I would summarize that it is true that line formations were vital and usually the starting point, but on the other hand the main strategic goal was to break the line of the opponent so at some point the formations would break and it would become more chaotic, but not as extreme as multiple 1 vs 1 and rather splitting the other army in half or more pieces.
Once the line breaks, though, the result is everyone in the broken line fleeing as soon as they realize what’s happening. If they’re disciplined, they might regroup if not pursued too far or too vigorously, but the chaos that ensues is mostly retreat and butchery, not further combat.
Great read thank you very much!
I would summarize that it is true that line formations were vital and usually the starting point, but on the other hand the main strategic goal was to break the line of the opponent so at some point the formations would break and it would become more chaotic, but not as extreme as multiple 1 vs 1 and rather splitting the other army in half or more pieces.
Once the line breaks, though, the result is everyone in the broken line fleeing as soon as they realize what’s happening. If they’re disciplined, they might regroup if not pursued too far or too vigorously, but the chaos that ensues is mostly retreat and butchery, not further combat.