re: How were old world armies so easily out smarted?

what the hell is app state? is that like hamburger university for applebees?

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tricking the Romans by hiding Calvary

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Pretty easy to do since cavalry (not Calvary, the mountain in the Bible) didn't exist then.

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Hannibal had War elephants



Would scare the shite out of a Roman who had never seen an elephant before

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The Romans threw down caltrops, the first row of elephants stepped on them, and let out a cry. The rest of the elephants that were behind them turned around and trampled the Carthaginian troops. Once the army broke formation, the Romans cavalry slaughtered them.

An entire army wiped out because of these.

When Rome was beaten badly it was usually due to an arrogant general not sending out a scouting party and falling into a trap.

Calvary, huh?

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elephants.

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Armies in the ancient world were actually more proficient at communication than some in this thread have suggested. Read Caesar's Commentaries for evidence. You will see that Caesar was in constant communication with his troops, his allies, and the government in Rome. This is, of course, not evidence that all generals communicated in this way, but Caesar did, and it's likely that elite leaders did as well.

Most of the time, when an ancient general was taken by surprise or outmanuevered on the battlefield, it was due to restrictions on his personal point of view and that of his lieutenants. This came about through poor reconnaissance, weather, terrain, and unfamiliarity with the campaign landscape. You simply can't see and know everything. And there was no guarantee that if one part of the army encountered something the general would be aware of it, and able to make an informed decision in time to counter it immediately.

Never forget, these dudes were really smart, too. As smart as you and me, if not smarter. They didn't bungle their way through campaigning. When they were outwitted, it was usually because another smart guy planned disaster for them, or some limitation popped up that facilitated their doom.

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No. Most fled into fortified cities like Rome, and Hannibal wasn't prepared for or inclined to engage in siege warfare. While he was making up him mind, Scipio defeated and killed his brother in Spain and other generals sent small hit and run forces against him again and again, wearing him down by attrition and causing his Macedonian allies to quit and go home.

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Yea, AFTER they got their asses kicked at the battle of The Trebia, Lake Traismene, and maybe the worst Roman defeat ever at Cannae

All 3 of which were battles where Hannibal tricked or out smarted the Romans

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