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[QUOTE]Originally posted by zarahan- aka Enrique Cardova: [QB] [b]This African emphasis on ranged weaponry contrasts heavily with the preference for melee weapons that characterized ancient European warriors such as those of Greece, Rome and Gaul.[/b] There are some inaccuracies. The 2 definitive articles on African military on Wiki are called "African Military Systems" (I wrote most of them so I know). Check them for more detailed and accurate info. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_military_systems_to_1800 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_military_systems_1800-1900 As for the Zulu I can tell you that their use of ranged weapons, 'javelins', as referred to up above was minor. THe Zulu used their spears primarily as a close-in fighting, stabbing weapon. This was the design reputedly of T'Chaka and while most Zulu carried one or two throwing spears, their whole tactical system revolved around close-in fighting. Ranged weapons were secondary. Other important African militaries relied mostly on close-in fighting styles, such as the warrior forces of the Kongo (Angolan region). Battles opened with throwing of ranged weapons (just as in Rome), but the decisive blow was struck by melee type style fighting, hand to hand. Furthermore the cavalry empires relied heavily on infantry, who were themselves needed to suppress the deadly fire of other infantry armed with poisoned arrows. One African pattern that stands out is the use of "combined arms" - i.e. infantry and cavalry working in tandem on the battlefield. [b]It would be more accurate to say that SOME African forces emphasized ranged weapons, rather than a blanket claim as to all of Africa.[/b] Furthermore the characterization of Greece, Rome and Gaul is misleading if made as blanket statements. The Greeks used the heavy phalanx to be sure, but always alongside the phalanx were ranged weapons units. Indeed such units were crucial in helping Alexander defeat non-European cavalry forces. Rome to be sure used the heavy legion, so the claim is more accurate, but even Rome relied heavily on ranged weapons, not only in opening every battle, but ranged weapons are one of the keys that helped Rome defeat powerful opponents cavalry like the Parthians. [b]the uneven terrain of the Zulu country was not conducive to cavalry). [/b] ^^Again not necessarily accurate. Actually the rolling grasslands of Zululand were very good cavalry country as proved by the successes of the Boers, who defeated the Zulu and Zulu-type armies several times, although in other cases they had some setbacks. Against the Nedebele, a semi-Zulu offshoot, in similar terrain, a relatively small group of Boer horsemen kept out of the range of the charging spearmen whole pumping volleys of musketry into the African ranks. The pursuit took several days but always, the mobility of the horse kept the Boers out of harms way as they worked over the Nedebele with their guns. Eventualy, Nedebele commander Mziklhazi was forced to withdraw. Other African tribes in SOuth Africa that adopted horses also saw some success, such as the Basuto, against both African and European enemies. FOr a good book on the wars of southern Africa get of Ian Knight's and Donald Morris' books on the Zulu, but also get JD Omer-COoper's classic "The Zulu Aftermath".. [b]a trick unknown to Egyptian archers and Zulu javelineers[/b] ^^THe notion of Zulu javeineers is misleading. [b]It is because of these advantages that I proclaim the Mandinka to have the strongest army of the three cultures I have surveyed.[/b] ^^Not necessrily. It could be argued that the Mandeka would do well primarily in open country suitable for cavalry, or maneuvering big masses of infantry. In thick forest country however, they would be very much less impressive. Indeed the record shows that when the cavalry forces of some African empires engaged deep in heavy forest regions their performance was uneven, and they had their share of defeats. [b]Sources[/b] ^^You are missing 2 big key sources on African warfare. See African Military Systems on Wiki. If you work in the info in these 2 articles, I think you will have stronger essay in the future. [/QB][/QUOTE]
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