and Archelaus met him with cavalry, whereupon the Roman horse- men suddenly darted forth, drove back the enemy, and achieved victory.^

In the same way Gains Caesar met the scythe- bearing chariots of the Gauls with stakes driven in the ground, and kept them in check.

At Arbela, Alexander, fearing the numbers of the enemy, yet confident in the valour of his own troops, drew up a line of battle facing in all directions, in order that his men, if surrounded, might be able to fight from all sides.*

When Perseus, king of the Macedonians, had drawn up a double phalanx of his own troops and had placed them in the centre of his forces, with light-armed troops on each side and cavalry on both flanks, Paulus in the battle against him drew up a triple array in wedge formation, sending out skirmishers every now and then between the wedges. Seeing nothing accomplished by these tactics, he determined to I'etreat^ in order by this feint to lure

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