A History Of Strategy Chapter 2

Asclepiodotus's Outline of Tactics focuses on the main subject of the Greek phalanx. This suggests that the book discusses the tactics, strategies, and organization of the Greek phalanx, which was a crucial military formation in ancient Greece. The book may provide insights into how the phalanx operated and its role in ancient warfare.

Onasander, the author of Strategikos, was primarily a student of philosophy. This can be inferred from the fact that he wrote a book on military strategy, which suggests that he had a deep understanding of the philosophical principles that underlie strategic thinking and decision-making. Additionally, studying philosophy would have provided Onasander with the critical thinking skills and analytical mindset necessary for developing effective military strategies. Therefore, it can be concluded that philosophy was his primary area of study.

Van Creveld suggests that the best translation for the Strategemata is "Tricks of the trade." This implies that the book contains a collection of cunning strategies and tactics used in warfare, providing insights and knowledge on how to outsmart and deceive the enemy. The term "Tricks of the trade" suggests that the book offers practical advice and techniques for achieving success in military operations.

The important difference between the military works of classical antiquity and the Chinese classics is that the latter do not provide a coherent philosophy of war. While the military works of classical antiquity, such as Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," offer strategic insights and guidance for warfare, the Chinese classics lack a comprehensive and organized philosophy of war. This means that they may not provide a systematic approach or a clear set of principles for conducting military operations.

Van Creveld describes Herodotus and Livy as being "too inclined towards the legendary, the supernatural, and the moralistic" for modern scientific tastes. This suggests that their works may contain elements of myth, folklore, and moral lessons that are not considered objective or factual by scientific standards.

The preferred form of military literature for the barbarians of Western Europe was narrative songs. Narrative songs were a popular way for the barbarians to recount their military exploits and honor their warriors. These songs would often tell stories of battles, heroic deeds, and the bravery of their warriors. They served as a form of oral history and helped to preserve the cultural and military traditions of the barbarian tribes. This form of military literature allowed the barbarians to pass down their stories from generation to generation and celebrate their military achievements.

Aeneas the Tactician, a military strategist in the fourth century BC, demonstrated the importance of attention to detail in military science. This means that paying close attention to every small aspect of a military operation is crucial for success. By meticulously considering and addressing all the details, such as logistics, terrain, and enemy positions, Aeneas was able to develop effective strategies and achieve victory in battle. This underscores the significance of careful planning and thorough analysis in military science.

Machiavelli considered Frontinus indispensable.

Epitome Rei Militaris by Vegetius remained the most popular military handbook for over a thousand years. This book, written by Vegetius in the 4th century, provided a comprehensive guide to military strategy, tactics, and organization. It covered various aspects of warfare, including training, equipment, and the importance of discipline in the military. The book was highly influential and widely studied by military leaders and scholars throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Its enduring popularity and relevance in military circles make it the correct answer to the question.

The Strategikon is attributed to Maurice, who was a Byzantine emperor. This military manual was written during his reign and provides valuable insights into Byzantine military tactics and strategies. Maurice is known for his reforms in the Byzantine army, and the Strategikon is considered one of his significant contributions to military literature.