Post by Bolingar on Mar 20, 2022 19:48:55 GMT
Here is a replay of Leuctra after I'd read the sources and done some google earthing of the battlefield. It seems likely that the Spartans chose a battlefield where the terrain covered their flanks, securing them against the superior Theban cavalry. This would explain why they deployed their cavalry in front of their infantry as there wasn't anywhere else to put them.
The replay gave an approximately historical result, with some rules bungling on my part. I think that my biggest mistake was not to deploy the Spartan psiloi and peltasts on their wings to impede any attempt by Theban cavalry to get around to their rear. The forested slopes are perfect for light troops and something must have kept the Theban horse from squeezing through the gap between Spartan hoplites and forest and causing trouble in the rear. I hope to play another game of this battle and see if the Spartans finally get the chance to extend their right flank as they did historically.
The replay gave an approximately historical result, with some rules bungling on my part. I think that my biggest mistake was not to deploy the Spartan psiloi and peltasts on their wings to impede any attempt by Theban cavalry to get around to their rear. The forested slopes are perfect for light troops and something must have kept the Theban horse from squeezing through the gap between Spartan hoplites and forest and causing trouble in the rear. I hope to play another game of this battle and see if the Spartans finally get the chance to extend their right flank as they did historically.