Peltasts

[vakarr]

I was wondering if when we have a 4th Century BC list, how peltasts will be simulated? My thoughts would be a medium foot that can shoot like light javelinmen but have a tendency to bounce off if they charge heavy infantry. I don't think that ordinary medium foot javelinmen fit the bill.

[SnuggleBunnies]

Don't the light javelinmen basically represent peltasts? They fight in loose order, throw javelins, have Light Spear capability so they can charge other light troops, and evade when charged by heavies like hoplites.

[rbodleyscott]

We came to the conclusion that peltasts were actually light troops not medium foot. As such they are represented by light javelinmen. (Note that the troops called "peltasts" in the later Macedonian army were in fact pikemen, not Classical-style peltasts).

[vakarr]

But light foot can't charge heavy foot and peltasts did under the right circumstances

[SnuggleBunnies]

They can charge heavies, just not in open terrain. That seems right to me.

[vakarr]

The Battle of Lechaeum 390 BC was fought in open terrain.

[SnuggleBunnies]

I'm not aware of the peltasts charging formed infantry at Lechaeum. It seems to me that they didn't engage directly until the Spartans had already broken, if at all. Xenophons account portrays them throwing javelins, and then fleeing when the Spartans attempted to charge. The Spartans fled when the Athenian hoplites advanced on the dispirited survivors.