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Originally Posted by kutulu
If you don't apply that logic you could assume that one M1-A tank crew with enough gas and ammo could defeat any force that ever existed before the invention of cannons.
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Indeed, I'd say that the M1-A would last against any force even quite some time
after the invention of the cannon. Let's face it, mechanized warfare revolutionized the face of war forever. Now bring on the Transforming battle planes already!
Right, back to the Spartans. Give the two sides technologically similar weapons (i.e. both sides get to use Iron) andI think it would be a slaughter if the vikings attacked head-on. Most military engagements of the ancient world usually came down to annihilation for one side. The two lines of spearmen would crash together; whichever line broke first would be unprotected against the onslaught of the second ranks. In this instance the Spartans would have the clear advantage: In warfare of this type having individuals charge ahead was as disastrous as retreating; it made holes in the line. The supreme discipline of the Spartans would trump any Viking individual heroics. And yes, they were that disciplined. Wives told their husbands "come back carrying your shield, or else carried on it" In hoplite warfare the shield would be discarded only in retreat, the implied threat that cowardice would be punished even by your loved ones speaks volumes about the warrior code of the spartans.
Now, put the battle in a forest, without an open space to draw up lines of battle....well, it wouldn't be pretty for the greeks. That's all I'm gonna say about that.
/god I love classics...best (academic) time I had at University was researching a paper on the Peloponnesian wars...