In the 4th century B.C., a young Macedonian king led his Iron Phalanx across Western Asia like a rolling torrent. He was Alexander the Great, a legendary conqueror who made countless nations tremble. However, on the map of his conquest, there was a land that had not yet been set foot in - China. For years, historians and military experts have been speculating: what would have happened if Alexander had led his invincible Macedonian phalanx east against China? Can it sweep the Seven Heroes of the Warring States like a devastating one? This hypothetical question has sparked numerous heated discussions and debates. Some people believe that with the strength of the Macedonian phalanx, the Warring States will surely fall to the wind. However, some scholars have a different view. Who's right, exactly? Can the Macedonian phalanx really be invincible on the land of China? Or is it possible for the Seven Heroes of the Warring States to resist this iron-blooded force from the West? Let's unravel this historical mystery together.
The rise and conquest of the Macedonian phalanx
In 359 BC, Philip II ascended to the Macedonian throne. This small country in the northern part of the Balkan Peninsula had previously been considered a barbarian land by the Greece city-states. However, Philip II's prowess changed the fortunes of Macedonia forever. He introduced a series of military reforms, the most important of which was the creation of the famous Macedonian phalanx.
The Macedonian phalanx was a dense infantry formation, usually consisting of 16 columns of 64 platoons of soldiers, with a total number of about 1000 people. Each soldier was armed with a spear up to 5 to 7 meters long, called a "sarissa". This spear allowed the front row of the phalanx to form an impermeable wall of spikes, effectively blocking enemy charges. The soldiers in the back row of the phalanx supported the front row with spears, increasing overall stability and propulsion.
The fruits of Philip II's military reforms were on full display during the Battle of Caironia in 338 BC. In this decisive battle, the Macedonian army defeated the combined Greece led by Thebes and Athens, laying the foundation for Macedonian hegemony.
In 336 BC, Alexander succeeded to the throne at the age of 20. The young king inherited his father's military talents and brought the might of the Macedonian phalanx to the extreme. Alexander led the Macedonian army to first put down the rebellion of the Greece city-states and then began his famous crusade.
In 334 BCE, Alexander crossed the Strait of Hellesponte with an army of about 35,000 men, officially beginning his conquest of the Persian Empire. On the banks of the Granicus, the Macedonian army came head-to-head with the Persian army for the first time. Despite being numerically inferior, the power of the Macedonian phalanx was fully utilized. Alexander himself led the cavalry charge, while the infantry phalanx, like a moving wall, steadily advanced and finally won a decisive victory.
The subsequent battles of Issus and Gaugamela fully demonstrated the might of the Macedonian phalanx. In the Battle of Issus, Alexander's more than 40,000 men faced the 130,000 army of Darius III, relying on the strong defense and flexible tactics of the Macedonian phalanx, and successfully routed the Persian army. In the Battle of Gaugamela, in the face of the last more than 100,000 elites of the Persian Empire, the Macedonian phalanx once again showed amazing combat effectiveness. Alexander skillfully used the terrain to form a wedge-shaped formation of the Macedonian phalanx, piercing the Persian army like a sharp knife, and finally completely destroyed the main force of the Persian Empire.
The success of the Macedonian phalanx lay not only in its strong defensive capabilities, but also in its coordination with cavalry. Alexander often personally led the cavalry to attack the enemy's weak points, while the infantry phalanx was responsible for holding the position and providing support to the cavalry. This method of infantry and cavalry coordinated combat was unique on the battlefield at that time.
However, the Macedonian phalanx was not flawless. It plays best on plain terrain but is bulky in complex terrain. In addition, the flanks and rear of the phalanx were relatively weak, and in the event of a breakthrough by the enemy, the entire formation would fall into disarray. These weaknesses gradually became apparent in Alexander's later campaign against India.
Despite this, the Macedonian phalanx performed well in Alexander's crusades. From Asia Minor to Egypt to Central Asia and the India Valley, this iron-blooded force swept almost the entire known Eastern world. Its prestige even spread to distant China, where it was recorded as the "Teacher of the West" in the Records of the Historians.
The military strength of the Seven Heroes of the Warring States
When Alexander the Great led the Macedonian phalanx to conquer Western Asia, China was in the midst of the turmoil of the Warring States Period. During this period, seven powerful countries in the Central Plains stood side by side, each developing a unique and powerful military system, leaving a wealth of military ideas and war examples for future generations.
The military changes during the Warring States period can be described as earth-shaking. During the Spring and Autumn Period, chariot warfare, which was dominated by aristocrats, was gradually replaced by large-scale infantry warfare. This change not only changed the scale and form of warfare, but also profoundly affected the social structure. Countries have begun to recruit civilians on a large scale, and their armies have expanded to an unprecedented size.
Taking the Qin State as an example, after the Shang Dynasty changed the law, the "military merit knight" system was implemented to encourage soldiers to fight bravely to kill the enemy. According to the "Historical Records", the Qin State "went to the battlefield like a decisive battle", and the combat effectiveness of its army was so strong that the countries were terrified. The most famous of the Qin army was none other than the "Ruishi", an elite division of soldiers armed with sturdy iron armor, sharp swords, and strong bows and crossbows, making them one of the most formidable infantry of the time.
Compared with the Qin state, the Wei state is famous for its "Wei Wushu". It is recorded in the "Warring States Policy" that Wei Wushu "dressed the armor of the three genera, exercised the crossbow of twelve stones, carried fifty negative arrows, placed on it, crowned with a sword, won three days of food, and approached a hundred miles in the middle of the day". This unit is not only well-equipped, but also known for its amazing mobility. In the Battle of Maling, Sun Bin used Wei Wushu to pursue too quickly and set up an ambush to annihilate Pang Juan's main force.
The state of Qi was known for its powerful naval army and superb bow and crossbow skills. After Tian Ji changed the law, the strength of the Qi navy increased greatly and played an important role in the struggle for hegemony with the Chu State. And in the land battle, Qi's "ten thousand crossbows fired at once" made the enemy even more frightened. In the aforementioned Battle of Maling, it was the Qi army's 10,000-strong crossbow salvo that finally defeated the Wei army.
As a large southern country, the state of Chu has distinctive military characteristics. The Chu army used spears and swords as its main weapons and was good at jungle warfare. During the reign of King Zhao, the state of Chu developed a powerful cavalry, which was unique among the southern states at that time.
The state of Zhao was known for its cavalry units that were good at cavalry and archery. King Wuling of Zhao practiced Hufu cavalry shooting, which greatly improved the mobility and combat effectiveness of the Zhao army. Before the Battle of Changping, the cavalry of the Zhao State had repeatedly repelled the invasion of the Qin State, showing great strength.
Although Korea's national strength is relatively weak, its iron-smelting technology is the best among other countries. The "Blade" sword produced in Korea is extremely sharp and can sharpen iron like clay. In addition, Korea is also known for the "Blades", a weapon similar to the flail of later generations, which was extremely effective in hand-to-hand combat.
Although Yan is located on the border, its military strength should not be underestimated. Le Yi, the general of the Yan State, once led an army to attack the Qi State, and once occupied most of the territory of the Qi State, showing strong military ability.
In addition to the special arms of each country, the military thinking of the Warring States period also reached an unprecedented height. Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" is a masterpiece that put forward wise sayings such as "knowing one's opponent and knowing oneself, and not being defeated in a hundred battles", which had a profound impact on military theories in later generations. Wu Qi's "Wu Zi's Art of War" emphasizes the importance of generals, believing that "generals, the country's auxiliary".
Military technology during the Warring States period also made great progress. The wide application of iron tools has greatly improved the quality of weapons and equipment. The vassal states vied with each other to develop new weapons, such as crossbows and repeating crossbows, which greatly improved the army's long-range strike capability. In addition, siege equipment such as ladders and wells have also been widely used, making siege warfare more intense.
It is worth mentioning that the scale of military operations during the Warring States period was also unprecedented. According to the "Historical Records", in the Battle of Changping, Zhao sent 400,000 troops to fight a decisive battle with Qin. Although this figure may be exaggerated, it also reflects the enormity of the military during the Warring States period.
In general, the Seven Heroes of the Warring States Period each had their own strengths, forming an era of equal military strength, advanced war technology, and rich military thinking. This balance of military strength was also one of the important reasons for the long-term relative stability of the Warring States period.
Comparative analysis of the Macedonian phalanx and the armies of the Warring States
To explore the contrast between the Macedonian phalanx and the armies of the Warring States, we need to analyze it from multiple perspectives, including weapons and equipment, tactical strategies, army organization, etc. This cross-cultural and cross-regional military comparison, with its many assumptions and uncertainties, still provides us with some interesting insights.
First of all, from the point of view of weapons and equipment, the Macedonian phalanx and the Warring States army have their own characteristics. The core weapon of the Macedonian phalanx is the 5 to 7 meter long sarissa spear, which can be extremely useful both in defense and offensive. In contrast, the Warring States Army had a much more diverse variety of weapons. In the case of the Qin state, for example, its famous "sharp warriors" were armed with iron armor, long swords, and strong bows and crossbows. The "Wei Wushu" of the Wei State was equipped with heavy armor, strong crossbows, and long ge.
This difference in weapons reflects the different operational philosophies of both sides. The Macedonian phalanx pursued the power of the whole, forming a "hedgehog array" that was difficult to break through through a dense array of spears. The Warring States Army, on the other hand, paid more attention to the comprehensiveness of individual fighters, capable of both melee combat and long-range attacks.
In terms of protective gear, Macedonian soldiers usually wore bronze or iron cuirasses, Greece helmets, and round shields. During the Warring States period, the Chinese army generally used leather or iron armor, among which the fish scale armor of the Qin State was the most famous. From the perspective of protective effect, there is no obvious difference between the two sides.
In terms of long-range weapons, the Sengoku army seems to have a slight advantage. Although the Macedonian army was also armed with archers, its main role was to harass the enemy, creating opportunities for the main phalanx. In contrast, bow and crossbow technology during the Warring States period was quite advanced. For example, Qi State's "10,000 crossbows fired at once" tactics were indestructible at the time. In addition, the advent of complex crossbows such as repeaters significantly increased the density of long-range firepower of the army.
At the tactical level, the Macedonian phalanx is known for its tight formation and powerful impact. Alexander often personally led the cavalry to attack the enemy's weak points, while the infantry phalanx was responsible for holding the position and providing support to the cavalry. This method of infantry and cavalry coordinated combat was unique in the Western battlefield at that time.
The tactics of the Sengoku army were more flexible. The "Qi Zheng" approach proposed in "The Art of War" emphasizes the flexible use of frontal attacks and flank outflanking. Wu Qi put forward the theory of "five tones and five elements," emphasizing that the army should be as flexible and changeable as the five tones are born and the five elements are mutually restrained. This tactical thinking, which focuses on change and pays attention to strategy, is in stark contrast to the rigid advance of the Macedonian phalanx.
In terms of army organization, the structure of the Macedonian phalanx was relatively simple. A standard Macedonian phalanx consisted of about 1000 people, 16 columns and 64 platoons, forming a tight combat unit. In contrast, the organization of the Warring States Army was more complex. Taking the Qin State as an example, its army was organized according to the principle of "five families as a team, and five troops as two", forming an organizational structure from small to large and progressing layer by layer. This way of organization made the dispatch of the Warring States army on the battlefield more flexible.
In terms of mobility, the Macedonian phalanx may not perform as well as the Warring States armies in complex terrain due to its dense formation. For example, Wei Wushu was known for his astonishing speed of his marches, and while the account of "a hundred miles in the middle of the day" may be exaggerated, it also reflects his superior ability to maneuver.
It is worth noting that the cavalry had a different place in the armies of both sides. In the Macedonian army, cavalry served mainly as a force for assault and pursuit, while the main force remained the infantry phalanx. In the late Warring States period, especially after the implementation of Hufu cavalry archery in the Zhao State, cavalry began to play an increasingly important role on the battlefield. This use of cavalry could pose a serious challenge to the Macedonian phalanx.
In addition, the siege technology of the Warring States period was also quite advanced. The use of siege equipment such as ladders and wells made siege warfare more intense. In contrast, while Alexander also demonstrated great siege prowess in attacking cities such as Tyre, the Macedonian army as a whole may not have had as much experience in this area as the Warring States army.
In general, the Macedonian phalanx and the armies of the Warring States had their own strengths. The Macedonian phalanx was known for its powerful shock and defensive capabilities, while the Warring States armies were known for their flexible tactics and advanced long-range weapons. If the two did meet on the battlefield, the outcome would be left to the imagination of history buffs.
A hypothetical duel between the Macedonian phalanx and the armies of the Warring States
In the long course of history, the Macedonian phalanx and the Chinese Warring States Army, two powerful military forces, have never had a real confrontation. However, by analyzing the characteristics and tactics of both, we can try to simulate a hypothetical showdown and explore how this war across time and space might unfold.
Let's imagine a scenario in which Alexander the Great, with his Macedonian phalanx, travels through time to the Central Plains during the Warring States period of China. They will face a Warring States coalition consisting of a coalition of Qin, Wei, and Zhao. The battlefield was selected in the Central Plains Plain, where the terrain was relatively open, with a small number of hills and rivers.
At the beginning of the battle, both sides will send scouts to reconnoiter the enemy. At this time, the cavalry superiority of the Warring States Alliance will be revealed. The light cavalry of the State of Zhao was able to maneuver quickly and constantly harass the formations of the Macedonian army. Alexander may send his own companion cavalry to respond, but may be at a disadvantage in numbers and mobility.
When the main forces began to approach, the Macedonian phalanx would form a dense array of spears according to the usual tactics. At this time, the Warring States Coalition may adopt the "Qizheng" approach, with a frontal containment on the one hand and an opportunity to flank on the other. Qin's "sharp warriors" were likely to serve as the main force in a frontal attack, and their heavy armor and long swords might be able to compete with the Macedonian spearmen.
However, the real threat to the Macedonian phalanx could be the long-range firepower of the armies of the warring states. Qi State's "Ten Thousand Crossbows Fired at the Same Time" tactic, if used at this time, would cause great damage to the densely packed Macedonian phalanx. A large number of arrows rained down, and even the well-trained Macedonian soldiers could not escape with their whole body.
Faced with such a situation, Alexander may order the phalanx to advance quickly, trying to shorten the distance into close combat. But at this time, Wei Wushu's high mobility will come into play. They can move quickly, constantly harassing the flanks of the Macedonian phalanx, forcing them to divide their forces and disrupt the original formation.
At the same time, the generals of the Warring States Coalition may recall the teaching in The Art of War: "The first army is to attack and strategize, the second is to attack the enemy, the second is to attack the army, and then the next is to attack the city." "They may try to cut off the supply lines of the Macedonian army, or use the terrain to set up ambushes and lure the enemy into unfavorable terrain.
In this case, Alexander may choose to personally lead a surprise attack with his partner's cavalry, trying to disrupt the enemy formation. This is a tactic he has tried and tested repeatedly in past campaigns. However, in the face of the well-trained Warring States cavalry, especially the Hufu cavalry of the Zhao State, this assault may encounter unprecedented resistance.
The battle could last for days. The Macedonian phalanx, with its strong discipline and defensive capabilities, could be difficult to break down on a frontal battlefield. However, the flexible tactics and diverse configuration of the Warring States army also made it difficult for the Macedonians to achieve a decisive victory.
As the battle drags on, supply issues can be a key factor in determining victory or defeat. As an army coming from afar, the Macedonian phalanx could hardly obtain effective supplies in the hinterland of the enemy country. In contrast, the Warring States Coalition fought on its own soil, with short and solid supply lines. In such a situation, the Macedonian army may be forced to risk a full-scale offensive in an attempt to achieve a quick victory.
In this hypothetical decisive battle, the Macedonian phalanx could face unprecedented challenges. The dense formations they pride themselves on can turn into an Achilles' heel when faced with the long-range firepower of the Warring States Army. And their cavalry assault tactics can be much less effective against opponents who are also proficient in horsemanship.
On the other hand, the Warring States Coalition would also find that the Macedonian phalanx was far more defensive than any opponent they had encountered before. Conventional frontal attacks can be ineffective, which requires them to take advantage of their tactical flexibility and constantly try new ways to attack.
In the end, the outcome of this war may not be determined by a decisive battle, but by the performance of both sides in a protracted battle. The Macedonian army needs to adapt to the new combat environment and opponents, while the Warring States coalition forces need to overcome internal contradictions and truly work together.
Whatever the outcome, this hypothetical showdown will be a brilliant military contest that fully demonstrates the characteristics and strengths and weaknesses of the two different military systems. It is not only a military confrontation, but also a confrontation between two different civilizations and different military ideologies.
The historical influence of the Macedonian phalanx and the armies of the Warring States
Although the Macedonian phalanx and the armies of the Warring States never really clashed each other in history, they each had a profound impact on the military development of later generations. These two military systems not only represent the pinnacle of their respective eras, but also provide rich experience and inspiration for the military reform of later generations.
The influence of the Macedonian phalanx was first manifested in the military transformation of the ancient Greece-Roman world. The success of Alexander the Great's crusade proved the adaptability of the Macedonian phalanx in the face of different combat environments and enemies. This success inspired later military strategists to further explore hoplite tactics. The Roman legions can be seen as an evolutionary version of the Macedonian phalanx to some extent, inheriting the dense formation and strong defense of the Macedonian phalanx, while increasing mobility and flexibility.
The rise of the Roman legions opened a new chapter in the influence of the Macedonian phalanx. From the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD, Roman legions swept across western Eurasia and built a vast empire. In the process, the Roman legions constantly absorbed and improved the advantages of the Macedonian phalanx. For example, they have adopted a more flexible drill that allows them to quickly change formations depending on the situation on the battlefield. This improvement allowed the Roman legions to be more adaptable to the nomadic cavalry than the Macedonian phalanx.
The influence of the Macedonian phalanx continued even into the Middle Ages. Although chivalric culture prevailed, the importance of infantry phalanxes never completely disappeared. In some key battles, such as the Battle of Crecy (1346), a dense phalanx of English longbowmen defeated the France knights, which can be seen to some extent as a continuation of the idea of the Macedonian phalanx.
At the same time, the influence of the Warring States armies was mainly reflected in the military development of China and East Asia. The military ideas of the Warring States period, especially the strategic and tactical concepts put forward in the Art of War, had a profound impact on later generations. For example, the idea of "knowing oneself and knowing one's opponent and not being defeated in a hundred battles" has always been the goal pursued by Chinese military strategists. This kind of thinking of attaching importance to intelligence and emphasizing strategy has been fully embodied in all subsequent wars.
After the Qin State unified the Six Kingdoms, its military system became the basis of later Chinese dynasties. The Han Dynasty made improvements on this basis, forming the famous "Han Army". The military reforms of the Han Wu Emperor period, including the establishment of five captains and the implementation of the military merit system, can be traced back to the military traditions of the Warring States period.
Cavalry tactics, developed during the Warring States period, were further developed during the Han Dynasty. During the period of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, he sent cavalry to expedition to Dawan, creating the "Silk Road" in Chinese history. This tactic of long-distance running has a direct relationship with the "Hufu cavalry shooting" of Zhao during the Warring States Period.
Another major contribution of the Sengoku army was the development of siege techniques. Siege equipment such as ladders and wells were widely used in later wars. Li Jing, a famous general of the Tang Dynasty, recorded in detail various siege methods in the Taibai Yin Jing, many of which date back to the Warring States period.
The military ideas developed during the Warring States period also had a profound impact on later generations. For example, the idea of "total victory" in The Art of War, which emphasizes victory at the lowest cost, was embodied in many battles in later generations. In the process of unifying China, Li Shimin, Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, applied this kind of thinking many times to avoid unnecessary consumption.
In addition, the way in which the military was organized during the Warring States period also influenced later generations. The Qin state's "military system" continued into the Ming and Qing dynasties and became the basis of traditional Chinese military organization. This organizational method was not only used in the military, but also applied to civil administration, and became an important means of social governance in ancient China.
It is worth noting that the influence of the Warring States Army was not limited to China, but also extended to the entire East Asian region. For example, Japan introduced China's military system during the Asuka period (6th-7th centuries), which included many military ideas from the Warring States period. The military system of the Three Kingdoms period in Korea was also heavily influenced by China, especially in cavalry tactics and siege techniques.
In general, although the Macedonian phalanx and the Warring States armies developed in different civilizational systems, they both had a profound impact on the military development of their respective civilizational spheres. The Macedonian phalanx influenced the military development of the entire Western world, while the Warring States armies shaped the military traditions of East Asia. The influence of these two military systems has continued into modern times, and even in some ways still influences modern military thought.