(στρατηγήματα/stratēgḗmata, 'war ruses') were systematically studied and used from the Hellenistic period onwards. Three types of strategemata were distinguished: at first, strategemata permitted strategic advantage to be gained even before direct military confrontation by deceiving the opponent as to the actual strength of one's own forces, choosing a suitable time for the battle or making use of particular climatic or geographical conditions (cf. e.g. Frontin. Str. 3,4,5 f.; time: 2,1,15; place: 2,2,7). In battle, one important tactic was the pretence …
Strategemata(273 words)
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Le Bohec, Yann (Lyon), “Strategemata”, in: Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry. Consulted online on 28 June 2022 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e1123800>
First published online: 2006
First print edition: 9789004122598, 20110510
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