Basing Greek Spartans

WrongWay · Post by **WrongWay** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 9:04 pm

I have Xyston Spartans and Spartan Officers. I was going to put a Spartan officer in with some of hoplite bases. Is there a source of information either online or hard copy that can give me details on where officers were positioned relative to the troops? I am not talking about generals - just your run of the mill basic officer/sergeant who would have been in the line with the soldiers.

Left side, right side, middle (as you face the models)?

Thanks
Jerry

GrumblingGrognard · Post by **GrumblingGrognard** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 9:41 pm

I am no expert but it was my impression that they were in the front rank.

And in all hoplite-based formations in this period (that I know of, which is not much mind you) the right most position (from the soldier's perspective) was the most honorable as it lacked the protection of another's shield. IOW, the guy in the rightmost position in a phalanx would need to be someone very stout or the entire formation would (strongly) tend to drift left (toward the protection of their mate's shield) as it marched "forward", esp. when under missle fire.

GG

will05 · Post by **will05** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 10:25 am

I've done that with my Xyston Greeks. I had a couple of bags of officers from a job lot I bought cheap some years ago and after reading Gates Of Fire just put them in as normal Hoplites. It seems that all a Hoplites spears were not unlikely to shatter at some point in a battle and some would end up going to the sword. Adds variety.

HannibalBarca · Post by **HannibalBarca** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 9:44 pm

I don't know, but I'd guess the right of the front rank (so left as you look at it). As stated, we know this was the most honourable position occupied by the best soldiers, both at the level of individual units and entire battle-lines. So it would make sense unless anyone has a definitive answer.

We also know that roman centurions held the position at the right of the front rank, and that they were heavily influenced by the greeks in the initial design of their army. (They did have a second-in-command at the back of the unit for when the centurion inevitably died in the thick of the fighting though!)

WrongWay · Post by **WrongWay** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 5:08 am

Thanks to everyone.