"skirmisher drill ?" Topic

Has anyone got anything at all (references in books about tactics, military histories, etc.) on skirmishing being regulated in the ancient period ?
In particular though, with reference to the Gresks.

All ancient armies, even the hairy ones, seemed to be commanded by trumpets as part of their coms systems.

The ancient Indian Arthashatra mentioned even civilian camp-follower foragers as regulated by gongs etc (OK that doc reflects the ideal than the actual).

I'm sure you'll find Greek / classical references to light troops being sent forward or withdrawn by trumpet calls.

Onasander might be a good place to start, he wrote about how light troops should cooperate with the phalanx and similar stuff.

David F Brown

Hi again, just to follow up:

chapter headings from Onasander include

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

XVII. Placing the light-armed Troops, Javelin-throwers, Bowmen and Slingers, before the Phalanx

XVIII. Disposition of light-armed Troops in a broken Country

XIX. The Phalanx should leave Intervals for the light-armed Troops to retire through the Ranks

XX. How to attack, without light-armed Troops, an Enemy who has many
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

No idea if this is what you want but it might point you in the right direction.

Regards

DB

Hi David,
Thanks for the suggestion of Onasander, he has some interesting things to say in general about missile troops.
I`m continuing to search through the others for clues how lights and peltasts worked.
Best Regards,
Mike.