Ecological Foundations
Geography
Arid
zones, hot, dry
limited
warfare to coastal strip
Topography
mountains,
valleys, rivers, deserts, oceans
Climate
Seasonal
nature of warfare
winter
rains, and storms
if
an army could survive the battle season they often escaped
Heat
limited duration of battle
Problem
of supplies
Agriculture
Seasonal
harvests
Labor
Destruction
of enemy crops
Fodder
Animal
Resources
Horse
Camel
Pack
Animals
Oxen,
mules, etc.
Access
to Nomadic horse and camel resources gave Persians constant supply of quality
mounts
Macedonian
horses were much more expensive to acquire
Major
issues
Food
Fodder
Water
Arms
Industry
craftsmen
trade
captured
arms
Problem
of Plunder
gain
wealth
destruction
of economy
Problem
of Supply
keep
food and equipment for your army
deny
food and equipment to enemy army
seasonality
and supply
Taxation
Alexander
continued Persian tax system in conquered provinces
Alexander’s Logistics
Philip’s
Logistical Reforms
Lightens armor of
phalangite (sarisa)
Decreases pack
animals and wagons
Fewer
animals = less animal food
No women allowed
Men must carry
own supplies (replacing weight of armor)
Great reduction
in baggage train and increase in speed
Move up to 35 miles (50 km) a day
Supply
by sea
Until
crossing
Major
Problems with supply
Limited
capacity of overland transport
Subsistence
level of agriculture means meager surpluses
Solutions
Expert
logistical officers
Intelligence:
Scouts seeking information on food and water
Advance
arrangements when province surrendered
Wait
to begin campaigns until after winter wheat harvest
Must
winter in populous, fertile regions with river/ocean access
Foraging
parties to gather supplies to main center
Radius
of supplies was only 60-80 miles
Keep
main army at logistical center
Send
out flying columns
Separate
army into smaller units for march
Getting
supplies
Pay
Requisition
(tax/tribute)
Plunder
Devastation
follows the path of the army