Nefiodkin A.K. Arrian’s campaign against the Alans’ foray in Cappadocia in 135 AD.
The publication is a first scientific translation from ancient Greek into Russian the
Dispositions against the Alans of famous historian Arrian.
The translation is made practically literal. It pays a special attention to the military terminology.
In the end of the 135 AD, the Alans invaded the Transcaucasia and penetrated up to Cappadocia.
For repulse of the invasion, the governor of the Roman province Arrian collected about 18000 soldiers
and, probably, came to meet the Alans. The frightened nomads did not take a fight and retreated. This
work of Arrian arose from the expidition against the Alans.
The work according to the context is divided into the four parts. In the first part (§ 1-10)
the Roman army going in march column of the length more of 10 km is shown. Arrian was careful
not to be attack in the front, and so he stationed in the front rank the bowmen and the train behind
the troops. The second part of the work (§ 11) tells us about a preparation of array. The third part
(§ 12-24) describes a disposition of the army. The formation was form up on a valley bordered by
heights. On the latter the archers and javeliners, covering the heavy-armed infantrymen were placed,
whereas two legions were in the centre of the array. A legionary was armed with kontus (heavy pilum)
or lancea. Thus, it is obviously, the weapon of the legionary was usual in this time. The formation of
the Arrian’s army was the typical Roman one: the legions in the centre, the auxilia on the flanks. The
commander understood his horsemen cannot resist the Alans, rider from the childhood, neither on
number, nor on quality, therefore he correctly placed his hors behind the foot. The general with the
reserve stood behind the centre of battle-formation. The fourth part of the work (§ 25-31) shows
us the possible description of a future battle. According to it, Arrian was as opponents the Sarmatian
mounted lancers, mainly, without armour. To assume the Sarmatian charged in this case by wedge is
unfounded. The general recommends to approach the enemies on the range of bow shot and then to
deafen them with the war-cry and, at the same time, to throw them a volume of missiles. It might exert
a psychological influence on the opponents and to force to retreat them. However, Arrian also assumes
other variant, i.e. the Alans nevertheless will approach the foot formation. In this case he recommends
the latter to be close and to receive the enemy with the wall of shields: just this way an infantry usually
repulse a charge of cavalry. Then the nomads should take to flight. Arrian assumes to pursue the opponents
by the light horsemen of cohorts which will reach forward through the opened infantry. The fight of the
hors should be covering fire by light-armed footmen. The general is afraid of recommence of the flight
attack, therefore he orders the legions fast to come, in case of need, again to withdraw them in front.
So, in the work Arrian confirms his reputation of the professional soldier, showing itself as a military
expert of close co-ordinated action of armed forces.