Ancient Warfare Answers (354): Why did ancient armies have few ranged units compared to line infantry?
Long-time listener Uygar sent this in. "why did ancient armies, especially Greek phalanx-heavy ones, have relatively few ranged units like archers and slingers compared to line infantry? How did an ancient army determine the right number of ranged units for their army? And did the ranged units fight in a scattered manner in between the formations of the heavier line infantry rather than in rigid formations?'
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1 comment
You forgot to mention Asiatic armies, many of which were predominently ranged units until the Hellenistic period. Archer armies were very effective until the widespread use of large shields and heavy armour gave their openents enough protection. Even after that horse archer armies were still very effective against all comers (Parthians, Huns and Mongols come to mind).