To Corner or Not to Corner? | Strategy & Tactics | The Roman Military

To Corner, or Not to Corner?

When the enemy was facing defeat, the Roman commander had several options. Did he press the attack, and try to cut them down, or did he allow them to retreat? While some might try and end it there, the more frequent approach was to allow them to run. When cornered, soldiers would often try to make a stand, and fight with the strength brought on by desperation, taking a heavy toll before they were overwhelmed. If they were given an avenue of escape, they would think only of running, dropping weapons and armor in an attempt to go faster. The Romans would then be dealing with a disarmed, panicked, and demoralized rabble, instead of a force determined to fight to the last man.