Page 1 of 1
Peltasts
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2017 10:24 pm
by 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.
Re: Peltasts
Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2017 12:14 am
by 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.
Re: Peltasts
Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2017 8:19 am
by 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).
Re: Peltasts
Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 12:52 am
by vakarr
But light foot can't charge heavy foot and peltasts did under the right circumstances
Re: Peltasts
Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2017 1:39 am
by SnuggleBunnies
They can charge heavies, just not in open terrain. That seems right to me.
Re: Peltasts
Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2017 7:29 am
by vakarr
The Battle of Lechaeum 390 BC was fought in open terrain.
Re: Peltasts
Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2017 12:51 pm
by 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.