Tactica of Emperor Leo VI The Wise

CORPUS FONTIUM
HISTORIAE BYZANTINAE
CONSILIO SOCIETATIS INTERNATIONALIS
STUDIIS BYZANTINIS PROVEHENDIS
DESTINATAE EDITUM
THE TAKTIKA
OF LEO VI
TEXT, TRANSLATION, AND COMMENTARY
by
GEORGE DENNIS
VOLUMEN XLIX
LEONIS VI TACTICA
EDIDIT, ANGLICE VERTIT, ADNOTAVIT

GEORGE DENNIS
SERIES WASHINGTONIENSIS,
EDIDIT JOHN DUFFY
In aedibus Dumbarton Oaks
Washingtoniae, D.C.
DUMBARTON OAKS
RESEARCH LIBRARY AND COLLECTION
WASHINGTON, D.C.
MMX
2010
CONTENTS
2010 Dumbarton Oaks

Trustees for Harvard University
Washington, D.C.
All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America.
Preface
Introduction
Select Bibliography
Acronyms
Sigla
vii
ix
XV
xix
xxi
TEXT AND TRANSLATION

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA
Leo VI, Emperor of the East, 866-912.
[Tactica. English & Greek]
The Taktika of Leo VI I text, translation,
and commentary by George Dennis.
1st ed.
p. em. - (Dumbarton Oaks texts; 12)
Greek text and English translation on facing pages;
notes and commentary in English.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-o-88402-359-3 (hardcover: alk. paper)
1. Military art and science-Early works to 1800.
2. Tactics-Early works to 18oo.
3. Military art and science-Byzantine Empire.
4. Byzantine Empire-History, Military-527-1081.
I. Dennis, George T. II. Title.
Ul01.L42313 2010
355.4'2-dc22
2009075248
In accordance with the rules adopted by the

International Commission
for the Edition of Sources of Byzantine History,
the text and translation of this volume have been verified
by John Duffy, John Haldan, and Alice-Mary Talbot.
Prologue
Constitution
1:
About Tactics and the General
Constitution 2: About the Qualities Required

in the General
12
16
Constitution 3: About How It Is Necessary to

Make Plans
Constitution 4: About the Division of the Army and
the Appointment of Officers
46
Constitutions: About Weapons
74
Constitution 6: About Armament for the Cavalry

and the Infantry
82
Constitution 7: About Training for the Cavalry

and the Infantry
104
Constitution 8: About Military Punishments
146
Constitution 9: About Marches
154
Constitution 10: About the Baggage Train
186
Constitution 11: About Camps
194
Constitution
12:
About Advance Preparation for Battle
216
vi
Contents
Constitution 13: About the Day before Battle
Constitution 14: About the Day of Battle
290
Constitution 15: About Besieging a City
350
Constitution 16: About Matters after the War
382
Constitution 17: About Surprise Attacks
392
Constitution 18: About the Practices of Various Peoples

and of the Romans in Their Battle Formations
436
Constitution 19: About Naval Warfare
502
Constitution 20: About Various Concise Sayings
536
Epilogue
620
Maps
644
Byzantine Measurements
647
Glossary
649
Persons Mentioned
653
Indexes
I.
Greek proper names
II.
Greek terms
655
657
III.
Fontes
669
IV.
General
672
PREFACE
My dissertation director, Raymond-J. Loenertz, OP, once told me that, in old

age, one should not undertake a critical edition of a Greek text. Perhaps I should
have followed his advice. When I began work on the present edition, however,
old age was off in the distant future and I could still distinguish an acute accent from a grave. But, owing to unforeseen circumstances, the work took much
longer than I had anticipated and I came to realize the pertinence of Fr. Loenertz's cautionary advice. Despite our best efforts, there surely remain imperfections and mistakes. That they are not too numerous is due largely to the careful,
time-consuming work of John Duffy in reading and correcting my typescript.
To him I express my heartfelt thanks. My thanks also to John Haldon for his
helpful suggestions and, among other things, his corrections of the equine terminology. My sincere thanks go to Alice-Mary Talbot, ofDumbarton Oaks, for
her kind and constant support and for expediting the production of this book.
My thanks, as well, to Joel Kalvesmaki, a former student, who so efficiently presided over the editorial process, and to Lionel Yaceczko who moved that process
along carefully and professionally.
I must, as any scholar must, acknowledge the gracious, professional assistance of the librarians at Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana, Biblioteca Apostolica
Vaticana, Biblioteca de El Escorial, Biblioteca Ambrosiana, as well as those at
Dumbarton Oaks, The Catholic University of America, and Santa Clara University.
Los Gatos, California

September, 2009
George T. Dennis, S./.
INTRODUCTION
Although he probably never set foot on a battlefield, the Byzantine emperor

Leo VI (r. 886-912) appears to have had a lively interest in military matters and
the conduct of war. He was after all the supreme commander of the Byzantine
or, as he would prefer, Roman armed forces. Successor to Caesar Augustus, Trajan, Constantine, and Justinian, he was expected to be victorious in war and to
subject barbarian peoples to the authority of Rome. He soon realized that he
could not do this without a solid knowledge of military equipment and practice. This is precisely what Leo set about to acquire. The Byzantines had inherited a voluminous series of military treatises from antiquity: diagrams of battle
formations and instructions for improving one's archery, for besieging or defending a city, and for nearly every aspect of warfare. Leo went through all this,
summarized it, and presented what he considered to be an elementary handbook for his officers on how to prepare soldiers for war and how to move them
about on campaign and on the battlefield. The Tactical Constitutions, or Taktika, were the result.
Preceded by a prologue and concluding with an epilogue, the twenty Constitutions, or chapters, offer little that is original. But the Byzantines were not
interested in original compositions; they revered the authority of the ancients.
Apart, then, from sections devoted to the Saracens and to naval warfare, the
Taktika consist largely of adaptations and paraphrases of previous authors, the
most obvious of which are Onasander (first century A.D.), Aelian (second century A.D.), and Maurice (ca. A.D. 6oo). Leo must have compiled the Taktika
during his reign as emperor, for he refers to his father, Basil I, as deceased. As
with any work attributed to an emperor, it is not clear how much was written by
Leo himself (although there are some very personal remarks) and how much by
his secretaries or research assistants. At any rate, copies were made and, sometime before the death of his son, Constantine VII, in 959, it was incorporated
Introduction
into a large volume of Greek military treatises, a sort of military encyclopedia,

and deposited in the imperial library. This, or a copy of it, is the mid-tenthcentury codex Mediceo-Laurentianus graecus, 55, 4 (M).
This manuscript, written by one hand on good parchment, has been the
subject of several detailed studies.' Alphonse Dain claims that it exemplifies the
first manuscript family, which he designates as the authentic tradition. In its
present state, it is made up of 404 folios, mostly quaternions, although some
folios are now missing, as will be noted suo loco. Each page measures 32.5 x 26
em., 32 lines to a page. The script is a clear and somewhat elegant minuscule,
with the titles in semi-uncial. The ink is dark brown, fading in places, with red
ink used for the titles, which are preceded by ornamental bands.
It seems that not many copies were made of M, and much of its subsequent history is not clear. Early in the fifteenth century, it was owned by a highranking army officer in the service of Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos, De-metrios Laskaris Leontares, who made use of blank spaces to record births and
deaths in his family from 1408 to 1439. His grandson, also named Demetrios,
made further notations for the years 1448 to 1450.2 After the fall of Constantinople, in 1453, the volume found its way to Thessaly, where it was purchased in
1491 by Janus Laskaris and brought to Florence.
The Tactical Constitutions, beginning on folio 281, originally consisted of
sixteen constitutions, which were followed by an assortment of maxims; an epilogue; and three treatises on surprise attacks, siege warfare, and naval warfare.
These three treatises, as well as a collection of concise sayings, were soon incorporated into the main body of the work, as can be seen in the codex Vindobonensis phil. graecus 275 (W), resulting in the following order for the final sections: Constitution XIV, The Day of Battle; XV, Siege Warfare; XVI, The
Day after Battle; XVII, Surprise Attacks; XVIII, Customs of Different Nations;
XIX, Naval Warfare; XX, Concise Sayings; Epilogue. This is the plan, perhaps
the original plan, given in the prologue (lin. 103-19). One should also note that,
in the manuscripts, Constitutions III and IV are in reverse order.
In addition to the above changes in the order of the chapters, W made a few
other changes, mostly minor ones, indicated below. It is, in essence, an expand-
Introduction
xi
Nl copy of M, a sort of second edition. Although mutilated in the beginning and

at the end, and missing several folios, it must be consulted to establish the authentic text of the Taktika. W is a small (octavo) parchment volume consisting
presently of 249 folios. The script is clear, 24 lines to a page, although the ink has
faded in several places. Especially in the earlier chapters, there are numerous
brief, crudely written marginal notations, perhaps by a later hand, often without
diacritical marks (reproduced as such in this edition), meant to clarify certain
terms in the text. When W was written is not clear, probably early in the second
half of the tenth century.
A thorough study of the two manuscripts indicates that W may have been
copied directly from M or, at least, from a manuscript very closely linked to it.
The differences between the two are minimal, and a survey of the first fourteen
chapters reveals some 220 common errors, such as KOUTou~epvtv and T6A.oov
(seep. xiii below). And, of course, each manuscript has some unique errors, with
W having a few more than M, including some omissions. Both seem to regard
indicative and subjunctive as interchangeable, o <-->- w, et <-->- '1 M tends to present numerals as such, whereas W tends to spell them out, e.g., tW versus
6wOeKa. Both prefer o to w in words such as KoupmiTope<;. In a few instances, W
has the correct reading whereas M does not, but these are usually due to simple
scribal corrections of mistakes in M. W generally adds final v before a word beginning with Kor T.
The second family of manuscripts, as identified by scholars, is headed by codex Ambrosianus B 119 sup. (139) (A), a parchment manuscript consisting of 347
folios, mostly quaternions, 29.5 x 22.5 em, with 31 lines to a page. 3 The Taktika
of Leo begins on folio 189. The manuscript has been dated to early in the second
half of the tenth century. 4 The text, however, is not the same as that found in M
and W, but is a paraphrase, with words often transposed. One cannot therefore
speak of common or unique errors in A with any precision. While it cannot be
ignored, it is, for the most part, not very helpful in reconstituting the original
text; on occasion, when M is faulty or lacking, A provides the correct reading.
A glance at the apparatus of this edition, however, makes it obvious that A has
A. M. Bandini, Catalogus codicum manuscriptorum graecorum Bibliothecae Laurentianae (Florence, 1768), 1:218-38; Dain, "Strategistes," 382-85, with bibliography; also his
3. A. Martini and D. Bassi, Catalogus codicum graecorum Bibliothecae Ambrosianae

(Milan, 1906), 1:157-60. See now B. Leoni, La Parafrasi Ambrosiana della Strategicon di Maurizio: l'arte della guerra a Bisanzio (Milan, 2003).
Histoire, 183-85.
2. P. Schreiner, Die byzantinischen Kleinchroniken, 3 vols. (Vienna, 1975), 1:641-49.
4 C. Mazzuchi, "Dagli anni di Basilio Parakimomenos (Cod. Ambros. B 119 sup.),"

Aevum 52 (1978): 267-318.
1.
xii
Introduction
Introduction
much more in common with the third manuscript family than with the first, although it is difficult to be more exact about their relationship. Whether it is a
paraphrase based directly on M or on a common ancestor, or on perhaps a sibling, is not clear.
The third family includes the largest number of manuscripts, but only three
are relevant to our study of the text. Codex Vaticanus graecus 1164 (V) is a
parchment manuscript, 23 x 31 em, with 33 lines to a page, composed of quaternions, and written in a careful, regular minuscule. Only 281 of its original 392
folios remain. Consisting of ancient and medieval military treatises, its copy of
the Taktika begins only at the end of Constitution V. This manuscript is very
closely related to Parisinus graecus 2442 (P) and Neapolitanus graecus 284 (N).
All three were produced in the same scriptorium, that ofEphrem, in Constantinople, at about the same time, probably around 1020. 5
P and the codex Barberinianus graecus II 97 (276) (B) originally formed one
manuscript, but the separation was poorly done and several quaternions were
mixed up in both.6 It is written in a careful minuscule, "Perlschrift," on parchment, 125 folios in P and 240 in B, quaternions, 34 x 26 em, with 36 lines to a
page. It was produced perhaps a bit later than V. The Tactical Constitutions of
Leo begin in B at folio 130.
The third manuscript from the same scriptorium, also divided in two, is
formed by Nand the codex Scorialensis graecus Y-III-11 (E). It is a parchment
manuscript, consisting of quaternions, 22.5 x 14 em, with 38 lines to a page. In
their present states, N consists of 101 folios that do not include the Taktika, and
E of 308, with the Taktika beginning on folio 160. The derivation of this manuscript has been disputed, but there are reasons to think that N E was copied
from V.
Other manuscripts containing complete or partial texts of the Taktika
continued to be produced through the sixteenth century-Vari counted 88 of
them? They are, however, of no use in reconstituting the original text.
The Taktika has been wholly or partially edited before this. A few pages of
5
J. Irigoin, "Pour une etude des centres de copies byzantins," Scriptorium 12 (1958): 208-
27; 13 (1959): 177-209.

6. Ibid. See also H. A. Omont, Inventaire sommaire des manuscrits grecs de Ia Bibliotheque nationale et des autres bibliotheques de Paris et des Departements, vol. 2, Ancien fonds
grec: Droit, histoire, sciences (Paris, 1888), 262.
7. R. Vari, Leonis imperatoris Tactica, 2 vols. (Budapest, 1917-1922) (= Va), 1:xv-xxix.
xiii
:o11stitution IV, as found in codex Monacensis graecus 244, were printed in

in 1552. The entire work, as found in three secondary manuscripts, was
!ll'Nl published by Joannes Meurs (Leyden, 1612). After some mistakes were corand the text compared with M, it was again published by J. Lami (Flor1745). This edition, in turn, was incorporated by J.-P. Migne into his Palrulogia graeca, vol. 107, cols. 672-1094 (= PG). Finally, a critical edition of
prologue and Constitutions I-XIV (to line 228) was published by Vari (see
n, At the top of each page are printed the sources utilized by the author, and
Itt the bottom the paraphrase of Nikephoros Ouranos under the title recensio
~:onstr:mtiniana. He also published Constitution XVIII, together with a Hungartranslation.8
!
lt is clear that any scholarly edition of the Taktika must be based on M,

with what is found in W. And such is the rationale of the present edition.
although a paraphrase, sometimes provides the correct reading or helps to
clarify the terminology of M. It has therefore been included in the apparatus.
the same reasons, the readings of V B E, although of less help, have also
included. We have indicated the folio numbers of M in the margin and,
where that is missing, those of W or A. In general, we have retained its arrangement of paragraphs and its orthography, including some inconsistencies, such
ns nicppo<; +-> Tpacpo<;. There are some exceptions, such as the sequence of the
hooks, noted above, and the spelling of some words. For example, instead of
l\OUTou~pvtv of MW, we have preferred KOVTOu~pvtv (-10v) of the other manuscripts (a better reflection of the Latin original contubernium), and TouA.oov
rather than the incorrect ToA.oov of MW. There are very few other changes and
the reasons for them should be clear from the apparatus.
TRANSLATION
Byzantine military writers, just like their modern counterparts, made no efto write in an imaginative or sophisticated manner. In fact, they explicitly
tell us that they have made no pretense of fine writing, of producing literary masterpieces. Leo's Taktika is no exception (cf. Epilogue, 70). Intended for
practical use, it is written in a straightforward and generally uncomplicated
Greek. We have tried to render this in the same kind of English. A very literal,
l(:lft
8. "Boles Leo Hadi Taktikajanak XVIII Fejezete" in A Magyar Honfoglalds Kutfoi, edited
by G. Pauler and S. Szilagyi (Budapest, 1900) (= Va,Hung.).
xiv
Introduction
word-for-word translation may have some advantages, but it would not be readable. Sometimes, therefore, we have altered sentence structure, omitted several
Greek particles (yap, f.lEV, 8), and added a few words in < >, all in an effort to
make the text easier to read and to understand. We believe that the present translation, while not perfect, is nonetheless an accurate, idiomatic rendition of the
Greek original.
Words that have no exact equivalent in English would be awkward if translated literally and so have been left in transliterated Greek, e.g., bandon, tagma,
pentarch, dekarch, merarch. This has special relevance to the names given to
the units and officers of the Byzantine army. Company and regiment are not the
same as tagma or meros; a merarch is not really a colonel. One exception is the
plural of meros: "divisions" seems preferable to mere or meroses. In the manuscripts some numbers are written as numerals and others are spelled out. These
have been regularized in the translation: round numbers and numbers up to
one hundred are spelled out (e.g., tW becomes "twelve"); all others are rendered
in Arabic numerals.
In an effort to clarify some terms and to identify some citations or references, we have appended a few brief notes to the translation. An extended commentary by John Haldon is in preparation at Dumbarton Oaks.
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DAI
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xvi
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Vari, R. "Zur Uberlieferung mittelgriechischer Taktikern." BZ 15 (1906): 47-87.
- - . "Boles Leo Hadi Taktikajanak XVIII Fejezete." In A Magyar Honfoglalas Kutfoi.
Edited by G. Pauler and S. Szilagyi. Budapest, 1900.
Vasiliev, A. A. Byzance et les Arabes. 2 vols. Brussels, 1935-50.
Wiita, J. E. "The Ethnika in Byzantine Military Treatises." PhD diss., University of
Minnesota, 1977.
Zuckerman, C. "The Military Compendium of Syrianus Magister." JOB 40 (1990): 216.
ACRONYMS
For bibliographical abbreviations see above, Select Bibliography.
BMGS
Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies
BSl
Byzantinoslavica
ByzF
Byzantinische Forschungen
BZ
Byzantinische Zeitschrift
CFHB
Corpus Fontium Historiae Byzantinae
DOP
Dumbarton Oaks Papers
GRBS
Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Studies
JQB
]ahrbuch der Osterreichischen Byzantinistik
LEG
Lexikon zur byzantinischen Griizitiit
ODE
Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium
PG
Patrologiae cursus completus, series graeca, edited by J.-P.

Migne 161 vols. (Paris, 1855-67)
REB
Revue des etudes byzantines
TM
Travaux et Memoires
xix
SIGLA
Codex Mediceo-Laurentianus graecus 55, 4.
Codex Vindobonensis phil. graecus 275.
Codex Ambrosianus B 119 sup. (139).
Codex Vaticanus graecus 1164.
Codex Barberinianus graecus II 97 (276).
Codex Scorialensis graecus Y-III-11.
Dain
Naumachica, edited by A. Dain (Paris, 1943).
Onas.
Strategikos, in Aeneas Tacticus, Onasander, Asclepiodotus,

edited and translated by the Illinois Greek Club
(Cambridge, MA, 1928), 341-527.
Strat.
Das Strategikon des Maurikios, edited by G. Dennis with

Germ. translation by E. Gamillscheg (Vienna, 1981).
Va
R. Vari, Leonis imp. Tactica, 2 vols. (Budapest 1917-22).
Va,Hung.
R. Vari, "Boles Leo Hadi Taktikajanak XVIII Fejezete,"

In A Magyar Honfoglalas Kutfoi, edited by G. Pauler
and S. Szilagyi (Budapest, 1900). (= Const. XVIII; see
Introduction).
PG
Patrologiae cursus completus, Series graeca, edited by J.-P.

Migne, 161 vols. (Paris, 1857-66), 107:672-1094.
De
G. Dennis.
Du
J. Duffy.
<>
suppleta ab editore.
ci.
coniecit.
xxi
xxii
Sigla
corr.
correxit.
des.
desinit.
fol.
folium.
inc.
incipit.
mg.
in margine.
om.
omisit, omiserunt.
scr.
scripsit.
trsp.
transposuit, transposuerunt.
THE TAKTIKA
OF LEO VI
AEONTOL EN XPILTDt AYTOKPATOPOL TON EN

ITOAEMOIL TAKTIKDN LYNTOMOL ITAPA~OLIL
1. 'Ev
OVO!lUTl TOU TiaTpoc; KQL TOU Ylou Kal TOU Ay[ou TiveullaToc;, T~c; ayiac;
Kal 611ooucriou Kal rrpocrKUVfJT~c; Tpt0.8oc;, Tou voc; Kal 116vou C:tA.fJ8tvou E>eou
5 ~11wv, Awv, 6 eipfJVLKoc; f.v Xptm(i> aU-roKpaTwp, mcrT6c;, evae~~c;, aetae~aaToc;,
auyoumoc;.
2. Ou ~aatALK~ 8opu<pop[a KQL f.~oucr(a, ou T~c; f.~oucr[ac; 8uvameia Kal
rreptoucr(a, ou T~c; rreptoucr(ac; f.rr[8et~Lc; Kal arr6\.auatc;, OUOEV oaa TWV f.v av8pwrrotc; f.<pTWV Kal Tl!llWV T~V ~llTpav oihwc; U<ppa(Vl ~aatA.dav
we;
~ TWV
10 UTrf]KOWV eip~Vf] Kal Uf]llPla Kal TWV TrOALTLKWV rrpawaTWV ~ 8t' auTWV f.rrl TO
KptTTOV KaTaaTacr[c; T KQL f.rrav6p8watc;. warrep TO f.vaVTLOV ou8f:v OtlTW T~V

~!lWV Kap8(av avt9. Kal AUTrl
we;
~ TWV urro Xetpa 8ucrrrpay(a Kal TWV rrepl
aU-roue; aya8wv ~ 8t' Ct!lAiac; f.Ao.nwatc; Kal KaTarrTWatc;. ei yap evoc; av8poc;
T~c; ~!lWV ~~lW!lEVOU rrpovo(ac; ~ !lEV f.rrl TO KpLTTOV avaveuatc; a<paTOV ~IllY
15 eu<ppocrUVf]V f.pya(e-rat, ~
8' f.rrl TO xeipov arr6veumc; aAyf]OOVa \j!UX~c; avurrp~Af]TOV, Tl OUK av rra80L!lV TOGOUTWV !1Upta8wv T~c; ~!lWV !leTa Eleov ~pTf]!lE
VWV rrpovoiac;
wv
T~v <ppovTi8a Kal f.mllAetav xpewcrToiJvTec;, VUKTwp !lEV
f.rraypurrvoiJ!lV, ~11pac; 8 8ta!lATW!1V rrO.crf]c; !lEV Ctf]8(ac; Kal ~Aa~f]c; i:.A.eu8pouc; 8taTf]picr8at, TrUGf]c; 8t xapac; Kal Uf]llPtac; rrpOGf]KOVTWc; f.rrarroA.auetv;
20
3 AHa TWV !lEV aAA.wv rrepl T~V TrOALTdav rrpawaTWV lllKpav nva 8e~a!1EVWV '(awe; f.Ao.nwmv ou TocraUTf]V Ka-ravoou11ev T~v ~Aa~f]V, T~c; 8 mpaTf]ytK~c; 11e868ou 8tarrecroucrf]c; TocrouTq> Ka-r6mv Ta 'Pw11aiwv cruvfJA.0.8fJ rrpawa-
Ta, ocrov ~ rreipa TOU vuv XPOVOU rraatv arravm KaT' 6cp8aA!10Uc; 6pw11eva rrap(25
LEO IN CHRIST AUTOKRATOR,

SUMMARY TRANSMISSION OF THE TACTICS
EMPLOYED IN WAGING WAR
aTf]at rrp68f]Aa.
4. "E8et !lEV yap av8pwrrouc; arravmc;, eLKOVl Eleou Kal Aoyq> TTl!lfJ!1EVOUc;
T~V eip~Vf]V acrrra(ecr8at Kal T~V etc; CtAA~AOUc; rrept8aATrLV ayartf]V KUL 11~
1. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, the holy,
tJ!msubstantial, and worshipful Trinity, our one and only true God, Leo, peaceful
l;lUtokrator in Christ, faithful, pious, ever revered Augustus.
2. It is not the imperial pageantry and authority, not the power and extent of
thttt authority, not the display and enjoyment of all that. It is not any of those
things sought after and esteemed by men that brings such joy to Our Majesty as
does the peace and prosperity of our subjects and the setting aright and the
~c:tmstant improvement in those matters that affect our citizens. On the contrary,
nothing so grieves and pains our heart as the misfortunes of our subjects and
1my decrease or failure <in their attaining> the good things due them, because
<someone's> negligence. Now, if an improvement in the condition of just one
person who has been entrusted to our care causes us ineffable happiness and the
worsening of his condition brings us unsurpassed grief of soul, what would we
not suffer with so many tens of thousands depending, after God, on our
providence? Mindful of our obligation to take thought and to be concerned
about them, we stay up at night, and during the day we deliberate on how to
preserve them free of all unpleasantness and harm and on how they may enjoy
all the happiness and prosperity that are rightfully theirs. 1
3 When other matters affecting the state deteriorate to some small degree,
we do not consider the damage to be excessive. But everyone can clearly see,
with his own eyes, how the collapse of strategic knowledge has cast all the affairs
of the Romans down to such a degree as we experience at this very moment.
4 For honored by the image and word of God, all men ought to embrace
peace and foster love for one another instead of taking up murderous weapons
M W (mut.) ABE Va PG 107:672

1-6 A.eovroc; ... auyouaToc; M om. ABE
9 t<pETWV M em8Uf!TJTWV ABE 11 TE Kal

I aAyT]OOVU M OOUVTJV ABE 16 mi80lf!EV M
mi8Wf!EV ABE 16-17 ~PTTJf!EVWV M i:KKpEf!Uf!evwv ABE 17 Kal MA Kal T~v BE I
vuKTwp M vuKToc; ABE 22 oaouw MA oaouTov BE 1 KaTomv ... auvTJMSTJ MA a
tnav6p8watc; MA om. BE
15 {j' M Of ABE
pwf!a[wv UUVTJAUSTJ KaT6mv BE
23 viiv MA om. BE
1. Leo and other emperors employ similar words to articulate t~eir overwhelming
concern, "night and day: for the welfare of their subjects. See H. Hunger, P~ooimion: Elemente
der byzantinischen Kaiseridee in den Arengen der Urkunden (Vienna, 1964), 97-99.
30
35
40
45
50
Prologue
Prologue
Xdpa<; <pov[ou<; KaLa TWV 6f.!OYVWV Ka8on\.[(nv. nw5~ 0 6 em' apx~<; av8pwnoKT6vo<; Ota~o\.o<; Kat Tou yvou<; ~f.!WV ex8po<; Ota T~<; <'tf.!apTta<; taxuaa<; Kma
T~<; [O[a<; (jlUCYeW<; avnaTpaTUW8at TOU<; av8pwnou<; napWKUaCYV, micra a!
vayKf] Tal<; alJTOU ytVOf.!fVat<; Ota TWV av8pwnwv flllxavat<; av8pwnou<; avnmpaTUW8at Kat tot<; 8\.oum noA.f.!OU<; 8vt:m fl~ UXtpwtou<; Ka8[aTaa8at.
ana Tat<; mpaTfJYLKat<; f.!e860ot<; t~V CYWTf]p[av nop[(w8at Kat Ot' aUTWV
<pu\.anw8at f.!EV uno TWV empxOf.!fVWV nOAefllWV, Opiiv 6 KaT' aUTWV oaa
na8etV eKdVot av dev i:i~tOL w<; av eKKonvto<; TOU Ota TWV nOVf]pWv eyxetpOUf.lfYOU KaKOU Kat naVtWV T~V OlKelaV CYWTf]plaV aana(Of.!fVWV ~ ip~Vf] napa niiat
CYTepx8df] Kat no\.muotTO.
s."Ew<; f.!EV yap, w<; EOLK, TaKaTa noAtf.!OU<;'Pwf.!a[ot<; ev eUTa~l\l OVTa etuyxav, T~<; T en' OUK 6\.[you<; xpovou<; 8da<; an\.au ~Of]8eta<; to KpaTO<; Kat Tft
eUTa~l\l KtpVWfleVO<; TWV aptmwv 6 novo<;, TO Aaflnpov T~<; VLKf]<; ent nAtov
eTatVLOUTO. vuv 6 T~<; TaKTLK~<; T Kat mpaTf]YLK~<; KaTaCYTUCYeW<; en' OUK
6\.[you<; XPOVOU<; afleAOUf.!fVf]<;, [va fl~ Ayw Kat d<; navTeA~ nt:pte\.8ouCYf]<;
A.~8f]V, W<; flf]OE auTa Ta npoxetpa TOU<; CYTpaTfjydv eyxetpouvm<; en[maa8at,
nona Ouaxep~ Ota<p6pw<; 6pWf.!V CYUfl~a[vovm. T~<; yap no\.Awv aya8wv
npo~vou bnaT~flf]<; OtanWOUCYf]<;, oawv Ot' auT~<; ~ 'Pwf.!a[wv naA.at noAtTda
eUf.!Olpf]CY, TOUvavt[ov 6pWflV T~V 8t:[av anouaav Uf.lfVLav Kat T~V auv~8f]
T~<; 'Pwfla[wv noAtTta<; VlKf]V TWV aywvt(Of.!fVWV a<ptTITaflfVf]V. KaTa fllKpov yap
afleAOUf.!fVf]<; T~<; KaTa noA.flOU<; t:uTa~[a<; Kat yuflvaa[a<; <JUVf]flA~8f], w<; iiotK,
Kat TWV aptmwv ~ U'!JUXla. dm noT flEV ayUf.!VU<Jtav ~ avavop[av ahtWf.!e8a
<JTpanWTWV, nOT 8 ant:tp[av ~ on\.[av KaTaflefl(jlOfle8a CYTpaTf]YWV, ev[oT 6
<Ot'> a<Ja<petav T~<; TWV apxa[wv TaKTLKWV Otayvw<JeW<; af.!eAOUfleV. TaUTf]V ouv
44 ab eSt' aut~~ inc.
27-28 loan. 8:44.
w
40-78 Strat., praef.10-35.
27 xTpac; <pov[ouc; M <pOVlKU<; xTpa~ ABE 28 Ota~OAO~ ABE cSta~OAlKO~ M I icrxucrac; MA

icrxupac; BE 33 opav M rrpanetv ABE 34 rra8lv ... dev M KeTvot rra8eTv eicriv ABE
35 rraat M TIUVTWV ABE 36 crtepx8d!] M ayarrlje~ ABE 37-38 wc; ... huyxave M oi
PWf.!a"LKol TIOAf!Ol tv Uta~[a tyivovto (tyevovto BE) ABE 38 T ... xpovouc; M om. ABE I
cmeA.aue MAB cmeA.a~e E 38-40 Kal. .. -rmvtoiho M om. ABE 39 aptatewv Va
aptcrtdwv codd. 40 n: M om. ABE 40-41 err' ... xpovouc; M trrl xpovouc; OUK oA.iyouc;
ABE 42 ta ABE om. M 45 ei>f!oip!]cr MABE ei>f!oip!]crev W I touvavtiov MW to
tvavtiov ABE 47 we; eotK MW om. ABE 48 ayuf!vacriav ... aitu.Of!e8a MW aittwf!8a
ayuf!Vacr[av ~ avavopiav ABE 49 tviot MW TIOAAUKl<; ABE 50 <'it' ci. Du om. codd. I
acra<petav ... Ctf!AOUf!V MW t~V TWV apxaiwv taKtlKWV <'itayvwatv we; acra<p~ Kal OUOKOAOV
rrapopWf!V ABE I taKttKWV W ABE om. M
In their hands to use against their own people. But since the devil, the killer of
1mn from the beginning, 2 the enemy of our race, has made use of sin to bring
283'
men to the point of waging war against their own kind, it becomes entirely
llt~eessary for men to wage war making use of contrivances of the devil,
tlt'Veloped through men and, without flinching, to take their stand against those
nntions that want war. They must then make provision for their security by
military means, employing them to defend themselves against the onslaughts of
enemy, to take action against them, and to make them suffer what they may
wdl deserve. In this way, the evil brought about by those wicked people will be
t!Kdsed. With everyone embracing his own safety, peace will be cherished by all
tmd will become a way of life.
5. For, so it seems, as long as the armed forces of the Romans were in good
order, the state enjoyed divine assistance for not a few years, and the toil of the
most valorous was mingled with discipline and, for the most part, was crowned
with the splendor of victory. But, for many years now, the pursuit of tactics and
11trategy has been neglected, not to say fallen so completely into oblivion that
those assuming the command of an army do not understand even the most
t>bvious matters. 3 We may observe that this leads to quite a number of different
problems. For with the disappearance of this knowledge, productive of so many
good things, and by means of which the commonwealth of the Romans
flourished of old, we behold the opposite; divine favor is absent and the
accustomed triumph of the Roman commonwealth has flown away from its
fighting men. For, along with the gradual neglect of military discipline and
training, the courage of our brave warriors, so it would seem, has also declined.
Sometimes we attribute the cause to the lack of training and the cowardice of
the soldiers; sometimes we place the blame on the inexperience and timidity of
their commanders; and sometimes we neglect the clear teaching of the ancient
tacticians because of its obscurity. Wishing, therefore, with God's help, to restore
2.
John 8:44.
3 See Strat., Preface 10-35.
6 Prologue
T~V
Prologue 7
f11l(JT~!lf]V
avaawaaaeat (JUV 8e{i> Kal olav anwcr8eicrav EK

T~<; 'Pwlla'[K~<; ~!lWV TIOALTe(a<; avaKaAcracr8at ~OUAO!leVOl, OUK WKV~Ga!leV
crnouofi TOGauTn avaM~acrem !li::V ioiw<; n6vov, KOlV~V oi:: TOt<; UTIT]KOOl<; xap(cracrem T~V W<pfAetaV.
55
6. Tat<; yap apxatat<; Kat 0~ Kat Tal<; VeWTfpat<; GTpaTTJYLKat<; Te Kat TaKnKat<;
E!l<ptAoxwp~cravTe<; !le86oot<; Kal -rai<; O.Hat<; KmaJ.oya<'ifJv vTux6vT<; imopim<;, Kal e'( Tl KaTCt xeipa<; oo~e XP~OlflOV TWV v TIOAE!lOl<; avayKa(wv, EKetElev
avaAe~U!leVOl Kal oiov pavwa!leVOl, oaa Kal Ola !leTPta<; ndpa<; nl TWV pywv
auTwv av~::llaeo!lev T(il KaEl' ~!lii<; Katp{i> Kal Tfi vuv Kmamacret np6crcpopa T Kai
6o ap!lOOla, TQUTQ U!llV KaTCt TO ouvaTov (JUVTOflOV Te Kai I ClTIA~V T~V wcp;\nav nl
TWV npawa-rwv xov-ra w<; O.Hov npoxnpov VOflOV napaOtOOa!leV, v npa~eOl
!liiAAOV ~ Af~e(Jl TO GeflVOV Kai xpnwOe<; napeXOfleVOl, olov dcraywy~v nva
TaKTlK~V TOL<; ~lle-rpot<; unompa-r~yot<; Kai TU<; TIOAe!llKU<; f!lTI11l(JTD!lfVOl<;
xpeia<;, <'it' Ui-!WV unayopeUOVTe<; w<; eUKOAOV EVTeUElev elvm TOt<; ~OUAOflfVOL<;
65 Kal nl TU fleL<w TWV rraAatwv EKelVWV TaKTLKWV Kai apxaiwv <EleWPTJ!lUTWV>
Ta~n nvl Kal ~aElfl{i> npo'lvm, <ppacrew<; fli::V aKpt~ou<; ~ KO!lnou PfJflUTWV
OUOefllUV TIOlf]GUflVOl <ppovTIOa, npUYflUTWV oe !liiAAOV Kal O"U<pf]Veta<; A6you
KQL Af~eW<; ClTIA~<; Tie<ppOVTlKOTe<;. o8ev TQUTU<; naAatU<; T~<; TQKTLK~<; TIOAAUKL<;
'EAAT]VLKU<; fll::v EO"U<pf]VlO'UfleV Af~et<;, 'PWflU.lKU<; oi:: 0LP!lfJVeUO'afleV, Kat TLO'LV
70 hpm<; aTpanwnKft auvf]Eleiq. AeAeYf.lfVat<; EXPTJO"U!le8a ;\~wtv eveKev T~<;
aacpov<; KUTaA~\jfeW<; TWV EvTuyxav6vTWV, flOVOV TWV OUK avayKa(wv OtaTa~eWV
e~nPTJflEVWV Ota T TO nepmov KUL ~v axpfJGTLQV Kat ~v TWV auyypafl!lUTWV
CtGU<peLUV, '(v' exoteV eUO'UVOTITOV oi ~OUAOfleVOl GTpaTT]YlV TIOAA~V TWV KaTa
OVf]OlflWTUH]V
51 OVT)OLf.lWTU<T)V MW wcpeALf.lWT<iTT)V ABE I anwcr8dcrav MW <'mootwx8ETcrav ABE 55 Kal

o~ MW om. ABE 56 Ef.lq>LAoxwp~crav<e~ MW <ptAon6vw~ tnuxov<e~ ABE 56-57 Tat~ ...
icr<opiat~ MW TU~ iiHa~ icr<opia~ avepeuv~crOVTE~ AB TU~ iiHa~ KUTUAoy<'toT)V EVTUXOVTE~ E
1 scr. mg. apptavou ml>.iavou JtAono~ 6vT)cr<'tvopou f.lT)VO. nol>.ua(vou cruptavou nl>.ou<apxou W
57 l n WBE eh MA I KUla xETpa~ MW om. ABE I EOO~ XP~Olf.lOV MW trsp. ABE
58 6.vaA~Uf.lVOl MWA tmAe~Uf.lEVOl BE I Kail ... tpavtCfUf.lEVOl MW om. ABE I ocra Kal MW
trsp. ABE I OlU f.lETpta~ MW ot' OAlYT)~ ABE 6o CfUVTOf.lOV ABE CfUVTOf.lW~ MW 61 w~ ...
VOf!OV ABE npoxeipou <a~tv v6f.1ou MW 62 dcraywy~v MW etcrooov ABE 63 noAEf.lLKa~
MW noAmKa~ ABE 65 f!Ei~w MW f.ld~ova ABE I 8ewpT)f.lUTwv ci. Va om. codd.
66 npottvat MW npoxwpe1v ABE I cppacrew~ ... pT)f!Ct<wv MW Kal>.Aou~ f!Ev A6you ABE
67 notT)OCtf!EVot cppovtioa MW trsp. ABE 67-68 cracpT)vda~ ... taum~ MW(o8ev Kal)
cruvt6f!OU Kal UK6Aou ot!]y~crew~ cppon(cravte~ Stu touto ABE 68 tii~ ... noHaKt~ MW
At~et~ <ii~ <aKttKii~ ABE 69-71 KaL .. tvtuyxav6vtwv MW Kal ttepat~ At~emv
txp1Jcraf!E8a tv crtpa-rtwnKii cruv118eia l>.eyof.lEVat~ npo~ to EiiKoAov dvm -r~v ot~yl]crtv toT~
evtuyxavoucrtv ABE 71-78 f!Ovov ... ta~tv MW om. ABE
!his most profitable knowledge and, after it had been almost driven out of our
Roman commonwealth, to call it back into being, we have not hesitated, with
seriousness, to take up this task ourselves and, in this way, to graciously
bestow a common benefit upon our subjects.
6. After devotedly giving our attention to the ancient, as well as to the more
recent, strategic and tactical methods, and having read about further details in
other accounts, if we came across anything in those sources that seemed useful
ft)r the needs of war, we have, as it were, gathered it up and collected it.4 Those
things, moreover, that we have learned from our own limited experience of
11ctive duty and that are applicable and serviceable in our day and in the present
situation, we now pass on to you as best we can. We offer them as a modest
tlSSistance in these matters, succinctly, as another Procheiros nomos, presenting
In practice rather than in words what is useful and worthy of respect. It is a sort
of introductory book on tactics for our subcommanders and those who have
been entrusted with the responsibilities of combat. 5 We assure you that this
should make it easier for those who wish to advance in an orderly manner and
by degrees to a better knowledge of those old tactical authors and ancient
theories. We have paid no heed to the strictures of good diction or fine-sounding words. Our concern, rather, has been with practicality, clarity of expression,
and simplicity of style. With this in mind, we have frequently clarified the
ancient Greek tactical terms and we have translated the Latin ones into their
Greek equivalents. We have also employed certain other expressions in common
military usage to make it easier for the reader to understand them. The only
thing we have done away with are formations that are no longer needed because
they are superfluous, useless, and their description is not clear. Thus, those who
desire to command troops may have ready access to a great store of experience
concerning the requirements for combat and military campaigns. This manual
~rcat
284
4 In the margin of W, someone (perhaps the scribe) has written the names of Arrian,
Aelian, Pelops, Onasander, Menas, Polyaenus, Syrianus, Plutarch.
5 Subcommander: hypostrategos, also lieutenant general (see 4.8-9). At one time all
generals were called lieutenant generals, the emperor being considered the one supreme
general, with the others as his delegates. In Leo's time, the term was applied to the senior
merarch.
Prologue
Prologue
JtOAE!lOU<; Kat EK0Tpan:[ac; avayKa[wv T~V n:dpav, ou A.6yq> !lOVOV TO XP~<Jl!lOV

7; exouaav, aA.A.a 0~ Kat auTolc; pyote; n:apa
axptc; ~!lWV, ei Kat ll~ pyote; auTolc; ole;
TWV
rraA.mwv yyullvaa81aav Kat
Ta 'Pwlla[wv
ET!t llya ~p8Tj OUVCt!lfW<;,
rrapam:!l<p8daav, aAA.' ouv Tole; A.6yOLc; Ot' dJv avaA.a!l~CtVETaL Kal ava!lt!lV~(JKf
TaL Ta A.~ en rrapaT!f!l<p8vm Kat eic; T~V apxaiav T!CtAtV UT!OKa8[ama8at TCt~LV.
7 AAA.' <p' OCJ(jl !lEV v Tole; pT]8Tj00!1EVOL<; TO DXPTJ0TOV avaoetx8fi, xaptc;
So
Ttp T!CtVTWV aya8wv OOT~pt Xpt0Ttp, Ttp ~aCJLAfL TOU rraVToc; Kat ee(il ~llWV, Ttp
Kat TOte; ~!lETEpOLc; A.6yotc; 0WpT]0a!lEV(jl T~V xaptv. ei o nc; Kat npoc; Ot' aUT~c;
T~c; ET!l!lfAflac; Kat m[pac; KpeLTTova T01JTWV <peupn, xaptc; Kat oihwc; Ttp rrava-
ya8q> ee(il, auyyvW!lTJ o ~IlLY T~c; rrpo8u!l[ac; EVfKfV.

8. IT<ivTwc;
8;
0 xp~, ehe ET!t T!AEOV ehe err' A.anov, muc; ~OUA0!1EVOU<; mpa-
TTjydv Talc; TaKTLKalc; Tf Kat cnpmTjytKalc; evOtaTpl~flV !lfAETatc;. oM yap, we;

TtVf<; TWV arre[pwv exoum, Ota T!A~8ouc; avopwv Kat 8paaouc; ol T!OAf!lOt Kp[vovTaL, aAA.a Ot' fU!lfVeLac; ewu Kat 0TpaTT]yiac; Kat T<i~ewc;, ~c; !lCtAAOV ET!l!lfAT]TEOV
~ au:\Aoy~c; T!A~8ouc; aKa[pou ~ !lEV yap Kat aCJ<pUAftav Kat w<p:\aav ayet Tole;
KaA.wc; auTfi KfXPTJ!lEVOL<;, ~ 0 Kat auvTpt~~v Kat m(~!lt0V oan:CtVTJV.

90
9. 'Dan:ep yap ouK aTtv 6:\Kaoa rreA<iyTJ Otarrop811euw8m Ku~epVTJTLK~c;

ET!LCJT~!lTJ<; I xwp[c;, oihwc; ouo T!OAf!llOU<; Kamywvi(w8m T<i~ewc; Kat mpaTTjyiac; KT6c;, ot' ~c; ou 116vov Tou iaopporrouvToc; rrA.~8ouc; Twv rroA.e11iwv rreptyeva8m auv 8e(il OuvaTOV ECJTLV, aHa Kat TOU T!OAAtp T!AEOV Ttp apt8!l4J dmep>~UAAOVTO<;. warrep ouv O.Hov TtVa rrpoxapov VO!lOV DilLY,
we; e'lpT]TaL, mpaTTj-
95 ytKov T~v rrapouaav rrpay!laTeiav urrayopeuovTec; rrpoaexwc; T Kal mrr6vwc;
aKouav ~11wv n:apaKAfUO!l8a.

10. Xpeov Toivuv rrp6Tepov 11v imoyp<i\jiat T~v v rroA.11mc; TaKTtK~v, Kat Ti
an 0TpaTTjy6c;, eha Tiva Kat OT!OLOV TOY mpaTTJYOV elVaL Oe'i Kat orrwc; Mov
~ouA.euw8at, ~~c; o T~V eic; apxovTac; Kat apxollvouc; TOU 0TpaTOU Ota8lvat
100
Ota[pemv, T~v Tf aAAT]V arroaKeu~v Kal TWV orrA.wv KaTaaKeu~v Kat T~v eK<iCJTou
90-96 Strat., 7.A.1.
79 e<p' ... avaonxe~ MW d !lfV XP~<H!lU TCt rrap' ~!lWV p!]6!]00!lVU <pUVW(Jl ABE 82 Kal
rrdpa~ MWA om. BE I e<pup!] MWA om. BE I oihw~ MWA oihw BE 83 Of: MWA om. BE
86 TLV~ ... xouat MW TWV a7!dpwv {mOAU!l~UVOU(Jl nv~ A {JTIOAU!l~avoum nv~ TWV
arrdpwv BE 87 ot' U!lVia~ MW OlCt <ptAav6pw1![a~ ABE I ETil!lA!]TEOV MW E1ll!lAicr6at
XP~ ABE 88 iiyn MWBE EXl A 90 6\Kaoa MW rr\o1ov ABE I 8ta7!op6!lU06at MW
OLUTIpiiv ABE 90-91 KU~pV!]TLK~~XWPl~ MW xwpl~ KU~pV!]TlK~~ emcrT~!ll]~ ABE
92 icropporroiiVTo~ W icropporrowiivTo~ M 'lcrou ABE 93-94 rr\eov ... ~O.HovTo~ MW
1!Aiovo~ ABE urrp suppl. Lami (PG) 94 v6!lov ABE om. MW 95 11pocrqw~ ABE v61lov
rrpocrxw~ MW
97 XP<'>v MW xpda ABE 98 Tov MW A om. BE
thrives its usefulness not only from what has been written down but also from
!he fact that it has been put into practice by ancient authorities and has been
transmitted down to our own day. Even if it had not been accompanied by those
at~tions that had raised the situation of the Romans to great power, at least the
words that had been consigned to oblivion have been brought back to life,
remembered, and again restored to their ancient position.
7 To the extent that something useful may be discovered in what we are
~:~bout to say, thanks be to Christ, the giver of all good things, the king of all and
our God, who has bestowed his favor upon our words. If anyone else, through
his own diligence and experience, should improve upon these words, likewise,
thwks be to the all-good God, and may we be pardoned for being so
enthusiastic.
8. It is absolutely essential, to a greater or less degree, that men who intend
to command troops should spend their time in tactical and strategic exercises.
For it is not true, as some inexperienced persons may hold, that wars are
decided by a multitude of men wd courage, but by the favor of God and by
generalship and discipline; one must be concerned about this rather than assembling an unreasonable multitude. For the former brings safety and advwtage to
those who make good use of it, while the latter brings trouble wd harmful
expenditure.
9. Just as it is not possible to sail a ship over the sea without knowledge of
navigation, neither is it possible to overcome the enemy without discipline wd
generalship. 6 Whereas, with these, and with God's help, not only is it possible to
prevail over an enemy force of equal strength but also over one which greatly
outnumbers yours. We submit the present treatise on generalship, as we have
said, like another Procheiros nomos and we earnestly advise you to listen to us
attentively and very seriously.
10. First, it is necessary to outline the tactics employed in warfare. Then,
what is a general? Who and what sort of person should he be? How should he
make his plans? After that, explain the division of the army into officers wd the
troops they command, as well as their equipment, the weapons provided them,
6. Cf. Strat. 7.A.L
10
Prologue
Prologue
TWV f.WXOflEVWV OTIAL<HV, itpO<; T01JTOL<; T~V itpo TWV CtATj0LVWV aywvwv TOU
a-rpaTOU YUflVU<J(av, emma o Kal TCt KlflVa imavayvwae~vm tmTLfllU. ha
itpt ooomop(a<; dTIlV Tfj<; T tv Tfi tOL<;l Kat Tfj<; tv Tfi it0Afll<;l, itp( T TOU
AYOflEVOU TouA.oou Kal o~ Kal itpl CtTIALKTWV Tf]<; T itpOKata<JKU~<; Kal Tiapay105 yAta<;. Kat Tl Oct ycva0m itpO Tfj<; TOU itOAtflOU ~flpa<; Kat oaa tv Tfi TOU
TIOAtflOU ~flp<;t tTiocpdA.nm; Kal ETL itpl TIOALopKia<;, ha Kal Ta flETCt TOV
itOAflOV 6<pLA0flVa Kal TCt<; ot' tvtopwv CtOOK~TOU<; tcp6oou<; TWV T ~flTEpwv
Kal TWV TIOAflLWV. Kal tTil TOUTOL<; otacp6pwv TiapaT6.~wv flAEta<; t0vLKWV T
Kal 'Pwfla"iKWV. dm itpo<; TOt<; dpT]flEVOL<; Kal itpl vauflax[a<; otaT6.~m flTptw<;.
110
Kal brl TouToL<; <litam yvc.ilfla<; Ttv<':t<; TaKTLK6.<; T Kal a-rpatT]YLKa<; io[w<; tv tK0<JL auvayaylv, oaa<; OT]AOVOTL KaTCt xwpav tvT6.~m TO U<JUVOTITOV Kal itpOXLpov TWV OlaTCt~WV ou auyxwpl, acp' wv 6pf1WflVOV aocpov OVTa Kal 6~uv Tfi
otavo(<;t Tov mpmT]yov ao<pWTpov ycvtaem tA.Tii(of1V.
11.
Kal itpWTOV flEV apKTEOV tvTU0V.
the armament of each one of the fighting men. In addition, the training of
lht: army before actual combat. Then, the official reading of the penalties in
There follows a discussion about the army on the march, both in our own
in hostile territory, and about the so-called baggage train and, of course,
about preparation and instructions regarding encampments. What must be
done the day before battle and what has to be done on the day of battle? Further,
about siege warfare. Then, what is to be done after battle? What about unexpectattacks and ambushes both of our own troops and of the enemy? In addition
t(l these, training in various battle formations, foreign and Roman. Our compilation is then followed by a limited exposition of naval warfare. Concluding all
this, certain tactical and strategic maxims have been collected and set forth
Individually, those, that is, that the summary, handbook nature of the chapters
does not permit to insert in their place. We hope that the study of these will lead
the wise and sharp-witted commander to become even wiser.?
11. We must first begin here.
tllld
ad yevcr8m des. W I inter ff. 2 et 3 remanet fol. pars exigua, in qua }egitur: recto: rrpo
E<V> ... E7IO<p<iATUL> ... <TrOAl>OpKLU~ ... rr6A. <qwv> ... 8t' e<vellpwv> ... TWV .. .
WV ... rr ... T. verso: <<JT>pctTTlYOU ... TrOAEf.llKWV ... 1tOA!.llKct\. .. <a[> I) I; KUTU ... <<JTpUTI]Yl>K~ .. .
105
T~<~> .. .oaa
KUL Kl <V~<JEWV> ... aya <BWV> ... <f.!EA>ETI] ... <<JTpUTI]Yl]f.l<lT>WV.

112-113
Prov. 1:5.
Twv' MWAB om. E lrrpo Twv MWA rrpo~ Tov BE 102 crTpaToii Va crTpm!]you codd.
rroAEf.!LU MWAB rroAf.!LU y~ E 104 Kal 6~ MW om. ABE 106 rrocpLA.nm W
imocpLA.nm MABE I Ta MA om. BE 107 v6pwv M eyKpUf.!f.!UTWV ABE I MoK~TOu~ M
arrpocrlloK~TOU~ A arrpocrlloK~TW~ BE 108 f.IEAETU~ MBE f.IEAETUL~ A 109 rrpo~ M errl
ABE I Kal rrepl ABE om. M I OtaTa~m f.!ETpiw~ M Elrrdv ABE 110 cmam M om. ABE
101
103
110-112 tlliw~ ... cruyxwpe1
M EKBdvm ABE
11
7 Proverbs 1:5.
ITOAEMIKON ITAPA1:KEYON lliATASI1: A'
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION I
285
About Tactics and the General
Ilepl -raKnK~~ Kal mpaTJwou
1.
TaKTLK~ E<HLV ETtl<H~flT] TtOAefllKWV KlV~ereWV KLV~erw; o TtOAeflLKal
oma(, a[ flEV KaTa y~v, a[ 0 KUTU eaA.aererav.

2. TaKnK~ eerTt TXV'l mpat'lYLK~ rcapaTa~t:wv Kal 6rcA.terfl<Dv Kal Ktv~ert:wv
5
erTpanWTLKWV.
3 LTpaTTJYLK~ o ern erTpaT'lYWV aya9wv eruvaerKf]CYL<; ~youv fleATT] Kal
yuflvaer(a flETCt mpaTTJY'lflCtTWV ~TOL Tporca(wv eruva9poterf.16<;.
4 LKOTCO<; Tfl TaKTLKfl OLU TWV EVOXOflVWV empoA.wv Kal rcpa~eWV VLK~erat
10
15
20
Tou<; rcoAefllou<;.
s. Xp~CYLflOV 0 ern Tfl TaKTLKfl TOot' ellTCtKTOU 9erew<; erUflTtAKw9at
TOi<; TtOAeflLOL<;.
6. TA.o<; Tfl mKnKfl KaTa vOx6fleVov O.vt:mA.~mw<; otata~m To erTpaTeufla.
7 A[ 0 ei<; wu<; rcoAflOU<; TALat rcapTOLflaer(m ouo t:ier(v ~ flEV KaTa y~v
Tte(LK~, ~ oe KaTCt 96.A.aererav vaunK~. rtepl flEV oi>v T~<; vaunK~<; i\erTepov pouflV. TWV o KaTCt y~v ercl rcoAflOU<; 0.9pot(OflVWV O.vopwv TO TtA~9o<;, TO flV
ern flCtXLflOV ~youv TtOAefllKOV, TO o OLU TU<; TOUTOU xpda<; eruvepx6fleVOV
<'iflaxov. Kal rcoAeflLKov flEV -ro rcapaTaerer6flevov rcpo<; -rou<; rcoAefllou<; mpanwnK6v Uflaxov o TO AOLTCOV, oiov iaTpwv, OOUAWV, EflTCOpwv, Kal <'iAA.wv, oerOL OL<l
Ta<; Urtf]pw(a<; ercaKoAou9oumv. TOU o flaXLflOU flpou<; ~youv TtOAefllKOU erTpaTOU TO flV eerTL Tte(LKOV, TO o KapaAA.aptKOV. Kal TO flEV io(w<; Tte(LKOV TO ercl y~<;
LaTCtfleVOV, TO o KapaAA.aptKOV TO ercl TWV LTCTCWV OXOUfleVOV. ~v 0 TCOT Kal ercl
apflCtTWV arcA.wv KUL apflCtTWV opercav'lc:p6pwv Kal ercl EAe<pCtVTWV rcupyou<;
Tactics is the science of movement in warfare. Movements in warfare are

twofold, those on land and those on sea. 1
2. Tactics is the military skill <that is concerned with> battle formations,
1\rmament, and troop movements.
3 Strategy is how good commanders put their military training into practice, their drilling with stratagems, and putting together ways of defeating <the
enemy>. 2
4 The aim of tactics is to defeat the enemy by all possible means of assaults
and actions.
s. The usefulness of tactics lies in engaging the enemy in combat by means
of a well disciplined attack.
6. The purpose of tactics is, inasmuch as possible, to draw up the army in an
unassailable formation.
7. Complete preparation for warfare is twofold: infantry on land and naval
forces at sea. About naval warfare we will discourse later. Of the mass of men
mobilized for warfare on land, one part consists of fighting men or warriors, the
other of non-combatants who are to see to their needs. The fighting men are
drawn up as an army confronting the enemy. The rest are noncombatants such
as doctors, slaves, merchants, and others, all those who follow along to provide
services. Of the fighting units, that is, the army in the field, some are infantry
and some cavalry. The infantry, specifically, take their stand on the ground, the
cavalry are mounted on horses. There was a time when war involved plain
chariots and chariots armed with scythes, as well as elephants carrying towers
1.
M A B E Va PG 107:68o
3-25 Aeliani Tact. 7heoria, 2.1.

TIOAEfllKWV TiapaaKeuwv MA om. BE I a' MB 11pw-r!] AE 4 Olna[ M Mo ABE 5 ea-rt
MA eanv BE 9 VlK~OUl De KlVTJOUl codd. 11 eon MA eanv BE I emSeaew<; De etaew<;
codd. 13 avemA~mw<; M Ctf!Ef!mW<; ABE 14 TIOAEf!OU<; A TIOAef![ou<; MBE 19 oiov MA
olot BE 1 ia-rpwv ... iiUwv De ia-rpwv oouAwv Ef!Tidpwv Kal iiAAwv M ia-rpol oouAot Ef!7tOpot
Kal iiUot A ia-rpol oouAOL Ef!1!dpot Kal iiAAOL BE 20 ETIUKOAouSoiiatv M eJtaKoAouSoiiat
ABE 21 Ka~aUaptK6v ABE Ka~aAMptov M 23 Kall M Kal eJtl ABE
1.
2.
Much of this chapter is derived from Aelian, Tactical Theory,

AnonStrat, 4-5.
2.
See also AnonStrat, 14.
14
25
Constitution
filled with men. But we will not discuss these now because such armament is no
axpfJaTlUV KUL T~V 1tUVTA~ apyiav TWV TOlOlrtWV Jtapa<JKUWV.

8. T~c; oDv mKTlK~~ !1Tpiw~ rrwc; oihw~ unoypa<pd<Jf]~ 6[ KUL TOV <JTpUTf]-
longer employed and has gone completely out of use.
f:~ouaiav xwv 11na Tov ~amA.a.
10. ITpaTfJYO~ E<JTlV 6 TOU uno xLpa mpaTtWTlKOD e!1UTO~ Kopu<pato~

apxwv, I EK ~a<JlAEW~ !lfV rrpoxapt~0!1VO~, TOU~ o urr' auTOV apxovm~ TOU~ !lfV
'\f~<p<.p Tfi auTOU, EK ~(l<JlAEW~ 6 KUmlt!11t0!1EVOtJ~, TOU~ o f:~ouaiq ioiq
npo~aAAO!lEVOuc;.
ll."Iotov 6 <JTPUTfJYOD TO Kpdnova dvat TICtVTWV TWV UltO xLpa <ppov~<Jl

35 Kal avopiq Kal OtK(llO<JUVn Kal aw<ppoauvn, TO d~ auTOV ava<ppwem T~~ KaT'
QUTOV f:napxia~ TCt~ OlOlK~<Jl~, O<Jat T mpaTtWTtKal Kal O<J(ll iOtWTtKal Kal
Of]!lO<JlOl, TO napaA.a~6vTa aTpa-rov amKTOV EKTCt~at 00VTW~ KUTU T~V ap!16~ouaav n:p Katp(i> mKnK~v Otam~tv.
40
15
<pp6VTWV 1tA~pt~ avopwv, ana TOlrtWV oUOlc; ~!llV A.6yo~ vuv Ota T T~V
yov avaoaxe~vat. Tl TE E<Jll Kal Tl~ 6 T~~ TOlUUTf]~ yxap~<JW~ a~tO~;

9 ITpUTfJYO~ TOtVtJV E<JTLV 6 T~~ urr' UUTOV CtltCt<Jf]~ f:napxia~ lld~ova JtCtVTWV
30
Tactics and the General
12. LKOTIO~ 6 mpaTfJYli> TO !lfV urr' UUTOV ee!la au~~(Jat Kal a~Aa~~ an6 T
1tOA!1lWV Kal TWV UAAWV CtOlKf]!lCtTWV Kal 0~ Kal QT(l~lWV Kal <JTCt<JWV Ota<pUACt~at, TOU~ 6 noA!1iou~ rravTl Tp6n<.p, ~ JtOAE!l<.f) ~ <p60ot~ CtOoK~Tot~, mrrtvwaat, Kal arrp 1t0l~<Jl KUTU TWV exepwv, mum <puA<i~aaem, 11~ rraedv em'
aU-rwv.
13. TA.o~ T(i> OlpaTfJYli> T(i> U00Kl!l~<J(lVTl Ota JtCtVTWV T~~ T eda~ Kal
45 ~(l<JlAlK~~ QJtOAUUlV UVOta~ ~ KUTOAtywp~aavn TWV np1tOVTWV KUL apllo~6v
TWV rrpay11aTWV TU~<J0at TOU EVUVTtOU. oihw TOtVUV KUL T~~ TOD OTpUTfJYOD
npo-runw0d<Jf]~ ElKOVO~ 01 Ka0anp Ota XPW!lCtTWV ~!lii~ ava~wypa<p~<Jat T~V
TouTou rrot6TT]m Kal &i~m <pavpw~ Ti~ Kal nomno~ lvm 6<piAL Kal 6noio~
LVat 6 T~~ TOtaUTT]~ f:~ouaia~ npoXlpt~0!1VO~ apxwv.
I rrw~ ME om. AB I oihw~ ABE oihw M 27 tan MA tanv

BE 1 T~~ BE om. MA 28 o ABE om. M 1 trrapxia~ ABE urrapxia~ M 30 aTpm!]yo~ tanv
ABE tan M 31 apxovm~ De apxovT~ codd. 32 i:aUTOU M aUTOU ABE I KamT!Ef.lT!Of.lEVOU~ ABE KaTartf1TtOf1VO~ M 33 rrpo~aAAOf.LEVou~ De rrpo~aAAOf1Vo~ codd.
34 TO Kpdnova MA Tw Kpdnw BE I dvm rravTwv MA trsp. BE 40 a8tK!]f1UTWV Kal Mom.
ABE 44 TW UOOKlf1~aavn BE To EUOOKlf.l~am Ta M TO EUOOKlf.l~aavm A
45 KaTOAtywp~aavn Va KaToA.tywp~aavTa codd. 46 TU~aElm wu tvavT[ou Va TU~aa8m
wu vavTiou M TU vavT[a rra8Tv ABE I oihw M oihw~ ABE 47 XPWf.lUTWV BE XP!]f16.Twv
MA 48 Kal rroTarro~ dvm ABE om. M 48-49 Kal orro1o~ clvm M om. ABE 49 o MA 6
26 ouv mKTlK~~ M trsp. ABE
d~ BE I T~~ TOlaUT!]~ ~oua[a~ M T~V TotaUT!]V ~oua[av ABE
8. After this more or less brief outline of tactics, it is necessary to present the
What is he? Who is fit for such an undertaking?
9 The general is the person who, after the emperor, has greater authority
than anyone else over the entire province subject to him.
10. The general is the chief officer of the military theme under his command.
He is appointed by the emperor; as far as the officers under him are concerned,
tome are promoted by his decision, although sent to him by the emperor, and
tlthers directly on his own authority.
11. It is characteristic of the general that he be superior to all under his command in practical wisdom, bravery, righteousness, and discretion, reserving to
himself the administration of the province assigned to him, including military,
private, and public matters. Having received an undisciplined army, he must
dutifully dispose it for battle according to the tactical formation suited to the
occasion.
12. The goal of the general is to strengthen the theme under his command
and to preserve it free from harm caused by enemies and from other wrongdoing, especially from disorder and mutiny. He is to bring down the enemy by
every means, whether by battle or by unexpected attacks. Whatever action he
will take against the enemy, he must be on his guard so that he does not suffer
the same thing from them.
13. The ultimate objective of the highly esteemed general is to enjoy in all
things the divine and the imperial favor rather than, by paying little account to
fitting and suitable matters, to arrive at the opposite. So then, having made this
preliminary sketch of the general, we must now paint his qualities as though it
were a portrait in color. We must demonstrate clearly who and what sort of
person he ought to be and what should characterize the officer who has been
entrusted with such authority.
ITOAEMIKON ITAPALKEYON
Tirpl TOU oiov dvm
~IATASIL
o1 TOV a-rpanwov
About the Qualities Required in the General
1. KAUOf.1V TOLVUV dvm TOV mpa-rfjyov aw<ppova rrt:pl TO OWflU, rrt:pl T~V
OlaLTav tyKpaT~, Vfj<j)CtAlOV Kal typ~yopov, AlTOV Kal cmpmov Ttepl -rae; XPiac;,
5 <pt:prrovov rrt:pl -roue; tmK6rrouc; KailaTouc;, VO~flOVa Kal <pp6vt11ov, flLOouvTa
<ptf..apyup[av, EVOO~OV Ttepl T~V <j)~flfjV, fl~T VfOV fl~T ypovTa, LKUVOV 0 KUL
rrpoc; TO A.yLv arro OTOilaToc; tv f.lfO<.p A.aou, av -ruxn 0, Kal rra-rpa rraiowv, fl~
tflTtOpdac; <ptAOUVTa ~ Tl TOlOUTOV, flfjOE fllKpO\I'DXOV, we; Kal TWV O!llKpwv
rrpawa-rwv tm9Uf.1tV, Kal cmAwc; t:uyt:v~ Tft \I'DXft, i ouvaT6v, Kal TtP OWflUTl Kal
10 tv iirram ilfYUAO\I'DXOV.
2. Iw<ppova flEV Yva I fl~ Tate; T~c; <pUCiwc; KaTaaup6f.1VOc; ~oovatc; arro.\drrn
T~V Ttepl TWV avayKaiwv <ppov-rioa Kal tmf.1fAlaV.
3 'EyKpaT~ 0 trrt0~ TfjAtKaUTfjc; apx~c; f.1fAAl TDYXCtVlV. a[ yap CtKpan:tc;
Kal CtKOAUCiTOl 6pf.1Ul, o-r' ilv rrpooAa~wm OUVafllV KaT' t~ouoiav TOU rrotdv a
1 5 ~OUAOVTat, CtKpCtTfjTOl yiVOVTal rrpoc; Tac; tm9uf.1[ac;.
4 Nfj<pCtAlOV 0 Kal typ~yopov orrwc; trraypurrvft tv Tate; f.1YlOTatc; rrpa~WlV.
tv VUKTi yap, o-r' ilv ~ \I'DX~ ~P1-lft flCtALOTa, TtOAAaKtc; ~ TOU OTpaTfjyou yvWilTJ
Kal arreu9uvTat Kal TAlOUTat.
s. AtTOV o Kal arrptTTOV rrt:pl -rae; xpdac; Kal yap Ka-raoarravwmv a[ TtOAU20 TAdc; Kal 1tOAAal 9t:parrdat Kai XPOVOV anpaKTOV Kat avayKa[ac; t~ooouc; de;
T~V TWV apxovTWV TpD<p~V.
M W (mut.) ABE
Va
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION II
B'
We insist that the general should be discreet in bodily matters and

self-control in his mode of life. He should be sober and vigilant, frugal
'nd unpretentious when it comes to necessities, bearing up under the toil of
heavy labor. He should be endowed with intelligence and practical wisdom, a
man who hates avarice and is of excellent repute, neither a youth nor an old
man. He should be capable of speaking extemporaneously in the midst of his
troops. Let him also be, when it so turns out, a father of children. He should not
be overly fond of commerce or anything of that sort, nor should he be niggardly,
iS if setting his heart on petty matters. 1 Quite simply, he should be noble in soul
and, if possible, in body and, in every respect, greathearted.
2. Let him be discreet and not so dragged down by physical pleasures that he
neglects to attend to necessary matters and shows no concern about them.
3. As a man entrusted with such great authority, he will exercise self-control.
Unrestrained and licentious impulses, when combined with the power and
ability to do whatever one wants, become uncontrollable in seeking gratification.
4 Let him be sober and vigilant so that he may remain alert when dealing
with truly important projects. It is often at night, when the soul is more at rest,
that the plans of the general assume their final, definitive shape.
s. Let him be frugal and unpretentious regarding his needs. Very costly and
continual attendance upon the luxurious tastes of commanders wastes time
without accomplishing anything and eats away at necessary expenses.
1.
~l<crcise
286
PG 107:681
3-70 Onas. 1.1-14.

1
wMBE
oeuntpa A
4 VT]<jlCtALOV M VT]<jlUAEOV ABE I Kal amtprrrov M om. ABE
5 <pEptltovov M UTIOj.Htvov-ra ABE ITiepl ... KUj.!CtTOU<; M Tou<; TI6vou<; ABE
6 TIEpl. .. <p~j.!T]V
M om. ABE
8 Ej.lTIOpda<; M 1lpUYf.laTELa<; ABE I <jllAOUVTa M ayamiJVTU ABE I Gj.llKpwv M
f.lLKpwv ABE
9 T~ \jlux~ M T~v \jlux~v ABE I Tw crwj.laTL M To crwj.la ABE
BE
14 Mvaj.!LV MA OUVCtj.l<E>t<; BE I KaT' ... TIOLELV M trsp. ABE
VT]cpaAtov ABE
19 Kal amtptnov Mom. ABE
12
TIEpl MA om.
16 VT]<jlCtAtov M
1.
For this chapter cf. Onasander, 1.1-14.
18
Constitution
Qualities Required in the General
6. cDrpbtovov 0 tVa f.l~ np<ino<; TlDV 0TpaTUOf1EVWV Ta<; avaJtaUOfL<; m(tFft, O.A.\a yivnm mho1<; f.!i'L\.f.ov riKwv npo<; To yrvva[w<; imo<pprtv -rou<;
JtOVOD<;.
zs
7. No~f.lova 8 Kal <pp6vtf.!OV 6~uv yap dvm 8r1 -rov mpmf]y6v, nav-raxou
nrpw-rpE<jlOVTCt TOY OKOJtOV 8La -raxu-r~Tet \jiDX~<;. JtOAAC1Kl<; yap QVUJtOVOT]TOL
Tapaxalnpoanwouam naprveu TO GUf.l<jlEpov mvo1v avayK6.(oumv.
8. 1\<ptAo.pyupov 8. Kal yap ~ U<jlLAapyup[a TOU a-rpaTT]yOu 8oKLf16.(nm, o-r'
UV 6.8wpo8oK~TW<; Kat f.leyaAO<jlpOVW<; npo"fOTaTCtl TWV npaYf.lCtTWV Kat 8t' ap30 T~V f.!OVT]V 8wprav npo~CtAAT]TaL Ta<; apxa<; TOU im' a{nov 0Ef1aTO<;. JtOAAOL yap,
KQV av8p1o[ rim Tft \jiDXft Kal PWf.laAEOl T0 OWf.laTl KaTa TWV xOpwv, O.A.\' o-r'
av avn~AE\jiW0l npo<; xpua6v, Uf.laupouvTm Kal OKOTt(OVTCtl. 8rtvov yap OJtAOV
KaTa a-rpaTT]yOu <~> <jlLAapyup[a Kat 8paa-r~pLOv rl<; TO VLK~Om TOUTOV Kat
6. Let him endure toil and not be the first among the soldiers to seek rest.
Hnther, let him be a model to them in nobly bearing up under hard labor.
7 Let him be intelligent and wise. The general must be sharp-witted, fastthinking, with his gaze turned in every direction. Unsuspected disorders fre\jUently arise and force him, on the spur of the moment, to come up with a way
In remedy the situation.
8. Let him be free of avarice. In particular, the commander's freedom from

avarice is tested and proven whenever he presides over affairs in an incorruptible and magnanimous manner and makes appointments to positions of command in his theme freely and on the basis of virtue alone. Many men, even
though courageous in spirit and strong of body in facing the foe, find that, when
they gaze upon gold, their sight is darkened and they become blind. Avarice is a
terrible weapon when used against the general and very effective in defeating
and overthrowing him.
KaTa~aA1V.
9. Ou-rr 0 vov dvm ouT ypovw, 1m8~ 6 f.!EV vo<; limmov EXL Kal
fUKAOVT]TOV TO <ppOVT]f.la 8ta T~V VfOTT]TCt, 6 8 ypwv aaerv~<; an T0 OWf.laTL,
Kai oU8-repo<; mhwv aa<paA~<;. 6 f.!EV [va f.l~ Ttmaion 8ta -r~v aA6yta-rov -r6A.f1av wanrp Opaau<;, 6 8 ypwv Iva f.l~ 8ta T~V <jlDOLK~V aa0evLav Udnn ri<; Ta
Movta -rwv npaYf16.Twv. KpaTtatT] 8 EKAOY~ -rou f.!Eaou, f.l~T vou ov-ro<; f.l~T
40 yepov-ro<;. Kai yap -ro 8uva-rov Kai pwf.laAeov tv T0 f.lEO<p yryT]paK6n, -ro 8
<pp6vLf.lOV Kai awOfJpov v -r0 f.l~ n6.vu vra(ovTL. oYnvr<; yap ~ toxuv awf.!ato<;
livw <ppov~arw<; Oauf.la(oum \jiDXLK~<; ~ naf.tv \jiDX~V <pp6VLf.lOV livw OWf.laTLK~<;
8vVCtflW<;, ouoev EVOT]Oav I nepa<; aya06v. Kai yap ~ UOTep~aaoa 8UVCtf1E.W<;
<pp6Vf]OL<; oMv 8trvo~OT] Kpr1nov ~ Udnouaa <ppov~arw<; Mvaf.!L<; oMv
45 -rrf.dwaev.
35
3 7 ad 6u1 de novo inc. W
I scr. mg. arrpoaxw W
22 cpeperrovov 6e M urrofltvovra mu.:; n6vou.:; ABE 23 yive-rat M ytvT]mt A yivT]mt BE

25 6E MAB om. E 26 m:ptatpe<poVTa M rrept<pepovta ABE I avunov6TJ<Ot ABE
UVUTIOVOT]tat M 27 avayKa~ouatv M avaKU~OUat ABE 28 toU ABE om. M 31 Kiiv MA
Kal BE 33 ~ ci. Va om. codd. I 6paat~ptov M evepyeatmov ABE 35 exet MAB exetv E
36 euKAOVT]tov M iiamtov ABE 37 oMtnpo.:; Va ouod.:; codd. I n MAE om. B
39 Kpatia<TJ MW KaAA.ia<TJ ABE 40 pwflaA.tov MW taxupov ABE 41 am8TJpov MWBE
crta8epov A I vea~ovn ABE vea~oVTt Kal flVTot MW I yap ABE om. MW 43 m'pa.:; MW
teA.o.:; ABE I ~ MW ~ <pp6Vf]<Jl<; ABE 44 oMev OlVo~e'l MW oMev w<pEAT]GV ABE I
tAA.dnouaa ... OUVUfll<; MW OUVUfll<; atepf]8taa <ppov~aew.:; ABE 45 eteA.eiwaev MWA
tteA.eiwaeBE
19
9 He should not be a young man or an old man. A young man's mind lacks
confidence and is easily confused because of his youth, whereas the old man's
body is feeble. Neither of them offers security. The young man is impulsive and
may err by reckless daring. The old man is weak physically and may neglect
something that has to be done. The ideal choice is between the two, neither
young nor old. Vigor and strength characterize the man who has not yet grown
old, while wisdom and stability mark the man who is not too young. There are
those who marvel at physical strength that exists without mental discretion or,
on the other hand, who are impressed by a wise mind but one lacking in bodily
strength. In their reasoning these people have not reached a correct conclusion.
A mind deficient in physical strength has never conceived anything worthwhile;
neither has strength deprived of intelligence ever accomplished anything.
20
Constitution 2
Kat <pLAOlJflVOV 8 napa n:Vv DTITJK6wv Tov aTpaTT]yov u8oKLf1(1JTpov

'laf1V yivw8m Kat yap fly6..\.a TOU~ apxof.!EVOU~ W<pA~aLv. OVTLVa yap
liv8pw7tOL <pLAOUaL, TOtmp mTCtTTOVTL f.!EV TaXU ni8ovTaL, .\.yovn 8 Kat
auvn8f1EV<.p OUK amaTOUaL, KLV8UVUOVTL 8 auvaywv[(ovTaL. TOLOUTOV yap ~
10.
ay6.JtTj, TO n8vm T~V '!JUX~V unp TOU <pLAOUflEVOU.

11. Timpa 8 nai8wv npoKptVOf1V f.!&.AA.ov ~ linm8a, oM Tov livw nai8wv
napatTOUflVOL av aya86~ an Kat yap 6 na18a~ exwv aTpaTTJYO~, i f.!Ev VT]JtLou~, 8pflOTpO~ yivTUL 7tpt T~V anou8~v T<DV v ~[<.p npaYf.!CtTWV UJtEp T~~ TWV
nai8wv <pLAta~ Kat U7tpayia~ aywvL(Of1VO~. d 8 TEALOL fiat T~V ~ALKiav,
55 aufl~ou.\.OL Kat auaTp6.TTJYOL Kat mmot DTITJPETat yv6f1VOL auyKaTop8oum T<.}J
JtaTpt Ta flTaXLpt(6f1Va unp KOLV~~ aWTT]pia~ np6.YflaTa 8t' wv fl&.AAOV 8oK1
Tou linm8o~ 6 nai8a~ xwv nponf16Tpo~ dvm.
12. AyLV 8 Kat 8T]flTJYOp1v iKav6v ~yol>f.!at yap Ta flytaTa w<p.\.dv 8tu
TouTo To aTp6.TUfla, 6.v T yap napm6.aanm npo~ f.!CtXTJV mpaTT]y6~, 8ta T~<;
60 TOU .\.6you napaKAUaw~, TWV f.!EV yap 8LVWV JtOAACtKL<; Kat auTOU eav6.TOU
notd KaTa<ppovdv, Twv 8 Ka.\.wv Kat ~8wv m8uf11v. oux ouTw<; yap v11xouaa
a6..\.my~ aKoa1<; ~yipn '!Juxac; fie; KtVT]aLV f.!CtXTJ<; w<; A6yo<; flTa <ppov~aw<;
AYOflVO~ npoTpnnm i<; apn~v Kat vaywv[ou<; Jt0ll TOU<; CtKOUOVTa<; Kal
~avtaT(t npo~ Ta 8tva T~v 8t6.vOLav. uv 8 TL aufl~ii ma1afla npt To mpaT665 n8ov, ~ Tou .\.6you napT]yopia Ta<; '!Juxac; avappwvvun. Kat no.\.u 8~ XPTJGLf.lWTp6<; tan mpmT]you A6yo<; 8uvaTo<; waT napaflue~aaaem mpaTon8ou
auf1<pop6.c;, fli'i.\.Aov Twv mf1AOuf1vwv Ta TpauflaTa impwv. oi f.!EV yap eKFivouc; flOVOU<; TOU<; TpaUflaTLa<; 8pa7tUOUGL Tal<; iaTptaL~ Kat 8ta xp6vou Taxa
n.\.dovoc;, 6 8 napweu Kal Tou<; novouvTa<; Kat TOu~ KCtflVOVTa~ u8uf1oTpou<;
70 JtOLfl, Kat TOU<; eppWflEVOU<; CtVLaT(t npo<; av8piav Kal fU'!Juxiav.
50
59 cum crtpatTJ des. W (fol. desideratur)
so
l.o. We know that a general who is loved by his subjects will be more highly
N~t~l'<:tea and be very helpful to the men under his command. When men love
itli'U~one, they are quick to obey his commands, they do not distrust his words
promises and, when he is in danger, they will fight along with him. For love
Uk~ this: to lay down one's life on behalf of the person one loves. 2
u. We prefer a man who is a father of children rather than a childless one,
~t.hough I would not turn away a childless one if he is a good man. The general
has children, if they are infants, becomes more enthused and serious about
concerns as he struggles out of love for his children and their welfare. If
""'". "'''"" are adults, on the other hand, they become advisors and colleagues in
~-~~~ {l!~;>tn.m~mct and faithful servants; they help in bringing to a successful conclusion
tasks on behalf of our common salvation entrusted to their father. For these
t:tasons, it seems better that a man who has children is to be preferred to him
who has none.
12. He should be capable of speaking and exhorting in public. I think that
.this ability is of the greatest benefit to the army. If the general, when he is
drawing up his troops for battle, should encourage them by his words, he will
t"iten induce them to despise the terrors, even death itself. At the same time, he
n1akes them eager to obtain the good and pleasant rewards. A trumpet blast
<!choing in one's ears does not stir the soul to move into battle as effectively as a
11peech, delivered in high spirits, urges one to valor, instills a martial spirit in its
hearers, and arouses them to face terrible dangers. Moreover, if some calamity
should befall the army, an encouraging speech will give new strength to the
men's spirits. A skillful address by the general is far more useful in providing
consolation for a defeated army than the care of the doctors for the wounded.
For the physicians provide medical treatment only for the wounded, and it
might take a long time, whereas the speech immediately raises the morale of the
weary and disabled and arouses bravery and courage in the healthy.
Ioan. 15:13.
46 <plAO\JflEVOV MW ayam.Df.!EVOV ABE 47 L<Jf.!EV MW OLOUf.!eV ABE I Kal. .. W<pA~<JlV

MW om. ABE 48 <ptA.oiicrt MBE <ptA.oiicrtv W A 49 cruvtt6f.!EVW MW imtcrxvouf.!EVW ABE
51 ~ iinmoa MW om. ABE I iiveu naiowv MW fl~ exovta naToa~ ABE 52 aya66~ E<Jtl M
aya66~ E<JTlV w trsp. ABE 53 tv MWAB EV tW E 55 YVOflVOl MW YlVOf.!EVOl ABE
57 iinmoo~ MW naToa<; fl~ exov-ro<; ABE 59 napatacrcretat MW napatacrcrfJtal ABE
6o yap MBE om. A I autoii M autoii TOU ABE 61 ~OEWV Va ~6wv M yA.uKEWV ABE
62 UKOUL<; ... f.!UXTJ<; M taT<; UKOUL<; eydpel '!JUXU~ ei~ f.!UXTJV ABE 64 tl MA om. BE 65 0~
M om. ABE 67 tpauf.!ata MA npayf.!ata BE 68 tpauflatia<; M tpauflattcr6vta<; ABE
70 ppwf.1vou<; Va ppouflvou<; M icrxupou<; ABE
21
2.
John 15:13.
22
Constitution
13. "Evoo~ov 8 cpaf.tf:V, Ert10~ CtT]Ot(ETat Kat aaxa!..Aet

nA.~eoc; {moTaTT<)flEVOV. oMdc; yap
75
tv TOLe;
a86~otc; TO
tett..wv UJtoflEV1 TOY xdpova KUptOV au-rou
ava8Exwem Kat ~YEflOVa. OOKEL OE flOL on niiaa avayKT] TOY TOLOUTOV euptaK6flEVOV I a-rpmT]y6v, wa-r EXELV apnac; -roaau-rac; oaac; e'ipf]Ka a-rpaTT]you Kat
v8o~ov dvat. ~ yap -roaaUTT] apET~ ctaT]flOV avepwnov OLaflEVELV tmnoA.u ou
KaTaALflTrUV1.
14. <t><iflEV Oi:: Kat fl~T n!..oumov, tav fl~ xn -rae; TOU a-rpmT]you apnac;,
npoxetpl(w9m a-rpmT]yov Ota Ta XP~flaTa, fl~T TOY TrEVT]Ta, tav aya96c; tan,
napam1a9at Ota T~V nev(av Kat EVOELaV. ou fl~V oi:: TOY TrAOU(JLOV anoOOKlflUSo (OflEV on TrAOU(JLO<;, a!..A' tav -rae; np <JTpaTTJYc.iJ npenouaac; fl~ KEKTT]Tat apnac;
oMi:: TOY TrEVT]Ta aipOUfleea on TrEVf]<;, aA.A' OTt a-rpaTT]YLK~V T Kat yevva(av
EX1 \j!UX~V. OUOETepov yap Ota T~V TUXTJV anoOOKlflU(OflEV, aA.Aa flCtAAOV Ota TOY
-rp6nov Ctfl<pOTEpouc; npo~aAOUfl9a. oMi:: nA.oumoc; aya9oc; wv -roaounp
8tacpepet mu yevvalou nEVT]Toc; oaov ai tnapyupot Kat Kmaxpuaot navonA.Iat
85 TWV Ka-raxaAKWV Kat atOT]pWv a[ fli::V yap -rc.p Aaflnpc.iJ KOafl<p TrAEOVEKTOU(JLV, a[
oi:: tv au-rc.p -rc.p opaaTT]pl<p Otaywv((ovTat. TrEVT]Ta 8E <pf]fll yevva1ov tav fl~
XPllflana-r~c; tan Kat owpoA~TrTT]<; TOY yap XPTJflaTL<JT~V ouo' av nA.oumuna-roc;
WV TUXn aUfl<pEpet TrOTi:: npoxLpt(w9at <JTpaTT]y6v. a!..Aa flf]Oi:: fllKpoA6yov nva
Kai 6~oA.oA6yov nepl -ra KEpOT] ~ EflTropov ~ napanA.~m6v n -rmou-rov rrpa-r-
28i
13. We call for a man of good reputation. 3 An army becomes disgusted and
when placed under the command of a man who is not respected. Nobody
willing to submit to or accept a master or a leader who is a worse man than
Ulll::~>'t:u. It is absolutely necessary, in my opinion, that the general be recognized
Ill such a man and that he should possess all those character traits of a general
)hat I have listed, and be of good repute. Truly great virtue does not permit a
ft'lan to remain unnoticed for long.
14. We say that a wealthy man must not be appointed general because of his
fiches unless he possesses the virtuous qualities of a general. Neither should a
poor man, if he is a good man, be excluded because of his poverty and need.
Indeed, we do not reject a rich man because he is rich, but only if he lacks the
good qualities befitting a general. Neither do we select a poor man because he is
poor, but because he has the noble soul expected of a general. We do not reject
either one because of his fortune in life, but we promote both because of their
manner of life. A wealthy general who is good differs from a poor but noble one
only to the degree that armor inlaid with gold and silver differs from that of
bronze and iron. The former has the advantage of brilliant ornamentation, the
latter proves superior in action. We consider a poor man to be noble if he is not
a dealer in money and greedy for gain. It is better never to promote a financier
to the rank of general, even though he be the richest man around. Neither
should he be a miserly man or one making a profit with petty cash or a
So ab Tat apna<; de novo inc. W

71-113 Onas. 1.17-25.
I Uf)Ol(ETUL ... EV M ayavaKTEl ABE' 71-72 TOt<; ... nA.ijSo<; M

trsp. ABE 72 tJT0TUTTOflEVOV M tJT0TUGGOflEVOV ABE I eSA.wv M etA.wv ABE I EUUTOU M
ULJTOU ABE 74 etpf)KU GTpUTf)YOU M eip~KUflEV AVa 75 iiGf)flOY M acpaYij KUL iiyYWGTOY
BE 81 OTL 1 MW EGTL ABE 82 OUOETEpOY MW OUOfYU ABE I UT000KlflU(OflEY MW
O.no~O.AA.oflEY ABE scr. mg. UOOKLflOY Kai ano~Af)TOY A.oyt(6fleea W 82-83 TOY Tp6noY
MW T~Y O.pn~Y ABE 83 npo~aA.ou11eea Va npocrKUAOUflESa MWA npoKaAOUflESa BE I
o\JO M 6 oe WABE 1 TOcrouTw MW TocrouToY ABE ss GLOflpWY ABE GLOflpEwY MW I aP
MW AE om. B 1 ad TIAWYEKTOUGLY scr. mg. um:pxouGLY W 86 ad opacrTf)piw scr. mg. TW
71 Cj>UflEV M AEYOflEV ABE
OUYUflEYW EYEpy<EIY> w I Cj>f)fll MW A.tyw ABE 87-88 XPflflUTLGT~<; ... TUXTl MW EGTLY
owpoA~TITf)<; flf)OE KEpOUlYELY UT0 KUKWY ~OUAOflEYO<; TOY yap TOLOUTOY OUOE EUY EGTL ABE
87 ad XPflflUTLGT~<; scr. mg. XPflflUTWY ETL<flEAOUflEYO<;> W I ad XPflflUTLGT~Y scr. mg.
XP~flUTU GUYUYWY w 88-92 fllKpoA6yoy ... ETILTf)OEUflUTWY MW KUTUTIPUYflUTEUOflEYOV TOU
oiKelOU A.aou KUL nepi Ta KEpOf) crnouoa(OYTU UYUYKI] yap TOY TOLOUTOY fllKpOq>WYOY (TOU<;
TOLOUTOU<; fllKpOq>WYU<; B TOY TOlOUTOY fllKpOCj>WYU E) elYm KUL nepl TO KEpOo<; crnouoa(ovm
Kal nepl T~Y cruAA.oy~y TWY XPI]flUTWY O.yaSoY ETLT!]Oeuecrem ABE 88 ad flLKpoA6yoy scr.
mg. aliquid nunc evanidum W 89 TOLOUTOY M TOY auTOY W
23
3 Cf. Onasander 1.17-25.
24
Constitution 2
TovTa. avayKfl yap Tou<; TOLouTou<; fHKp6cppova<; dvm Kal m:pl To Kpoo<;
btLOflflEVou<; Kal flflplf.1VflflEVou<; 1Tpl T~v ouHoy~v Twv XPll!l<'mvv Kal flflOEV
xovm<; Twv KaAwv 7TLTf10Wf.1Cilwv.
lS.'Eav o npoy6vwv ECJTL AUf.11tpwv KUL1Tpt06~wv cm6yovo<; ayamiv flEV od
TOUTO, ou !l~V 0 TI<lVTW<; E1Tl~flTLV T~V TOlQUTflV uyvtav anouoav oM oui
95 TaUTflV KptVlV ava~LOV TOV CJTpUTflYOV, av TO CJTPaTflYELV KUAW<; KEKTflTal.
wonp yap Ta ~4Ja ano Twv iolwv npa~wv Kal ~ewv ~na~o!lv uyv~ f) ouoyv~, oihw XP~ CJK01TELV Kal T~V TWV avepwnwv uyvLav, OUK ano TWV npoy6vwv, aU' aTIO TWV io[wv npa~WV Kal Kmop8Wf.1UTWV. Kal TIW<; yap OUK
anpTI<; Kal ana(OEUTOV TOU<; flEV AlTOU<; mpanwm<; Ol<X Ta<; io(a<; aptoTla<; Kal
100 TOU<; aywva<; Tl!lUV, ou TOU<; EK npoy6vwv AUf.11tpou<;, aHa TOU<; QUTOXlpt<;t Tl
AUf.11tpov pyov 1T1TOlflKOTa<;, TOU<; o CJTpUTflYOU<; Ota LOU<; npoy6vou<; mAyaem, KUV iCJLV axpf10TOl, aHa fl~ Ota T~V iolav auTWV apT~V, KCtV fl~ ano TOU
yvou<; AUf.11TpuVmt; npoo6vTwv 11v o~ TOUTq> Kalnpoy6vwv Aa!lnpwv UTUX~<;
6 OTpUTflYO<;, aTIOVTWV o TWV apnwv, KCtV napfi Taum, anpaKTO<;.
105
16. Taxa o Tl<; EA1TLCJl I Kal Kplnova<; oCJ8at CJTPUTflYOU<; LOU<; OUK xovm<; ano TWV npoy6vwv CJf.1VUVCJ8at. ol flEV yap E1TL yovUCJl oo~a~OflVOL Kal
T~V an' EKlvwv xovT<; i)KAlaV 1TOAAaKl<; pa8Uf.10Tpov Kal aflAECJTpov
OlOlKOUCJlV ol o !lflOEflLUV 06~av npoy6vwv xovT<;, OUTOl T~V EK 1TaTpwv
EAaHWCJlV 8:\ovT<; avaTIAflpWCJat Tfi [O[<;t npo8Uf.1l\t Cj>lAOKlVOUVOTpov E1TL Ta<;
uo npa~t<; KtvouvTm. Kal Ka8anp olnvmpot mnov<.i>Tpov flUAAov Twv U(To9o
96-102 Cf. Arist. Pol., 1.6.1255b.

90 fHKp6cppovm; M fUKp6cpovo~
om. ABE
wABE
merchant or man engaged in any business of that kind. Men such as these are
bound to have petty minds; they are excited by the prospect of gain and anxious
ibout collecting money, and they are without any noble habits.
15. If the man is descended from illustrious and highly regarded ancestors,
then this must be in his favor but, if this is lacking, we should certainly not
require such noble birth. Neither should we use this as a criterion to judge a
t'tlan unworthy of being general if he clearly possesses the ability to assume that
l'IOsition. For just as we evaluate the good or bad pedigrees of animals by their
individual performance and disposition, so we must also view the noble lineage
of men, not from the perspective of their forefathers, but from that of their own
performance and accomplishments. 4 Is it not improper, even stupid, on the one
hand to honor simple soldiers for their individual valor in combat who are not
from illustrious families but who have performed a brilliant deed by their own
effort, and, on the other hand, to select a general because of his ancestry, even
though he is incompetent, and not because of his individual virtue, even if he
does not come from an illustrious family? Of course, if a general has a brilliant
lineage in addition to these other qualities, he is fortunate. Still, even if he is of
good birth, without the virtuous qualities he is useless.
16. Perhaps one might expect that those who cannot take pride in their
ancestors would become even better generals, for men who glory in their forefathers and appropriate their good reputation to themselves often prove to be
careless and negligent administrators, whereas those who have no ancestral
renown desire to make up for the obscurity of their lineage by their own enthusiasm and are moved to undertake more dangerous activities. Just as poor men
93 7tEpt06~wv MW evM~wv ABE 6.n6yovo~ MW
93-94 Oel1'0trro MW Kai 1'0U1'0V ABE
94 fl~V ... miv1'W~ MW 1t(lV1'W~ oe ABE
6.nouaav MW eav fl~ np6awnv ABE scr. mg. fl~ ouaav
a~tov W ava~tov Kpivetv ABE I KEK1'T]1'Ul MW A KEXPil'm BE
95 KpLVElV 6.va~lOV M KpLVElV

96 Kal ~ewv MW om. ABE
I 1wv2 BE om. MWA

98 uno MW tK ABE 100 aywva~ MW 1'U 6.vopaya8~flU1'U ABE I ou MW Kai fl~ ABE I
AUfl7tpou~ MW AUflnpwv ABE I auoxetp[a MW om. ABE I scr. mg. Ota 1wv tOLWV XEtpwv W
96-97 ouayev~ ABE ouaxep~ MW
97 oihw MW AB oihw~ E
100-101 n ... epyov MW ipyov n Aaflnpov ABE
101 oe MWA
0 fl~ BE
npoa6V1'wv scr. mg. T]youv exovm~ <Y1'pU1'T]you Kat npoyovou~ AUfl7tp<ou~> W
103 ad
104 ad Kiiv
scr. mg. Kiiv euyev~ unapx11 W I ad iinpaK1'0~ scr. mg. aOoKLflO~ W 105 ad 101>~ scr. mg.
1'0U~ flll OUVUflEVOU~ eyKauxaaem et~ euytvetav w 106 ad yoveum scr. mg. oi eappouvT~
eyKUUXWflEV<Ol> d~ 1'0 yevo~ w 107 ad Ei)KAElUV scr. mg. Oo~av w 108 OlOLKOU<JlV MW
OtaKElVTUl ABE 108-109 1'~V ... eJ..anwmv MW 1'~V 1'WV nmepwv O.Oo~[av ABE
109 t8tJ..oV1'~ 6.va7tAT]pam MW 6.va7tAT]pam 8tJ..one~ ABE
epxovml ABE Kai MW A om. BE lnVE<J1'Ep0l MWA 7tEVT]1'~ BE
25
110 Ktvounat MW
4. Cf. Aristotle, Politics 1.6.1255b.
Constitution
26
115
pw-rpwv tnl T~V -roD ~[ou KTJlGlV 6pf1WVTat, TO t\.Aelnov CtVTCtVCtTtAT]pGlaat -rf}c;
n>x c; anouM(ov-rec;, oihwc; oi fl~ tK nmpwv KAT]pOVOfl~aav-rec; M~av 8La -rwv
11
i8iwv npa~ewv cmouM(oumv oiKeLwaaaem M~av.
17. L'ua mD-ra ouv npoxapL(a9w f.!EV a-rpetTT])'O<:; aya96c;, euyev~c;, n/..oumoc;, fl~ ano80Klf1Ct(eaew 8 T(fVTj<:; fleTCt apnf}c;, d Ketl fl~ ano ACtf11tpWV Ketl tv86~wv npoy6vwv KCtTayn -ro yvoc;.
1
120
125
8. Ke<paA.mov 8 dnelv, XP~ -rov a-rpet<T]y6v, ei 8uvmov e'LT], Kal -ro aGlfla
eunpmii Ketl PWflCtAeOV Ketl qJLAOTtOVOV Ketl O~UTCtTOV Ketl T~V )'VWflT]V av8pelov
KCtt qJLAOTlflOV Kett (JT(OUOCtLOV Kett qJLAOKtVOUVOV Kett flCtALGTCt TOD 9e[ou Kett nepl
TCt eela npCtYflaTCt tmf1AeGTCtTOV, ~oovwv o TWV flEV -roD GWflCtTO<:; tyKpet-rf},
TWV () -rf}c; )'VWflTj<:; aTtAT]GTOV T Kett aK6pea-rov tnl Ttp tnaivc.p TWV aya9wv
npa~ewv, (JUVLOeLV 0 TO oeov en tv Ttp acpavel, av 0LVOV T Ketl 6~uv, tK TWV
tpatVOflEVWV TCt KKpUflflEVCt GTOXCt(W9at tmTUXEGTCtTOV, TCt~at O aTpCtTOV KCtt
6nA.iam Ketl KOGflTJGCtl ffl1tLpov, AO)'Ol<:; oi:: CtVlaTUV TCt T(1tTWKOTCt cppoV~flaTCt
-roD a-rpmoD Ketl tA.niowv tf111AJlGCtl ayaewv Ketl ETOlj.lOU<:; npoc; KLVOUVOU<:;
napaaKUCt(JCtl 8uva-r6v, Ketl TCt auvn9flEVCt 8 ~ Of10AO)'OUf1VCt qJUACt~Ctl
~~m6-repov, j.l~ 6./..wvm 8 napa TWV tv AO)'Ol<:; ouva-rwv, ole; tKetVOl napAKlV
-roD Ket9~KOVTO<:; teA.oumv. elvm 8l aacpaA.f], XPllflCtTWV Oi:: etc; flEV ~8ovac; -rae;
114-120
:j:Cf. Onas. 1.1.
114-116
will endure more than rich men in their quest to obtain a living and in their eagerness to supply what fortune has not provided, so men who have not inherited
~ncestral glory strive to achieve glory on their own by their own deeds.
17. For the above reasons, then, that man is to be appointed as general who
is good, well born, and wealthy, although a qualified poor man is not to be
rejected even if he is not descended from illustrious and renowned ancestors.s
18. To sum it up, the general must, inasmuch as possible, be physically impressive, strong and hardworking, very quick in action, courageous, respected,
serious, and ready to face danger. 6 He should especially be most attentive to
divine matters and his relationship to God. When it comes to bodily pleasures,
he should exercise self-control. But in matters of the mind he is insatiable and
never satisfied in his efforts to bring about successful actions. While the situation is still unclear, he realizes what has to be done. Clever and quick witted, he
is always right on target in estimating what is hidden from what is visible. He is
experienced in arming and drawing up an army in battle array. His words are
able to resurrect the morale of the army when it is low, fill it with fine expectations, and prepare it to confront dangers. He should be very strict in observing
agreements or promises, not swayed by clever speakers who want to drag him
away from his duty. He must be steadfast, parsimonious in expenditures on his
:j:Onas. 2.1.
ad i:Jrl scr. mg. em TO KT!]OLV eunoptav W I avmvanA.!]p<ilam MW avanA.!]p<ilam ABE

ouTw<; MWAB ouTw E 11 3 lolwv MWA olKdwv BE 114 ouv ... J.lV MW J.lEV ouv
112
npoxupt(eaew ABE 115 anoOoKtJ.la(taew MW ano~aA.A.taew ABE scr. mg. ano~A!]TO<; Kat
aOOKlJ.lO<; A.oyt(ecr8w w 117 e'l!] MW EOTlV ABE 118 pwJ.laA.tov MW avopeTov ABE
8avopeTov ... qnA6TlJ.lOV MW yevvaTov ABE scr. mg. TOV <ptA.ouvm et alia evanida W
11
119
1
119 TOU 8iou MW eeoae~f] ABE 120 TWV J.lEV MW A om. BE
121 TWV ... Tf]<; ABE Tf]<;
o MW 121 _ 122 iinA.!]at6v ... npa~ewv ABE na[vou aA.!]8ou<; nl npa~ecrtv aya8aT<;
111
anA.l]aT6v TE Kal aK6pecrTov MW 122 auvtoeTv MW 8tavo~aaa8m ABE scr. mg. rrpovo!]OUl
OUJ.l<pEpov TOU Katpou w I av MW 0 BE om. A I scr. mg. OUVUTOV w I 6~uv wABE o~u M
aoxa(ecr8m mnxammv MW uaoxw<; aoxa(6J.levov ABE la~m 0 MW liJ.lnupov
123
o TCt~Ul ABE 124 Ejlnetpov MW om. ABE I A.6yot<; ... UVlOTUV MW OUVUTOV o Oul A6ywv
&eydpm ABE la BE om. MWA 125 Toii ABE om. MW I npo<; MW npo<; Tou<; ABE
6 ad 6J.loA.oyouJ.leva scr. mg. T~v Kupw8eTaav ~ouA.~v W
127 6.A.wvm MW napaaupecr8m
12
ABE scr. mg. ~youv J.l~ U...Taaem napa ouvaJ.lEWV et alia evanida W I napa MW uno ABE I
ol<; MW o1' wv ABE 1 napeA.Ketv MW naptA.Ketv auTov ABE 128 Ka8~KovTo<; MW
npoa~KOVTO<; ABE I 8tA.ouatV MW etA.ouatv aAA.' ABE 128-129 ~oova<; ... EaUTOU MW
Ta<; auToii ~oova<; ABE
27
5. Cf. Onasander 2.1.

6. Cf. Onasander 1.1.

28
Constitution
auToiJ cpiowA.6v T Ka't

130
6A.tyapK~,
ow~
de; of cn)f!nvowv TWV nA.fla[ov Kal f!CtAt<JTa
T~c; imfp TOU KOlVOU oanUVflt; acp8ov6v T Kal ~nAWf!EVOV.
135
19. TOlOUTOV TOLVUV ovm TOV npoxLpt<6f!EVOV mpaTf1y6v, olov 6 A6yoc;

unypmjiV Tft T <pU<J1 KaL TOle; ~8CJ[ T Kat f11lTf10EUfla<Jl, OEL T~c; upx~c; nlAflflf!EVOV iht KUL XPfl<JTClV dvat, eunpocr~yopov, ihOLf!OV, UTapaxov, fl.~ ODTWc;
mLK~ T Kal npaov wcrT KaTa<ppovLcr8at, f!~T f!~V ouTw I cpo~epov wme
!.U<JEL<J8at, '(va fl~T OlCt f!ElAtxtat; EKAU<Jn TO <JTpm6neoov Kal navm TOV uno
288
xelpa A.a6v, fl~T OlCt TOV cp6~ov Tfjc; auTOU uyanllc; a.A.Amptwcrn.
20. TO. o' iiA.Aa ocra XP~ TOUTOV E11lTf10EUlV v Tate; ad KaTCt f!Epoc; Ef111l11TOU(Jalc; emKatpOlc; OlOlK~O"E<Jl Kal
napacpuA.anw8at, vuv fJ.fV OlCt TO nA.~8oc;
cruvwTdAaf!EV, v Of T(ij nA.aT1 T~c; nap' ~f!WV f:KTt8f!EVflc; TaKTLK~c; Ka8'
wv
145
Kama f!Vfl f!OVEUO"Of!EV, O<Jfl OUVUfllc;.

21. TOlOUTOV Of ovm Kal OUTW OtUTflpODf!EVOV TOV napa T~c; ~amA.eiac; ~f!WV
npOXELPl<Of!EVOV mpaTf1y6v, t:A.n[<Of!EV auTOV Kal T~c; TOU E>wu <'moA.aulV
EUf!EVELac; Kal T~c; ~f!ETpac; euvo[ac; Kal T~c; TOU KOlVOU O"WTflp[ac; KUL Tfjc; napa.
11UVTWV EU<pflf!Lac; KUL T~c; KaTCt TOV ~[ov \Jflf!Ep[ac; v XpuJT{i) T{ij f!OV<.p TWV
oA.wv aiwv[<.p Kal O.Otaoox<.p ~amA.el. a.H' ouTw !lfV T~v ToiJ mpaTflyou KaTacrTacrtv (mapT[O"aVTEc;, cpp TOUTOV OLOVEL KaT' ocp8aAf!OUc; T~c; ~f!ETpac; napacrTflO"Ct!iEVOl ~amA.lac;-TCt dKOTU Kat np6acpopa Tft <JTpUTflYlKft T Kat TaKTLKft
mcrT~f!n-otu T~c; e<pE~~c; ~f!WV napaKADO"Wc; napatVEO"Wf!EV.
131-136 Onas. 2.2.
129 cpdowA.ov n: MW cpelOOflEVOV ABE
I OAlyapK~
MW EV 6A.iy0lc; apKOUflEVOV ABE
OUfl7lVOlUV ... 7!A!]OLOV MW TO euepyneTv Touc; im' UUTOV ABE

oaml.V!]<; MW oamlV!]V ABE
aTpaTI]you
130
OlOlKOUvTa
132-133 e7letAT]flflEVOV
MW
XPIJOTov MW aya8ov ABE scr. mg. <flevo>v ev Tal<; lOlal<; W

3
fl~n:
MWBE fl~ o A I fl~V MW om. ABE I oihw MW o{\Twc; ABE
T~v O.fleA.dav
I TE
MW om. ABE
w I T~<; apx~c; MW ei<; T~V apx~v ABE scr. mg. ~youv Ta
13
afleA.eiac; MW ola
pleasures, and satisfied with very little. He must be ungrudging and

~tratghtforward in working together with his neighbor, especially in expenditures for the common good.
19. The man to be appointed as general, therefore, should be such as this
trac~ate has sketched regarding his nature, his character, and his way of life.?
HaVIng assumed command, he must in addition be trustworthy, approachable,
<always> prepared, and unperturbed; he should not be so lenient and gentle as
to be despised or so severe as to be hated. Otherwise, his kindness might loosen
t~e discipline of the army and all the troops under his command, and fear of
h1m might turn the army away from loving him.
2o. All the other things that he must put into practice in his timely management o~ the details :hat always devolve upon him, as well as the things he must
be on h1s guard agamst, on account of their great number, we have here summari_zed. In particular sections of this compilation of ours we will, as best we can,
discuss them in greater detail.
21. We hope that the general promoted by Our Majesty will indeed be such a
man and that he will remain such. We hope that he will enjoy the favor of God
and our own goodwill, that he will share in our common salvation and will be
hi~~y regru:ded by everyone, as well as find happiness in his life. May he find all
thts m Chnst, the only eternal and unchanging emperor of all things. Having
thus brought to an end our discussion of the condition of the general, let us now
advise him and offer the following recommendations-placing him as it were in
front of Our Majesty-in those matters that are applicable and relevant to
strategic and tactical science.
T~<; MW
eic; T~V ABE I
2
132 imypa1jleV MWA U7!ypa1jle BE
E7llT!]OEUflUOl MABE tmT!]OEUflUOlV

Toii
ABE
7!poxelpla8vTa
ABE
134 Te MW om. ABE
135 OlU flElAlXLa<; Va Ol'
I aTpm67!eoov MW aTpaTeufla Kal etc; KaTacppov!]OlV
-1 6 Kal...A.a6v MW om. ABE 136 T~c; ... a\AoTplwaiJ MW flWeTv

35 3
aUTOV 7!apaaKEUUOI] ABE 137 o' MW o ABE I XP~ MW 7!pOO~KEl ABE lael. .. flEpO<; MW
ayayl] ABE
om. ABE
138 div MW oaa ABE
147 eiKoTa MW 7!pE7!0VTa ABE
137-138 Efl7ll7!TOU0al<; MW 7!apef17ll7!T01J0Ul<; ABE
MW 7!apacpuA.anea8m XP~ ABE 141 oiJTw MW oiJTW<; ABE

144-145 TV oA.wv MW om. ABE 145 oiJTw MW oiJTw<; ABE I flEV M flEV Kal WABE
146 a7!apTiaavTe<; MW TEAElWOUVTE<; ABE scr. mg. TEAElWOa<vTe<;> w I olovd MW wa7!ep
7!apacpuA.anea8m
ABE
I KaT'
ocp8aAflOU<; MW 7!p0 ocp8aAf1WV ABE
7!p6acpopa MW
29
apflO~OVTa ABE scr. mg. TU apfla~o<vm> w I TE MW om. ABE
7 Cf. Onasander 2.2.
Constitution
30
wCHpaTf]y, rrpWTf]V (JOl TalHf]V rrapaKEA-
22. Before everything else, 0 general, we propose this to you as our very first
8eoqHAria~ Kat OlKatO<JDVf]~ mf1Ad<J8m Kat oiov 6piiv Olf]VfKW~ rrpo 6<p8aAf1WV Tov E>rov Kat <po~da8m mhov Kat
ayarriiv ~ OAf]~ T~~ Kapoia~ <JOU Kat ~ OAf]~ T~~ \lfUX~~ <JOU Kat f.ld EKelVOV
rwa~, Kat n':t~ a"lnou EKTAdv vToAa~ Kat T~v Krivou ruf1vrwv vTru8rv
rrpo<JAaf.l~avw8m 'lva-ei Kat T0Af.lf]POTpov e'irrw-v Kmp{il mpl<JTQ<JfW~ w~
<plAO~ <plAlp T{il KOlV{il owrroTn 8appwv ITfJ10l80TW~ rrpO<JfDXn Kat T~~ <JWTf]pta~
subject of exhortation and advice: 8 be concerned about the love of God and
r_ighte~usness in such manner that you constantly have God before your eyes.
h~ar him. Love him with all your heart and all your soul and, after him, us!
Keep his commandments and, in turn, you will receive his favor, so that-if I
may speak rather boldly-in difficult situations you may with confidence and
trust pray to our common Lord as a friend to a friend and you may request the
salvation you hope for from him as from a friend. That one is not a liar who
said: The Lord will do the will of those who fear him and he will hear their
prayer and save them. 10
22. ITpo f.lEV TWV ii:\Awv amivTWV,
U<JlV Tf Kat rrapaivrmv ITOlODf18a, wme
155
Ta~ Arrioa~
xwv TaDTf]V nap' auTou
<ptAiw~ ~arrmTft~. a\lfeu8~~
yap anv 6
firrwv 8Af]f.la Twv <po~ouf1vwv auTov rrot~<Jfl KDpto~ Kat T~~ oe~aew~ auTwv
ei<JaKODfTat Kat <JW<Jfl aUTOD~.
23."Ia8l yap on 8eia~ Uf1Vela~
160
A~V
KUV
<pp6Vlf10~
dvm
M~n~
EKtO~
OUK E<JTl
OUK E<JTl TIOAff.llWV
KaAW~ KaTop8w8~vm ~ourrrptyrva8m, KUV ao8rvd~
EKelVOl VOf.ll(WVTaL, Ola TO J1QVTa EV Tft rrpovoi<;t TOU ewu Kft<J8m Kat auTa Ta
A.aXt<JTa ooKouvm T~V auTou rrp6vmav OlOlKft<J8m.
24. "Oarrrp yap KU~fPV~Tll~ TIAOLOU, KUV navu apt<JTO~ E<JTl, TWV UVEf.lWV
ai<J(W~ f.l~ TIVfOVTWV anpaKTOV EXfl T~V TEXVf]V. av o TODTOU~ npo<JAa~llTal Kal
165
31
"t~V "tfXVf]V EXfl <JUf.lTipUHOU<JaV, OlTIAOUV "tOY op6f10V 1-rou TIAOLOU <JUV a<J<paAel<;l TIOlfLTQl oihw Kat aptmo~ mpaTf]YO~, av "t~V Uf1EVflaV "tOU E>rou vou0f]1"Ul Kal -rn -ra~fl Kat Tft aTpa-rf]yi<;t auv aypunvi<;t Kal mf1rAd<;t XP~<JllTm
- 2 Strat., praef.36-69. 152 Deut. 6:5; Matt. 22:37.
149 19
161-162 Matt. 6:25-28; Luc. 12:22-26.
bring any plan to a successful conclusion, however intelligent you may seem to
be; it is not possible to overcome the enemy, however weak they may be
thought. Everything lies in the providence of God, that providence that takes
care of even those things that appear to be the least.u
24. Aboard ship, now, a helmsman, even the best, finds that his skill is
useless when the winds are not blowing favorably, but when he has them with
him and also puts his skill to use, he has no difficulty in doubling the ship's run.
So it is with the best general. He will be dad with the favor of God and, ever
alert and diligent, he will make good use of his tactical and strategic skills. He
157-158 Ps. 144 (145): 19.
rrpo ... rrowufleea MW rrapaKeA.eu6fleea oilv aot w a-rpanw rrp<,lrr11v -rau-r11v

149 150
rrapaKeA.euO"Lv Kal rrapalveO"Lv ABE 150 Seoq>tA.ela<; MW rrpo -rwv iiA.Awv amiv-rwv
eeoae~ela<; ABE 151 olov ... Seov MW -rov Seov EXELV rrpo oq>SaAflWV ABE
KaP ... ~fli'i<; MW om. ABE 153 tv-reiiSev MW EK -rou-rou ABE 154 ei. .. drrw
152 153
MW om. ABE 155 cplA.w MW cplA.w el Kal-roAfl'1Pov ABE lrrmot66-rw<; MW om. ABE
156 exwv ... t~arram'j<; MW d<; au-rov exwv T~V au-roii ~o~6laV EJtlO"JtUO"ll ABE 157 KUplO<;
MWA om. BE 159 laSt MW ylvwaKE ABE scr. mg. <y>tvwaKE W I on WABE n M I
Sela<; ... EKTO<; MW om. ABE I EO"Tl MABE EO"TlV w 159-160 ~OUA~V MW ~OUA~V xwpl<;
-rfJ<; Sela<; q>tA.avSpwrr[a<; -re Kal XP!10"LOT!1to<; ABE 160 ean MABE eanv W
161 rrpovo[a ... KetaSm MW TOU eeou KetaSm rrpovo[a ABE 161-162 au-ra ... rrp6votav
MW rrap' au-roii OlOlKetO"Sal Kal atJLCt -ra A.axta-ra ABE 162 OtOlKelO"Sat ABE OlOlKElV MW
6 rrA.olou MW om. ABE 164 aia[w<; W ai-r[w<; M KaAw<; ABE scr. mg. EltlT!10EtW<; W
1 3
164-165 Kal. .. EXEl MW EXEl o Kal T~V TBXVI1V ABE 165 O"Uf11tpanouaav MW
auvepyouaav au-rw ABE 166 oihw MW oihw<; oilv ABE I EUflBVElaV ... eeou MW TOU Seoii
q>tA.avSpwrr[av ABE 166-167 voua11Tat MW EXEl Kal -r~v ~o~Setav ABE 167 Kal'
mpa-rlly[a MW TU~ll o KUAW<; TO a-rpaTEUflU Kal ABE I EltlflEAEla MW Eltlf!EAE[a Tfj
a-rpa-r11yla ABE
23. For you must realize that, apart from God's favor, it is not possible to
8. Cf. Strat., Preface 36-69.

9 Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37.
10. Psalms 144 (145): 19.
11. Matthew 6:25-28; Luke 12:22-26.
32
Constitution
KUAW<;, KULTOV maTUOflVOV m>T4J a-rpaTOV aa<paAW<; OtOlK~Gl Kai Tft reotKLAn
yvwfl.n TWV x8pwv avna-rpaLUW8at MvaTat. ~ yap TOU
Ot0U~l
ewu rep6vota Ta
fl.EV
repo<; TO GUfl<pEpov, Ta o repo<; aya8ov repa<; areoTAEGl. TOlOUTO<;
TOLVUV, UG~~<; fl.EV repi T~V re(a-rtv, OLKULO<; o repi Ta<; repa~l<; 1mapxwv,
warep 8flAl4J aya84J Kai aaaAtl1'4J reotKOOOfJ.t Kai Ta aAAa aya8a.
Will safely manage the army entrusted to him and will be able to counter the
Vltrious machinations of the enemy. The providence of God will teach him those
things that are beneficial and will bring them to a successful conclusion. He
!ihould be the kind of man who is orthodox in his faith and just in his deeds. As
t1t1 a .firm and unshakable foundation he will build the other good qualities. 12
25. Tipao<; YVOU Kai aTapaxo<; TOt<; EVTuyxavoum TO yap ayptov TOU ~Sou<;
fl.WTJTOv Kat <pUKT6v. ALTO<; T Kat cmAoi.i<; replT~v oimTav Kai TO evoufla ~ yap
175 reoAUTEAta Kai reOLKlALa TWV ~pWfJ.CtTWV Kat EVOUfJ.CtTWV Ta<; avayKa(a<; oareava<;
i<; fl.CtTatOV e~avTA1. aypurevw<; o Kai E1HflAW<; TOt<; avayKatot<; repawamv

m~aUwv, Kai fl.~ pa8uf!w<; Kat aflAw<; ~ yap mfJ.EAta Kat ~ mfl.OV~ KaiTa
reavu OUGXP~ TWV repUYfl.UTWV pqoiw<; Kmop8ot Kai 6 KaTa<ppovwv repUYfJ.UTO<;

KaTU<ppOVTJ8~aTat tJTC'
180
UUTOU.
26. 'Erei OE TOt<; fl.EYUAOl<; Kat avayKatot<; TWV repaYfl.CtTWV flfJOEV xwpi<; ~ouAi)<;
Otarepanou. d Taxa 0 Kai ~pa0w<; ~OUAucrn, aUa TO ~OUAU8v auvTOfJ.W<;
Kai acr<paAW<;, w<; OuvaTOV, ETClTEAl, &arep rei TWV VOGTJfl.CtTWV o[ iaTpoL
27. AHa Kai TOt<; apxofl.EVOl<; '(aw<; repocr<ppou, fl.TJOEV KaLa repoawreOATJ'VLUV
pya~OflVO<;, ana reamv '(aw<; KaLa T~V TOU OlKa(ou <puatv ure~PX0flVO<;.
185
28. MTJOE xauvw<; Kai pa8Uf!W<; 0tUKlGO rei TOt<; area KUKLa<; ~ aflAia<;
CtfJ.UpTaVOUfl.EVOl<; Ola TO OOKELV dvat KaMv. ouo yap KaA6v EGTl TO auvpydv
KUKL<;t Kai pa8Uf!L<;t, fl.CtAlGTa rei TWV Katp[wv Kai avayKa[wv repayf!UTWV. fl.TJOE
reaAlV 6t' EV0l~lV aUaTTJpia<; reporeTw<; Kai aOtaKptTW<; Ta<; re~AUGl<; reotoi.i.
EKtVO fl.EV yap rept<pp6VfJaLV Kai arei8tav <ppn, TOUTO o fllGO<; d)Aoyov Kai
172 Cf. Matt. 7:24.
178-179 Prov. 13:13.
169 yvli>fl!] ... tx6pwv MW trsp. ABE I MvaTat MW &uv~anat

AE &uv~O!]Tal B 170 nepac; MW TEAoc; ABE 172 ETIOlKOOOf!EL .. ayaea MW Kat TU iiAA.a
ayaea ETIOlKOOOflel ABE 173 EVTuyxavouat MABE eVTuyxavouatv w 174 fllOI]TOV ...
<pEUKTOV MW Kai fllOEiTat Kat anoaTpe<pETal ABE I OlatTUV ... EVOUf!U MW Tpo<p~V Kat T~V
v&umv ABE I ad OlatTav scr. mg. Tpo<p~v W I ad v&uf1a scr. mg. TI]V ev&uatv W 175 ad
noA.uTeAeta scr. mg. <bv Tate; Tpu<paLc; Kat <Tat>c; ev&Uaem noA.ue<iO>ov W I Kat ev&uf!aTwv
ABE om. MW 176 t~aVTAet Va t~avTAa MW KaTavaA.1aKet ABE 177 m~aAA.wv MW
yxetpwv ABE 178 ad &uaxepfi scr. mg. <O>uaKoA.a WI pa&1wc; MW euK6A.wc; ABE quod
etiam scr. mg. w 180 tni ... fll]OEV MW fl!]OEv 0 TWV f1YUAWV Kat avayKalWV TIPUYflUTWV
ABE 181 ~ouA.eueev MWA ~ouA.eu6v Kai M~av eivat OUfl<pepov BE I auvTOf!WC: MWA
OUVTOflWC: E1tlTAel BE 182 &anep ... iaTpo1 MW om. ABE 183 apxof!EVotc; MW
imoxetp(otc; ABE 1 tawc; MW tawc; niicn A niicnv tn1a!]c; BE 184 Tou MW A om. BE
185 TOLe; MW TOLe; Ctf!apT~flUOt mic; ABE 186 KaMv 1 MW KaA.oc; ABE 187 KUKla ...
pa6uf11a MW Tij pa6uf11a Kat Tij KUKla ABE I Katp1wv W Katpwv M fleyaA.wv ABE 188 ad
tne~eA.euaetc; scr. mg. Tac; Tlf!Wptac; W 189-190 KaP ... KpeiTTov MW om. ABE
168 KaA.wc; MW om. ABE
33
25. You should be gentle and untroubled to those you encounter, for a savage
temperament is hateful and to be avoided. You should be plain and simple in

matters of food and clothing. Extravagance and ostentation in food and raiment
llt}Uander the funds for necessary items to no purpose. The general should be
tireless and painstaking in attending to necessary matters, not slack or careless;
care and persistence will easily carry him through the most difficult situations.
If he shows no concern for a problem, that problem will show no concern for
him. 13
26. You should take no action regarding serious, unavoidable problems without deliberation. You may perhaps be slow in coming to a decision, but once you
have made your decision, carry it out quickly and safely, as far as possible, just as
physicians do in treating illness.
2:.
~ou should appear even tempered to those under your command, doing
nothmg m respect of persons, but going out to meet everyone on an equal basis,
as expected of a just man.
28. You should not be lackadaisical and too easygoing in dealing with those
who have committed offenses out of wickedness or carelessness in order to give

the impression of being a good commander, for it is not good to cooperate with
wicked and careless men, especially in emergencies and perilous situations. On
the other hand, you should not punish hastily and without due investigation in
order to show how strict you are. The first leads to contempt and disobedience,
12.
Cf. Matthew 7:24.
13. Proverbs 13:13.
34 Constitution
190
the second to well-deserved hatred with its consequences. The better course is
TOU~ ~ auTOU Kaprrou~. Kpt:1HOV yap 6 jlt:Ta OlKatOCYUVT]~ <p6~o~ Kat ~ jleTa T~V
yuj.tvwmv T~~ ah[a~ d.\A.oyo~ ne~D.. eum~, ~Tt~ ou K6A.am~ aAA.a aw<ppovtcrj.to~
t11 Join fear with justice; after proof of guilt, impose a fitting punishment. Rea-
TOl~ t:u<ppOVOUCYl f..oy[(nat.

29. Tipo miVTWV oi:: ntnOAEj.tOU~
195
6nA.t(6j.tVO~ anoaK6net OtKa[av elvm T~V

apx~v TOU TOlOUTOU noAEj.tOU Kat j.t~ X1pa~ aO[KOU~ n[~aA noT KaTa noAt:j.tlwv d !l~ np6Tepov EKlVOl Ota T~~ auv~eou~ auTWV aae~da~ KmpaTUlV
anap~Ctj.tV0l T~V ~j.tnpav KataOpCtj.tWCYLV. I
30. 'Hj.tWV yap ad T~V eip~VfjV Kat npo~ TOU~ unfjKOOU~ Kat npo~ TOU~
~ap~apou~ Ota XptaTOV TOY Kae' OAOU ~amAta Kat eeov aana(Oj.tEVWV, Uiv Kat
Ta 8vfj TOUTO <ptAOUCYl T01~ [O[Ol~ yxaALVOUj.tVa opot~ Kat j.tfjOEV aOtKelV
200
205
289
auTO~ au Kat' auTWV Ta~ xLpa~ CYUCYTlAOV Kat alj.taCYl T~V

y~v j.t~T' Ej.t<pUALOl~ j.t~T ~ap~aptKOl~ KaTUXpatv. Ct yap yKaAECYl~ T01~ x8po1~
~youv !l~ anapxwem xnpwv aO[KWV oMi::v uno aoii UOlKOUj.tEVOU~, TaiiTa apa
Kat aU-ro[, j.tfjOi::v vavT(ov opwvT~ KaTa TWV unfjKOWV T~~ ~j.tWV ~amA.da~, aAA.'
ipfjVUOVT~ yKaAaoua( CYOl. 01 yap ~jlii~ ad TOU~, d OuvaTOV TO ~ ~jlWV,
j.tt:Ta naVTWV av8pwnwv dpfjVt:UOVTa~, TOt~ eipfjVUlV ~OUAOj.tEVOl~ 8veat Kat
j.tfjOEV aOtKelV TOD~ unoxetp(ou~ ~j.tWV, W~ T~V dp~VT]V aet TWV UAAWV npOTlj.tWV-
nayyeA.A.6j.tt:Va Kat
TU~ cmaVTWV, auvetpT]VUlV EKlVOl~ KalnoAEj.tWV antxwem.

31. Ei o ye il~ aw<ppov1 TO avT(naA.ov, aAA.' aU-rol T~~ UOlKta~ anap~OVTat
T~V ~j.teTEpav KaTaTpxovT~ y~v,

210
TOT apa
OtKa(w~ ah(a~ npoKetj.ttVT]~ w~ Kal

eapaaAtw~ Kat CYUV npoeu-
UOtKOU nOAEj.tOU napa TWV vavT[wv anapxoj.tEVOU,

190-192 Strat., praef.6s-68
1 o yap 6 M ouv 6 W 6 yap ABE 190-191 -r~v yu11vwmv MW cpavepwmv ABE

9
191 brE~EAEUCH<; ABE imE~EAEUOl<; MW 192 eucppovoiim MW KOAW<; cppovoiim ABE
t!Otlable men regard this not as chastisement but as correction.t4

29. Above all, when mobilizing for war, make sure that the cause of this war
just and never take up arms against the enemy unjustly unless they, because of
their accustomed impiety, have first initiated hostilities and are invading our
land.
30. We must always embrace peace for our own subjects, as well as for the
barbarians, because of Christ, the emperor and God of all. If the nations also
thare these sentiments and stay within their own boundaries and promise that
they will not take unjust action against us, then you too refrain from taking up
arms against them. Do not stain the ground with the blood of your own people
or that of the barbarians. For while you are making accusations against the enemy, saying that they who have not been injured by you should not begin to take
up arms unjustly, they may bring the same charges against you, claiming that
they have not engaged in any hostile act against the subjects of Our Majesty but
have been living in peace with them. We must always, if it is possible on our
part, be at peace with all men, especially with those nations who desire to live in
peace and who do nothing unjust to our subjects. We must always prefer peace
above all else and we should be at peace with those nations and refrain from
war.
31. But if our adversary should act unwisely, initiate unjust hostilities, and
invade our territory, then you do indeed have a just cause, inasmuch as an
unjust war has been begun by the enemy. With confidence and enthusiasm take
arro~AEJtE A arre~A.erre BE 194 err[~aA. MW err[~aAAE ABE

~!lETEpav MW ~!1Hepav xwpav ABE I Ka-raopa!lWOlV MABE Ka-raopa!loiiv-raL w
193 curocrK6rrEL MW
196
197
Eip~V!]V
MW
Eip~VI]V acrrra~0!1EVWV
ABE
198 Ka8' OAOU MW TWV oA.wv ABE
acrrra~O!lEVWV MW om. ABE 199 TOUTO <pLAOUOl M TOUTO ayarriilm

ABE
MW
I yxaALVOU!1EVa
11
~-rE ABE
35
opOL<; MW opoL<; E!1!1EVOVTa ABE scr. mg.
1 KataxpmvE
eyKaAE<JEl<; cru ABE
202
MW Ka-ra116A.uvE ABE scr. mg.
~youv ... UOLKWV MW
om. ABE
11~
w TOUTI]V ayarrwm
wp<aiov> w 201 f.L~t'
f.L6A.uvE W I eyKaAtcrEL<; MW
I ad
arrapxecr8m scr. mg.
!1~
w I ouof:v ... UOLKOU!lEVOU<:; MW UOLKOU<Jl !l!]OEV aOLKO!lEVOL<:; urro

<JOU ABE I iipa MW om. ABE 203 opiiJVTE<:; MW JtOLOUVTE<; ABE idem scr. mg. w I ad
Ult!]KOWV scr. mg. uno TWV urr6 XEipa w I ~!1WV ~amA.da<:; MW trsp. ABE I aU' MW om. ABE
204 eyKaAe<JOU<JL MABE eyKaAe<JOUOlV w I Ei ... ~!1WV MW om. ABE 205 8vEcrt MBE
rrpw-ro<; rrp6<; JtOAE!lOV 6p!lii
8vEcrtV W A
208 ye ... av-rirraA.ov MW ol evav-r[OL 11~ awcppovoiimv ABE scr. mg. l]youv OL
rroAE!lLOL W
209 Ka-ra-rpexov-rE<:; yijv MW yijv Ka-ra~A.amov-rE<:; ABE scr. mg. KoupaeuovtE<:;
W 1 iipa cSLKaiw.:; MW euA.oyou Kal 0LKaia.:; ABE I Kal MW om. ABE scr. mg. v8apawc; W
14. Strat., Preface 65-68.
36
Constitution
!ll\l TOU KaT' alJTWV yxlpl TtOAe!lOU, U.H:; EKeLVWV TCt<; ah[a<; n:apa<JXO!lEYWV KaL
~!liV apa!lvwv Kal 8appl TOT w<; Kal TOY

E~l<; ~Of]8ov, Kal 1"0U<; un:i::p CtOA<pWV avaOXO!lYO<;
<':t<SLKOU<; xeipa<; KaTCt TWV UTtOTAWV
T~<;
OtKatO<JUVT]<; E>eov
aywva<; n:avaTpan(/.
215
voo~OTT]Ta
T~V
VlKT]V
E~l<;.
OlCt TOUTO ouv n:poTpTtO!l8a
T~V (J~V
OlCt n:avTWV QT(O(JKOTtdV OtKa[a<; Ttoti<J8at TCt<; apxa<; TOU TtOAe!lOU,
Kal TOT TCt<; xdpa<; (m:\[(lV KaTCt TWV CtOlKOUVTWV.

32. 6.t<':t n:avTWV oi:: Kal v iin:a0l Kpdnova (JWU1"0V TWV un:oxLp[wv avaod-
~at otaywv[(ou
Kal KaT'
~a[pTOV
d<; T
T~V
i<; 00V Ttl<JTlV Kal
Kal TCt<; AOtn:Ct<; apna<;. TOi<; yap TWV apxovTWV

220
8w8at TO apxo!lVOV,
<ppOV~!la(Jl
T~V U<JE~laV
<plAi n:w<; (JUVOla1"[-
w<; av KaTCt T~V n:apOl!llaV !l~ EAa<pOl AOV1"WV apxou0lV
ana A.ov1"<; tM<pwv.

33 Kal TaUTa !lEY (JOl,
wmpaTT]y, w<;
v (JUVO\jll
T~<; ~a0lAlK~<; ~!lWY
owTa~ew<; n:apayy:\1-la-ra, iin:ep TO T~<; auvTo!l[a<; XPLWO<; n:l n:Atov TEW<; ouK
e(/. n:apKTlvw8at.
225
E~WTl
o (JOl Tai<; 1" n:ap'
~!lWV
EK1"8l!lEYat<; lo[q. yvW!lal<;
ev npo T4J <JUVTUY!lan Kal n:poan -rai<; Ka1"Ct n::\am<; <JUVlAY!lEYat<; ~!liY EV 1"ft
n:apaAA~A<.p TWV TaKTlKWV !l0YO~t~A4J T~V i::K18V 1"WV (T]TOU!lEYWV TtAiova Kat
apKOU<Jav n:oplaaa8at W<pEAtav. I

34 ToMwv ouv EXO!lYO<; au~lV Kal n:poan8vat mi<; aya8oi<; epym<;
230
37
n:po8u!l~8T]n, 'iva n:oA.Aan::\a0la(wv Tfl an:ouoalq. yvw!ln TCt KeA.euo!lva, n:pw-ra

!li::v E>eov e~n<; en:atVETT]V TWV n:pa~WV, n:ma oi:: Kal1"0 ~!lETpov Kpa1"0<;, ypa
TWV n:ovwv en:a~ta Ot' Ct!l<flolV KO!ll(O!lYO<;.
up nrms against them. It is they who have provided the cause by unjustly raising
!htir hands against those subject to us. Take courage then. You will have the
{!nd of justice on your side. Taking up the struggle on behalf of your brothers,
you and your whole force will be victorious. For this reason, therefore, we call
upon Your Excellency always to make sure that the causes of war are just. Only
then take up arms against men who act unjustly.
32. At all times and in all circumstances you should work hard to show
yourself superior to those under your command, especially in your faith in God,
your reverent worship, and the other virtues. Subjects somehow tend to be
11tlected by the resolute spirit of their leaders. As the proverb has it: Deer ought
not to rule over lions, but lions over deer.1s
33 And so, 0 general, we present you in summary form with these instructions of our imperial constitution, about which the practical form of a summary
does not, at this time, permit further elaboration. For questions <that may
ttrlse> you can obtain for yourself further and sufficient help both from the
precepts that we have set out individually in the present compilation and from
those that we have collected in greater detail in the corresponding single volume
of the Tactics.I6
34 Holding fast to these precepts, then, be eager to add to your successes, so
that, by your seriousness of purpose and by building upon these ordinances of

ours, you might first have God praising your deeds and then our own authority
1md, from both, you will receive the rewards merited by your labors.
220-221 Plut. Mor., 3.187.3; cf. Theognis Eleg., 1.949; 2.1278c.

211 tyxipe1 MW cmapxou ABE I -rae; ahiac; MWA -rate; ai-rtat<; BE 212 tJ7!0"tAWV ~f!lV
MW imoxe1plWV ~f!WV ABE I eapp1 MW eapcr1 ABE 214 aywvac; MABE aywvoc; w I
navcr-rpa-r 1a MW -ri]v cr-rpanav ABE I -r~v 1 ~1<; MW v1K~<J1<; ABE 218 lc; ABE om.
MW
ad -rotc; scr. mg. <~>youv oloc; 6 apxwv crt1 <p1A.oum Kat ol <ap>xof!EVOl
219
Ofl0lOU<J8a1 w I <p1Al MW O.el ABE 219-220 (JUV01atl8ecr8at MW cruvbtml8etat ABE
iipxoucr1v MW iipxwmv ABE 222 cro1 MWPE -ro1 A I ~amA.1Kfj<; MW om. ABE
220
_
ouK til MW ou cruyxwp1 ABE 224 Kt8If!EVat<; ... yvwf!at<; MW ioia tK-r8lcra1
223 224
yvwf!a1c; ABE 22 5 auv1Aeyf!evatc; MW cruv118po1crflevatc; A cruvTjOpo1crflevatc; BE
nopicracr8at MW cruvayayetv ABE 228 tx6f!evoc; MWA EXOfleva BE 229 tva ABE
227
we; iiv MW I noA.A.anA.amO.(wv MW tnau~avwv ABE I crnouoa[a MW crnouoaia crou ABE
_
yepa ... tna~1a MW nf!a<; tna~iac; -rwv novwv ABE scr. mg. af!01~ac; Kat ttf!a<; W
230 231
231 bt' b.fl<potv MW t~ b.fl<po-repwv ABE
15. Cf. Plutarch, Mor. 3.187.3; Theognis, Elegies 1.949; 2.1278c.

16. Undoubtedly refers to the Sylloge tacticorum.
TIOAEMIKON TIAPArKEYON
~IATA3Ir
f'
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION III
Tiepl-rou rrw<; XP~ pouAeuw8m
1.
About How It Is Necessary to Make Plans
'Em:to~ of: rrpo T((XGTJ<; rrpa~EW<; ~OUA~V ~yeicr0at XPEOV-OLOLKTJGL<; yap
artpo~oUAWto<; OUK Ctcr<paA~<;, KCtV EK TOU rtapaxp~flCt TL<; auxft TtOAACtKL<; KUTOp-
0wcra[ Tl W<; Uf!U Kal ~OUAEDGCtf!EVO<; Kal rtpa~a<;, an' ou VOflO<; TO GTtCtVLOV-,
OL<l TOUTO KUL rtpo TWV a:\Awv rtapaKEAEDOfleea
Kai flCtAta-ra rtOAEf!LK~<; ~ou:\euw0a[
001
TtCtOTJ<; rtpa~EW<; avayKa[a<;
ae rtp6Tepov f!ET<l -rwv OOKOlJVTWV crot
LKUVWV rtepl TUUTTJV apxovTWV, OLOV TOUpf!apxwv Kal TWV f<jlE~~<;, trtav of: TO
OOKOUV trtl ~E~a[ou Myou OTft, TOTE TO epyov 0!' Ortep t~OUAEUOW, crrtouoft Kal
10
ETtlflEAeL<(l flETUXELPLOCtf!EVO<; et<; rtpa<; ayayEiv, dye flTJOEV CtTtUVT~OOl tvaVTLOV,
w<; Ta rto:\Aa e'lwee,
rtpoeu 11 ~e 11 Tt. T~<;
KaTopewcret<; TUUTTJV acrcpaAW<; ~OTJ
001
ot
~ou:\~<; To doo<; -ri T tcr-rtv Kal
OLUTCt~OflaL.
w<;
2. Bou:\~ ta-rt otacrKE'!'t<; rtepl Toil rtpCi~a( Tt ~ fl~ rtpCi~at. Kal El f!EV 11~ rtpCi~at, 29~
aty~ TO fVTEU0Ev. Ei of: rtpCi~at, TtW<; rtpCi~at ~youv TOY -rp6rtov T~<; rtpa~EW<;, TtOU
15
rtpCi~at ~youv Tov -r6rtov -r~<; rtpa~ew<;, rt6Te rtpCi~at ~youv -rov Katpov T~<; rtpa-
~ew<;, Tt rtpCi~at ~youv TO rtpuwa -ro rtpaTTOflEVov, T(<; rtpCi~at ~youv TO rtp6crw-
rtov TO flEAAOV ~v ~OUA~V Ei<; rtpa<; rtpa~EW<; ayayeiv, Ota Tl rtpa~at ~youv T~V
aiT[av 0!' ~v ~ rtpCi~t<; o<petAEt yevaem.
M W ABE
Va PG 107:695
1
Constitutionem tertiam constitutio quarta in codd. antecedit. edd. praevios secutus
transposui et ego. I TIOAEfHKWV napaoKeuwv MA om. WBE I y' Va PG O' codd.. 3 xpe6v W
xpewv M XP~ ABE scr. mg. xp~oq.tov cmarroi:iv W 3-4 OLOiKl)Ot<:; ... anpo~ouft.wro~ MW ~
yap npo~ouft.wro~ (cmpo~ouft.wro~ A) OLOiKT)at~ ABE 4-5 K ... n MW Kauxw-r6 (Kauxa-rai
A) -rt~ auVT6f.!W~ n KatopSwam ABE 6 npa~ew~ avayKaia~ MW trsp. ABE 8 nepl...
apxov-rwv MW tv tal~ ~OUAUl~ elvat ABE I E<pE~fJ~ enav MW AOlTIWV ETIElOUV ABE scr. mg.
~youv o-rav ~ ~OUA~ KupwSfJ w 9 OOKOUV MW KlVOUf.!EVOV ABE I ETil... a-rfj MW ~E~atwSfJ
w~ aUf.!<pEpov ea-r\ ABE I -ro ... ~ouft.euaw MW om. ABE 9-10 anou&fJ ... ETilf.!EAEia MW
f.lE"tU anou&fj~ Kai emf.!EAda~ ABE 10 f.!EtaXEtptaaf.!evo~ MW om. ABE I nepa~ MW -reft.o~
A n\ayo~ BE scr. mg. El~ tEAO~ w I ayaydv MW ayetv auto ABE 10-11 elye ...
rcpoSuf.!~Sl)n (w~ W wa-re M) MW om. ABE scr. mg. w~ noft.A<iKt~ auf.l~a(vet W 13 npa~ai
MW A npa~at nw~ BE I f.l~ 2 MW A om. BE 14 ~youv ... npa~ew~ MW A om. BE
16-17 -ro3 .. f.!EAAov MWA -ro f.!EAAov rcp6awnov BE 17 rcepa~ MW -reft.o~ ABE scr. mg. Et~
-reft.o~ W I npa~ew~ MW om. ABE
Before every action it is necessary to consider a plan. It is not safe to carry

t1Ut anything that has not been planned ahead of time, even if some individual
!1\lght claim to ha~e straightened things out several times on the spot, making
plans and puttmg them into action at the same time.' But what happens
r!lrely is not a law. For these reasons, above all else, we strongly recommend to
you that before every necessary action, especially a military one, you deliberate
!lbout it with those officers whom you consider qualified, such as tourmarchs
~U1d those next in rank. When your opinions result in a firm decision, then
!leriously and carefully take in hand the action that you have been deliberating
about and, if you should encounter no obstacle, which is usually the case, exert
yourself to bring it to fulfillment. But now I shall set before you the nature of
deliberation, what it is and how you can bring it to a successful conclusion.
.2. Deliberation is an investigation about whether to do something or not to
do tt. If the decision is not to do it, there is no further discussion. If to do it,
the~ how to do it or the manner of doing it, where to do it or the place in which
It will be done, when to do it or the time of doing it, what to do or the action to
be taken, who is to do it or the person who is to bring the planned action to its
conclusion, why do it or the reason for which the action ought to be taken.
1.
1.
Cf. infra, Const. 5, n. 7
Planning
3 '0
20
oe ~OUAUOflVO<; Kae' eam:ov ~ avayKTj<; rrpWTOV T~V OlCtVOlUV A.ue-
pav txTw TWV anwv cmavTWV, flCtAlGTU o TWV aVT]KOVTWV d<; TO rrpiiyfla 1tpl
ou
~OUA\JTat, dT exepa<; ~ <plAta<; ~ nvo<; anou rraeou<;.

4 Eha flT]OE f.!OVOV TO d.\KOAOV OOKOUV EKAyou KUL TOUTO rrp6aX, ana
rrp6~A1t '(aw<; TWV rrpayfl6.TWV auTWV flTa T~V

vap~lV urro~anof.!EVWV KUL aA.Awv urro~aA.A6vTWV KUL aA.Ao n GUfl<pOpWTpov
rravTa Ta ouvaTa yvaeat
25
30
41
Constitution 3
40
orrp rrapA.m<;.
5 El o fl~ lo[w<;
~OUAUaaaem
rrapaA.a~LV rrpo<; T~V

OlCtGK\IIlV ~OUATJeElT]<;. (JUUTOV Of.!OlW<; ETOlfla<YOV arrae~. W<; dpT]TUl, W<J1tP d
KUL Kae' eauTOV ~oUAU<JW, TOU<; o <YUfl~OUAOU<; rrapaACtfl~UV Ef11tdpou<; TOU
rrpayflaTo<;, rrpoopanKou<; Kal. aToxamtKou<;, auflrraeci<; Kal. 6~ci<; d<; TO vo~aat
KUL aa<paA.ci<;, OUT ao[, T{il ~OUAU<YOflEV<p, UT(ElKOVTU<; KUTa xaptv, OUT T{il
aA.Aa KUL Tpou<;
aAA~AOl<;, Atyovm<; o TO <patVOflVOV, aKpa[ou<; T

Ta<; yvWf.!U<; KUL arrpoaKAlVL<; KUL f1TjOfllUV tm~OA~V ~ eauTWV rrapxovm<;,
Kup[<p TOU rrp6.Yf1UTO<; OUT
ana Tfi auTfi wpq. TO <YUfl<pOpWTpov OOKlflCt<YUVTU<;.

6. Eial. yap TlV<; tauTOL<; n tvopwvT<; '(otov <YUfl<pEpov
35 mv
~ tTpot<; ou<; ayarrw-
~ K~oovTat Kal maKorrouvTat T~V Kp[mv wu rrp6.yflaTo<; KalrroA.A.6.Kt<; ouK
EVOLOOVT<; rrapaTpE1tOU<Yl T~V yvWflfJV i<; 0 ~OUAOVTat.

7. 'Errl o TWV arropp~TWV KUL KpU1tLWV rrpayflCtTWV Kal m<YTOU<;
V KUL tyKpaTl<; KUL flU<YTT]p[wv <pUAUKU<; Kal
ll~
uno
rrapaACtfl~U
T~V Tpwv ~oua[av
D.w8epav scr. mg. ~youv \eu8epav txb:w ano x8pa<; ~ <pLAta~ W 20 niiv .
anavrwv MW 1!UVTWV TWV iiAA.wv ABE 21 TLVO~ iiAAOU MW trsp. ABE 22 TO ... OOKOUV
MW TO ooKoiJv euKoAov ABE I TouTo MW TOUTW A TOUTWV BE 23 Yaw~ MWAE om. B I
mhwv MWAE TWV B 24 imo~aAAOflEVWV ... ii\Awv ABE om. MW I ii\Ao TL MW ii\Aa nva
ABE I GUflq>Op<impov Va GUflq>Ep<impov MW GUflq>Epovm ABE 25 onep MW iinep ABE
26 ~ou\eucraa8at MWE ~ou\euaaa8at 8e\e1~ AB 27 ~ou\118d11~ aeauTov MW aeauTov
f!EV ABE 1 ad ana8fj scr. mg. 'lva fll1ov nm~a11~ &' x8pav ~ <pt\iav W I wanep MWA Ka8w~
BE 30 ~ou\wcroflevw MWE ~ou\eucraf!evw A ~ouAWOflEVW B 31 Te MWBE om. A
a poaKAtve1~ MW fl~ npoana8ouvm~ ABE scr. mg. fl~ penovra~ np6~ Ttva~ fll'\OE
32
npoana8ouvTa~ W 1 m~o\~v ... naptxovm~ (m~ou\~v A) MW A ~ ainwv napexovTa~
em~o\~v BE 33 GUfl<pop<inepov Va crufl<pep<impov MWA GUflq>Ep6Tepov BE
34 EUUTOl~ ... OUflq>Epov MW ~ LOLOV eaUTOL<; GUflq>Epov npoopwVTE<; ABE 34-35 ayanwmv
MWA ayanwat BE 35 ~ ... npO.yflaTo~ MW om. ABE 36 ev0t06vTe~ WABE evlhoouvTe~
M I yVWfll'\V MW ~OUA~V ABE 37 cmopp~TWV ... Kpumwv MW Kpumwv Kal flUGTlKWV ABE
1
ad
19-20
11
38 T~V MW om. ABE
. 3 The person responsible for devising the plan must necessarily begin by
fi'<:Cing his mind of everything else, especially whatever may be connected with
action that he is deliberating about, whether of enmity or friendship or any
feeling he might have.
4 You should not limit your choice to what seems easy and concentrate on
tbllt, but consider all the possibilities. After getting under way, perhaps the
t'Ourse of action itself will give rise to suggestions. Others too may make suggestit>ns about some other more suitable procedure that you may have neglected.
5 If you do not make plans by yourself but wish to include others in your
dtliberations, you must still keep yourself indifferent, as was said, as though you
Wtre devising the plans by yourself. To assist in planning, employ men who have
jome experience of the matter, men who can look ahead and form a good
tJstimate, who interact well, and who are quick-witted and trustworthy. They
sbould not give in to you as you go about your deliberations or to the one in
charge of the action or to one another simply to curry favor. But they should
t!!Xpress their opinions and be objective in their views, not inclined one way or
t.he other, not presenting any proposals of their own but, at the same time,
giving their approval to what is more beneficial.
6. There are some who look at what is beneficial only for themselves or for
others whom they love or care about, and they make this the deciding factor in
considering the proposal. Frequently, unwilling to give in, they alter the plan to
what they want.
7 In the case of secret and covert projects, invite men who are trustworthy,
possessed of self-control, and who can keep secrets. They should not be under
Planning 43
Constitution 3
42
ovmc;, a:\.Awc; n: flf10E T~c; xpriac; TaUTflc; nA.~8ouc; 00f1EYf1c; OlCt TO iJUOTlK(tJT40
pov.
8. Kal
~OUAfUOU f1EY ~paowc;, i il~ nc; xpfia TO nixoc; cmaml. Ta o ~ou-
A.ru8vm OOl, i f1f10Ev !':iJnooi(rt, mxewc; m-rA.n.

9 Kmpov 0, we; dpf1TUl, KaL -r6nov OflOLWc; EKAyou Kal KaTaOKUa( TlV
npayiJaTl oiKLOV, nA.~v il~ !':ni OOl f10Y4J I ava<pep T~V nrpl TOUTWV Kpiatv, aH'
45 !':nl nav-rac; -roue; KOlVWYOUVTac; Ufla ooL KaL Tl flEY oov Of np<i~at OKEJ1TOU Kal
f1WX nA.n6vwv ~OUAUOU, a o np<i~at ~ouhuon ouv 6A.iyOLc;. T~V o KaA.Aiova
yvWf1f1Y mA.r~af1Yoc; KUTX napa awu-r4J, Yva il~ TOLe; !':vav-riOLc; Kam<pav~c;
29\'
Kal rumt~ouA.ru-roc; yvf1Tal.

10. Tao npayiJaTa nA.dovac; XOPflYOUOl -roue; OKOTIOuc; '(owe; Ttc; nrpiommc;
so EK navTWV TWV flepwv <pavrpa yrv~oTat TOLe; ouyKKAflf1EVOlc; !':v Tft ~ouA.ft,
0Ufl~aAAOf1EYf1 Tft yvWflTI T~c; OUfl~OUA~c;.
11. ITavmc; 0 XP~ pl':rrav KaL OUVTPEXflV de; <ptA.aA.~8rt Kal anae~ ou(~TflOlY
Kal Kf10f10Y[av Kal rrp6vOLav -rou ouyKaA.aavmc;.

12. TA.oc; o T~c; ~OUA~c; eaTW OOl TO rupr8~vat i Tl rrpa~ac; Kat rrwc; rtpa~ac;
55 Kal rrou Kal n6-rr, d 0 il~ npa~ac;, Kal ota -ri apa ou npa~etc;.
13. 'Ev ole; o ~ouA.euon Kal !':v TOLe; EiJnimouat Tft ~ouA.ft OKOnoLc; auv-rpxav
o1 Ctfla Kat TO ouvaTOV Kat TO OUfl<pl':pov TOUTWY yap dvm il~ ouvaiJEYWY
ao8ev~c; ~ ~OUA~ Kal !lamia au-r68ev ouoa KaTavoeiTm Kat wanep !':v O'Jfl ~
6o
au-r~c; aA.oy(a ~Atrrnm.

14. Ei yap il~ OUfl<pEpH
OOl orrep av ~ouA.euon, ou flOYOV OUK W<pA~Oflc;

aHa iJUAAOV Kat ~ACt'JfLc;. i o' au TIUAlV ou ouvaom Ta ~ouA.eu8vm npu~m,
41-42 Strat., 8.1.5.
43-48 Strat., 8.2.23.
a:>..Aw~ ... JlUGTlKOJTpov bis scr. MW JtA~V OUOE ~ xpeia UU1'fl JtAElG1'0U~ Bexnat 6ta 1'0
ua-rtKW1'epav dvm ABE scr. mg. ~youv on ouoh GUJlcpBpet noUou~ dvat Bta -ro
11
cpuMnw6at -ro ua-r~ptOv W 41 d MW av ABE !-ro ... cmam1 MW Ka-rmdyfl cruv-r6Jlw~
~OUAEUGaa6at ABE 43-44 1'W npayJlUTl MWAE 1'WV npUYJlCt1'WV B 44 Jl~ ... avacpepe
MW om. ABE I Kpimv MW Kpimv Jl~ Eltl GOt JlOVW avacpepe ABE 47 Ka-racpav~~ MW
cpavepa ABE 4 8 Kal... yevfl1'at MW yevfl-rat Kal euK6A.w~ tltt~ouA.eu6~ ABE
49 xop!]yovm ... GKOJtOU~ MW trsp. ABE I '(aw~ MW Kal -raxa ABE 50 cpavepCt MW A
cpavepa GUJl~UAAOJlEV!] -r~ ~ouA.~ BE I yev~crnat MABE yevfl1'at W I cruyKeKAflJlBVOt~ .. .
~ouA.~ MW v -r~ ~ouA.~ (cruJl~OUA!] B) cruyKaAOUJlEVOt~ ABE 51 O'UJl~UAAOJlEV!] .. .
GUJl~OUA~c; MW om. ABE 52 nav-ra~ MWAE JtCtV1'U B I penetv ... cru~~l]O'IV MW Kal
cruv-rpexetV de; cmae~ Kal UAfl6~ (aA!]6~ Kal anae~ A) O'U~~1'flGIV pEJtEIV ABE
53 K!]6EJlOVlUV MW d~ cppov-r[6a ABE 54 1'0 eupe6~vat MWA om. BE I d w d~ M d OAW<;
ABE 55 d M ~ WABE \Be MW om. ABE 57 dvat MW olJlat ABE 61 6' au MW BE
39-40
11
ABE
!hr authority of others, and there should not be many of them, the better to
matters secret.
H. Take your time in making your plans, unless some necessity requires
Immediate action. 2 But once you have decided on something, unless there is an
11h~tacle, carry it out quickly.
9 In like manner, as was said, select the time and place and make preparations appropriate to the action.' Still, do not refer the decision about these
!hlngs to yourself alone, but to all who are privy to the action together with
yourself. Investigate and deliberate with a large number about what it is
necessary for you to do, but make your plans about what you are actually going
ttl do with only a few. Once you have opted for the better proposal, keep it to
yourselflest it become manifest and exposed to counteraction by the enemy.
10. The affairs themselves furnish many points of view. Perhaps some
circumstance from all the parts will clarify matters for those called together for
the consultation, contributing to the resolution of the discussion.
11. It is necessary for everyone to be favorably inclined to take an active part
In the truth-loving and unbiased inquiry, as well as the concern and foresight of
the one who has called them together.
12. Let the purpose of the deliberation be for you to discover if you will do
something, how you will do it, and where and when, but if you will not do it,
then for what reason will you not do it.
13. In the matters on which you are deliberating and in the objectives that
form part of your deliberation, it is necessary for the possible and the beneficial
to concur. A deliberation about things that are not possible has no strength and,
for that very reason, is rejected as useless, and its irrationality is seen at a glance.
14. If whatever you may be deliberating about is not beneficial for you, not
only will you not be helpful; rather, you will cause harm. Again, if you are not
2.
Cf. Strat. 8.1.5.
3. Cf. Strat. 8.2.23.
44
Planning 45
Constitution 3
!lala[a ~ ouiaK\jil<; d<; av6vrrrov TEAO<; OtCt T~V CtOUVU!llUV KUTUVTWaa. !lCtAlGTU
o XP~ <puAa.nwem Ta<; Ttpoxdpw<; !l<ppo!lva<; tv To1<; 11pawam ~A.a~a<;. Kal
yap oi 11oAA.ol Tm!lo[ dm -ra1<; !lEV <ppovT[mv u<ppa[vtv t:auTou<;, TO o E!1Tt[6s
mov T~<; ~ACt~!"]<; 11~ 11po~ATtnv.

1 . Xpl"]at!lwT6.TT"] ouv anv v-rauea ~ Ttav-raxoev TIEptaK\jit<; Kal TtavTwv
5
TWV yveaem OUVUTWV 6 11pl T~V aKE\jilV avaA.oyta!-16<;. ou yap Ttpoowan<;

awuTov 11poTITtQ. Tu<pA.ft ouo Ta1<; tmeu!l[m<; Twv 11p6.~wv yA.tx6!lvo<; i<;
11poo~A.ou<; Ktvouvou<; E!lTttan<;.
70
16. I16.AlV OE TO 0lAOV TOU ea.paou<; xwpl<; OUK aTlV Ct~AU~E<; <p0~0D!lVO<;
yap Ta aA.oya TtapaTITW!lUTU KUL Ta vavT[a am OOKOUVTU TtapaA6yw<; 1tpay!laTUO!lVO<; TtoA.A.aKL<; TWV au!l<pp6vTwv aot 11pay116.Twv KUTT"]!lEAT"]aa<; Kal T~<;
auTwv cmeaTT"]<; 11pa~W<;.
17. Oihw !lEv ouv am ota ~paxtwv,
75
a-rpaTT"]y, TIEpl ~ouA* Ot~A.e6vT<;

~~<; KUL T~<; TWV TtOAE!llKWV pywv T KUtTtpa~W<; TUKTLK~<; Ct11Up~W!lea.
!!hit to turn your plans into action, deliberating about them serves no purpose
because of the impossibility, ends up accomplishing nothing. It is particunecessary to guard against the damages that readily occur in taking action.
are prepared to find happiness in their thoughts but not to foresee the
uu~et of harm.
15. In these matters, then, the examination of every aspect is absolutely
fll~ential, as well as a reconsideration regarding the examination of everything
can possibly occur. For <in that way> you will not give yourself up to blind
headlong haste, nor in your great eagerness for action will you fall into
obvious dangers.
16. Again, fear without courage is not without harm. By fearing irrational
*"Makes and unreasonably busying yourself with matters that you think are
l,:Uiltrary to your interests, frequently you will have neglected matters which are
f~ally in your best interests and you will have turned away from putting them
action.
17. So then, 0 general, we have briefly gone through the subject of delibera-
tion, and we will begin next about the tactics of military works and action.
62 av6v'l-rov MW avw<peA.e<; ABE idem scr. mg. W
63 Ejl<pt:pOjlEVa<; MW Ejl<patVOjlEVa<;
67 yevea6m ouva-rwv MW trsp. ABE 68 aeau-rov ABE eau-rov MW 1-ru<pA.~ MW

-ru<pA.~ Kal aneptaKemw ABE I yA.tX6ilevo<; MW om. ABE 70 -rou W Kal MABE
70-75 xwpl.; ... anap~wjle6a MABE om. sed scr. mg. i)youv <po~oujlt:Vo<; miA.tv Ctjle-rpw<; -ro 11~
ABE
aA6yw<;
nepmecreiv
ei<;
KLVOUVOV
KUl
TIOLWV
71-72 npawa-reu611evo<; MA npawa-reu611eva BE

73 CtTIEO"T'l<; MAB cmaT'l<; E
anap~6jlVU
BE
71 aA.oya
napaA.oya
ABE
72 KUT'ljlEA'laa<; MA KUTUjlEA'lO"L<; BE
75 -re M om. ABE
anap~wjlt:6a M anap~6jlt:6a A
ITOAEMIK.ON ITAPA2:KEY.ON lliATA3I2: ll'
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION IV
Tiepl Olatpaew<; mpatou KUL Kataaniaew<; apxovtwv
About the Division of the Army and the Appointment of Officers
KAUOf.1V to(vuv tfi afi voo~6t'lll Kata t~V livw9v Kat ~ upx~c; auv~9t:tav touc; atpanwmc; Kal touc; apxovmc; a\.mov mA.~aaem, ouc; iiv OOKlf.iUOnc;
LKavouc; dvm rrpoc; t~V tOU TCOAEf.iOU xpLav. EKAE~n ot atpanwmc; cmo rravtoc;
tOU UTCO 0 9f.1atOc;, fl~T rraioac; fl~T ypovmc;, uA:\a uvopiouc;, UpW<rtouc;,
u'f!uxouc;, t:urr6pouc;, &at autouc; v t(j) ~rroin!l ~youv v tfi auvaywyfi tou
<poaaatou de; t~V [o(av atpatdav UOXOAOUf.iEVOUc; XLV v tote; io(otc; o'iKotc;
tpouc;, touc; yt:wpyouvtac; Kal ta rrpoc; arraptlOf.iOV Kai ~6rr:\tmv tOU atpatLWtou xoP'lYIv ouvaf.1vouc;, Of]A.ov6n A.cu9pouc; -roue; o'iKouc; xovtac; twv
liAA.wv cmaawv tOU 0'lf.100lOU OOUALWV. ou yap ~OUAOf.19a tOV ~f.1Etpov
auatpatLWTf]V-Othw yap yw KUAW tOV uptatULV flEAAOVta urrp t t~c; ~f.iWV
~amA.dac; Kal t~c; <ptA.oxpiatou -rwv 'Pwf.iaiwv rroA.miac; v toic; Kata rr6Af.10V
pyotc;-rrA.~v f.iOVOV tOU Of]f.iOOlOU tA.ouc; tp<;t tJTCOKda9m olq.o~rrot oouA.dq..
2. t.tmpia9w toivuv 6 mic; im6 a atpatoc; t:ic; tayf.iata ~youv ta A.t:y6f.1Va
~avoa ota<popa Kal ht urrootmpia9w t:ic; 0Kapxiac;, Kal KataatT]<r<itwaav de;
ta AYOf.1Va KOVtou~pvta. mum 8t ytvaewaav Kai urro TCEVt TCOAAUKtc; Kal
arro OEKU uvopwv ~youv Kata 0Kapxiav ~ ev KOVtoU~pvtv ~ Mo.
3 Kal 6 f.1V atpatoc; oA.oc; Otatpt:iaew outwc; ic; tUYf.iUta Kal de; OcKapxiac;.
mat~tWOUV Of: autotc; apxovtc; KUta ~avoa KUL Opouyyouc; Kai tOUpf.iU<; KUL
tac; liAA.ac; owuaac; upxac; oi LKUVWtatoL ~youv 0001 Kai matol Kal UYVWf.10Vc;
<pa(vovtat tfi 'Pwf.ia"iKfi ~flWV TCOALttq., f.1Uptupouvtm 8t KUL uvopt:t6tpOL. ouotv
ot KWAU1 Kal UTCopwtatouc; au-roue; LVUL Kai UyvIc; KUta t tO yvoc; Kai t~V
We order Your Excellency, in keeping with the custom going way back to
beginning, to select the soldiers and their officers whom you judge qualified
1t1eet the requirements of warfare. Select soldiers from the entire theme under
command, neither boys nor old men, but men who are brave, vigorous,
and financially well off. While these men are occupied with their
IW11 military service on the campaign or, rather, the assembling of the army,
must have others in their households who do the farm work and who are
to provide the required items for the complete equipping and arming of a
This means that the heads of those households should be free from all
services owed the state. For we do not wish our fellow soldier-thus I call
man who goes forth to strive valiantly in warlike deeds on behalf of Our
M~tJesty and the Christ-loving commonwealth of the Romans-with the sole
tl~::eption of the public tax, 1 to be subject to any imposition whatsoever.
l. Let the entire army under your command be divided into various tagma~\lso called banda. Let it be further divided into dekarchies. Then let the so!,'ldled squads be set up. These may often be composed of five men, as well as of
tim, so that each dekarchy will have one or two squads.
1.
10
15
20
M W A B E Va
J. In this manner, let the entire army be divided into tagmata and into
t!ekarchies. 2 Let officers be put in charge of them according to banda, droungoi,
~t!id tourmai, and the other appropriate units. They should all be extremely comlldent, faithful, and loyal to our Roman state; they should also give evidence of
bravery that is above average. There is nothing to prevent their being very
PG 107:697
19-29 Onas. 2. 3-5.

1 noA.q.ttKWV ... otc:'tta~u; y' (tpLTTJ A) MWA otaTU~l~ y' 7tEpl TrOAEfllKWV napacrKeuwv BE (nepl
om. E) I o' Va PG y' codd. 6 eupwcrtou~ MW tcrxupou~ ABE 7 ad EU\jluxou~ scr. mg.
npo6uf.!OU~ tOAf.lTJpou~ W. 10 OTJAov6n A.w6epou~ bis scr. MW trsp. ABE 11 anacrwv
MW nacrwv ABE 12 oi.\tw MW oi.\tw~ ABE 16 KataUTTJcrc:'ttwcrav MW Katacrt~twcrav
ABE 17 Kovtou~epvta MABE KOutou~epvta W 18 Kov-rou~epvtv M Kou-rou~epvtv W
Kovtou~epvwv AE Kouvtou~epvwv B 20 Kal toupf.!a~ MW om. ABE 22 ~f.!WV noA.m(a
MWA 7t0AlTELa Uf.!WV B 7tOAlTELU ~f.lWV E 23 autou~ dvat MW AE trsp. B
1.
2.
See "demosion;' ODB.

Onasander 2.3-5.
48
Division of the Army and Appointment of Officers
Constitution 4
l~~ \j!UX~~ ape-r~v T~V j.lEv euyvLav EXflV, tva eiol np6xLp0l tv O~UH]Tl Katpou
25
nepl-ra~ KfAfUOj.lEVW:; au-roT~ npa~L~, T~V 8 eunopiav, tva OUVWVTat -roT~ mpal
nw-rm~ K nepLOuoia~ noHaKt~, ei 8e~oOL, xopT]yeTv. Kal yap Kal 6f.iyT] -raxa
xopTjyta an6 TWV ~YOUj.lEVWV apx6v-rwv np6~ TOU~ UTIOTaHOj.lEVOU~ ytVOj.lEVT]
euvouma-ra Kal <piAta npo~ au-rou~ napaoKeua<L -ra nf.~ell Kal ouvaywvi<wem
-Kal j.lEXPl KaLTEAOU~-tv -roT~, w~ elKO~, fj.l11l11lOUOl KlVOUVOl~.

4 Ol 8 j.let<ove~ au-rwv Kal vnj.16-ra-rot Kal ouve8peuooum -r4> o-rpmT]y4J, o'i
8 Kalnapoov-rat Kal j.19E~OUOl ouv au-r4J 11Ct0T]~ ~OUA~~ Kal KOlVWV~OOUOl 110U
Kal yvWj.lT]~, ei TUXOl, Kal anopp~-rou Kal Kpum~~- Kal yap Tl~ -raxa Kal aptOTO~
wv vvoeT j.lEV n XP~Otj.lOV, ~e~a[w~ 8 -ra au-rou j.l6vo~ ouK olKetou-rat. yvWj.lT]
yap ~ ~OUA~ EKCtOTT], ~ j.lEV a~o~9T]TO~ ouaa nepl T~V l8iav eupwtv j.lOVT]V
35 Q110~AE11fl, ~ 8 uno Kal aAAWV 110AAWV mj.1ap-rupTj9e1oa 11lOTOUTUl Kal ava<pa[VHUl j.1Tj8v xouoa o<paAep6v.
5 Tipnov ouv fOTlV dvatTOV o-rpa-rTjy6v-tva KaLTICtAlV 00l11pl-rwv au-rwv
40
napatVEOWj.lfV-j.l~Tf oihw~ ao-ra-rov T~V 8tavotav tva aUTO~ au-r4J naVTfAW~

amo-rft, j.l~Tf OUTW~ au9a8Tj Kat j.lOVWTaTOV W~ jl~ ~OUAW9at nap' -rpwv KCtAAlOV Tl VOTj9v aVaj.la9eTv. avayKT] yap aU-rov ~ T((lOl -roT~ aAAOl~ KULa navm
npoaexovm Kal Ka-ra j.1Tj8v au-r4J mo-reuov-ra nOAACtKl~ nona Kal UOUj.l<j>Opa
npCtHLV, ~ j.1Tj8v 6Aiywv QKOUOVTU nav-ra o au-r4J KaTU11l0TfUOVTa, noAAa
30-36 Onas. 3 1-5.

24 ei0l MWA
MW 0~01
wm BE
ABE I
25 OUVWVTUl MABE ouvaVTat

Kal2
MW om. ABE
27 ~YOUJlEVWV MW om. ABE
w I to1<; WABE om. M
26 OE~00l
Wt:althy or noble as far as their birth and virtue of soul is concerned. If they
11hould be of noble birth, at crucial moments they will be quick to put into
1\t:tion what they have been ordered to do; if they should be wealthy, then, when
called for, from their abundance they will often be able to devote some funds to
soldiers. Even a small expenditure made by a commanding officer for the
benefit of his troops renders the rank and file much better disposed and friendly
lt)Ward him and ready to fight along with him, even to the end, in the dangers
likely to confront them.
4 The higher-ranking and most respected officers should sit in council with
the general; they should be at hand and participate with him in every deliberation and somehow share in his decision, even if it might be kept hidden and
*ecret. 3 For an individual, the very best perhaps, may think of something benefichtl, but one man alone should certainly not limit himself to his own opinions.
livery decision or deliberation that is unsupported looks only at its author's
Ingenuity, but the decision that has the additional testimony of many others is
reliable and may be presented without any uncertainty.
5. It is, therefore, fitting for the general to be-we are still giving you advice
~tbout the same matters-neither so indecisive in mind that he has absolutely no
confidence in himself nor so opinionated and self-centered that he is unwilling
t.o learn from others anything that has been better thought out. The man who
always pays attention to everyone else and never relies on himself will surely
make many and frequent errors in practice, whereas the one who never listens,
26-27 nixa xop!]y[a MW 0001<; ABE
I {momTTOJlEVOU<; MW unoxe1p[ou<; ABE
28 UVOU0TUTU ...
n\~81] MW UVOLUV Kai ayani]V TOU n\~8ou<; O.nepya~Tat ABE scr. mg. ayani]T1KU
w I Kai TEAOU<; MW eavatou ABE I W<; ... K1VOUV01<; MW
UYVWJlOVU
K1vouvo1<;
napa0Kua~1 ABE 30 0uveopeu0oum MW 0uyKa8eopo1 0ovtm ABE
29 Kai' MABE om.
31 napE00VTUl ... 0UV MW
K01VWV~00U0l scr.
mg.
0UYK01VWV~00U01V ABE
<~>youv 'lva Wat
Kai autoi
autw MW AB
0UJl~OUA01 Kai
autwv E
ei<; tu<; KpU<jHWtEpa<;
ad
~OUAa<;
2
1
3 2 Kai tuxo1 MW om. ABE 1 Kai Kpum~<; MW JlU0TlK~<; t KaianoKpucpou ABE I
Kai4 Kais MW KUV ABE 33 wv ... XP~01JlOV MW wv & 0tpatl]yO<; vvod JlEV n Kai
~OUAUTU1 XP~0lJlOV ABE I ~e~a[w<; ... olKlOUTUl MW T~V o io[av ~ou\~v ~~atW0Ul ou
ouvatat ABE 34 ~ ... eKa0tl] MW om. ABE 34-35 nepl. .. O.no~\en1 MW 0cpa\Anm
nepl
T~V io[av Up01V ABE 35 uno Kai MW Kai uno AE Kai O.no B 37-38 dvat ... nap-
atVE0WJleV MW om. ABE
38 o1avmav MW o1avotav dvat tov 0tpm!]yov ABE
JlOVwtmov Va Kai JlOVwtato<; MW om. ABE
MW A Jl!]OEVa BE
MW A om. BE
39 Kal
41 npo0txovm MW A npo0txovt1 BE I Jl!]&v
m0tuovta MW A m0tuovn BE
42 npaTT1V MW A npanea8a1 BE
no\AaK1<; MWBE om. A
I Jl!]&V M
MW A autw BE I KUTUTl0tUOVTU MW A Katam0tUOVtl BE
Jli]OE WE
Jl~
o AB
49
no\Aa
I eautw
3. Onasander 3.1-5.
so
Constitution 4
TIOAACtKl<; Kat flYUAa Otaflap-ravav. TOUTWV o oihw<; x6v-rwv np6-repov flEv

E~OVOflUO"OflEV O"Ol cmA.w<; TOU<; Ka8LO"TaflEVOU<; apxov-ra<;, ele' oihw<; Kal Ta
45 yvwp[aflaTa a1nwv w<; v auvT6fl4J einelv OLOpta6fle8a.
6. TipWTf] Ke<paA~ 6 a-rpaTf]y6<;, Kat fle-r' aUTOV oi flepapxm Kat oi TOUpflapXUl, eha opouyyaptol, eha oi KOflf]Te<;, ~youv oi TWV A.eyOflEVWV ~avowv apxovTe<;, eha oi Kev-rapxOL, <pe~~<; oi OEKapxot, ~youv oi npw-rot -rwv A.eyoflvwv
aKtwv, el-ra oi nev-rapxm Kal <pe~~<; oi -re-rpapxm, ohtve<; Kal ota -ro axa-rou<;
so TOU a-rlxou TOU KaTa TO ~aeo<; ~TOl TO naxo<; T~<; napa-ra~ew<; -raaawem aU-roil<;
Kal oupayol EKaAOUVTO. 6 yap eaxa-ro<; TOU OAOU a-r[xou ~youv T~<; UK[a<; W<; nl
TTJ<; oupa<; aUTf]<; oihw<; 'iaTUTUl.
7 Kal at-rat flEv ai OVOflaO"Lal TWV apx6v-rwv. eial o Kat i!TepOl Ka8' i!KaO"TOV
-rawa ~Tot ~avoov Otwptaflvot, olov ~avoo<p6pot, aaA.myK-ral ~Tot ~ouKtva55
TOpe<;, eepaneu-ral ~ ia-rpol oi Kal OenOTUTOl, Kal flaVOUTWpe<; Kat napaKA~Tope<;,

oi Ota A.6ywv Oteye[povTE<; TOV a-rpa-rov npo<; TOU<; aywva<;, OU<; oi npo ~flWV,
VEWTEpOl o TWV aA.A.wv, TUKTlKOL 'Pwfla"ia-rl KaVTUTWpE<;
I EKUAOUV
Kat hepo[
TlVE<; npo<; Ta<; avaKumouaa<; xpda<; a<pwplO"flEVOl, oiov O"Kpt~WVE<; Kal oi AOlnoL nav-ra yap Tfi vuv T[OALTEL<;l yvwpl(e-rat Ta OVOflaTa TWV naA.mwv atyf]8v6o
TWV, linep KUTU xwpav UTIOflV~O"OflEV.

8. L-rpa-rf]y6<; mlvuv npoaayopeue-rm 6 -rou nav-ro<; a-rpa-rou Kopu<pa16<; -re
Kal ~YEflWV, unoa-rpUTf]yO<; o 6 T~V oeu-rpav TOUT(JJ TU~lV EKTIAf]pWV. OLflal o
w<; oi naA.m6-repOL ~flWV unoa-rpa-r~you<; flEV KaA.ouv mu<; a-rpa-rf]you<; Ota -ro
a-rpaTf]yov cmav-rwv Kuplw<; elvm TOV ~aatA.ea, EK npoawnou 0 au-rou elvm
65
Kae' i!KaO"TOV etfla TOV a-rpaTf]y6v, Kal Ola T~V TOlaUTf]V ai-r[av 6 OTpaTfJYO<;
unoa-rpUTfJYO<; EKaAeLTO, a-rpaTf]yO<; o KUptw<; Atye-ro 6 EK npoawnou TOU
~aatA.ew<; nav-rwv KE<paA.~ UTIOO"TEAAOflEVO<;, exwv unoa-rpa-r~you<; TOU<; TWV
8Ef1UTWV o-rpaTfJYOU<;, onep EO"TLV aptaTOV.

9 Nuv o imoaTpUTf]yO<; ou yvwpi(ETal, ei fl~ Tl 6 KaAOUflEVO<; flEPUPXfJ<;.
70
10. Kal -roupflUPXfJ<; a-rlv
o noTE KaAOUflEVO<; flEPUPXfJ<; ~TOL 6 -rou flEpou<;
-r~v apx~v flnemmeuf1vo<;.
61-122 Strat., 1.3-5.

46-47 Kal2 . TOUpJ.uipXat MW om. ABE 49 ad ctKLwv scr. mg. -rwv opcSivwv W I TO MWAE
-rou B 54 cStwpt<JflEVOL MW AE cStwpt<YflEVOV B I craA.myKml MWAB craA1lT]YIJTUl E I ~Tot2
MWAE ~youv A 55 ~ MWA om. BE I cSmo-rit-rot MW cSmo-rit-rat AE cSamo-rit-rot B
56-57 ouc; ... eKitA.ouv MW om. ABE 6o iim::p ... U1lOflV~crow::v MW om. ABE 62 -rou-rw
-rit~tv MWAE trsp. B I OLflUL MW imoA.afl~itvw ABE 64-65 dvat2 i:'Kacr-rov MWAE trsp.
B 69 n MW om. ABE I flepitpXIJ<; MW AB flVCtpXIJ<; E 70 Kal ... flepitpXIJ<; MW om. ABE
71 -r~v apx~v MWA -rijc; apxiic; BE
51
to a few others, but trusts only himself is likewise bound to make many
mistakes. This is how these matters stand. Now, we will first simply give
the titles of the officers to be appointed; then we will define, in summary
fl!~h!on, their characteristics.
6. At the very top is the general and, after him, the merarchs and the tourtllt\rchs, then the droungarioi, then the counts, that is, the officers of the sobanda, then the kentarchs and, in order, the dekarchs, that is, the first of
so-called files, then the pentarchs and, after them, the tetrarchs who, because
are lined up last in the row, according to the depth or the thickness of the
line, are also called ouragoi, for the last man of the whole row or file is
'nl!itioned as though at its tail.
7 These, then, are the titles of the officers, but there are also other men astlgtled to each tagma or bandon. Such are the standard-bearers, tile trumpeters
~~r buglers, the medical attendants or doctors who are also called deputies, the
h~ralds and the exhorters whose task it is to exhort and arouse the army for
t<)mbat, whom those before us, the more recent tactical writers, called by the
ttttin term cantatores. 4 Other men are assigned to various needs as tlley occur.
Such are the skribones and the rest.' These names, about which the ancient
uuthors are silent, are those recognized by the modern state and which we will
discuss in due order.
8. First, the head and leader of the whole army is called the general.6 The
man who ranks second after him is the lieutenant general. I am aware that our
predecessors used the term lieutenant general for general since the general who
.:ommands everyone is specifically the emperor, and the general for each theme
Is his delegate. For this reason the general was called lieutenant general. General
then became the title for that man who was exclusively designated as the delegate of the emperor, the head of all the troops, and the generals of the themes
became his lieutenant generals, all of which is excellent.
9 But, at present, the term lieutenant general is not acknowledged except for
the one called merarch.
10. The tourmarch is the officer formerly referred to as merarch, that is, the
one entrusted with the command of a meros.
li!t>ll
(ll~tly
4 See Strat. 2.19.

5 Also called skribantes, cf. infra, n. 7
6. Strat. 1.3-5.
Constitution 4
52
11. t.pouyyapto<; 0 A.eyTat 6 f.Llii<; f.LO[pa<; apxwv, ~ll<; uno 1'0 f1Ep0<; TOU
coupf.Lapxou Tannm. f1po<; yap anv
J1
Toupf.La, To K cptwv f!Otpwv ~youv
~TOl 8pouyyo<; 1'0 fK mwa~tOl apt0f1WV ~ ~av8wv TWV A)'0f1EVWV KOfl~TWV auyKdf1VOV nA.f]0o<;.
8pouyywv auyKlf1VOV a.epotOf.LU, f!Otpa 0 anv

75 TWV
12. K6f1Tj<; 8 eaTlV 6 TOU vo<; TCtYflaLO<; ~TOl ~av8ou Ct<pTJYOUf1VO<;.

13. Kvmpxoc; 8 faLlV 6 EKUTOV av8pwv apxwv ~TOl EKUTOVTCtPXTJ<;, oan<;
KUL uno TOV KOflT]tU TETUKTat.
14. t.EKCtPXTJ<; 8 eanv 6 TWV 8Ka npwco<;, wanp KUL nVTCtPXTJ<; 6 TWV
So nevL, oan<; KUL f.LEOO<; '(ataTat Tf]<; aK[a<;.
15. TnpapxTJ<; 0 anv 6 KUL <pUAU~, 6 AYOf1VO<; oupayo<; KUL1'AUlat0<;

[atCtf1VO<; Tf]<; CtKlU<;. 6 yap nuKV01'pO<; TWV apxovTWV 8tUf1plOf10<; KUL nA.dova<; 8tKVUt Tou<; yvva[ou<; Kal av8plou<; mpaTtwta<;, Kal DXPW<; unaK01JlV
s
KUL fK1'AlV notci Ta KAU0f1VU.

16. Kal ~av8o<p6po<; f.LEV anv 6To OTJfldov ToiJ ~av8ou ~ama(wv.
17. LlTjnOTCttOl 8 npoaTjyopUOV1'0 naA.at oi vuv A)'0f1VOl aKpt~WV<;,
ohtv<; napaKoA.ou0ouvT<; Tfl napaTa~t Toi.J<; v Tfl f!CtXn cpauf.LaT[a<; yvof1EVOU<; O.vaAUf.L~CtVOVLal w<; lacpol KUL npl1tOlOUVLal.
18. MavMcwp<; 8 latv oi Ta f1UV0Ct1'U uno TWV apxovTWV npo<; LOU<;
9o
acpanwm<; 6~w<; <'itaKOf.Lt(ovT<;. I

19. Aoxayo<; 8 A.ynm 6 npwco<; ToiJ m[xou
~youv ToiJ 6p8[vou Kata TO
~aeoc; 6 aMo<; 8 A.ynat Kal nptf.LO<; Kal npwcoataTTJ<;.

20. LKOiJv8o<; 8 A.yTat 6 8U1'po<; Tf]<; CtKlU<;, 6 AYOf1VO<; maTCt1'Tj<;.
21. Oupayo<; 8 A.eyTat 6 6n[aw TOU OAOU OTLXOU ~youv Tf]<; oupii<; TOU
95
6p8[vou ian'tf1VO<;.
22. Koupawp<; 8 HyovTat ~youv np6f1axot oi npocpexovT<; Tf]<; napa-
Ta~w<; v Tfl OUfl~OAfl TOU noAEf.LOU KUL TOt<; <pUyoumv x0pot<; 6~w<; nm0f1VOl ov<; KUAOUOL npoKACtOta<;.
23. Llt<pevawp<; 8 oi TouTou<; f.LEV naKoA.ou0ouvT<;, fl~ KcpxovT<; 8 Kal
100
AUOVT<; t~V TCt~lV, O.AA.a OUVTLUYf1EVW<; npl1taLOUV1'<; npo<; K8tKT]aLV TWV

72 1:0 f!EpO~ MWA TOU f!Epou~ BE 73 -ranemt MW -raaaemt ABE 75 apt8f!WV ...
~av6wv Va av6pwv codd. 77 EKUTOVTOPX'l~ MW A EKUT6vmpxo<; BE 79 6eKapm<; MW A
6Kapxo<; BE 1 Kal MWA om. BE I rrEv-rapX'l<; MW AB rrtv-rapxo<; E So aKia<; MW AB
aKUKlU<; E 86 6rpto-ra-rot MW 6amo-ra-rot B 6mo-ra-rot AE I rraAUl MW 1:0 JTUAatOV ABE
87 -rpaUf!UTia<; MW -rpaUf!UTL~OflEVOU<; ABE 87-88 yevof!EVOU<; WBE ytVOflEVOU<; M om.
A
1 6. AB om. MWE 92 rrpw-roa-raT!j<; ABE ema-ra-rlj<; MW 93 ad -r~<; aKia<; scr. mg.
9
-rou 6p6ivou W 94 6e BE om. MWA I Atye-rat MWA om. BE 100 rrpo<; eK6iKljatv MABE
rrpoae6[K!jOLV W
53
Droungarios is the term for the commander of one moira, that takes its
below the meros of the tourmarch. Meros is the tourma that is comof a grouping of three moirai or droungoi. A moira or droungos is the
unit made up of tagmata, arithmoi, or banda, <whose commanders> are
counts.
1 2. The count is commander of one tagma or bandon.
13. Kentarch is the officer over a hundred men, also called hekatontarch, and
nmked just below the count.
14. Dekarch is the first over ten men, just as the pentarch is over five and
his position in the middle of the file.
15. Tetrarch, also known as the guard, is called ouragos and stands last in the
'Ibis rather detailed division of officers results in a larger number of noble
brave soldiers and readily makes for obedience and the implementation of
!c.'Ommands.
16. The standard-bearer is the one who carries the standard of the bandon.
17. The term deputy was previously used for those now called skribones.7
'I hey follow behind the battle line and, like doctors, recover and look after those
wounded in battle.
18. Heralds are the men who quickly convey the commands of the officers to
troops.
19. Group leader is the term for the first man in the row or the line accordto its depth; he is also referred to as primos and protostates.
20. Sekoundos is the term for the second man of the file, also called
epistates.
21. Ouragos is the term for the man behind the whole row, whose position is
ill the end of the line.
22. Assault troops, also called promachoi, are those who move out ahead of
the line when battle is joined and swiftly bear down upon the retreating enemy;
they are also called proklastai.
23. Defenders are those who follow after them, not charging out or breaking
1 1.
pn~ltlon
7 Medical corpsmen, cf. Strat. 2.9. Deputy (Lat. deputatus). Greek transliteration varies:
1\uro-ra-ro<;, 6!jrr-, 6m-, 6am-. Skribon, skribas (kribas), is from Lat. scriba, a scribe. Cf. Sylloge
tacticorum, 35.1; LBG, s.v. (forthcoming). The Suda (L 696) claims that the Latins use the term
tor "foremost among the bodyguards:'

54
KOupawpwv, e'(ru::p a.trt01J<;,
w<; lKO<;, tpa.n~va.t <JUfl~O.LT), oi.\anep OlKO.LWc; av nc;
KO.AE<JOL tKOLKOU<;.
24- M[vawp<; o Hyovta.L oi ta UTIALKtO.
105
55
Constitution 4
~tOl ta cpoacrata. f1Etpouvt<; Ka.l
Ka.8LatWVt<; ou<; fllV<JOpatwpa.<; VUV KO.AOU<JLV.

25. AvtLKEV<Jwpa.c; Ot aA.A.ou<; nva<; A.eyov oi na.A.a.tol 'PWflO.LOl oi.\c;, we; OLfla.l,
vuv toic; f1Lvaop6.twpm auvtaaaovtec; io[wc; ouK 6vof1<'t(oumv. outm 0 dmv oi
npoA.a.f1~6.vovte<; tv ta.i<; 60omop[mc; Ka.l tac; tnLTTJOE[a.c; Moue; Ka.l-rou<; -r6nou<;
avepwv&vtec; tv ole; ta UTIALKta. y[vwem 6cpdA.ou<JL KO.L ta.\Jta.<;, 6no1a.[ dm,
but marching in good order to provide support for the assault troops in
they should happen to fall back; one might justly call them avengers.
24. Surveyors is the term for those who measure and set up the camps or the
lttcampments and whom they now call minsoratores.
25. The ancient Romans called certain other men antikensores, who, as I am
~ware, are now lined up with the minsoratores and are not given a special name.
Wllen the army is on the march, they go ahead to assess the condition of the
toads and to search for ones that are suitable and for places in which to pitch
c~mp.
110
Ka.ta.voouv-rec;.
26. LKOUA.KCttWp<; o oi Ka.ta<JKOTIOl A.yovta.t OltlVc; f10.v86.vovt<; -ra tWV
txepwv ana.yyA.Aoumv.
2 . TIA.a.ywcp\JA.a.K<; 0 dmv oi npoc; cpuA.a.KfJv -rwv nA.a.yiwv t~<; npwtT)<;
7
t6.~ewc; -ra.tt6f1VOL.
28. 'YnepKt:pa.ata.l o oi npoc; tO nepLAO.~ElV to tWV TIOAf1LWV Kpa.<; ta.tt6-
115
120
125
f1EVOL.
. "Eveopm 8 oi npo<; tyKpVflfla.ta. Ka.ta t~c; na.pa.ta~ew<; -rwv txepwv
29
Et0lf10.(6f1V0l.
30. Nwtoq>UAO.K<; o oi OTIL<JW tfjc; na.pa.t6.~ewc; na<JTj<; ta.<J<JOflEVOl 11plna.t1V.
31. Ka.l-rouA.o6v t<JtlV ~ CtTIO<JKEUTJ KO.L xpda. niiaa. tWV <Jtpa.tLWtWV, tout'
E<JtlV na.Toec; t Ka.l imo(\JyLa. KO.L ta A.oma (q>a., KO.L '( tl etepov npiiy!la. npo<;
unT)pw[a.v -rou cpoacratou tmaupna.t.
32."E<Jtl o KO.L ~ tOU atpa.tfjyou npoi\.eu<JL<; i(c; nva.<; apxovta.<; OLa.lpOUflEVT), oiov t6v t KOflT)ta. -r~c; K6ptfJ<; a.U-rou Ka.l-rov -rou 8fla.to<; OOflE<JtLKOV Ka.[,
anA.&c; dndv, d<; toi>c; A.omouc; t~ 8ouc; tfJ<; npoei\.e\Jaewc; a.utoii U11Tjpta.c;, ouc;
neptttov ~youf1t:8a. Ka.ta.A.ynv.
cruf!~a[T]
W cruf!~a[vf] M cruf!~~ ABE 102 Ka\tcrot MW KUAE<JEL ABE 103 oi. ..

MW om. ABE 104 f!lVGOp6:rwpa<; A f.llVGopcnopa<; MW f!lVGapcrrwpa<; BE
na\atol MWA mi\m BE 1 w<; MWA om. BE I olf!al MW \mo\af!~avw ABE
105
108 o<petAOU<Jl MABE o<pdAOU<JlV w 111 anayyt\Aoumv WA cmayyt\Aou<Jl M
cmayye\oum BE
mn6f!EVOL MW -racrcr6f!EVOL ABE 114 nept\a~eiv MWAE \a~eiv
113
B scr. mg. KUKAwcrm w 11 4 -115 mn6f!evot W -racrcr6f!evot ABE 116 npo<; MW npo<; -ra
ABE
-rou-r' ecrnv M -rou-recr-rtv WAE -rou-recr-rt B 121 ad naioe<; scr. mg. oou\ot
120 121
w I ad \mo~uyta scr. mg. a\oya crawapta w 122 UTIT]pecr[av WA unepecriav MBE 125 ei<;
MW AB et E 1 un pt-ra<; MABE i>nT]pe-rou<; W 126 nepmov MW neptcrcrov ABE I
11
Ka-raAtyetv MW Ka-rapt6f!eiv ABE
101
aTIAlKTa
~6.
Spies are called skoulkatores; they learn what is going on with the enemy
!lnd mform us.
27. Flank guards are the troops assigned to guard the flanks of the first line.
28. Outflankers are the troops assigned to envelop the enemy's wings.
29. Ambushers are the troops prepared to set up ambushes against the battle
line of the enemy.
30. Rear guard designates the troops assigned to march behind the entire
battle line.
31. The baggage train consists of the supplies and everything else needed for
the soldiers, that is, servants, pack animals, and the other beasts, as well as
anything else that is brought along for the service of the army.
32. The entourage of the general is composed of certain officers, such as the
count of his tent, the domestic of the theme and, to put it succinctly, the rest of
the assistants ordinarily in his entourage, but we believe it is superfluous to list
them.
56
130
135
Constitution 4
33 '0 yap npWTOVOTCtplOc; TOU 8jlaTOc; Kctl6 xapTouA.Ctpwc;, npoaeTl 8 Kctl6

npa[Twp ~youv 6 Toii 8jlctToc; 8tKctGT~c;-6 jlEV Tf\c; noA.mKf\c; an 8totK~aewc;
apxwv, 6 8 npoc; T~V TOU aTpctTOU Kctlct)'pct<p~V I Te Kctl uva<~n]atV, 6 8 Tac;
8lKctc; nov 8tKct<OjlEVWV 8tctADet-OUc; ei KcttT<jl mpanw<Jl v TlatV unoTanea8ctl
XP~ uH' ouv Toile; A6youc; nov i8tKWV ctlJT<.DV 8tOlK~m:wv npoc; T~V paatAeLctV
~jlWV u<popav, Wale 8t' ctlHWV jlctV8CtVelV TCtc; Te n:iJv noA.tnKWV KcttTWV mpanwllKWV npct)'jlCtTWV KctlctGTCtGetc; Kctt8lOlK~Getc; UG<pctAEaTepov ~)'0Djle8ct.
. Tov tv ouv aTpctTov oA.ov, wmpctTfly, 8tmp~cretc; eic; 8ta<popa TCt)'llctTct
34
11
Kctt maT~aetc; ctlJTOtc;, we; e'ipflTctl, apxovTctc; <ppOVLjlOUc; Kctt uv8pelouc; Kctt
npoa<p6pouc; mho1c;.
. 1\no 8 Toii TCt)'llctToc; ~Tot ~av8ou Toile; eKmovTapxac; mA.you <ppovl35
11ouc; Kctl yevva[ouc; eic; uv8pelctv, ehct Toile; 8eKapxac; Kctl aMoilc; yevva[ouc; Kctl
a\noxnpac;, ei 8uvaTov 8 Kctl To~euetv eiMmc; Kctl 1-1na Toile; OeKapxac; Kctl
nevTapxac; Kctl Tnpapxac; 61-1olwc; KctlT6Te Toile; <puA.aKctc; Twv uKtwv ~youv Twv
KctTCt TO naxoc; Tf\c; napctTCt~ewc; 6p8lvwv, o'i Kctl 8eKapxlm KctAOUVTctl, ouo uno
fKCtGTflc; UKlctc;, we; ylvea8ctt Toile; ETilAEKTOuc; fKCtaTflc; UKtctc; av8pctc; nevTe Kctl
Toile; unOjlEVOVTctc; 6p8tVeUGctl eic; TCtc; UKlctc;, TtctActlODc; Te Kctl vouc;, UVctjlLKTOUc;,
145
150
OGOl av eiat KUTU TO jlETpov TOU nA.~8ouc; TOU mpctTOU.

36. LT~aac; 8 KcttTODTOUc; Toile; UTtOjlEVOVTctc; TOTe wile; ETilAEKTOUc; mpaAetc; KctTCt 8tct<popav npoc; T~V fKCtGTOU TtOlOTfllct ~youv <pUatV Kctl ODVctjllV, wile;
jlEV Kpelnovac; Ejl1tpocr8ev, wile; 8 A.omouc; uvaA.6ywc; oma8v Te Kctl8t0. jlEGOU.
37 ~DO 8 jlctVOCtTwpac; uypunvouc; Kctl <ppOVLjlOUc; ETilAe)'f\Vctl Mov Kctl ouo
pav8o<p6pouc; uno eKCtaTOU TCt)'llctTOc;, T~V 8 TOlctDTflV ETilAO)'~V KctL op8tVetctV
note1a8at v Tote; KOVToupepvlotc;, TOUT' anv v Tcttc; uKlmc;.
127-136 Strat., 1.4.
137-154 Strat., 1.5.
8 rrpah:wp ~youv MW A rrpah:w pl)youv BE

12
flfV tan B 129 apxwv MWA 6 apxwv BE
MWAB cr-rpa-rl)you E
v
eKacr-ro~
I ad OtKacr-r~~ scr. mg. Kpi-rl)~ W I flEV MW AE

I 61 ava~~l:l)O'LV MWAE om. B I cr-rpa-rou
1 3 0 urro-ranw9at MW urro-racrcrcr9at ABE
&otK1 W
131 ad iotKWV scr. mg.
132-133 KaL .. cr-rpanwnKwv MWA om. BE
136
rrpocr<p6pou~
Ctpf16~ov-ra~ ABE 137 arr6 ... -rawa-ro~ MWA om. BE I ~avoou MWA om. BE I
i:Ka-rov-rapxa~ MWA i:K-rapxo~ BE 138 Ka\ 1 MWA om. BE I d~ avopciav MWA om. BE I
OEKapxa~ ABE OEKapxou~ MW 139 au-roxetpa~ MW icrxupou~ ABE scr. mg. EUTOAflOU~ w I
OEKapxa~ ABE OEKapxou~ MW 140 Ka\2 M -rou~ wABE 144 Eicrt MBE dmv W A
MW
45-146
BE
tm~aA.d~
Du
em~aA.t MW erri~aA.ov BE om. A 147 avaA.6yw~ MWA aA6yw~

apf16~ov w 150 KOVTOU~EpVtOl~ MWAE KOUVLOU~pVl0l~ B
148 ad otov scr. mg.
57
33 Then there is the protonotary of the theme and the chartoularios and, in
addition, the praetor, who is the chief legal officer of the theme. The first is an
official in the civil administration; the second sees to the registration and
inspection of the army; the third adjudicates the penalties of those who are
accused. Even if they must necessarily be subject to the general in some things,
nonetheless they are obliged to give an account of their own administration to
Our Majesty. We believe that through them we will more surely learn about the
condition and administration of civil and military affairs.
34 You will divide the entire army, 0 general, into various units and over
them, as was said, you will appoint intelligent, brave, and competent officers.
35 From the tagma or bandon select hekatontarchs, men of sound judgment, courageous, and brave, then the dekarchs, courageous and good at handto-hand fighting and, if possible, good shots with the bow. After the dekarchs, in
like manner, the pentarchs and tetrarchs. Then the guards for the files or of the
rows, that are called dekarchies, according to the thickness of the battle line.
There should be two of these for each file, resulting in five specially rated men in
each file. The rest of them, veterans and recruits together, that is, all the men,
should be assigned places in the files, depending on the size of the assembled
army.
36. After placing these men in their positions, assign the specially rated
troops, keeping in mind the different qualities of each man, that is, his nature
and ability. The better men should be in front and then the rest in relative order
behind and in the middle.
37 Two alert and intelligent men must be selected as heralds and two as
standard-bearers from each tagma. Selection and assignment of this sort ought
to be made in the squads, that is, in the files.
58
Constitution 4
38. Kat vEla,
155
160
TCtHWElm KaLTIO<JQl Kal T!OtaL apl<JTepq au-ro\J.

40. Ta~elc; of:: Kal TU KOVTOD~Epvta ~ KaTU TIEVT, we; e'lpf]TaL, ~ OEKa avopac; ~
KaTU TE<J<Japac; ~ OKTW ~ oeKaE~, we; av YLVW<JKnc; TO KaTa Kmpov XP~<Jlf10V, Iva
Tft <JDVf]Elelq Oe<Jf10Uf1VOL KUL imp UAA~AWV tv Tate; f1CtXaLc; aywvL(Of1VOl
XPfJ<Jlf1WTPOl npoc; avopdav yvwv-rm. I EXLV o au-roue; KOLV~V Kal T~V xpe[av
Ka9' fKa<JTOV KOVTOD~EpVlOV, we; ~Of] 7tpOOlWpl<JGf19a.
41. poVlfl(tJTepov o 1t0l~<Jetc; tav Ta~nc;, ei TUXOL, aoeA.<pouc; f.leTU aoeA<pWV
Kal <plA.ouc; f1TU <p[A.wv, f1GAl<JTa tv Tate; T~c; f!CtXf]c; napa-ra~WlV. o-r' av yap t<JTl
<0 KlVODVUOVTl 6 JtATj<JlOV npoo<ptAE<JTaToc;, avayKf] TOY ayanwvm <ptAOKLVouv6-repov {mp TOU JtAf]<JlOV Kal <ptAODf.lEVOD aywv[(w9m. Kal 0~ nc; aioouf1VO<; !l~ anooouvm xaplv <0 <p[A<.p
7tE1tOV8e <ptALKWV, ai<JXUVeTat KaTaAl1telV
wv
TOY euepye-r~oavTa Kalnpw-roc; au-roc; ap~aoem <puy~c;.

42. Ta 0 KOVTOD~Epvta, we; ~Of] e'l7tOf1V, OlU TOUTO ano naA.mwv Kal VEWV
o-rpaTLWTWV oe1 yivwem, Iva flf]OE oi naA.mol Ka9' au-roue; Ta<J<JOf1VOl ao9eve1c; ei<JL Kal aouvaTOl, f.lf]OE oi ve<.inepol UTQKTOl eupe9w<JLV we; anelpa<JTOL. ol
f!EV yap, ei Kal YTJPULOl ana 7te7ttpaf1EVOl, oi o ei Kal vea(ov-rec; Kal avopdot
175
UAAU a7tetpo[ el<JlV.

43 Ou-rwc; ouv -rwv mwa-rwv ~youv ~avowv otmpouf1vwv t<p' au-ra, XP~
tmo-rf]vm au-ro1c; apxovmc; -roue; AYOf1EVOUc; KOflf]Tac;, auv[maoem o fKa<JTOV
-rawa uno avopwv TptaKO<JlWV KaTU TOY f1E<JOV TOTIOV. fl~Te 0 JtAEOV -re-rpa-
155-167 Onas. 24.
168-172 Strat., 2.7.
152 ~ MWA de; E ~ i B
MW
38. Then, in the likely event that no servants are present, the poorer soldiers
we; eiK6c;, Jtatoec; OUK eio[, -roue; imo8eempovc; TWV mpanw-
n"ilv de; TU oayf!Ctpla Ct<popi(etv, TOUT' onv eic; -rp[a ~ TE<J<Japa oawapla avopa
va, Kal Tep6v nva -rwv tHoy[f!WV t~ al>Twv mpaTLw-rwv XP~<JLflOV f.leTU
mweiov, 4JnvL TO oA.ov -rouA.oov ~youv -ra oawapta aKoA.ou8dv 6<pelA.oumv.
39 'Opioetc; o Kal -rae; UKiac;, JtQ(JQl Kal JtOtQl 6<petAOD<Jl Oe~LQ. TOU ~avoou
291
should be detailed to the pack animals, that is, one man to three or four animals.
Another man from among the soldiers, highly regarded and able to carry the
standard, should be chosen, whom the whole baggage train or the pack animals
must follow.
39 The commander must then determine how many and which files are to
form on the right of the standard and how many and which on the left.s
40. Arrange the squads, as was said, by five men, by ten, by four, by eight, or
by sixteen, however you think useful at the time. As a result, bound by close ties
and struggling in battle on behalf of one another, they will prove more efficient
and valiant. They should have common duties in each squad, as we have already
decreed.
41. You will act very wisely if you line up, depending on the situation,
brothers with brothers and friends with friends, especially in combat formations. For whenever the very close friend is near his friend who is in danger, he
will feel compelled to embrace danger himself to fight on behalf of his friend
next to him. Indeed, a man is ashamed not to return a favor to his friend for
those he has received out of friendship, and he is ashamed to abandon his
benefactor and be the first to take flight.
42. The squads, as we have already said, should be made up of old and young
soldiers so that the old men in formation by themselves may not be weak and
powerless, and the younger men may not turn out to be inexperienced and
disorganized. 9 The former, even if they are old, have a good deal of experience,
while the latter, even if young and brave, still have no real experience.
43 Once the various tagmata or banda have been properly lined up, it is
necessary to appoint officers, called counts, over them.1o Each tagma should
consist, on the average, of three hundred men. You should insist that the tagma
173-209 Strat., 1.4.
154 ~youv ... crawapta MW om. ABE
156 Tanw8m MW Tacrm:cr8m ABE
157
155 116crm ABE 11ot~crat
KOVTou~pvta MA KouTou~pvta W
KOUVTOU~Epvta B KOVTOii ~pvta E 159 KUL ABE om. MW 160 auTOuc; WABE auTolc; M
KovTou~pvtov MWAE KOUVTou~pvtov B I 11po0twptaaf.!E6a MWAE 11poc5twptcr6f.!E6a B
161
165 ad cS~ Ttc; scr. mg. l]youv EVTpE110f.lEVO<; TI]V ayaTI!]V I]V EXEt
11poc; auTov 6 c:ptA.oc; auToii W 165-166 aicSouf.!EVOc; MW aicrxuv6f.!Evoc; ABE 166 c:ptAtKwv
MWA c:ptA.wv BE 167 auToc; Va auToii MW om. ABE I iip~acr6m c:puy~c; MW c:puyelv ABE
162 i n!xot MWE om. AB
168
KOVTou~pvta MAE KOUTOu~pvta W KOUVTOU~pvta B I ~cS!] MW om. ABE 170 eim
MWA wat BE
171 y!]palot MW ypovTec; ABE
175 TptaKocriwv MWA T' BE
173 ec:p' !':auTa MW om. ABE
59
8. Onasander 24.
9 Strat. 2.7.
10. Strat. 1.4.
6o
Constitution 4
KOO'LWV avopwv TO niyfla exnv 6p[crn<;, KCtV n:O.vu n:oA.uv atpa-rov EXL<;, fl~n:
180
\moKaTw TWV otaKocr[wv, Kav ecrTtv 6A.lyo<; 6 crTpaT6<;.

44. Taura 0 Ta Tawa-ra auva~et<; ei<; xtA.tapx[a<; ~Tot flOipa<; Ta<; A.eyofltva<;
opouyyou<;, Kat ETtlO'T~O'et<; auTOL<; flOtpapxa<; XPflO'lflOU<; avopdq. Kal <ppov~cret
Kat eu-ra~[q., ei ouvaTOV, Kat euyevdq. Kat eun:op[q. TOU<; AYOflEVOU<; opouyyap[ou<; ou<; note xtA.tapxou<; K0.A.ouv oi n:aA.moL
4S Ta<; o flOtpa<; -raU-ra<; ~TOt TOU<; opouyyou<; O'UVCt~et<; ei<; flEPfl ~youv
Tol>pfla<; Kal mcrT~crovTm aU-roi<; yvwfln T~<; pamA.da<; ~flwv flepapxm, oi
A.ey6flevo[ n:oTe Kat O'TpaTfJACtTat, vuv o Tfi O'UVfJ8dq. KaAOUfleVot TOUpflO.pxm
Kat ToU-rou<; <ppoVLflOU<; Kal euTaKTOU<; elvm Kat vaptTou<; Kat Efln:e[pou<;, ei
ouvaTOV, ei06-ra<; Kat ypO.flflaTa, Kat flCtAlO'Ta TOV LOU flEO'OU flEpou<;, TOV A.ey6fleVOV un:ocrTpCtTfJYOV, 6<petAOVTa, ei xpda YEVfJTUl, EV n:aO'l TOV TOU O'TpaTfJYOU
T6n:ov avan:A.fJpouv.
46. TauTa o TU flEPfl Tp[a O'UO't~Vat, <p' ol<; Kal Tpet<; ETtlO'T~O'OVTat TOUpflCtPXat, el<; eKaO'TO<; io[ou flEpou<; lipxwv, wa-re elvat TOU n:aVTO<; O'TpaLOU T~V
CtVWTCtTfJV TOfl~V Tp[a icrO.pt8fla flEPfl ~youv TOUpfla<;, TOUT' EO'Tt I flEO'OV, aptcrTepov Kal oe~t6v TaUTa o n:otd T~V n:acrav tO.~tV T~V un:o T4J O'TpaTfJY4' Te-rawtVfJV.
195
47 Xpi) Ot, W<; e'lpfJTUl, fl~Te TCtYfla n:A.tov TWV TeTpaKOO'LWV avopwv y[vecr8at ~youv TO LOU KOflfJTO<; po.voov, fl~Te opouyyov n:A.tov TWV TptO'XtALWV fl~Te
200
TOUpflaV n:A.tov Twv ~aKtO'XtA[wv.

48. Ei o O'UflPft n:A.Eov TOU A.exStvTo<; flETpou elvat TOV O'TpaTOV, KCtAAtOV
EO'Tl e~weev TWV flepwv ~TOt TWV TOUpflapxtwv EV oeuTtpq. TCt~l Ka8[crTa0'8at,
~youv v Tft omcr8ev T~<; n:poflCtXOU Ta~ew<; n:apaTay~vat EV un:opofJ8dq. Kal ei<;
q>UAaKT)V tWV n:A.ay[wv flepwv Kat ei<; VWTO<pUAaKa<; Kat ei<; vtopa<; ~TOt yKpUflflaTa Kal ei<; KUKAwaet<; TWV n:oAefl[wv.
49 Kat fl~Te TU<; TOUpfla<; fl~Te toil<; opouyyou<; flel~OU<; n:otdv, '(va flil W<;
fleyO.A.a Kal mn:oA.u EKTetVOfleVa an:et8~ n:po<; TU n:apayytAflaTa Kat cruyKexu-
205
flEVa eupe8wcrtv.
so. 1\AA.a Kal -rep6v crot XP~O'lflOV n:apmvtcrw, waTe flil n:O.v-ra Ta TCtYflaTa
~TOt po.voa ETtlTfJOeUet<; n:avTW<; '(aa n:oteiv, Iva flil EK LOU apt8f10U TWV po.vowv
178 auva~w;
182
MWBE awra~EL<; A
auva~et<; BE auvTa~et<; MWA
npwT!]V Kal flEytaTIJV cSta[peatv ABE

codd.
eaTL
198 TOUpflUPXL<ilv
MABE
eaTLV
MWAB
180 etmop[a
189 ole; MWA
191 avwTaTIJV
TOfl~V MW
I iaaptSfla flEPIJ MW trsp. ABE I TOUpfla<; PG ToupflaL
191-192 aptaTepov
TOUpflaxtwv
202 fld<ouc; MW fld<ovac; ABE
MW eunop[a cSta<pepovTE<; ABE
w BE
MWA
199 napaTayfjvm
aptaTep6v
Du
205 fl~ MW AB fl~ naVTW<; tva notelv E
napaTayf\
TE
BE
codd.
~hould
61
not have more than four hundred men, even if you have a very large
!lrtny, and not below two hundred, even if your army is small.
44 You should bring these tagmata together into chiliarchies or moirai, also
t~~tlled droungoi, and place over them competent moirarchs, noted for bravery,
good judgment, discipline and, if possible, also noble birth and wealth. These,
whom the ancient authors called chiliarchs, are now called droungarioi.
4S You should bring these moirai or droungoi together into divisions or
tourmai and let merarchs be appointed over them, with the approval of Our
Majesty. These officers were formerly called stratelatai but now are usually called
tourmarchs. They should be men of good judgment, disciplined, virtuous, experienced and, if possible, able to read and write. This is particularly important for
the commander of the second meros, called lieutenant general, who has to, if it
becomes necessary, assume all the duties of the general.
46. There should be three of these divisions and over them three tourmarchs
should be appointed, each one the commander of his own division. As a result,
the topmost division of the whole army is that of three divisions or tourmai of
equal strength, that is, center, left, and right. These then make up the entire
formation that is lined up under the general.
47. It is necessary, as was said, that the tagma, the bandon of the count,
should not be more than four hundred men or the droungos more than three
thousand or the tourma more than six thousand.
48. But if the army should happen to exceed the aforesaid size, it is better to
station those men outside the divisions or tourmarchies in the second line, that
is, behind the main battle line as a support force and also to guard the divisions
on the flanks, and as rear guards and for ambushes or traps and for encircling
the enemy.
49. Do not make the tourmai or the droungoi too large. Otherwise, as they
become larger and much more extended, they may end up confused and inattentive to the commands.
so. Let me give you another useful bit of advice. Be sure that you do not
bring all the tagmata or banda up to the same strength. Otherwise, the enemy
62
Constitution 4
euapt8f1T]TO<; TOt<; tx8pot<; 6 OTpaTO<; YEVT]Tat, onep JTOAACtKt<; fley6.A.a<; npo~VEl

Ta<; pMpa<;. ana TOlJTO q>UAUTTLV, flT]Of TWV TTpaKOOLWV avopwv, W<; c'iTIOflV,
210
nA.tov flT]Of TWV OtaKOOLWV avopwv 6A.ty<.inepa yivw8m aUTCt.

51. L1t6 noAAaKt<; Kat Ka8' EKaOTOV TCtYfla tav ouo pavoa eUTpmi<n<; avaoiKVU<J8at
tv T(il Katp(il T~<; TOU
JTOAEflOU OUflPOA~<; OUK axpflOTOV i<; TO KaTa-
JTA~~at Toil<; noA.efliou<;.
52. Xp~ o acpopto8~vat ano EKCtOTOU pavoou Ei<; Ta<; avayKa[a<; xpLa<;, w<;
c'ipT]Tat, TOU<; flaVOCtTwpa<; aypunvou<; Kat OUVTOU<; Kal yopyou<; Kat eucpwvou<;,
215
i06ta<;, i ouvaT6v, Kal otacp6pot<; yA.woom<; A.aA.etv, Kal pouKtv6.Twpa<; ohtv<;
tv
Katp(il Ta ouv~8T] oaATILOOUOL, OaflLCtTWpa<;, TO~OJTOLOU<;, oaytTTOJTOLOU<; Kat
TOU<; A.omou<; npo<; T~v t~ 8ou<; ota-runwmv.

53 ITpooa<pop[ot<; o Kat nva<; TOU<; 6cpdA.ovTa<; Ta eUptOKOflVa TWV
220
anoAADflEVWV ouvayetV Kat anoot06Vat TOL<; KDptot<; auTWV.

54 'Donep 0 tnl TOU TOUAOOU TWV KapaA.Aap[wv avayKatOV 6piom TOU<;
6<petAOVta<; tmo-r~vat apxovTa<;, oihw<; Kat tnl TOU TOUAOOU ~TOt TWV Ufla~tWV
T~<; ne<tK~<; TCt~eW<; acpop[01<; nva<;, oi<; 6cpetAOUOL nei8w8m o[ TOU AYOflEVOU
Kapayou.
55 Kapayo<; yap A.tynm 6 Ota TWV
225
Ufla~wv Kal Tptp6A.wv Kat TWV aA.Awv fllll
xavwv ytVOfleVO<; 1teptoptaf10<; i<; aocpaAtUV TOU OTpaTOU.

56. Kal Ka8' EKaOTOV flEpo<; eva npwTOV TOV apxetV 6cpfA.ovTa Kat OT]flelOV,
w<; tnl TWV LTITIWV, tv-r8~vat d<; Ta<; pou<;, '(otov EKUOTOU apt8flOU Iva eiolv
eUOTJAOt Kal cpavepal Tot<; ioiot<;.
57 . KaA.w<; 01:: Kal T~<; n<tK~<; Ta~w<; tnf1V~08T]flV. 8et yap Kal TaUTTJ<; T~v
230
8taipeotV unoypa\jfat Kat TOU<;
tv
auTfi TUTTOflEVOU<; apxovTa<; T Kat aA.Aou<;
can easily estimate the size of the army by counting standards, often resulting in
l!erious harm. However, carefully observe our prescription that they should not
~::onsist of more than four hundred men or fewer than two hundred.
51. If you arrange to have each tagma frequently display two standards at the
time when battle is about to be joined, it will be helpful in confusing the enemy.
52. In each bandon men must be set apart for necessary chores, as was said,
Including two heralds, alert and intelligent, with vigorous, pleasant voices and
who, if possible, know how to speak severallanguages. 11 Trumpeters who sound
the customary signals at the proper time, weapon makers, bow makers, arrow
makers, and the rest according to the customary regulations.
53 You should also assign certain men the duty of collecting whatever lost
articles have been found and returning them to their owners.
54 Just as in the cavalry baggage train it was necessary to decree that officers
had to be placed in charge, so for the baggage or wagon train of the infantry
formation you should designate certain officers whom the men in the baggage
train, also called karagos, must obey.
55 Karagos is the term for the barrier formed by the wagons, caltrops, and
other devices for the protection of the army.
56. In each division one man should be first in command. Just as with the
horses, a special mark should identify the oxen which belong to each arithmos
so the men can easily recognize them as their own.
57. It is well that we have kept the infantry in mind. For it is necessary to
describe its various units and to appoint the officers assigned to that arm as well
as the other leaders, both of higher and lower rank, and to make clear their
~Yfl6va<; flLKpou<; T Kal fley6.A.ou<; Kamm~vm Kal Ta<; aMwv OflAWom 6vofla213-312
Strat.,
12.B.7-8.
toT~ tx6po1~ MW om. ABE 1 crtpato~ ABE crtpatl]yo~ MW 208 tetpaKocriwv MWA
u' BE 210-211 ava8eiKvucr6at MW ava<paivw6at ABE 212 noA.qtiou~ MABE
tvavtiou~ w 214 -21 5 yopyou~ ... ei86ta~ MW yp!]y6pou~ Kat KaAA.t<pwvou~ ytvwcrKOVta~
ABE 215 8ta<p6potc; yA.wcrcrat~ MW trsp. ABE 216 tv MW tv tw ABE I craA.nicroum MW
aaA.ni~oua 1 BE craA.ni~oumv A 218 npocra<popicret~ MW a<popicrw; AE 6.<pop~crL~ B
221 outw~ MW outw ABE 1 ~tot. .. Ct!la~twv MW om. ABE 222 ol MW A 6 BE
Kapayoii MW Kapayou ~tot rwv alla~twv ABE 224 yap MWA 81: BE 227 'Lnnwv
223
MWA lnnwv BE 1 vte6ijvat AB vte8dvat MW vn6ijvat E 227-228 eicr\v ... Ka\ MW EK
tij~ xp6a~ TOU Gl]!lelOU AE EK tij~ xpeiac; TOU G!]!lelOU B 228 i8iot~ MW i8iot~ EKUGtal
yivwvtat AE ioiot~ EKUGTOL yivwvtat B 230 taTTO!lEVOU<; MW taGGO!lEVOU~ ABE I aAA.ouc;
207
ABEaAA.wc;MW
63
11.
Strat.
12.B.7-8.
64 Constitution 4
235
240
245
250
a[ar:,, OTrWC, T Trepl mh~c; fK TWV TraAatWV rrapAU~OflV TaKTlKWV Kal OTrWC, ol
V(inpot flxptc; ~flWV Thv a1nwv Km~[v T Kal KmaaTamv rraprrfl\lfUVTo.
s8. Ol flEV yap apxa10l TrOAUTrAT]8iac; lmopouvTC, '{awe; mpaTEUflUTWV TWV
TrOT AYOflfVWV OTrAlTWV, vuv o <JKOUTUTWV KQAOUflfVWV, flUAAOV o Kal atlTOU
TOU OVOflaTOC, Ola ThY ayav T~c; TaKTlK~c; flEAeTT]C, Kal rrpa~WC, CtflAdac; rrapa
fllKpov rrapa TrUVTWV ayvoOUflfVOU, muTa ouv Ta TUYflaTU TWV <JKOUTUTWV arro
OeKa~ CtKlWV trro[ouv, avopwv OlQKO<JlWV vr:,', TOUT' E<JTLV, EKU<JTT]V aK[av
avopwv tr:,' UT0 TTpaywv(JJ apt8fl4J. Upt<JKTat o tv fKdvmc; ~ cpaA.ay~ Tr(wv
avopwv ,09(,', ~v fKUAOUV <JTpaTT]yiav Kal TOY f<j>l<JTUflEVOV auTfi mpaTT]y6v.
59 Thv o TAiav rrapaTa~lV trro[ouv TUYflUTWV ~o', CtKlWV XlAlWV KO',
avopwv flUp[wv ,(,TT0', \lflAWV 0 TWV AYOflfVWV aaytTTmwpwv Kal CtKOVTl<JTWV
Kal <J<pV00~0Al<JTWV, avopwv rTJP9W ~youv ~fll<JlQV TWV \lflAWV dvm Thv TU~LV
TWV AYOflfVWV OTrALTWV ~TOl <JKOUTUTWV. TWV o (JUV auTo1c; rrapmaHOflfVWV
lrrrrewv ~TOl <JUflfllKTWV Tfi TrE(tKfi TU~1 avopwv Ka~aAA.ap[wv ,09(,'. Kal TOUTWV
6 ~YOUflEVOC, Ayno mpaTT]y6c;.
6o. Kal muTa flEV Eflept(ov oihwc; T<l o TUYflaTU TWV <JKOUTUTWV Eflrrpoa8V de; rrp6flaxov TU~LV rrapemaaov KaTCt TWV tvavT[wv Kal TaUTT]V ic; o'
'iaa flfpT] fTrOlOUV, Oe~LOV, apt<JTp6v, flf<JOV aptan:p6v, flf<JOV 0~LOV.
61. Ta o TWV \lflAWV TUYflUTa io[q., Ota TO yopyouc; dvm Kal A.acppouc; ~
flrrpoa8v de; tmoiw~tv nvv tx8pwv mTTov ~ de; Ta n:A.ayta ~ trrl Tou vwTou
T~C, rrpWTT]C, rrapmay~c; ~ we;~ xpda ~n:a[m, Trpt WV KaTa xwpav p0UflV.
232 i'mw~ T MW w~ ABE
233 j.lEXPl~ ~j.lWV MW om. ABE
Ka-raa-ramv MW Ka-racr-ramv 11expt~ ~11wv ABE

urrorropoiiv-re~ taw~
MWBE -ri:t -ri:t A

ave;' ABE
MW om. ABE
tl!les. We have taken the material about this and about their deployment and
{'ormation from that which the ancient tactical authors and the more recent ones
to our own time have transmitted. 12
58. The ancients were fortunate enough to have large numbers of men in
their armies, especially those once called hoplites and now called skoutatoi.
Actually, nobody even knows those terms because of the grave neglect of the
ltUdy and practice of tactics. Those authorities formed the tagmata of heavy
btfantry from sixteen files, 256 men, that is, each file of sixteen men making up
i foursquare body of troops. Among those the phalanx of foot soldiers is numbered at 4,096; it was also called a strategia and was commanded by a general.
59 The ancient writers formed the complete battle line of 64 tagmata or
1,024 files, for a force of 16,384 men, in addition to 8,192 light-armed troops,
tmch as archers, javelin throwers, and slingers. They assigned half of the light
infantry to the formation of the heavy infantry, <once> called hoplites or
skoutatoi. The horsemen lined up in formation with them or mixed in with the
infantry formation came to 4,096 cavalry. The leader of these was called general.
6o. This is how they divided the units. They stationed the heavy infantry
companies in a forward position as a first line of battle against the enemy, and
they divided this into four equal divisions, right, left, right center, left center.
61. They stationed the light infantry companies off by themselves, because
they were lightly armed and fast, either out in front to pursue the enemy or on
the flanks or to the rear of the first battle line or wherever need dictated. We will
speak about these in the proper place.
234 rroA.urrA.118ia~ ... rcrw~ W rroA.urrA.118ia~
M rroA.U rrA.~8o~ xov-re~ ABE
aj.ltA.etav -r~~ mKnK~~ ABE
I T
236 iiyav ... Uj.lEAda~ MW rrav-reA.~
237 rrapa MWA rrapi:t -roii BE
I mum MWA mii-r'
BE
I -ra
238 oeKa~ MW tc;' ABE I aKtwv MW aKtwv ~youv A.oxwv ABE I vr;' MW
239 v MWA om. BE
239-240 rre(wv avopwv MW trsp. ABE
MWBE -re-rpaKtaXtA.iwv vev~Kovm A

241 XlALWV KO' MABE ,UKO'
I <ptaTUj.lVOv
au-r~
240 ,OQc;'
MW mDHJ~ ~you11evov ABE
242 ,c;-rrro' MW E~UKlOXlAlWV -re-rpaKocr[wv oyoo~Kovm
-recrcrapwv A e~aKtaXlAlWV -re-rpaKOcr[wv rro' BE
243 cr<pevoo~OAlOTWV MW cr<pEVOOV~TWV A
cr<pevoovtcr-rwv BE I 11P9W MW 6KmKtaXtA.1wv i:Ka-rov vev~Kov-ra .SUo A 6KmKtcrxtA.1wv P9W
B OKTUKLOXLAtwv eKa-rov 9W E I -rwv ... dvm MWA trsp. BE
245 ,OQc;' MW -re-rpaKtcrxtA.1wv
I Atyno MW AE A.eyno 6 B 248 o'

MWBE -recrcrapa A 249 tcra j.lEPI"J MW trsp. ABE I 11tcrov aptcr-rep6v MW A om. BE
250 -rawam MWA -rawa-rwv BE 251 mnov MWA E-racrcrov BE I -ri:t MWA om. BE I
rrl ... vw-rou MW orr[crw ABE 252 rrapa-ray~~ MW rrapa-ra~ew~ ABE I ~rra[-ret Va ~rrem
MW U1l~Tel ABE I KUTU xwpav MW EV TW O.pj16(ovn T01!W ABE scr. mg. I"JYOUV El~ TOV T01!0V
vev~KOVTU ~ A OQc;' BE
au-r<~~>
65
246 6 MWA om. BE
12.
Especially Aelian and Arrian.
66
Constitution 4
62. Toi.><; 01:: Ka~aUapiou<; ei<; ouo flEPfl 8u:A6vn:<; KaTa Ta rrAityta T~<; TWV
m:(wv rrapma~ew<; -ranov I ~o118oi.><; Kat 6~w<; mn6e11vou<; -rot<; vav-rim<;.

255
63."Iva ouv ll~ Ka6' Kamov A.eyw rrt A.em(ii -rwv -re Mxwv Kat -rwv -ra~ewv
67
62. They divided the cavalry into two groups and stationed them along the
tlinks of the infantry line to support it and to launch rapid attacks against the
tm:~my.
Kat TWV Eq>taTaflEVWV au-rot<; TOT apxovTWV TU<; OVOflaaia<; 8ta T~V vuv mhwv
63. Now then, in order that I may not have to discuss in detail the nomen-
axpf!aTiav Kat napa mlm TOt<; a-rpaTEUOflEVOl<; axe86v rrou auTWV aaacpetav T
t:lature formerly in use for the files and the formations and the officers who were
pllced over them, because they are not in use today and practically nobody
l'rving in the armed forces has any clear understanding of them, and in order
not to waste time inopportunely, I will touch upon the other essential matters
clearly and succinctly. For, so it seems, those companies of cavalry and
infantry existed when the armies were large and the soldiers proved to be
numerous, noble, and brave.
64. But now, 0 general, if our units are small and not even equal in strength,
indeed much less, it is not easy to fix a definite number for a tagma, whether
among the cavalry or among the infantry-it could end up with a number of
men in excess of 2 56 having nothing to do or, if inappropriately assigned to
serve in other tagmata, they might turn out to be disoriented and useless.
65. It is better to form the companies for each unit in accord with the needs
of the army and the manpower at hand, depending, of course, on the capabilities
of the troops available at that time. Each unit should have its own standard and
officer or count, a noble man of sound judgment, brave, and good at hand-tohand fighting.
66. Make sure that the files of each infantry tagma are sixteen deep, with the
men organized according to their duties in combat. Form the battle line in
proportion to the numerical strength of the army as it is found there.
Kat UKaTaAf!'J!LaV, Kat '(va ll~ UKaipw<; 8arraVWflV TOV Katp6v, TWV avayKato-repwv w<; aacpw-repwv Kat auvTOflW<epwv mA.~'J!Oflat. Ketva flEV yap, w<;
260 eotKe, -ra
-re -rwv Ka~aUapiwv 8ta-rawma Kat -ra -rwv rre(wv, rrA.~eou<; ~v a-rpa-
na<;, wa-re Kat TOaOUTOU<; Kat yevva[ou<; KaT' av8petaV eup[aKW8at aTpaTtWTa<;.
64. Nuv 8,
wa-rpa<f!yE, euapt6fl~TWV
OVTWV Kat llf!8 '(aov x6v-rwv TO
flETpov, flUAAOV 8 Kat rroA.i.> :\anov, OUK eanv euxep<; 6piam TO flETpov TOU
-rawa-ro<; oihe v -rot<; Ka~aAA.apiot<; oihe v TOt<; rre(ot<;, tva fl~, w<; eiK6<;, ~ <oi>
265 rreptTTUOVT<; TOU rroaou TWV ave,' av8pwv apy~awmv ~ TIUAlV, av aKaipw<;
UAAOl<; TUyfla<Jl rrpoa-reewmv, W<; UTUKTOl avwcpeA.d<; eupeewmv.
6s. 1\A.A.a Ta flEV -rawa-ra TIOlelV ei<; EKaa-rov apt6flOV W<; arrav-r~aet ~ TOU
rrA.~eou<; xpeia Kat TO rroaov TWV rrpoa6VTWV av8pwv KaTa T~V OUVafllV TOU
KaTa TOV Katpov euptaKOflEVOU A.aou Kat ~av8ov exnv 'l8tov EKaaTOV aUTWV Kat
270 apxov-ra ~TOt KOflf!Ta yevvaiov Kat q>pOVlflOV Kat av8pdov Kat KaTa xe'ipa
11axwem 8uva11evov.
66. Ta<; flEVTOl aKia<; EKUaTOU TUYflaTo<; TWV ne(wv rrapacpuA.anetv arro
8eKa~ av8pwv 6p8tveueaem ei<; -rov <~<; flUXfl<; KaflaTov, -r~v 8 rrapa-ra~tv rrpo<;
TO flETpov TOU euptaKOflEVOU a-rpa-rou rrotdv.
253 OleA.6vte~ W tA6vTe~ M Olaxwpi~ov-re~ ABE 255 A.tyw ... A.emwABE A.tywv bnA.emw
MW I Mxwv ... TWV2 WABE Mxwv Te Kal M scr. mg. TWV opOlVWV w 255-256 Kal...
apxovTWV MWA om. BE 256 !':qncrTUflEVWV WABE Ct<plOTUflEVWV M 256-257 T~V ...
axpTJOT[av MW TO axpTJOTa elval ainu viiv ABE scr. mg. TO !::lVUl viiv avevtpyf]TOV w
257-259 rrapa ... !':mA.~'\'OflUl MW fl~ o rrapa nvo~ Twv crTpaTeUOflEvwv ylvwcrKecr9m Ta
avayKm6Tepa Kal cra<pecr-repa Kal OUVTOflWTepa AE~W ABE 257 ad acracpeuiv scr. mg. TJYOUV
Ola TO alilayvwa-rov W 259 ad cra<pecrTpwv scr. mg. T]youv eKelva w~ yvwplflwTepa A.eyelv
W 259-260 w~ eolKe MW om. ABE scr. mg. w~ <pa[ve-rm W 260-261 a-rpana~ BE
crTpaTelU~ MWA 261 KaT' MWAE KaTa B 262 euapl9fl~TWV MW oA.iywv ABE scr. mg.
OAlYWV w 263 flUAAOV ... Kal MW aAA.a Kal A aAA.a BE I euxep~ MW eUKOAOV ABE
264 ad eiK6~ scr. mg. w~ ecrnv !':voexoflevov W I oi ci. Va om. codd. 265 rreplneuovTe~ MW
rreplcrcreuovTe~ ABE I apy~crwcrtv MWAE apx~crwmv B I CtKaipw~ MW om. ABE 266 w~ ...
eupeewmv MW CtKaipw~ avw<peA.ei~ eupeewmv w~ ii-raKTOl ABE 268 TO rrocrov MW ~
7!000TT]~ ABE 269 TOV MWA om. BE 270 KaTa xeipa MW arro xelpO~ ABE
271 fl<'txeaem ouvaflevov MW trsp. ABE 272 rrapa<puA<'tnelv MW om. ABE 273 OeKa~
MW u;' ABE iopOlveuecr9m MW opOlveum ABE 274 flETpov MW flEpo~ ABE
68
275
280
285
290
295
Constitution 4
67. TaUTr]V o d~ Tooapa 'Loa flEPJl OlaVEfllV, t~ oowv cmavT~Ol TaYfl<iTWV

Kal CtKLWV, w~ dpf]Tal flOl Kai avw8V, Tofn' onv [~ 0~u)v ou apxl 6 Oc~lO~
flpapXJ1~ ~TOl mpatf]AaTf]~ ov TOUpflaPXJlV KaAOUflV, d~ aptmpov ou apXEl 6
lH.OVUflO~ TOUpflapxJl~, Kai d~ Ta hpa Mo flEOa flEPJl 6f1oiw~, tv oi~ 'ioTaTm
Kal To Tof> oTpaTJlyou ~avoov.
68. 6ov o tonv tK npl000U T~~ napaTa~W~ <pUAa1'TlV 6A.iyou~ Kal
OKOUTaTOU~ Kal 1JilAOU~ tv uno~Of]8i<:t Kai apxovta exlv 'LOtov ~ napa oou TOT
Ka8toTaflVOV 'iva, tav XPia yVf]Tal, d~ TU aKpa T~~ napa-ray~~ ~wev TWV
Ka~aAA.apiwv ~ d~ Ta~ Ctfla~a~ ~ i~ Tpou~ T6nou~ flTU TWV iOtKwv auTWV
apxovTWV OUVTPEXOVT~ ~Of]8W<JlV.
69. Xp~ o, tav 0AlYWTp0~ tonv 6 OTpaTo~ TWV I KO' XlAlCtOWV n~WV, fl~
n0lLV 0' flEpf] T~V napata~lV, aAA.a y', tv T(i> flE<J<.p 0 f1Epl Taoow8m TO TOU
oTpa-r11you ~avoov, 4J Kal ndewem Ta A.oma ~avoa 6<piA.oumv.
70. I1p6Tcpov 0 xwpiol~ [~ 1JilAOU~ TOU~ L00Ta~ TO~U0al ~ Kal fla8LV
OUVaflEVOU~, Kal yopyou~ Kal VWTpou~, iKaVOU~ nf]Oi'iv onou ~OUAOVTal. tav
flEV unp Ta~ KO' XlAlaOa~ dol TO ~fllOU flEPO~, L o 6A.tywTPO~ TWV KO' XlAlaowv, TO TpLTOV flEPO~ tv EKaonp apl8fl4> Kai TOT 6pOlVU8~vm mhou~, w~ nov
Kal QVWTEpw dnOflV, L~ OEKapxia~ Kal tmoT~Val UlJTOl~ OEKapxa~ XPJlOlflOU~
Kal apxovTa eva, TOY AYOflVOV apxtoaytnaTwpa ~youv apxlTO~OTf]V.
71. To o flEVOV OtflOlpov flEpo~ ~ ~fllOU OlaVlflal d~ QKLU~ ano avopwv lf]',
naA.mwv 1' Kal vtwv. QKLal 0 AtyovTm, w~ flOl dpf]Tal, TCt AYOflVa KOVTOU~pvta. Kal Tou~ fll:v Mo auTwv, Tou~ uno0<JTpou~ ~Tot Tou~ nA.dova~ TWV t<;',
d~ TU~ Ctfla~a.::; Kal d~ ETEpa~, w~ ELKO~, xpda.::; aoxoAto8m, TOU~ 0Ka~ oi:
275 ei<; Tiaaapa MWAB o' E I OtaVEf1tv MW &axwpi<etv ABE scr. mg. Otafiept<etv W I
aTiavT~aet MW iiv aTiavT~O!] ABE 276 w<; ... iivw6ev MW Ka6w<; avwTEpw e'Lp!]Tat ABE
278 Mo flEOa MW flEOa MoAB flEOa WE 280 ad oov scr. mg. apflo<ov W I 6 MWA om.
BE 281 Kai2 MW om. ABE I xetv MW exoVTa ABE 282 Tiapamyfi<; MW TiapaTa~ew<;
ABE 283 iOtKwv MW ioiwv ABE 284 auvTpexovT<; ~o!]6wmv MWAB auVTpexovTo<;
~0!]6Wat E 285 eOTlV MWA imapx!] BE 286 {j' MW Teaaapa ABE I y' MWBE Tpia A
287 wMW wnvt ABE 288-290 7!p6Tepov ... flEpo<; MW eav flEV ouv imp TU<; KO' XlAtaOa<;
eiaiv (wmv BE) oi aTpaTEUOflEVOl TO iifltaU flEpo<; xwpiaet<; ei<; '\flAOU<; TOU<; ei06m<; TO~eiiaat ii
Kal f1U6lv ouvafit'vou<; yopyou<; Kal vewTepou<; iKavou<; 7!!]6i'iv oTiou ~ouAoVTat ABE
290-291 XtAta6wv MW XtAtaowv eialv A XtAtaowv eial BE 291-292 w<; ... e'lTIOfleV MW
om. ABE 293 apxovm MW A apxovm<; BE 294 flEVOV MW lJ1l0Alfl1lUVOf1VOV ABE I ii
ABE om. MW I Otaveiflat MW Otafiepiam ABE I aTii:J MWA om. BE 295 T ABE om. MW I
w<; ... e'ip!]Tal MW om. ABE 295-296 KOvTou~pvta MAE KOuTou~tpvta W KOUVTou~tpvta
B 296 Mo MW AB E I fiTot ... t~' MW eKaOTI]<; aKia<; ABE 297 w<; elKO<; MW om. ABE
I OeKa~ MWBE 6 tc;' A
297-298 6 aTfivm MW YaTaa6m ABE
69
67. Divide this line composed of all the tagmata and files present into four
Qqual units, as I mentioned above, that is, right under the command of the right
merarch or stratelates, whom we refer to as tourmarch, left under the command
of the left tourmarch, and likewise for the other two middle divisions, in which
the standard of the general is flown.
68. A few soldiers, both heavy and light infantry, not really needed in the
battle line, with their own officer or one to be designated by you at the time,
1hould be held in reserve so that, if it becomes necessary, together with their
own officers, they may hasten to the support of either of the flanks on the line
beyond the cavalry or the wagons or other places.
69. If the army consists of less than twenty-four thousand foot soldiers, you
must not form the battle line into four divisions but into three. In the center
meros raise the general's standard, which the others should use as a guide.
70. First, for the light-armed troops, you should select men who know how
to shoot with a bow or who are able to learn, young and vigorous men, capable
of leaping wherever they wish. If there are more than twenty-four thousand
men, the archers should be half in each company; if fewer than twenty-four
thousand, then a third. They should be organized, as we mentioned someplace
above, into dekarchies with competent dekarchs placed over them and one
commander known as the chief archer or chief bowman.
71. Divide the remaining half or two thirds into files of eighteen men, both
veterans and recruits. Files, as I have said, are also called squads. Two of those
men, somewhat less qualified, that is, in addition to the other sixteen, should be
assigned to the wagons or to other tasks as needed. Have the remaining sixteen
70
Constitution 4
m~vm v Tfi rcapa-ra~L Kal mm~vm auToi<; Tou<; -\oxayou<; Ayoflvou<;, yv-
va[ou<; Kal XPTJGlflOU<;.

300
72. 'EK TOUTWV o nov u:;' <TOU<;> XPTJGlflWTpou<; OKTW fflTCpoa8v ~ 6ma8v
T~<; aK[a<; ~TOL TOU Mxou KaTaaT~Vat-T~V yap TWV L<;' avopwv aK[av Mxov
KaAouv oi rca,\mo[-m~am 0 auTou<; d<; Tov rcpwTov T6rcov Kal d<; Tov
0uTpov Kal d<; Tov Tp[Tov Kal d<; TOV T-rapTov Kat d<; Tov ~Kat0Ka-rov Kal d<;
Tov TCVTKatOKaTov Kat i<; TOV TwaapLGKat0tKmov Kat d<; Tov TpLaKmoKa305 TOV, tVa Kat flEXPL TWaapwv avopwv flEpl(OflEVOU TOU ~a8ou<; ~TOL TOU rcaxou<;
T~<; aK[a<; v OUVUfll EGTt Kat ~ oupa auT~<; Kat TO flETWTCOV. TOU<; oi;: AOLTCOU<;,
TOU<; tJTCOOEWTpou<;, v T4> flEG4J auT~<; TU~at.
73 TouTOU<; oi;: TOU<; L<;' OVOflUGUL eva reap' eva arco rcptf.!WV Kal GKOUVOWV
~TOL rcpWTOO"TaTWV Kat ETClGTQTWV. TOU<; o DUO v aUTOl<; OLWVUflOU<; dvm, Kat
310 TOV flEV rcpwTOV KaAE"ia8m Aoxayov Kat rcpif.!OV ~youv rcpWTOaTUTT]V, TOV oi;:
OEUTpov OEKUPXTJV Kat O"Koflvoov ~youv maTUTT]V, Kat ~~<; OflOLw<; wau dvm
Tov 6,\ov aTixov K rcpwToamTwv Kal mma-rwv auyKdflVO<;.
74 "Iva oi;: Kal apxw8m UXPW<; DUVaVTUL Kal Ctpf.!OOLW<; GUVOLUYLV aU~
AOL<;, KaAAL6v aTL flCtAAov TOUTOU<; d<; DUO flOVa KOVTOu~pvLa yivw8m, [va o[
315 flEV TCplflOL ~youv oi rcpwTOGTUTat LGL flETU TOU Aoxayou, o[ oi;: GKOUVOOL ~youv
maTaTm flT<'t Tofl OKapxou oihw flEVTOL waT, Kav v Tfi 6Laywyfi I Ol!lPTJVTm,
aU' ouv v Tfi TU~l ~VWflEVOL OVT<;, oi OKae~ Tfi ~ou,\fi Kat yvwfln TOU AOX-
71
their place in the battle line and appoint courageous and competent men,
n\Ued group leaders, over them.
72. Of these sixteen, station the eight most competent in the front and in the
l'tt\r of the file or lochos-the ancients called the file of sixteen men a
h::lchos 13 -station them in positions one, two, three, four; and sixteen, fifteen,
t\'1urteen, thirteen. In this way, even if the depth or thickness of the file is
rttiuced to four, its front and rear will still be strong. Line up the remaining
f:fli:!n, the weaker ones, in the middle of the file.
73 Designate these sixteen men one by one as primoi or sekoundoi or
protostatai and epistatai. Two should bear a double designation, that is, call the
first one leader and primos or protostates, call the second dekarch and
1ekoundos or epistates. Likewise, in due order, the whole row will be made up of
protostatai or epistatai.
7 4 To make it easier to command them and get them to operate more
harmoniously with one another, it is really better to arrange them in two squads.
The primoi or protostatai go with the group leader and the sekoundoi or
!!pistatai with the dekarch. In this manner, even though they are separated by
this arrangement, still these sixteen soldiers are united in formation and are
subject to the decisions and will of the group leader. As a result, good order is
maintained and the men can be easily commanded.
ayou T(t80VTUL EVTU8v yap Kal ~ TU~l<; <pUAUTTTaL Kal UKOAW<; apxwem
MvaVTUL.
300 t<;' MABE oeKa~ WI T01J~ ci. Va om. codd. 301 T~~ ~Tot MW om. ABE I ad A6xou
scr. mg. Tov opotvou W 302 auTou~ MABE auToi~ W 303 i:~KatOEKUTOV AE t<;' B
i:vKatOEKaTov MW 304 TwcraptcrKmoKaTov MW AE to' B 304-305 TptcrKmoKmov
MW AE ty' B 305 flEXPt MWAB flEXPt nilv E 306 eaTl Kal MA EOTLV Kal w innipxTJ BE
308 t<;' MWBE OeKUE~ A 309 QUO MWAB
E I OtWVUf!OU~ elvat MW uno ouo
BE)
xetv OVOflUTWV ABE 310 nptf!OV ~youv MW om. ABE 311 creKoiivoov ~youv MW om.
ABE I Kal 2 Of!OlW~ MW om. ABE 313 euxepw~ MW EUKOAW~ ABE I OUVUVTat MWA
OUVWVTat BE I Upf!OOlW~ MW Ctpf!O~OVTW~ ABE 314 ean MAB eanv WE I ouo f!OVU
MW A Wf!OVa TOUTOV~ B WflOVa E I KOVTov~pvta AE KOVTOV~pvta MW KOVVTOu~pvta B
315 npif!Ot. .. oP MW om. ABE I eial MW &at ABE I Tou MWAE om. B I creKoiivoot ~youv
MW om. ABE 316 ouTw ... waT MW om. ABE I Kilv MW Kilv yap ABE I ot~pf]VTat Va
&dpf]VTat MW Otl]pf]flEVOt eialv AB Otatpf]flEVOt eialv E scr. mg. f]youv Kav ev Tf]
auvavaaTpocp~ OtaKexwptOf!EVOt wcrtv W 317 TU~Et MW napaTa~a ABE I oeKa~ MAE t<;'
WB I Kal MWBE Kal T~ A 318 cpuMnTat MWA c:puMacrTat BE 319 ouvavmt MWA
OUVWVTat BE
13. "Lochos" originally meant an ambush, a group of bandits. Their chief, "lochagos;' is
here translated as group leader.
72
320
Constitution 4
75 Xp~m11ov 8 tanv, tav taTI ouvaT6v, !l~ 116vov KaTa nm6n]La ~youv
7 5. It is useful, when possible, to arrange the sixteen men in each file of
lJ\jtUXLUV 6p01VU1V 1'0U<; 1<;' Ka0' EKCtaLTjV aK[av 1'WV GKOU1'Ct1'WV, UAAU Kat KU1'U
heavy infantry not only according to their qualifications and good attitudes but
iUSo according to stature. By stationing the taller men in front, the whole battle
line will look much better ordered. But if it cannot be done according to stature
and bravery, then certainly it is necessary, as we have said, to station the more
motivated and valiant men of each file in the front and rear positions, with the
weaker ones in the middle, in the manner we have sketched.
76. For this reason, therefore, the ancients fixed the depth of the infantry
files or rows in combat at sixteen men. This provides an adequate number of
troops that should not be exceeded, and in emergencies it can be divided
quickly and in an orderly fashion and reduced to only one man. These,
therefore, are what we have determined concerning the division of the army and
the assignment of both higher and lower ranking officers to be lined up with it.
~AIK[av, '(va ol !laKp6Tepo1 !lnpoa0ev maa611evm U1'UK1'0Tpav T~V napaTa~lv

cmood~wmv. i OE !l~ anav1'Q. npoc; ~AIKLUV KUL avopdav, TtCtV1'Wc;, we; e'iTtO!lV,
Toil<; U'\fUX01'pouc; Kal yevvawTpouc; EKCtaLTj<; aK[a<; Otov taTlv de; Toile;
325
!lnpoa0ev Kal 6ma0ev Tonou<; Taaawem, Toile; of: imooeeaTpouc; de; To
11taov
auTWV, Ka0' ov ip~Ka!lV 1'p6nov.

76. 'Dme ouv OIU 1'0U1'0 Kal ol apxatOI ano u:;' avopwv 1t~WV 1'0 ~a0oc; 1'WV
UKIWV ~1'01 1'WV 6po[vwv wplaav tv m1c; !laxmc;, tTt10~ KUL 1'0 !1E1'pov apKOUV
taLIV, 01tp U1tp~a[vnv ou XP~ KUL tv Tate; xpLmc; ULQK1'Wc; KUL GUV1'0!1Wc;
330
73
!lPl~1'UI Kal A1t1'UV1'Ul !lEXPI<; tvoc; avop6c;. maaul'a !lEV ouv KUL1tpl1'~c; 1'0U
a1'pa1'0U 01atpaewc; 1' Kat KULaaLCtGWc; KUL1'WV tnl1'0ll1'WV 1'1'UY!lEVWV apx6v1'WV !l1Kpwv Te Kal 11eyaA.wv o1wp1aa!leea.
320 an ouvm6v MW votxnm ABE

scr. mg. eutOAf!LUV W
320-321 Jtot6np:a ... etnJJUXiav MW avop[av ABE
321 Ka8' ... crKoutatwv MW om. ABE I aK[av WABE aKtWV M
322 eutaKtotepav Va einaKtwtepav MW (corr. wino W) cpo~epwtepav AE cpo~epotepav B

323 arravta rrpo~ MW votxnat Kal Kata ABE I Kal avopdav MW Kal KUtCt avop[av
tOUtOU~ tacrcrea8at ABE 324 EU'JIUXOtipou~ MW rrpo8Uf!Otipou~ ABE I otov ecrtlv MW

om. ABE 325 tacrcrea8m MW om. ABE 326 eip~KUf!EV tp6rrov MW trsp. ABE
327 wcrte ... toiito MW OlCt toiito OE ABE It<;' MABE OEKUE~ w 327-328 tWV ... ~tOl MW
om. ABE 328 Wptcrav MW wp[cravto ABE I tv ... J.UlXUL~ MW om. ABE 329 imep~a[vetv
MWA ~a[vetv BE I eutaKtW~ MWBE GUf!f!Etpw<; A
331 toutwv M toutw WBE toiito A
I Kal GUVLOf!W~ MW om. ABE
TIOAEMIKON TIAPAL:KEYON lliATA2I2: E'
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION V
ITepl onA.wv
About Weapons
K/..n)o 11Ev Toivuv Tft u11wv tvoo~6Tf]n Twv d<; Toil<; not..11ou<; auvTEtv6vTwv OTtAWV TE Kat Ct7to<JKEUWV TCE~lKft TE Kat Ka~a/../..aptKft mpan(t q:>pOVTl<Jat,
5 W<JTE Taum otallEVELV CtOL<lAT]TCTa Kal npo<; T~V KaTETCE[youaav T<P Katp<P xpdav
fTOLila, TOUTO oi; TCOLELV-TO lli::v OLCt (JOU aUTOU, TO oi; OlCt TWV un6 <JE apxovTWV
lllKpWV Kal llYCtAWV-Ei<; 011Al<JlV Kal DTCllPE<J[av TOU uno TO <JOV etlla llaXL!lOU
1.
<JTpaTou.
2. Oiov To~apta !lETa 9f]Kap[wv auTwv, aay[na<; !lETa KouKoupwv, ana9[a
10
~KOVT]f.U~Va Kal <JE<JallLW!lEVa, <JKOUTapta Kal ETEpa <JKOUT<ipta llYCtAa, anep
t..tyovTat eupw[, ETEpa <JKOUTapt<JKLa TWV T(~WV TQ TCOTE AY0!1EVa TCEATat,

ETEpa <JKOUTCtpta <JlOfjp<i, <JTpoyyu!..a, <JE<Ja!llWilEVa, KOVTCtpta lllKpa, OKTUTCT]Xa
-~aav 8 TCOTE 'Pwlla[ot<; Kal MaKEOO<Jl KOVTCtpta axpt 11f]XWV OEKai::~ anep ~
vuv xpda ou KaAd, TO yap KaTCt T~V EKCt<JTOU TWV !iETUXElpl~OilEVWV ouvallLV
1
5 ont..ov au1111ETP6v TE Kat xp~mllov-ptKTapta, T~tKoupta Kal eTepa T~tKoupta
Ct!l<pl<JTO!la, tq:>' v llEpo<; oiovel ana9[ov, tnl oi:: TO -repov oiov ~[q:>o<; Kovmp[ou,
!lETa 9f]Kap[wv auTwv OepllaT[vwv Kal ~amay[wv, napa11~pta, 11axaipa<; !leya-
20
!..a<; !lOVO<JTO!lOU<;.
3 Awp[Kta llEXPL <JTpaya!..ou, avaaup6!1EVa OlCt t..wp[wv Kal KplKEAAlWV, llETU
TWV 9TjKap[wv aUTWV OEpllaTLVWV Kat, d OUVaTOV, navm CtAU<JlOWTCt, d oi:: ll~YE,
nva aunilv Kal OlCt KEpaTlVTj<; UATj<; ~ ~ou~at..dwv KaTa~~pwv OEP!lCtTWV tm!..wptKCt i!laTta, KAt~avta m8f]pC:t ~ Kal t~ Tepa<; 1.\/..Tj<;, w<; dpf]Tat, Kaaa(oa<; Te!..da<;,
M W A V (mut.) BE Va
9-30 Cf. Strat., 1.2.
PG 107:717
Now then, we command Your Excellency to turn your attention to the

weapons you must employ in war, as well as to the equipment for the infantry
and the cavalry forces. 1 There should be a steady supply of them and they should
ready at hand for whatever pressing needs may arise. You are to see to the
armament and service of the combat troops from your theme, some of it by
yourself and some by your subordinate officers, higher and lower in rank.
2. Such are bows with their carrying cases, arrows with their quivers, swords
sharpened and brightly shining, regular shields as well as the larger ones called
thyreoi, other small shields, formerly called peltasts, for the foot soldiers, other
shields of iron, round and well polished. <They should have> small spears eight
pecheis long. At one time, though, the Romans and the Macedonians had spears
up to sixteen pecheis long, but those are not called for in the present circumstances.2 A weapon is appropriate and serviceable if it matches the strength of
the person who is to wield it. Also small throwing spears, regular axes as well as
double-bladed axes, like a sword on one side and like the point of a spear on the
other, together with their leather carrying cases and other packs. Daggers. Large,
single-bladed swords.
3. Body armor down to the ankles that can be caught up with straps and
rings, as well as leather carrying cases for them. If possible, the armor should be
made completely of chain mail, but if not, some of it may be of horn or dry
cowhide. Surcoats over the armor. Breastplates of iron or of some other material,
as mentioned. Full helmets, foot coverings, and gauntlets of iron or some other
1.
12-15 Cf. Anon. Strat., 16.31-39.
rroAEf.lLKWV rrapacrKeuwv MWA om. BE I e' MWA om. BE 3 Uf.IWV MWAE ~f.IWV B
4 Kal2 MWBE Kal T~ A 5 Tw Kmpw MW Tou Kmpou ABE 6 ToiiTo MW AB Tou E
9 8'1Kapiwv MWAE e'lKUpta B 11 aKoumpicrKta MWA GKOUTUpla BE 13 ~aav MWAB
~ ~aav E I OEKUE~ M OEKU Kal ~ w L<;' ABE 14 ou KUAel MW OUK cmaml ABE 15
pLKrapta MW ptmapta ABE I Kal MWA om. BE 16 ev f.1po~ MWA voc; f.1pouc; BE I
arra8iov ABE arra8iou MW 17 f.IETU MWA f.IETU TWV BE 19 aTpayaA.ou MW
aaTpayaA.ou ABE 21 Kal. .. UA'l~ MW EK KEpUTWV ABE I ~ou~aA.Eiwv Va ~ou~aA.iwv MW
~ou~aALKWV ABE I KaTa~~pwv oepf.laTwv MW trsp. ABE
1. See also Strat. 1.2. On weapons and armament, see T. Kolias, Byzantinische Waffen
(Vienna, 1988).
2. Eight pecheis is about 374 m; sixteen comes to 7-48 m. Cf. also AnonStrat, 16.
76
Constitution 5
material. Let those who do not have neck pieces of iron chain mail be protected
1tptTpax~Ala QAUcrtOWTQ crLOT]pCt, EVOEOUiJEVa crw8ev cmo KVT01JKAOU Kai
by those made of quilted material on the inside and leather on the outside. Men
8 cmo fHVOU, veuptKQ TQ c':mo KVT01JKAWV Ol1tAWV YlVOf1Va Kai aUTO.
4. <DACtf.lOUAa f.ly6.;\a, <pAaiJou;\icma Twv KovTapiwv, ~avoa ota<p6pw<;
who do not have iron body armor should have in its place an outer garment
made of two layers of quilted material, broad quilting, that the soldier puts on
with his weapons. Also arrow guides with short arrows and their quivers.J Slings
as well, large saddlebags, flint and tinder, lasso with thong, hobble, crescentshaped iron horseshoes with their nails, small files and awls, armor for the heads
of the horses, breastplates of iron or quilting for the horses, and similar coverings for their necks.
~~aiJiJEVa, ~OUKLVa f.llKpa Kai f1YCtAa, op1tava, a~(va<;, <pahiota, 1tAeKta,
4 Large pennants, as well as smaller ones for the lances, flags in various
CtVTi AWplKLWV TOt<; il~ exoum crLOTjpii, KEVTOUKAa <papoea, vouovm TOY crTpanWTT]V f1Ta Twv cm;\wv, crWATJYCtpta iJETO. f.lLKpwv craytnwv Kai KouKm)pwv ainwv,
cr<pev86~o;\a, creA.Aoitouyyta f1y6.;\a, rrupeK~o;\a Kai taKa<;, ;\wp6croKKa, 7teOT]-
KAa crAT]va1a crtOT]pa iJETa Kap<p[wv mhwv, j'Hvia, crou~Aia, 7tpOf1Twma I t1t1twv,
30 OTTj86.pta l1t1tWV ~ crLOf]pU ~ arro KVTOUKAWV, 1tptTpax~Ala l1t1tWV OiJOLW<;.
OKE1tapva, Tpl~OAOU<; avaOeOf1Eva<; O<jlf]KWf.lacrL 0eOf1EVOl<; ei<; ~AOU<; TAiou<;.

5 AiJCt~a<; UOTUAel<;, <pepoucra<; ETOlf.lW<; T~V avayKaiav ei<; xpdav Ct1t00KU35 ~V, oiov TCt T ipf]f1EVa pya, Kai XLPOiJUAla Kal7tpt6vta Kal opuya<; Kal crcpupa<;,
mu6.pta, KO<ptVOU<;, KlALKla, Kai e'( Tl liA\o 1tpo<; <pocrcr6.mu ~w8ev <jlUAaK~V Kai
7tpt~oA~v mvoTj8if] T(il crTpaTTJY'i> 8t' ;\a<ppoTpa<; UATJ<; iJEflTJXaVT]f.lEVOV.
6. 'ETpa<; Uf16.~a<; exoucra<; TO~O~OAtcrTpa<;, iJayyavtKU CtAaK6.na EKaTpw8ev

crTp<jl0f1Va, ~aAtcrTapiou<; Ef11tdpou<; ~TOl f.layyavapiou<; A1tToupyou<;, xah1<;
iJfTQ TWV epya;\dwv aUTWV, hpa<; Uf16.~a<; A6y1tO(uyta Kat l1t1tOU<;, craYf16.pta, OKUO<p6pa Kai auTa Kat TU liAAa 1tCtVTa opyava, ocra ~ cruv~8ta TOU <pocrcr6.TOU rrapaKAUTat.
7 Tipo<;
45
77
1t000\jiAAa, XLPO\jiAAa crL<STjpO. ~ Kai ~ hpa<; UAf]<;, OlQ TOU<; il~ exovm<;
25 ~w8ev
40
Weapons
oe 1tOAlOpKta<; Kal fiayyavtKU Ol6.<popa Kal OKUAa<; ~VALVa<; OUOTA-
AOf.lEVa<; Kal Tepa illlxavtKa opyava, ocra emvo~crt<;.
colors, large and small trumpets, sickles, axes, scythes, hatchets, adzes, caltrops
tied together with cords and hardened into very sharp points.
s. Light wagons ready to transport the essential equipment that will be

needed, such as the items mentioned. Also hand mills, saws, picks, hammers,
shovels, baskets, goatskin matting, and whatever else the commander might
think of getting ready, using lighter materials, to protect the encampment and
its perimeter from the outside.
6. Other wagons carrying bow ballistai, windlass artillery called alakatia that
swivel in both directions, experienced artillery crews, that is, carpenters specialized in artillery, and metal workers with their equipment. Some wagons for the
field armory. Others will transport food as well as the extra weapons that might
be needed. Pack animals, moreover, and horses, other beasts of burden to bear
equipment and all the other implements that are usually required for an army
on campaign.
7. Diverse machines for siege warfare, wooden ladders ready for action, and
as many other mechanical devices as you will think of.
42 ad miv-ra inc. V
23 1t000\f'EAAU A 1t000\f'EAU MW ltOOO\f'EAAla BE I xapO\f'EAAU Va xetpO\f'EAU MW om. ABE

24 eaweev MW eaweev f.!EV ABE I KEVT01JKAOU ABE epiou MW 25 OE arro ABE om. MW I
f'>tvou De A.ivou codd. I KEVTOlJKAwv omA.wv ABE KEVOOlJKAWV MW 26 KEVTOuKA.a ABE
KEvOouKAa MW 28 rrupK~oA.a MA rrapK~oA.a BE I 'LcrKa~ MWA 'LcraKa~ BE 29 aou~A.ia
ABE crouyA.ia MW 30 ~ atOT]pCt WABE om. M I KEVTOUKAWV ABE KEVOOUKAWV MW
32 ltEAEKla MW AB ltEAEKU~ E 34 EUOTUAel~ MW EAa<ppa~ ABE scr. mg. eA.a<ppa~ EUKOAW~
cruvn9Ef.!EVU~ w 35 XElpOf.lUAlU MW XElpOf.!UAa ABE I opuya~ MW 6puyta ABE
37 E1tlVOT]9elT] MW E1tlVOT]9~ ABE 38 TO~O~OAlOTpa~ MW TO~o~aAA.icrTpa~ ABE I aA.aKUTlU MW ~AaK6.Tta ABE 39 ~aA.tcrTap[ou~ MW To~o~aAA.icrm~ ABE I ~Tot MW om. ABE
40 A6yw ABE A6you MW 42 ad imo<uyta scr. mg. f.!OUAtK6. W I crKeuocpopa MW A
OKEUO<popta BE 42-43 opyava MW pya AVBE
3 Wooden half-tubes (OWAT]V6.pta), through which small arrows were shot. It is difficult to
describe them more precisely. See Kolias, Waffen, 239-253; G. Dennis, "Flies, Mice, and the
Byzantine Crossbow;' BMGS 7 (1981): 1-5; D. Nishimura, "Crossbows, Arrow-guides, and the
Solenarion," Byzantion 58 (1988): 22-36.
4 See Dennis, "Byzantine Heavy Artillery:'
78
Constitution 5
Weapons
8. Ei oe npoc; nOTa!lOUc; ~ AlllVac; Kal vauKEAALa ~youv nA.ola !llKpa ~ ano

~upawv
KaTCJKUaCJ!1EVa ~ KaLa qn)mv <ppovTLCJLc; oe Kal ETOL!1UCJLc; Kal -rae;

AY0!1Evac; -rvmc; Kal cmy[ac; !lETa T~c; mhwv t~onA.iaewc;, tv aic; Kal UTWV Kal
KaU!lUTWV, em xpe[a, E~Lc; tA.eu8epiav.
50
9 Tole; oe vaU!lUXOLc; a-rpanwolc; Kal vauc; napaaKeua(Lv t~wnALG!lEVac;, -rae;
!lev llaXL!lOUc;, -rae; oe [nnaywyouc;, -rae; oe CJKUO<p6pouc;, Ulla Tfl nepl aU-rae;
anaan XPLWOl navonAL<;l Kal anoCJKeUfl napaKAUO!leea.
10. Twv oe CtnTjplellllllEVWV CJOL napaGKUWV avw-rpw, TWV Kal 6<pLAOVTWV
nvwv !lfV napa CJOU, TLVWV o napa TWV un6 (J apx6v-rwv Kal a-rpanw-rwv
55 nopi(wem, Ta !lev onA.a E~Lc; de; U!1UVav TWV noA!1LWV, Tao de; <pUAaK~V TWV
llaXO!lEVWV a-rpanw-rwv, Tao de; T~V UAAT]V xpLav au-rwv Kal unTjpW[av.
11. Kal !lclALCJTa TWV 1TOA!1LKWV 01TAWV tmllA~an, we; av 8La<pUAUTTWVTaL
nav-rme A.a11npa Kai -reellwtva npoc; -r~v Ka-ranA.T]~Lv -rwv noA.e11iwv. mum
navm I npoeu-rpe1tLCJLc;, Yva tv hOL!l4J eialv eic; xpdav TOte; unep ape-r~c; xcipac;
6o 6nA.i(oum Ka-ra -rwv noA11iwv, Kal 11~ -rov napa-ra~ewc; Kmpov napaaKeu~c;
Kmpov avayKa(n 1TOLLCJ8aL. mum o Kal ana oaa ~IlLY napaAEAelTtTaL Ola
A~8TjV ~ avayKT]c; 6<peLALc; napaaKeUa(elV. ei o n nAtov eic; onAWV napaGKU~v mvo~aLc; T{il E>e{il xapLc; Kal Tfl Gfl CtYXLVOL<;t.
12. IIpo o nav-rwv Kal !lETa nav-rwv <p6~ov eeou Kal OLUVOLav 6~ciav Kal
65 anouoa[av YVW!lT]V tv nav-rl EXLV Kmp{il Kal T01t4J Kal npayllan, Kal npoc;
anavm ETOL!lOV elvm napaKAUO!leea.
297
79
8. If you come to rivers or lakes, you will take care to get ready the skiffs or
small boats, constructed either of leather hides or of ordinary materials, as well
as what we call tents and shelters with their equipment in which, when necessary, you will find relief from rain and heat. 5
9. We command that those generals assigned to fighting at sea are to prepare
fully armed ships, some for combat, others to transport horses, and others to
transport equipment, together with all their required weaponry and equipment.6
10. Of all the preparatory tasks enumerated above some are to be carried out
directly by you and others by the officers and soldiers under your command.
You will see to weapons that ward off the enemy and others that protect the
troops in battle, as well as those that cover their other needs and services.
11. Devote particular attention to the weapons needed in battle. Make sure
that they are always maintained polished and sharpened, so as to terrify the
enemy. You will prepare all these things beforehand so they will be ready for use
by those who, because of their valor, engage the enemy in close combat. By so
doing, you will not be forced to turn the time of taking battle stations into a
time of preparation/ The other matters that we may have omitted, out of forgetfulness, must necessarily be your responsibility. And if you think of something
more regarding the preparation of weapons, thanks be to God and your own
shrewdness.
12. We order you, above all and with all, to have the fear of God, a sharp
mind, and serious intent in every time, place, and affair, as well as to be ready
for every eventuality.
59-61 Cf. y'.3-5.

47 Ka-rwKeuaof.utva MW A Ka-raoKeuacrjlva VBE I ~ ... <puatv MWVBE om. A 48 -rvm~
MW -rvoa~ AVBE 1 tv ai~ MW aYnve~ AVBE I unwv MW ~poxa~ AVBE 49 KUUf.l<'tTwv ...
e\eu8epiav MW KUDj.IUm cmavT~OOUatV AVBE 50 ad VUUf.lUXOl~ scr. mg. Tal~ EV ITAOlOl~
f.lUXOf.leVOl~ W ad 50-51 TU~ j.IEV scr. mg. rrpo<; TO f.IUXW8at el1lTt]Oela<:; W 51 ad
imraywyou~ scr. mg. mrrou~ <pepouo<a~> W I ad oKeuo<p6pou~ scr. mg. -ra OKWt] Kat -ra~
xpna~ <pepouoa~ w 53 U11t]pt8jlt]jlfVWV MWA cmapt8jlt]jlfVWV VBE I O<pelAOVTWV MW
6<pet\ouowv AVBE 58 -re8t]Yf.!EVa MW ~KOVt]f.lEVa AVBE I -r~v MW om. AVBE 59 eiolv
MWA ti>atv VBE 59-60 TOt~ ... ITOAej.ILWV MW TWV KUTU TWV J10Aej.ILWV aywvt<Of.!EVWV
AVBE 6o-61 rrapa-ra~ew~ ... Katpov MW Katpov -r~<; rrapa-ra~ew~ Katpov i:Totf.laoia~ Kal
rrapaoKeu~~ A Katpov i:Totjlacria~ Kal rrapaoKeu~~ VBE 61 mum MWAVE mum~ B I
ii\Aa MW om. AVBE 61-62 rrapa\\emmt. .. A.~8t]v MW trsp. AVBE 63 ayxtvo[a MW
<ppov~cret AVBE scr. mg. o~UTt]Tl -r~~ otavata~ W 64 7Tav-rwv 1 MWVBE JTav-ra A jJTav-rwv2
MW JTUVTU AVBE I eeou MW eeou exelV AVBE 65 exm MW om. AVBE
5 Tent: generally written as -rv-ra in MW, and in modern Greek, instead of the variant
-rvoa. The Suda (T 307) defines it as oiK[a EK \ivwv, "a house [made] of linen:'
6. See Const. 19 on naval warfare.
7 Cf. Canst. 3, n. 1.
8o
Weapons
Constitution 5
81
wa-rpanw, Ka06aov ~!lTv
13. Therefore, 0 general, we have set before Your Excellency everything that
-rtw~ txwp~yT]aev ~ llY~IlTJ, imeetlleea -rft aft voo~6-rT]<t ~~~ 0 nepl llv
1t(LK~~ Kat <JD!l!llK1"0U -ra~ew~ iJa-repov epOD!lV. VUV 0 01tW~ 01tAt<Jn~ 1"0V
70 Ka0va avopa KapaAAaptov a-rpa-rL<b1"T]V ev -re -raT~ YDilVa<J(at~ Kal 1"0 1"EALOV tv
Katp4J 1tOAE!lOD, Kal onOLa Kanx 1"0 avayKaLOV e'LOT] <ppetv napa<JKUU<Jl~ ~OT]
our memory has provided for us about the preparation of weapons. Subsequently, we will treat of infantry and mixed formations. But for now we shall speak
about how you are to arm each mounted soldier, both for drill and, ultimately,
for time of battle, and the necessary equipment you should prepare for them to
carry.
13. ITepl 1-1v oDv ~~ -rwv onAwv napaaKeu~~'
epOD!lV.
67 cr-rpa<TJYE MW cr-rpa<TJYE inn:pe0f!e0a <~ cr~ voo~6<TJ<L AVBE 68 txwp~y11crev ...

f!V~flll MW trsp. AVBE I <fi ... voo~6<TJ1"l MW om. AVBE 69 ni~ew<; MWA napa-ra~ew<;
VBE 69-70 -rov Ka0tva MW eKacr<ov AVBE 70 -reA.ewv MAVBE -rtA.eov W
71-TJ. napacrKeuacret<; ... poi>f!EV MWA om. VBE
TIOAEMIKON TIAPAL:KEYON L1IATA3I2:
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION VI
<;'
About Armament for the Cavalry and the Infantry
ilepl OITAL<JW<; Ka~aA:\aptWV KUL IT~WV
1.
i1Et TOLYUY OTtAtCJ8~Yat TOU<; G-rpa-rtw-ra<; Ota TWY io[wy aUTWY apxoYTWY
Kal -ra m-r~OLa <eY> -r(il Katp(i'J ehe rrapaxeqwo[ou dn: q>oCJmi-rou rrapaGKU5 6.~wem, -ra rrpo<; <-ra<;> ayayKa[a<; xpe[a<; 1'~<; eKmpa-rda<;, Kal exetY <ainU>
TtCtYLU<; 6.YaA6yw<; apxoYTCt<; 1' Kal apxof!EYOU<;, rrpo<; T~Y EKCtCJTOU TtOL01'1']1'Ct 1'
Kal OUYaf!LY, Kal f!CtALCJTa -rou<; apxoYLa<; UlJLWY 6.rr6 1' 1'0Upf16.pxou Kal f!EXPL
Kt:Y-rapxou Kal-re-rpapxou Kal Ka-re~a[pe-roY CJwu-roY Kal-r~Y im6 CJe rrpoA.wmY.
2."ExetY oi:: au-roil<; Ot:tY TOY Ka8ya iiYOpa OTtALCJLY TOLUUTT]Y ~6.~a<; TEAeLa<;
10
f!EXPL TOU 6.G-rpay6.A.ou, QYaGUpOf!EYa<; oi:: Ota A.wp[wy Kal KptKt:AALWY, f!ETQ TWY
8T]Kap[wy auTWY. EXLY 01:: Kal KaCJ<J[Oa<; CJLOT]pii<;, (J1'LATtYCt<;, Ota rtaYTO<; exouCJa<;
(iyw8t:Y ei<; TU<; Kopuq>a<; TOU<p[a f!LKpa. TO~apta Oi:: EKaCJlOY KaTU T~Y iO[ay LCJXUY
Kal oux urri::p auT~Y, f!CtAAOY oi:: Kal cmaA.w-repa, exoY-ra 8T]KCtpta rrA.a-ra, [ya y
Katp(i'J OUYUTOY ECJTL THaf!EYa XWpt:tY TQ LO~Ctpta y au-rot<;. EXLY Oi:: KUL KOpOa<;
15
EK rreptCJ(JOU y TOt<; rrouyy[ot<; aUTWY, KOUKoupa f!HU CJaytnWY Kall CJKETtUCJf!UTWY aUTWY ETtlT~Ot:ta, XWPOUYTa CtrtO A' ~ f!' CJaytnWY. y 01:: TOt<; LO~O~WYLOL<;
ptY[a Kal CJOU~A[a. EXLY 01:: Kal KOY-rapta Ka~aAA.aptKQ f!lKpa, exoY-ra A.wp[a
Ka-ra -ro flECJOY, f!HCt q>Aaf!OUAWY. exetY 01:: Kal CJrta8[a arroKpt:f!Ctf!EYa -rwY Wf!WY
aUTWY Ka-ra T~Y 'Pwf!a'LK~Y 1'Ct~LY, Kal npa rtapaf!~pta ~1'01 !laxa[pa<; OLE~W<Jf!E-
zo YOU<;.
Now then, it is necessary for the soldiers to receive their armament from
their own officers. 1 While in winter quarters or in camp they are to be provided
with the proper equipment they will need on campaign. All the soldiers, both
officers and enlisted men, should have equipment corresponding to their rank
and strength, particularly the officers from tourmarch to kentarch and tetrarch,
with special attention to yourself and the troops marching along with you.
2. Each man should have the following armament. Full coats of mail reaching to their ankles, fastened with thongs and rings, along with their carrying
cases. They should also have iron helmets, polished and always with small
plumes on their crests. Each man should have a bow suited to his own strength
and not above it, more indeed on the weaker side, and cases broad enough so
that, when necessary, the strung bows can fit in them. They should also have
spare bow strings in their saddle bags, suitable quivers, too, with their covers,
holding about thirty or forty arrows. Small files and awls in their baldrics. They
should also have short cavalry lances with small thongs in the middle of the
shaft and with pennons. In addition, they should have swords hanging from
their shoulders, in the Roman manner, as well as daggers or large knives on
their belts.2
1.
lilt
M W A VB E Va PG 107:721
1-95 Strat.,
1.2.
<
8ta-ra~tc; MWA -ra~tc; VBE I MWVBE i:'Ktl) A 3 au-rwv MWVBE om. A 4 ev ci. Va
om. codd. 5 rae; ci. Va om. codd. I eKa-rpa-rdac; MWA eyKpa-rdac; VBE 5-6 auta rcavmc;
Va arravtac; codd. 9 aU-roue; MW om. AVBE I Ka9eva MW Kacrtov AVBE 10 8t MW
om. A VBE 11 cr-rtA.rrvac; MW Aaflrcpac; A Kal A.aflrcpac; VBE I 8ta rcav-roc; MW om. AVBE
14 EOTl MA EOTlV w ~ VBE I TeTUflEVU AVE teTUYflEVU MBW I au-ro1c; AVBE eauto1c; MW
16 mt~8eta MWA emtl)8dwv VBE I A.' MWVBE tptaKovta A I fl' MW tecrcrapaKovta
AVBE 17 crou~A.ia AVBE crouyA.ia MW I 8e MWA Te VBE I Ka~aAA.aptKa fllKpa MWA
trsp. VBE
1.
Cf. Strat.
1.2.
On weaponry, see Kolias, Byzantinische Waffen.
2. Kolias, 133-160. In the 'Roman manner' the soldier carried his sword on his left side.
84 Constitution 6
3. 'DaOL 8 fl~ o'(8aat TO~ULV VWTpOL, fXfTWCYUV KOVTCtpLa flETa CYKOUTUp[wv n:A.dwv i 8 Kal XLPOf1CtVLKU m8r]p&., a Hynm xnp6\jiAAU, TLVfc; KT~
CYWVTUL, A.iav XP~aLf.LOV. EXELV 8 Kal flLKpa TOU<p[a KaTa TWV 6maElAALVWV TWV
'lmrwv Kal <pACtf.LOUAU flLKpa navw TWV ~a~wv KaTa TWV Wf.LWV. oaov yap faTLV
25 DCJXfJf10c; v Tfi 6nA.ian miTou 6 aTpanWTf]c;, ToaouTov Kal ainq> npoEluf.L[a
npoayivnm Kal Tote; xElpo1c; 8nA.ia.
4 Ei 8uvaTOV 8 Kal ElwpaKac; exnv, OLTLVc; KUAOUVTUL vuv KAL~CtVLa, Kal
aina anA.nva Kal AUf.LTrpa Kal nEpLKVf]flL8ac;, chtva Hynm vuv TI000\jiAAU, Kal
TITEpVLCJT~pac; fVLOT. EXELV 8 Kal mA.wpLKU, OT xpLa, nv8u6f1Va.
30
5. ITavTac; 8 Toile; VWTpouc; 'Pwf.La[ouc; axpl fl' fTWV avayKa~wElm, Eh
KUTa A6yov o'l8aat TO~EUCYUL, Eh KUL flETp[wc;, TOU TIUVTWc; TO~O<papnpa <popEtV.
T~c; yap TO~lac; TIUVTEAWc; Ctf.LEAT]Eldaf]c; Kai 8LaTICYOUCYf]c; v Tote; 'PWf.LULOLc; Ta
noAA.a vuv c'iwEl a<pUAflaTU y[vwElm.
6. "Exnv 8 Kal KOVTCtpLa Mo, 'lva TOU v6c;, we; iK6c;, amoxouvToc; exn TO
35 O.AA.o de; XP~aLV. Toile; 8 anLpOTpouc; cmaAWTEpa exnv TO~apta KUV yap OUK
o'l8am TO~ULV, Tq> xpovq> fTrlT'l8UOUal f.LUEldv, OTIP TWV avayKa[wv faTLV.
7 Ei 8 8uvaT6v, Kal CtKOVTLU ~TOL pLKTCtpLa EXLV we; Mo, 'lva v Kmpq> Kal
aKovT[aoL npoxdpwc; KaTa Tou noAEf.Liou, Kal Tov f.LEV inna mpanWTf]V oihwc;
6nA.ianc;.
40
8. Toile; 8 'lnnouc; Kal flUALaTU TWV apx6vTWV Kal TWV AOLTIWV fT(LAfKTWV
1tpOflTWma exnv Kal CYTf]ElCtpLa ~ at8f]p&. ~ ano KEVTOUKAWV, olov vcupLKCt. Kal
aKnwElat Ta aT~ElfJ Kal Toile; Tpax~A.ouc; a1nwv, Ei 8uvm6v, Kai Tac; KotA.iac; 8ta
flLKpwv CtTIOKPEflUCYf.LUTWV ano TWV AYOf.lfVWV a<pAfTpwv T~c; aHac;. f.LEYUAWV
yap mum KtvMvwv noA.A.aKLc; Toile; 'lnnouc; 8waw~oum, Kal 8t' ainwv Toile; n'
22 Aeynm MW A AeyovmL VBE 22-23 nvf:~ KT~<JWVTUL MW KT~<JOVTUl nva~ AB

KT~<JOVTUL nv~ VE 23 Aiav MW navu f:crTl A navu f:crTiv VBE I 6mcr8eAALVWV Va
OTil<JTeAAlVWV MW 6mcr8eAlVWV A omcreev AlVWV VBE 24 (a~wv MW AwplKlWV AVBE
25 eUOXTJflO~ MW eUOXTJflO~ Kai eucrTOAo~ A eU<YXTJflO~ Kai euonAo~ VBE 27 Kal' MW A
om. VBE I ewpaKa~ MW AB ewpaKO~ VE 29 TITepVl<JTijpa~ MW A UTITepVl<JTijpa~ B
unepvtcrTijpa~ VE I BVlOTe ... 6 MW TIOAAUKl~ 6 EXELV AVBE I em ... ETieV6U6f!EVU MW
f:nev6U6fleVU /he XPeLU A nev6UOfleVU OTe xpda YEVTJTUl VBE 30 fl' MW TWcrapaKOVTU
AVBE 31 KUTa Myov MWA KaT' 6Aiyov VBE 32 Ta MW om. AVBE 33 e'lw8e
MWVBE e'lw8ev A 34 Mo MWA WVBE 35 iiUo MWAB iiUov VE 37 ptKTapta W
pfJKTapta M ptmapta AVBE 1 Mo MW A WVBE 38 aKOVTicrm MW aKovTicrTJ AVBE I Toii
noAef!iou MW Twv noAefLiwv AVBE I crTpaTLWTfJV MWAB crTpanwv VE 41 KeVT01JKAwv
AVBE Kev6ouKAWV MW 43 fllKpwv MW A flUKpwv VBE I acpeAETpwv MWA acpeAETpa~
VBE 44 6Lacrw(oum MWVBE 6tacrw(oucrtv A
Armament for Cavalry and Infantry 85

3 All the recruits who do not know how to shoot should have lances and full
~hields. It will be very useful if some can afford iron gauntlets, called cheiropselThey should have small tassels on the hindquarters of the horses as well as
small pennons over the armor around their shoulders. For the more handsome
!.he soldier is in his armament, the more confidence he gains in himself and the
more fear he inspires in the foe.
4 If possible, they should wear breastplates, polished and shiny, that are now
called klibania. 3 Also greaves, now called podopsella, and sometimes spurs. Also
surcoats to put on when needed.
5 All the Roman recruits, up to the age of forty, must definitely be required
to carry bow and quiver, whether they be expert archers or just average. The fact
that archery has been completely neglected and fallen into disuse among the
Romans has caused a great deal of harm nowadays.
6. They should possess two lances so as to have a spare one at hand in case
the first one misses. Inexperienced men should employ lighter bows. With
enough time, even men who do not know how to shoot will manage to learn, for
it is an essential skill.
7. If possible, they should also have at least two javelins or throwing weapons so that, at the proper moment, they may readily hurl them against the
enemy. That is how you shall arm the cavalryman.
8. The horses, especially those of the officers and the other special troops,
should have protective armor of iron or of padding, such as cow hide, over their
heads and breasts. Their breasts and necks and, if possible, their abdomens will
be covered by small pieces of what is called quilting, hanging from the saddles.
These have often preserved the horses as well as those riding on them from great
3. Klibanion meant a baking oven and may well suggest how the soldier felt wearing such
armor. But the etymology is not certain: see Kolias, 44-50.
86
45
Constitution 6

dangers. In particular, the men stationed in the front line of battle should have
these items.
aunilv OXOUflfVOU<:;. mum o EXlV Kal flUAla-ta -roue; n:poTa<J<JOflfVOU<:; fV Tft
flUXD
9 Kal ai <JfAAat o exeTw<Jav fn:t<JfAAla oaaea Kal flYUAa, Kal Ta xaAtvapta
auTwv mT~0ta ea-rwaav Kal taxupa.
10. Etc; o Tac; aeUac; Tac; QUO <JlOTjpac; <JKUAac; I Kal Awp6<JOKKOV Kal n:8to
KAov
Kal <JAAon:ouyytv, v Katpou KaAouvToc; ouvm6v eaTt Kuv Tptwv ~
5
TW<Japwv ~flpwv OaiTUVTJV XWP~<Jat, Kal TOUcpta 0 l<:; Ta<:; On:t<J8AALVa<:; Tf<J<Japa, Kal Kopucpaotv Tou Yn:n:ou Toucplv Kal imo yevnov 6f1o[wc;.
11. Tiav-rwc; 0 exnv o1 TOV Ka~aAA<iptov <JTpanWTTJV Kal T~lKOUplV Ol<JTOflOV, TO ev <JTOfla Ta~tv an:a8[ou n:tf1T]K<:; Kal TO ETpov Ta~tv ~[cpouc; KOV55 Tapiou flaKpov Kal6~u, an:oKpflCtflVOV flTa 8fjKapiou OpflaTLVOU fV Tft <JfAA<;t.
12. Ta o LflUTla TWV <JTpaTtWTWV, 'iT AlVa dmv 'iT f~ p[ou h hepac;
UAfj<:;, n:AaTea Ot dvm, Iva fV Tip Ka~aAALKUlV fl~ EfliTOOL~WVTal, ana Kal
<JKfiTWVTat ot' aUTWV Ta y6vaTa aUTWV Kal U<JXT]f10l cpatVWVTat.
13. Xp~ o Kal KfVTOUKAa exnv n:AaTea n:avu, exov-ra flaVLKta n:AaTea, Iva fV
6o Tip OITAL<J8~vat au-roue; Kal cpopLV Tac; ~a~ac; Kat Ta TO~apta, av, we; iK6<:;,
<JUfl~ft ~pox~v YVf<J8at ~ uyp6Tpov TOV aepa fK T~c; op6aou, cpopOUVT<:; aUTa
n:avw -rwv ~a~wv Kal -rwv To~ap[wv cpu;\auwm To lipfla au-rwv Kal ouK Efln:oo[~wv-rm, LT Tote; To~aptOI<:; 'iT Tote; KovmptOI<:; auTwv ~OUAT]Swm XP~<Jaa8m.
E<JTl o Kal UAAW<:; n:wc; avayKata Ta KfVTOUKAa fV Tate; <JKOUAKat<:; ~youv Tate;
65 ~[y;\mc; ou OtacpatVOVTal yap fl~K08v Tote; ITOAf1LOL<:; ai ~a~at un:' aUTWV <JKIT6flVat, CtVTfXOU<Jl 0 Kat n:poc; -rae; ~OAa<:; TWV <JaytTTWV.
14. IJpo<JTCt<J<JOflV OE Ka8' EKa<JTOV KOVTOU~fpVlV Kat opn:ava Kat a~[vac;
EXlV au-roue; Ola TO avayKatOV T~c; XPLac;.
49 Mo MWA
W VBE I A.wp6croKKov
A.wpoaoKa VBE
9 Let the saddles have large and thick cloths, and let there be strong bridles
of good quality.
29fl
10. Two iron stirrups should be attached to the saddles along with a lasso
with thong, a hobble, a saddlebag large enough, when the situation so demands,
to hold three or four days' rations. There should be four tassels on the haunch
strap; likewise, one on the horse's brow and one under the chin.
11. By all means, the cavalry soldier must have a double-sided axe, one side
having the long form of a sword and the other the large and sharp form of the
point of a spear. 4 It should be hanging from the saddle in a leather case.
12. The clothing of the soldiers, whether of linen, wool, or other material,
should be loose fitting so they may not be impeded as they ride along; it should
cover their knees and give a neat appearance.
13. They should have a loose, padded mantle with very broad sleeves so that
in arming themselves and wearing the body armor with the bow if, perchance, it
should rain or the dew cause the air to become quite humid, then by wearing
these over their body armor and bow, they may both protect their armament
and not be impeded when they want to make use of the bow or the lance. These
padded mantles may also be necessary in another way on patrol or reconnaissance. When the body armor is covered by them its brightness will not be seen
far off by the enemy and they will also provide protection against being hit by
arrows.
14. We also order that each squad should carry sickles and axes to meet their
unavoidable needs.
Meursis teste Va A.wp6croKov MW A.wpoawKov A
50 m:A.Aonouyytv M m:A.onouyytv W m:AA.onouyywv AVBE
I Katpou
AVBE Katpw MW I E<JTl MAVBE E<JTLV w I KCtV Va Kal codd. 51-52 TE<J<Japa MWA o'
VBE 52 Kopucpaotv MW Eic; TO Kopucpa0tov AVBE I TOU<plv MW TOU<jllOV AVBE I uno
ytvetov Va unoyevetOV MW eic; TO unoyEVElOV AVBE 53 T(tKouptv MW T<tKOUptov AVBE
54 TCt~tv 1 MW OLKflV AVBE I Ta~tv 2 MW OLKflV AVBE 56 dotv MWA om. VBE I ~ f:p(ou
MW EK f!UAALOU nETIOlflflEVa AVBE I e'LTE3 AVBE ~ MW 57 od MWA Ot VBE I Kal MW A
om. VBE 59 Kal MWA om. VBE I KEVTOUKAa AVBE KEVOOUKAa MW I EXELV MWA exov
VBE I f!UVLKta MW f!UVtaKta AVBE 6o (a~ac; Va (wvac; codd. 62 cpuA.Ctnwcrt MAVBE
cpuA.Ctnwcrtv W I Kal2 MWA om. VBE 63 Kovmpiotc; Va <JKoumpiOtc; codd. 64 E<JTt
AVBE e<JTtv MW I KEVTOUKA.a AVBE KEVOOUKAa MW I <JKouhmc; ... Tatc;2 MW om. AVBE
65 Tote; ... <a~at MWA trsp. VBE I un' MWA VE an' B 66 CtVTEXOl.l<Jl MW ClTIUVTW<Jl AVBE
67 npocrTacrcrof!EV MW A npoTu<J<JOf!EV VBE I KovTou~epvtv M KouTou~epvtv W
KovTou~epvtov AVBE
4 See Kolias, 167-169.
88
Constitution 6
15. Tou.:; 0 -rwv -rayfl<'t-rwv lipxov-ra.:; ~ cnpanw-ra.:; Kat -rwv 8ef1anKwv
15. The officers and enlisted men of the regular units as well as the more
7 o ~<iv8wv -roue; 8uva-rw-rpou.:; 6.vayK<i(eaem XP~ rraT8a.:; au-roT.:; 8ouA.ou.:; ~ A.eu-
aflluent soldiers in the thematic companies must be required to have their own
!lervants, slave or free. At the time of distributing pay and mustering, care must
be taken to register and inquire about the servants and weapons. Should they
pay no attention to the servants, then, in time of battle they might be forced to
detail some of the soldiers themselves to the baggage train, which means fewer
tnen fighting in the ranks. But if it should turn out that some of the men are
unable to afford servants, it is necessary for three or four of the lower-ranking
soldiers to provide for one servant who will be at their disposition. A similar
arrangement should be followed for the pack animals that are needed for their
body armor and their tents.
8pou.:; Kat ETILfleAw.:;
tv
-rc.iJ Katpc.iJ -r~.:; -r p6ya.:; Kat -rou aovouf.t(ou Kat -roue;
rraT8ac; au-rwv Kat -co lipfla cmoyp<i<pea8at Kal KaLU(fj-reTaem, Iva fl~ rtept<ppovouv-rec; -rwv 8ouAeu6v-rwv EV Katpc.iJ TtOAEf!OU 6.vayK<i(wv-rm ~ au-rwv -rwv a-rpanw-rwv a<pop((eaem ei.:; -co -rouA.8ov Kat 6A.iym y[vov-rm oi Komwv-rec; EV -eft
75 flCtXn
ei 8 'CIV<;, we; eiK6.:;,
fl~ eurropoum K-r~aaaem rra18ac;, 6.vayKaT6v EaLIV ei.:;
-roue; Ka-cw-rpouc; a-rpanw-rac; -rpeTc; ~ -caaapa.:; eva rraT8a, -rov UrtfjpHeTv au-roT.:;
flEAAov-ra, mvolv. -rov OflOIOV 8 -rp6rrov TtOlelV Kal eic; -cO. aayfl<'tpta, wv xpe[a
Ka-ra -co avayKaTov 8t0. -rae; (<'t~a.:; Kat -rae; -rev-rae; au-rwv.
16. Tipoa-r<iaaof.teV 8 Kat -rae; Ke<paAO.c; -rwv ~<iv8wv eK<ia-rou -rawa-roc;
so 6f1oxp6ouc; y[veaem, I Kat -cO. q>Aaf.touA.a eK<ia-rllc; -roupf.ta.:; ~ 8pouyyou i8t6xpoa
dvm, Iva 8 Kat -co Ka8' Kaa-rov -cawa euK6Aw.:; mytvwaKn -co '(8wv ~av8ov.
81 -repa i8tK0. GfJfleTa rrpoan8vm -raT.:; Ke<paAaT.:; -rwv
~<iv8wv,
yvwaf1va -roT.:;
a-rpa-rtw-rm.:;, WaLe EK -rou-rou mytVWGKW8at au-ra Kat Ka-ra -rae; -roupf.ta<; Kat
s5
Ka-ra -roue; 8pouyyouc; Kat Ka-ra -cO. ~av8a. rr<iv-rw.:; 8 -cO. -rwv -roupf.t<'tpxwv <~<iv8a> EVfJAAUYf!EVa 81 dvm Kat rrp60f]Aa, Iva EK rroAA.ou 8taa-r~f1a-ro.:; mytvwaKwv-rm -col<; im' au-col<; 'CLaYf1EVOl<;.
17. KeAeVOfleV 8 am, wa-rpa-rf]y, Katlipfla m<ppea8m EK rreptaaou 8t0.
~aa-cay~c; Kat flCtAta-ra -ro~<'tpta Kal aayl-c-ra.:;, Iva -roi.:;,
we;
eiK6.:;, 6.a-roxouatv
orrA.otc; ~ au-rwv av-reta<'tyfJ-rat.

18."E~w8ev
90
8 -cwv
~otvwv 8TjKap(wv -rwv (a~wv EXLV -roue; a-rpanw-ra.:; cmo
Oepf!Ct'CWV 8f]KCtpta -repa eAa<pp<i, orrwc; ~ EV Katpc.iJ TtOAEflOU ~ EV Katpc.iJ KOUpaou omaeev -rwv 6ma8oKoup~[wv Ka-ra -rae; '!'Ua<; -rwv lrrrrwv ~aa-r<i(wv-rm, Kal
tav
GU!l~ft,
16. We also order that the fields of the flags of each unit should be of the
same color, and the streamers of each tourma or droungos should have their
own color, so that each individual unit may easily recognize its own standard.s
Other distinctive devices known to the soldiers should be imposed on the fields
of the flags; they will thus be recognized according to tourma and droungos and
bandon. The standards of the tourmarchs should be particularly distinctive and
conspicuous so that they may be recognized by their troops at a great distance.
17. We order you, 0 general, to have your supply train carry extra arms,
especially bows and arrows, to replace those weapons likely to be lost.
18. Apart from the leather cases for the body armor, the soldiers should have
other light ones of hide. During battle or on raids they may be carried behind
the cantle across the horse's hindquarters. If, as may well be the case, they
should suffer a reversal-may it not happen-and the men guarding the
we; TIOAACtKtc;-o fl~ yvm-ro--rpon~.:; ytVOflEVfj<;, rrp6.:; fllaV ~flpav
71 n: MW om. AVBE 72-73 rrept<ppovouvn:~ MWA Ka-ra<ppovouvT~ VBE

73 oouA.t::u6vTwv MW oouA.euetv Kal ilrr!]pndv auToi~ 6<petA6vTwv rra[owv AVBE I rroAtf!ou
AVBE rroAEf!WV MW 7 4 y[vov-rat MW KaTUAlf!JtCtvwvmt A KaTaAtf!ITCtvovmt VBE
74-75 KOJtlWVT~ ... f!CtXIJ MW rroAf!Oi!vn:~ AVBE 78 TEVTa~ MW Tevoa~ AVBE
So iotoxpoa MWA iOtoxpova VBE St Kal...eKaatov De Kal TO Ka8eKa<JTOV MW oe
Ka8eKU<JTOV A EKQ<JTOV VBE I lOtOV MWAVE hepov B S2 en:pa MWAVE hepa ~avoa B I
<11Jf!da MW AVE 01Jf!ULVt B I m1~ K<paA.a1~ MWAVE Ta~ KE<paA.a~ B S3 TOl)Tou MW
TouTwv AVBE 84-85 ~avoa2 ci. Va om. codd. 85 rrp60IJAa MW rrpoxetpa AVBE
86 im' auwic; M imaumu~ W \m' auTou~ AVE urr' aumu B 87 aot MWA om. VBE
90 ~otvwv MWVBE ~olwv A 93 we; MW om. AVBE I ytVOf!EVI]~ MW YV0f!EVI]~ AVBE
5 See R. Grosse, "Die Fahnen in der romisch-byzantinischen Armee des 4.-10. Jahrhundert;' BZ 24 (1924): 359-372; Dennis, "Byzantine Battle Flags"; Haldon, ImpEx, 270-274.
90
Constitution 6
a<pavd<; yevtaem TOU<; T~V rrapaGKEU~V xovm<;, fl~ Eim YUflVat al (O.fat Kat
95 <p6e[pwv<m, fl~T Kat Korroum Tou<; mpanwm<; 6tf1VEKW<; mKELflEVat a1no1<;.
19. OM TOUTO 6 rrapaAEL\IIOflEV EV TftOE eft 6taLCt~l, tva ol apxovT<;
eKaawu <<'tyfla<o<; 6wyvwaet<; rrmwmv v
np
Katp(i> <ou rrapaxEtflaO[ou ~ v
hp(!l apy[a<; Katp(i>, WaLE, av fl~ eurropwmv oi mpanwmt KaTu T~V xwpav
ayopaaat TU EmT~Oeta, <pavepov y[vwem, rr6awv Yrmwv Kat rro[ou doou<; Kat
wo rro[ou lipfla<o<; Otovmt nilv a<panwnilv Kaa<o<;, tva rrapaaKeua(n<;,
GTpaLfjy, muTa v T(i> 6ovn Katp(i> EuTpErr[(w6at 1Ip0<; ayopaa[av auTOL<; arro
Ef1TI6pwv nvwv, Kat fl~T neu6ev ol v<6mot oiK~<ope<; fA.O.mwvTat, fl~T ol
mpanwTat TWV avayKa[wv Ei6wv Kat OJtAWV, Ei o\hw TUXOl, UaLEpOUflEVOl
arropwmv. EJtEl ouv TOV KafaHO.ptov mpaLt<DTfjV E~WJtA[GaflEV, ~~<; Kat orrw<;
105
XP~ ae Kal Twv rre(ft flaXOflEVWV mpanw<wv T~v Otouaav rrot~aaaem orrA.tmv
~6fj Ae~OflEV.
20. T~<; rre(tK~<;
w[vuv wu a<pa<ou <a~ew<; rraA.m flEv ei<; <pia 6tnPflflEVf1<;
napa TOL<; apxaiot<; TaKTlKOL<;, olov Ei<; OJtALLa<;, OU<; ol VEWTEpot GKOUTCtTOU<;
EKCtAwav, Ei<; \lllAOU<;, OU<; Kat vuv \lllAOU<; <4> auT(i> KaAOUGLV OVOflaLL, Kal Ei<;
110
rrA.La<;, wv ol Ka6' ~flU<; ou ytvwaKoum flEV T~v KA~mv, 6oK1 f.!Ol 6 Tol<; \jltAol<;
auTOU<;
I auyKaTaAE~avTa<;
Mo flOVa<; TCt~El<; JtE(tKOU flVflflOVEUGQl GTpaLOU,
6rrA.t<wv T Kal \jltA.wv. rrept<ou<wv ouv ~fl1<; 6taA.af6vT<; Twv Ta~ewv 6topta6fl6a.
21. 'OrrA.[an<; flEV ouv Tov rre(ov aKou<a<ov, TOV rrO.A.m KaAOUflEvov 6rrA[Tf1V,
115
WGL EXElV arr0.6fjV, KOVTaptv, GKOUTCtptv, OT flEV xpe[a KaA1, EJtlflTJKE<;, f.!Eya, 0
107-133
Strat.,
t:'ttuipment should be missing for a day, the body armor will not be left out in
the open and ruined and the soldiers will not be worn out by the constant
weight of the armor.
19. In this constitution we will not omit the following. While in winter
quarters or at some other period of leisure, the officers of each unit should make
nn assessment, so that it becomes dear how many horses, what sort of
llit}Uipment, and what sort of armament is needed for each one of the soldiers
Md so that, in case the soldiers cannot easily purchase supplies in the region,
you, 0 general, at the requisite time might arrange for these things to be made
ivailable for sale to them by certain merchants. As a result, the local inhabitants
will not be harmed and, if this is done, the soldiers will not be left helpless,
deprived of necessary equipment and weapons. Therefore, now that we have
armed the cavalry soldier, our next topic will be about your obligation to see to
the proper armament of the soldiers who fight on foot.
The ancient tacticians long ago divided the infantry contingents of the
army in three. 6 <Heavy-armed troops or> hoplites, called skoutatoi by more recent tacticians; second, light-armed troops, whom they now call by that very
name. Then there were peltai, a term not recognized by our contemporaries. 7 I
believe that they classified them together with the light-armed troops, recording
only two divisions of the infantry army, <heavy-armed> hoplites and
light-armed troops. Having, therefore, made this distinction, we will now lay
down regulations affecting them.
20.
21. You shall equip the infantry skoutatos, formerly called hoplite, with a
12.B-4-5
MW -rae; xpdac; AVBE scr. mg. arroaKeu~v w I dat MW A <batv B Wat

VE 95 fl~T De d-ra codd. I Korroiiat A aKerrwat M aKerroum W Korrwm VBE I -roue;
a-rpanwmc; MW AVE LOU a-rpaTlWTOU B I f:mKet[!EVUl MW A fTlKl[!EVOU VBE 96 ouoL.
8ta-ra~et MW om. AVBE lva MW tva 8 Kal AVBE 97 8tayvwaetc; MW Otayvwaetc; Kal
arroypa<pac; AVBE 98 eurropwatv MWA f:Krropwatv VBE 99 ayopaam MWA om. VBE
102 t':[!n6pwv MW rrpawa-reu-rwv AVBE 103 -rwv MW om. AVBE I oihw -ruxm MWVBE
oil-rwc; TUX!] A 104 arropwatv MW AVE O.nopoiiatv B I E~~c; MW E~~c; f:poii[!EV AVBE
105 oeouaav MW om. AVBE I T0l~aaa8m WA VBE TCOl~aac; M 106 ~0!] AE~O[!EV MW
om. AVBE scr. mg. sup. rrepl -r~c; -rwv rre(wv e~orrAtaewc; W 107 -rp[a MWA y' VBE I ad
Otl]p!][!EV!]<; scr. mg. OtaKEXWPLG[!EV!]<; W 109 oilc; ... 6v6[!UTL MW oilc; Kal vuv <ptAouc; A om.
VBE 110 nJ.mc; MW rreA-raa-rac; AVBE 111 auyKaTaA~av-rac; MW auvKmaptS!l~aav-rec; A auyKamptS[!~aav-rec; VBE I Mo MW A WVBE I rre(tKoii MA VBE rre(tK~c; W
112 ouv MWA om. VBE I 8taJ.a~6vm; MW om. AVBE 114 cmAtT!]V MW 6rrALT!]V oihwc;
AVBE 115 ami8!]V MW arra81ov AVBE I Kov-raptv MW Kovoapwv AVBE I aKou-raptv
MW aKou-raptov AVE aKou-raptov Kov-raptov B
sword, a lance, and, when necessary, a shield of the kind called thyreos, large
94 T~V rrapaaKeu~v
6. See Strat., 12.B.

7
Kolias, 90.
92
Constitution 6
KaA.ehm 9upe6<;, mivTw<; 8 <HpoyyuA.ov TAaov. Ta 8 aKouTapta 6f16xpoa

TCUVTWV ~ KaTU apt9f10V ~ KaTa TUYfla. EXELV 8 Kat Kaaai8a TOU<ptV flLKpov
w<; aTtaS'lv,
w<; Kovmpiou ~i<po<;, O.va~ama<6fleva fleTa 9'1Kapiwv 8epflaTivwv
xouaav O.vwSev, mpevM~oA.a, T<tKoupta 8iaTOfla, TO flEV v aTOfla

TO 8 Tepov
120
~ T<tKoupta Tepa, xovm TO flEV v GT6fla K6mov, TO 8 f:Tepov aTpoyyuA.ov ~
Tepa T<tKoupta 8iaTOfla -ra~tv TteAeKiwv, -roil<; 8 tmAK-rou<; -rfj<; aKia<; xav Kal
<a~a<; ~-rot A.wpiKta, ei flEV 8uvm6v, oA.ou<;, tTCei, Kliv ouo, -roil<; TipwTou<; Twv
UKLWV, Kan':t 8 TWV fl~AWV ~TOL TWV WflWV Tfj<; <a~a<; <pAaflOUAL<JKLa flLKpa. EXELV
8 Kal xetpOflUVLKa TU AEYOflEVa flaVLKfAALa ~ xap6\jleAAa, m8'lp<i ~ ~UAtva, Kal

125
1tEpLKVTJflL8a<; OflOlW<;,
a Hynm
TCOOO\jleAAa ~ xah6-rou~a, flUAL<JTa T~U<; tv
Tal<; KE<paAai<; Kat oupai<; TWV CtKLWV TETaYflfVOU<;.

22.
Kal -roil<; flEV aKou-ra-rou<; oihw<; OTIAiaet<;,
w<;
e'lpfJTUL. -roil<; 8 A.eyo-
flvou<; \j!LAou<; -rov -rp61tov Tou-rov -ro~o<papeTpa tTil -rwv WflWV O.va~aa-ra<o
flEVa, exovm KOUKOUpa flEYUAa, xwpouvm O.va A' ~ fl' aaytnwv, <JWA'lVCtpta
1
3o ~uA.tva flETa fltKpwv aaytnwv Kal KouKoupwv flLKpwv, aTtep Kal tTtl TtoAu 8taaTTJfla ptTCTOVTat Ota TWV TO~ap(wv, Kat TOi<; tx9poi<; axp'lGTCt el<JL, ~'lpuna<;, a
A.ynm ptK-rapta, -rou<; aTteipw<; Ttpo<; -r~v -ro~e[av xovm<; ~ Kal A.emof1vou<;, w<;
eiK6<;, TO~WV. exetv 8 Kal (JKOUTapta fllKpa, mpoyyuA.a, a<pevM~oAa Kal T<LKOUpta, OflOLa TWV eipT)flfVWV, O.va~aam<OflEVa Kal au-ra ei<; STJKCtpta OEpflUTLVa. TU
135
8 LflUTLa TWV Tte<wv cmaVTWV emwaav KOVTU flfXPL TWV yovaTWV au-rwv. tav
OUVaTOV, aUTOU<; exnv Kal tmA.wptKa. TU 8 imoO~flaTa aV-rwv fl~ exnv 6~eia<;
<flUTa<;> Ef11tpoa9ev, avayKaiov ot Kal 6:\iyot<; fllKpoi<; ~AOL<; Ka9'1AOU<J9at au-ra
~youv Kapcpiot<;, Ttpo<; TtAeiova imoupyiav. XP~<JLfla yap mum Kal tv -rai<; Mot-
Tiop[m<; flUAL<JTa. Kal TU<; Koupa<; o auTWV KOVTU<; yivwem Kal fl~ a<peivm
140
oblong in shape but altogether completely curved. 8 All the shields in each
arithmos or tagma should be of the same color. The men should also have
helmets with small plumes on top, slings, double-bladed axes, one side shaped
like a sword, the other like the point of a spear, to be carried in leather cases.
Other axes with one blade for cutting and the other rounded, still other doublebladed axes shaped like the pelekus. 9 The picked men of the file should have
body armor or mail, all the men, if possible, but at least the first two of the file.
Across the plates or the shoulders of the body armor <attach> small pennons.
They should also have gauntlets, called manikellia or cheiropsella, made of iron
nr wood, and in like manner greaves, called podopsella or chalkotouba, especially the men stationed in the front and in the rear of the file.
22. You will arm all the skoutatoi in the aforesaid manner, but the so-called
light-armed troops as follows. They should carry bows on their shoulders with
large quivers holding up to thirty or forty arrows. Also grooved wooden tubes
with short arrows in small quivers, that can be fired a great distance with the
bows and which cannot be used by the enemy. 10 Small javelins, called riktaria,
for men inexperienced in archery or who do not happen to have bows. They
should also have small round shields, slings, and axes, similar to those mentioned, and those too carried in leather cases. Let the tunics of all the foot
soldiers be short, reaching to their knees. If possible, they should also have
surcoats. Their shoes should not have sharp points in front; but they must be
studded with a few small rivets or nails for greater durability. These are particularly suitable when marching.n Their hair should be cut short; it is better if it is
not allowed to grow long.
<ll1d
au-roi<; TEAeta<; -rpixa<; XP~<JlflOV ta-rtv.
133-139 Strat., 12.B.1.

116 navTwc:; MWAE navm VB
117 Kacrcrioa MWA Kacrcrioac:; VBE
n8 iivw6ev MW
I we:; crrra6!]V MW OlK!]V crrra6iou ETlf.l!]KE<:; AVBE 122 errd

Tv 1 ~TOt MW om. AVBE I TWV Wf.!WV MW Toile:; Wf.!OU<:; AVBE
iivw6ev TOUCj>lOV f.llKpov AVBE
MW el
124 ~~
oe j.l~ AVBE
~
123
AVBE 129 A.' .. f.l' MWVBE TptaKovTa ~ TecrcrapaKovm A

131 Kal... dcrt MW om. AVBE I ad axplJOTU scr. mg.
oil XPlJatf.!euOucrtv W 132 ptKTapta MW ptmapta AVBE 135 KovTa AVBE Kovoa MW
136 auToilc:; exetv MW trsp. AVBE 136-137 f.l~ ... 6A.iyotc:; MW avayKatov eaT\ A
avayKatov ecr-nv VBE 137 f.lUTac:; ci. Va om. codd. I ~Aotc:; MW Kapcpiotc:; AVBE
137-138 auTO. ... Kapcpiotc:; MW om. AVBE 139 KovTac:; MWA KOf.!ac:; VBE 140 n:A.eiac:;
MW f.lUKpac:; AVBE
MW
Kal
130 KOUKOupwv MWVBE Koupwv A
8. Kolias, 91.
9. Kolias, 169-170.
10.
Cf. Const. 5, n. 3.
11.
Strat. 12.B.1.
94
145
150
155
160
Constitution 6
Armament for Cavalry and Infantry
23. AAA.' ou-rw flEV -roue; m:(ouc; a-rpanw-rac; v8Uaetc; Kal nept<ppO.~etc; Ot'
onA.wv. npoc; o -r~v umlPwiav aun'llv Kal <puA.aK~v I <'tf.!O.~ac; napaaKeuaaLc;
eva-raMie; ~youv A.a<ppac; Kal yopyac; KaTa 0Kapxiav ~TOt KOVTOU~pvtv, flLaV
Kal fl~ 11AEOV, '(va fl~ 110AAOL eic; au-ra uaxoAOUflVOl apy<ilatv. tx-rw 8 EKUGTll
TWV Ctfla~<ilv Xtp0f.!UALV, U~LVllV, 11AEKLV, GKE11apvov, npt6vtv, opuyac; ouo,
a<pupav, muO.pta ouo, K6<ptvov, KtAiKta, <paA.Kiotv, -r(tKoupta, ~apoouKta, flaT(ouKta-'iawc; KUV TOUTWV xpe(a YEVT]Tat Tote; a-rpaTLWTatc;--rpt~6A.ouc; ava00f.lEVac; Ota A.emwv a<pTJKWf.!O.-rwv Kal v ~A.q> atc5TJp4J anoKpa-rouflvac; Ota -ro
hoif.!wc; auvaywem au-rae; hpac; <'tf.!<'t~ac; txovaac; m~o~oA.ia-rpac; Kal aayinac;
au-r<ilv, Kal ~aA.ia-rpac; ~Tot flayyavtKa, -ra A.eyoflva aA.aKana, a-rpe<p6flVa
KUKA08v, Kal flayyavap(ouc;, Amoupyouc;, xa.AKlc;, Kal TOUTOtc; '(Otov apxov-ra
ma-r~aat. -rpac; Ctf.!Ct~ac; <pepouaac; TO Upflaf.!EVTOV EKCtaTOU apt8f.!OU TWV
a-rpanw-r<ilv hpac; Ctf.!Ct~ac;, we; OEKa ~ Kal dKOat, ~aa-ra(ovaac; n(a-rov Kal
na~af.!O.nv Kal aayinac; Kal -ro~apta EK neptaaou.
24. ''Innouc; aayflaTap(ouc; ~ uno(uyta, l flEV EVOEXTat, Ka8' EKUGTOV KOVTOU~pvtv, i 8 fl~y, de; TU Mo KOVTOU~pvta eva, tva, i YEVT]Tat Katpoc;
xwpta8~vat muc; 11(ouc; EK TWV Ctfla~wv Kal npoKa-raA.a~lV T0110V, ~aa-ra(etv
6K-rw ~ oKa ~flpwv oanav11v Kal UKoA.ou8e'lv flEXptc; ou m<p8aawmv al lif.!a~m
upy6-repov 11pma-rouaat.
25. OuK axpTJGTOV 8 f.!Ol 00Kl f.!VllflOVUGat, KUV tv fllKp4J, Kal T~c; apxaiac;
onA.iaewc; TWV 11(wv KUL TWV Ka~aAA.ap(wv, Ka8wc; AiA.tav6c; T Kal ol A.omol TWV
142-149 Strat., 12.B.6.
l\lij"
95
23. In this manner, then, you will clothe the foot soldiers and provide them
with armor and weapons. Then, for their service and protection, you will get
ready easily managed, that is, light and fast, wagons, one to each dekarchy or
!!quad, no more lest many of the men become so busy with them that they
neglect <other matters>. Let each of the wagons contain a hand mill, an axe, a
hatchet, an adze, a saw, two picks, a hammer, two shovels, a basket, some goathair matting, a scythe, other axes, maces and clubs, for the soldiers may have
need of these too. Also caltrops tied together with light cords attached to an iron
peg so they can be easily collected. 12 Other wagons carrying bow ballistai and
bolts for them, as well as ballistai or artillery pieces of the type called alakatia,
that revolve in all directions. 13 Also artillery crews, carpenters, metal workers, all
under their own commander. Other wagons bearing the armament for the
soldiers of each arithmos. Another ten or even twenty wagons to transport flour
and hardtack as well as extra bows and arrows. 14
24. Pack horses or asses, if it can be worked out, for each squad; if not, then
one for two squads. If the opportunity arises for the infantry to be separated
from the wagons to seize some position, these beasts may transport rations for
eight or ten days, accompanying the men until the wagons, moving more slowly,
should arrive.
25. I do not think it unprofitable to call to mind, even briefly, the ancient
armament of the infantry and the cavalry, as Aelian and the other authors on
160-168 Aelian., 2.1; Arrian., 4
141 oihw MW OUTW<; A VBE I Kal WAVBE om. M 143 EUOTUAl<; ~youv MW om. AVBE I
KOVTOU~EpVLV M KOUTOU~EpVLV W KOVTOU~EpVLOV AVE KOVTOU~EpVLU 8
144 apywatV
MWA apywm VBE 145 Twv alla~wv MW lifla~a AVBE 1 XEtpofLUALv w XEtpofLuAtov M
XELPOfLUAov AVBE I npt6vtv Va npLWVLV MW np[ova AVBE I Mo MWA WVBE 146 Mo
MW A WVBE I KO<pLVOV AVBE KO<plv11v MW I <pah[Otv Va <pUAK[av MW <pah[Otov A
<pah[Oa VBE I ~apOOUKLU MW om. AVBE 147-148 avaOEOEfLEVU<; MWAVE
avaOEOEYfLEVU<; B 149 TO~O~OALOTpa<;
w TO~o~aAA[aTpa<; A TO~O~aA[aTpa<; VBE
150 ~a;\[aTpa<; ~TOL MW om. AVBE I aAaKcma MW ~AaKana AVBE
150-151 aTpE<pOfLEVa KUKA68Ev MW om. AVBE 151 TOUTOL<; MWAVE TouTou.:; B I
iipxoVTa MW AVE iipxovm.:; B 15 2 To itpfLUfLEVTov MWA To iipfla fLEV Tov VE Tw iipfLaTL
!lfv TOV B I apL8fLOU MWA apL8fLOV VBE 154 JtU~UfLUTLV Va JtU~lfLUOa MW JtU~UfLUTLOV
AVBE 155-156 KOVTOU~EpVLV M KOUTOU~EpVLV w KOVTOU~EpVLOV eva AVBE 156 Mo
MWA WVBE I KovTou~tpvta MAVBE KouTou~tpvta W 158 oKTw ... ~fLEpwv MWA 11'
~fLEpwv ~ Kal OeKa B 11' ~fLEpwv ~ OEKU VE I em<pSacrwmv MWA em<pSacrouatv VBE scr. mg.
nEpl T~.:; apxala.:; e~on;\iaEw.:; Twv nE(wv w 16o ouK iixp11aTov MWA Euxr11crTov VBE 1
Kiiv ... fLLKpw MW npo.:; o;\[yov AVBE
12. Strat. 12.B.6.

13. Ballista is a term used primarily for torsion and tension weapons but often designated
any artillery piece. Toxobolistra was a torsion weapon that fired bolts or arrows. See Dennis,
"Byzantine Heavy Artillery," 99-101.
14. Hardtack: dry, twice-baked bread, O[nupo<; iipTo<; (Suda I1254). See A. Dalby, Flavours
of Byzantium (Totnes, Devon, 2003), 99-100.
96
Constitution 6
ll1Tfjy6peuaaY. rrapa yap TOl~ apxaiOL~ T~Y flEY LJTJTLK~Y

T<l~LY d~ ouo 8ta<popa~ OTIALOWY eno[ouv oi aTpan]yol, fllUY flEY Kan't<ppaKTOY
A.eyoflYfjY Kal T~Y TpaY ou KaT<i<ppaKTOY.
16 5
26. 'DrrA.t(oY 8 TOY flEY KaT<i<ppaKTOY Ka~aA.A.apLOY naYTaX60eY auT6Y T
Kal TOY LTITIOY QUTOU. Kai TOY flEY aY8pa A.wpLKLOL~ Kai KAL~QYLOL~ ~ at8fjp0t~ ~ eK
Kep<iTWY mnmA.eyflYOL~ Kai napaflflPLOL~, Tou~ 8 'innou~ KaTe<ppanoY napanA.euptOiOL~ Kai rrpof1Twm8iOL~, ~youv Ta nA.eupa Kai Ta~ Ke<paA.a~, Kai Tou~
Tpax~A.ou~ TWY 'innwv 8ta KAL~ay[wy ~ A.wptKtwY ~ aAA.11~ u:\.11~ KaTaKTIOY.
o
27. TotJTWY 8 navTwY, TWY T KaTa<ppCtKTWY Ka~aAA.ap[wy Kai TWY fl~
17
Ka1'a<ppCtKTWY, oi flEV eLXOY KOYTCtpLa, oi 8 Ta AYOflYa YUV flYauA.a, anep oi
apxatOL A.oyxa~ I eKCtAOUY OLTLY~ Kai KaT<i<ppaKTOL OVT~ xeipa~ auy~aAAOY
TOt~ TtOAfllOL~, oi 8 f1UKp60Y ~aay CtKOYTL(OYT~, oi.\~ Kai EAYOY CtKpO~OAL
OTCt~. TWY 8 Ta KOVTCtpLa ~ Ta~ A.Oyxa~ exovTWY oi flY, w~ e'LpfjTUL, ~aay oi TOt~
175 JTOAfllOL~ OUflTtAKOflYOL Kal TIAfjOLOY 8ta TWY 8op<iTWY ~TOL TWY KOYTap[wv
flUXOflVOL. TOtlTWY Of TWY OUflTIAKOflYWY y Tft flCtXD oi flEY 0upeou~ eLXOY ~TOL
OKOUTCtpLa ITLfl~Kfj flYUAQ, OL 8 xwpi~ TtDY 0upWY flOYOL~ TOt~ KOVTap(oL~
flCtXOYTO. Kat oi flEY eKaAOUYTO 0upeo<p6pot, oi 8 i8iw~ 8opaTo<p6pOL 86pu
yap To KOYT<ipLY A.eyoY.
180
28. A.KpO~OALaTa~ 8 TWY Ka~aA.Aap(wy eKCtAOUY <TOU~ rr6ppw0Y CtKpO~OALOflOl~ 8wxpwf1You~> ~youY Tou~ flUKp60eY ~aAA.ovT<i~ 1' Kai flUXOflYou~.
TO"llTWY 8 oi flEV 8opaT(OL~ ~youY pLKTaplOL~ eKXPflV1'0, oi 8 TO~OL~ Kal oi flEY
QUTWY flUKp60eY ppL1tOY Ta ptKTCtpLa ~ en' eU0da~ epx6flYOL ~ KUKA(!) nepLTpxoY1'~, oi.\~ eKCtAOUY innaKOYTLOTCt~, oi 8 TOt~ TO~OL~ E~QAAOY oi.\~ eKCtAOUY
185 LTITIOTO~OTa~. TLYf~ 8 UUTWV A.a<ppot~ KOVTap(OL~ expwYTO Kal fllUY ~ 8UTp0Y
TQKTLKWY
auyypa<pl~
168-178 Aelian., 2.12.
178-189 Aelian., 2.13; Arrian., 2.7.
163 orrJ.iaewv
orrJ.iaew~
MW A
VBE
164 KaTa<ppaKTov MWA KaTa<ppLKTov VBE
Ka-ra<ppaKTov
MW AB
KaTa<pptKTov
97
l!lctics have described it. 15 Among the ancients, the commanders divided the
Jill!
~.avalry force according to two different kinds of armament, the one called heavy
armed and the other not heavy armed.
26. They armed the heavy-armed cavalryman and his horse completely. The
men wore cuirasses and breastplates, either of iron or horn fitted together, as
well as thigh armor. They protected the horses with body and head armor, that
Ill, they covered the sides and heads and necks of the horses with lamellar armor
t:lf mail or some other material.
27. Of all these, then, the heavy-armed cavalry as well as the not
heavy-armed, the first carried lances, the others the weapons now called
menaula, which the ancients called spears.' 6 The ones with heavy armor engaged
In dose combat with the enemy; the others, whom they called akrobolistai,
hurled their weapons from a distance. Of the men who carried lances or spears,
l!ome, as mentioned, were fighting at close quarters, engaged directly against the
enemy with their spears and lances. Some of those engaged in close combat had
thyreoi or long, large shields. The soldiers without thyreoi fought with lances
tdone. The first were called thyreophoroi and the others specifically spearbearers, for they called the lance a spear.
28. The cavalrymen who employed missile weapons from a distance, that is,
the men shooting and fighting from far off, were called akrobolistai. Some of
them made use of small spears or javelins, others of arrows. Some hurled their
javelins from a great distance, either advancing in a straight line or else running
around in a circle. These they called hippakontistai; those who shot arrows they
called hippotoxotai. Some of them made use of light spears and, after first
VE
167 mrrerrJ.eyt.tevot~ MWA mJ.eyoflltvot~
VBE 168 rrpoflETwmlliOL~ MW rrpOfleTWT!tOL~ AVBE 170 T MWVBE om. A

Kam<ppaKTwv MWA Kam<ppaKTwv Kal VBE 1 7 2 auve~anov MWA auvt~aJ.ov VBE
173 ~aav aKovTi(oVTe~ MW ~K6vTL<ov AVBE 174 Ta~ Myxa~ MW Ta flEvauJ.a AVBE
175 1!0AfllOL~ MWA T!OAEflOL~ VBE 176 OUfl1!AKOflEVWV MWAB OUfl1!AKOflUlWV VE I EV
AVBE om. MW 177-178 oi. .. llopaTo<p6pOL MW ol /li; llopaTo<p6pot A om. VBE
179 KovTaptv MW KovTapwv AVBE 180-181 Tou~ ... lltaxpwflltvou~ Va ex Arriano
181 T MW om. AVBE 182 llopaTtOL~ ~youv MW om. AVBE 182-183 pLKTaptOL~ ... Ta
MWA om. VBE 182 pLKTap[OL~ Va p!]KTaptoL~ MW ptmap[OL~ A 183 eppmov MW
eppmTov AVBE I ptKTapta Va p!]KTapta MW ptmapta AVBE 184 bmaKovTLaTa~ WAVBE
lrrrroKOVTtaTa~ M I KaAouv2 MW eJ.eyov AVBE
1 71
15. Aelian, 2; Arrian, 4

16. Menaulon was a heavy spear, a form of pike. See E. McGeer, "Menaulion-Menaulatoi;'
Diptycha 4 (1986-87): 53-57; M. Anastasiadis, "On Handling the Menavlion;' BMGS 18
(1994): 1-10.
98
190
195
200
205
Constitution 6
npoe~aKOVTLaavn:<; TO AOLTIOV OUVTIAEKOVTO TOt<; noA.q.tiot<; ~ TOt<; oopaTLOt<; ol<;

eLXOV l>TIOAlTIOJ.lEVOl<; ~youv TOt<; EAaq>pol<; KOVTap(ot<; ~ TOt<; ana6iot<; auTWV
OtaxpWJ.lVOl Kal TODTOU<; EKUAOUV eA.acppou<;. TlVE<; o aUTWV KUL nAEKl<;
J.llKpou<; cpepov nav-raxoeev xov-ra<; aKwKa<; 6~la<; w<; 606v-ra<; ~KOVllJ.lEvou<;.
Kal T~V J.lEV KapaAA.aptK~V TCt~lV oihw<; wnA.t(ov olnaA.mo(, ocrov ev (JUVTOJ.llp
einelv.
29. T~v o ne(tK~V napa T~V TWV apxaiwv TCt~lV OUTW<; eupOJ.lV. TPlXW<; J.lEV
yap auTfj<; 0lJ.lEpt(ov T~V onAtcrtV, W<; avwTepw 'ip11Tat ~J.llV. Kal T~V J.lEV EKUAouv 6nA.ha<;, T~V o neATama<;, T~V o '\'lAOlJ<;.
30. Kal T~V J.lEV TWV AYOJ.lEVWV 6nAtTWV papUTCtTllV napa nav-ra<; TOU<;
ne(ou<; noiouv KaTa Tov MaKeoovtKov Tponov ~youv Ka6' ov 1\A.e~avopo<;, 6
TWV MaKeOOvwv, exp~craTo. Kai yap <JKOUTCtpta enoiouv auTO!<; mpoyyuA.a,
!leyO.A.a, rrapaJ.l~Kll, a A.eyov 6upeou<; Kal J.laxaipa<; ~youv napaJ.l~pta, Kal
6wpaKa<; Kal Kpavll ~youv A.wpiKta Kal KAtPO.vta Kal Kaaaioa<; Kal J.laVtKAA.ta
Kal xaA.K6Toupa, anep ol naA.atolrreptKVllJ.lLOa<; EKUAOUV, Kal KOVTapta J.laKpoTepa. TOU<; !lEY ouv 6nA.ha<; AYOJ.lEVOU<; OUTW<; wrrA.t(ov.
31. Tou<; o '\'lAOU<; 1tUVTWV A.acppoTaTn wnA.t(ov Tft rrapacrKeuft. OUT yap
6wpaKa<; ~youv KAtiPO.vta ~ A.wpiKta ouT rreptKVllJ.lLOa<; ~youv nooo'\leAA.a ~
XaAKOToupa OUT 6upeou<; ~ aan(oa<; papla<; ~youv Ta J.lEYUAa <JKOUTapta,
ana Ota TWV !laKp66ev paAAOJ.lEVWV orrA.wv EJ.lUXOVTO, oiov ~ TO~UOVT<; ~
ptKTapta pimovT<; ~ A.i6ou<; po.novT<;, TOU<; J.lEV ota xetp6<;, TOU<; o Ota crcpevOOVll<;. <JTOAa<; o eixov a-repea<; Kai 1t11KTa<; CtVTi A.wptKLWV Kal KAtPav[wv Kal
TWVUAAWV.
190-201
Aelian., 2.7.
200-211
Aelian., 2.8.
186-187 oopUTlOl; ... elxov MW om. AVBE 187 lJ1lOALrrOf1EVOl; MWA UTIOAlflTIUVOflEVOl;
VBE I ~youv Tot<; MW om. AVBE I ona6iot<; MWAB na6iot<; VE 188 OtUXPWflEVOt MW
om. AVBE 189 exovm<; AVBE exouoa<; MW I CtKWKCt; Va UKOKU; MW om. AVBE scr. mg.
TO 6~uTmov Toii crtOrjpou W I 6~eia<; ... 606vm<; MW w<; 6c56vTa<; 6~e1<; AVBE 190 flEV
MWA om. VBE I ooov ooov MW w<; AVBE 192 Be MWA om. VBE I T~v MW om. AVBE
I TPlXiii<; MW el<; <pia A ei<; y' VBE 193 dpT]Tut ~fllV MW eip~KUflEV AVBE I T~v2 MWA T~
VBE 198-199 Ka\2 ... \wpiKta MW om. AVBE 200-201 f1UKp6Tepa MWA fllKp6Tepa
VBE 202 T~ napuaKEU~ MW OTIAl01 AVBE 203 ewpaKU; ~youv KAl~UVlU MW om.
AVBE I ~~ MWA ouT VBE I neptKVT]fllOa<; ~youv MW om. AVBE 204 XUAKOTou~a MW
xetp61f1AAU AVBE 204-206 aonioa<; ... ~UAAOVT; MW OKOUTapta ~apa aU' ~ eT6~euov
~ pmTapta eppmov ~ \i6ou<; e~a\Aov AVBE 206 ptKTUpta Va PTJKTUpta MW ptmapta
AVBE 2o 7 oTepea<; MW ioxupa<; AVBE
99
hurling one or two javelins, they engaged the enemy in close fighting. Others
made use of the spears they still had left or of their light spears or of their
llWords. They called these men light troops. Some of them also carried small
axes with points like sharpened teeth on all sides. To the extent that we can
tillmmarize it, that is how the ancients armed their cavalry forces.
29. We have found that the ancients ordered their infantry as follows. They
divided its armament into three parts, as we mentioned above: one force they
called hop lites, another peltastai, another light armed.
30. They made the men they called hop lites the most heavily armed of all the
foot soldiers, in the Macedonian manner, that which Alexander, who was <the
commander> of the Macedonians, employed. They made shields for them that
were large, rounded, oval in shape, that they called thyreoi. Also knives or
daggers, cuirasses and helmets, that is, body armor, breastplates, and helmets, as
well as gauntlets and greaves that the ancients called shin guards, and longer
spears. That is how they armed the troops they called hoplites.
31. They armed the light-armed troops with the lightest equipment of all.
For they did not have cuirasses or breastplates or body armor or leg coverings or
podopsella or greaves or thyreoi or heavy shields or large shields. But they
fought with weapons thrown from a great distance, loosing arrows, hurling
missiles, or throwing stones, some by hand, some with slings. In place of body
armor, breastplates, and the rest, they had clothing that was stiff and compacted.
1 oo
Constitution 6
32. To 8 TWV lteATaaTWV A)'0f1EVWV dOo<;, on:ep ol VeWTepotTWV TUKllKWV

210
OUK EO~AW<JUV-OlflaL 0, W<; avw flOl e'lpllTaL, TOt<; 'l'lAOt<; a1no <JUflfll~UVT<;
Kai mho flEV eixev 6n:A.t<Jf10V A.a<pp6Tepov 8 Twv aAA.wv. dxe yap n:ATllv, 6 a-rt
<JKOUL<lptov fllKp6v, Kai Ta MpaTa QUTWV ~youv Ta KOVL<lpta JtOAU TWV AeyoflEVWV <Japt<JWV n:apa TOt<; n:aAatOt<; KOVTOTepa. a[ 0 aapt<Jat ~<JaY KOVTapta
flUKpa EW<; ltllXWV tO' Kai axpt 1tTJXWV u;'. mum 8 ~aav flUAt<Jm T~<; MaKeOOVl-
215
KfJ<; 6n:At<JW<;. EOOKel 0 ~ TWV JteATaaTWV OltAl<Jl<; flE<JllV exetv TU~lV TWV T
'!'tAwv Kai Twv lo[w<; A.eyof.lvwv 6n:AtTwv, papuTpa flEV oi'iaa Twv '!'tAwv, A.a<ppoTpa 8 Twv 6n:AtTwv.
33 HV 8 n:apa Tot<; 6n:::\.[mt<; Kai aan:i<; MaKeOOVlK~ xahfJ, ou A[av KOlAll,
7
~youv <JK01JTaptov mpoyyuA.ov, flEya, cmaA.wTpav exov T~V KOlAOTT]m, TO o

220
f.lETpov auTfJ<; ameaf.lWV Tptwv. ~v 0 Kai KOVTaptov ou fllKp6Tepov ltTJXWV ll', TO
8 flUKp6Tepov flEXPl TOU Mvaaem avopa KpaTOUVTQ Ktvdv auTO eUKOAW<;.

34 'H 8 MaK00VtK~ <paA.ay~ EKetVT] ~youv ~ n:apaTay~ 06Kel Tot<; n:oA.eflLot<; avun:6<JTaTO<; dvat Ota T~V EV Tal<; TU~e<Jl Kam<JKW~V. l<JTQTO yap 6 av~p
E~WltAl<JflEVO<; EV T<fl TOU aywvo<; TfJ<; <JUflPOAfJ<; Katp<fl Kamn:UKVOUflEVT]<; TfJ<;
225
n:apaTayfJ<; EV Tfi EKU<JTOU <JTU<Jel el<; n:~xet<; Mo, KaTEXWV T~V aaptaav ~youv TO
f.lUKpov KOVTaptOV, on:ep, W<; flEV nve<; e<paaav, 1tTJXWV E~Ka[OeKa, Kala 8 T~V
aA.~OetaV ltTJXWV 0Kale<J<Japwv. TOUTWV Oi:: TE<J<Jape<; flEV n:~xel<; a<patpet TO
f.leTa~u TWV xetpwv el<; TO 6n:[aw, ol o A.omoi OEKa n:~xel<; el<; TO Ef11tpoa0ev
eKTdvovTm n:po Twv awflaTwv.
218-221
Aelian., 12.1.
222-229
32. The class of those called peltasts has not been described by more recent
tactical writers, because, as I have already stated, it is my opinion that they
confused it with the light-armed troops. Its armament was indeed lighter than
the others. For it had a pelta, that is, a small shield. Its spears or lances were
much shorter than the so-called pikes used by the ancients. The pikes were long
~pears from fourteen to sixteen pecheis that were the specialties of the
Macedonian armamentY It seems that the armament of the peltasts held a
middle place between that of the light-armed troops and that of those specifically called hoplites, heavier than that of the light-armed but lighter than that
of the hoplites.
33. The hoplites also had a bronze, Macedonian shield, not too concave, or
else <they had> a round shield, large, with less curvature, and measuring three
spithamai. 18 The spear was not smaller than eight pecheis nor so large that a man
carrying it could not easily move it.t9
34. The Macedonian phalanx was a formation that appeared irresistible to
the enemy because of its system of lining up. 20 At the moment of close combat,
as the battle line became tighter, the heavily armored men took their stand, each
in his own place, two pecheis <apart>. They wielded the pike, or the large spear
that, according to some, measured sixteen pecheis, but was really fourteen. Four
of these pecheis covered the space from the man's hands to the space behind
him and the other ten pecheis stretched out in front of his body.
Aelian., 14.1.
olf.!at. .. e'lp!]TaL MW om. AV8E I mho MW mho we; urroA.af.!~avw AV8E

KovT6-repa AV8E Kov06Tepa MW 214 f.!UKpa MWA f.lLKpa V8E I til' MWAVE te' 8
214-215 TUUTa ... onA.[crewc; MWA om. V8E 216-217 ~apuTpa ... 6nA.nwv MWA om.
VBE 218 ad KOLA!] scr. mg. ~apna W 219 <JKOUTaptov MWA <JKOUTapwv TO VBE I
cmaA.wTpav Va anA.oTpav MW A arrA.wTpav VBE 220 Tptwv MA y' WV8E
221 f.!UKp6Tepov MW f.!UKp6mTov AVBE 222 llt f.!UKellovLK~ MA VBE trsp. W I <paA.ay~
WAVBE <paA.a~ M 223 ad avun6crmToc; scr. mg. avanavT!]TO<; W I 6 MWA om. VBE
22 4 Tou ... Kmpw Mw Kmpw T~c; Tou rroA.tf.!ou cruf.!~oA.~c; AVBE 225 tKacrTou crTacret MW
<JTCt<JEl i:Ka<JTOU A <JTU<JEL EKU<JTOU avllpoc; VBE lllUo MW A VBE 226 onep we; MW A 0
npwTov 8 6 npwToc; VE I i!<pacrav MW A dnov V8E I i:~KailleKa MW t<;' AVBE
227 lleKmwcrapwv W til' MAVBE I Tecrcrapec; MW ll' A Tecrcrapac; VBE I f.!E:v MWA om.
V8E
210
213
101
17. 6.55 m to 7.84 m. Cf. Aelian, 14.

18. 73 em. Aelian, 12; Asclepiodotus, 5.1.
19.3-74 m.
20. The formation was sixteen deep. See Aelian, 14; AnonStrat, 16.
102
230
Constitution 6
103
35 Toaau-ra flEV ouv Kal m::plT~~ Ka0' va avopa mpami>nJV 6n:\[aew~ fK
3 5. This much, then, about the armament of each individual soldier we have
1" TWV JIUAatWV KULTWV VWTpwv TUKLLKWV avaA~UflVOl 0LTa~Ufl0a 1" Kal
tcad in the ancient and more recent tacticians. We have organized it and defined
OtwptaUfl0a, Yva exwv mhwv T~V yvwatv EKAEYn TO XP~atflOV.
230 crtpawi>TTJV MW crtpanwtwv A om. VBE 230-231 onl\iaewc; ... vewttpwv MWA om.
VBE 2.31-232 avaAE~Ctf!EVot. .. &wptcralleea MW auvel\e~a11eea &wptaalleea te Kal
&em~alleea A auvel\e~alleea &wpicraf!EV te Kal &eta~alleea VBE 2.32. yvwmv MW
YVWf!TJV AVBE
II so that, possessing this knowledge, you may choose what is beneficial.
TIOAEMIKON TIAPAL:KEYON L'liATA3IL: Z'
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION VII
flepl yuflvaa[ac; Ka~aA.AaptKf]c; Kal Tte(tKf]c;
About Training for the Cavalry and the Infantry
1. 'E~~c; o Kal m:pl T~c; atmiiv YUflVaa[ac; rrpo TWV JtOA!llKWV aywvwv O<plA0U(Jf]<; y[vw9at llnp[wc; aot Kal auv-r611wc; imayopeu<Jollev, <1 mpmf]y, 'lva
5 rrporrapa<JKeua(nc; al'nouc; 9[(w8at npoc; -roue; CtAT]9etc; Ktvouvouc; ota TWV tv
yullvaa[q KlVOUVWV. TO yap ayullvaaTOV JtaVTAW<; Ct!la9c; Kal TU<f>AOV rrpoc; -rae;
a9poac; Kat Ct!lAT~TOU<; tyxap~<Jetc; eupt<JKTal.
2."H yap tv Katp<f Xl!lWYOc; ~ tv ETEp<.p Katp<f, tv taTtY avox~ JtOAE!lOU ~
TlVWV tJtAU(JWV KaTa JtOA1lLac; y~c; avemc;, YU!lYa(etv (J XP~ Ta a-rpa-rorreoa
10 Kal Tt0lLV -roue; mpa-rtWTac; JtOA!llKOU<; Kat wanep <Juv-rpo<pouc; TWV TtOVWV Ota
TOU t8tG!lOU Kalil~ a<p[nc; au-roue; apye1v ll~T pa8u!lLV. Kal yap ~ apy[a !lUAUKa
KUL a<J9ev~ JtOlel -ra GW!laTU, ~ o pa9U!llU Oetf..ac; Kat avavopouc; -rae; '!'UXac;
napa<JKeua(et. a[ yap ~ooval TO Ka9' ~11pav oe/..ea(ou<Jat Kal TOY UTOA!lOTaTOV Ota<p9lpoum. Kal o-r' iiv tnl llaKpov xpovov ave8v-rec; JtCtAlV trrl -roue;
15 novouc; !..8wmv, oih:e ~Otwc; t~[amv, oihe tmrro!..u Kap-rep~<JOU<JlV, at..A' eu9wc;
<peuyoumv, rrplv ~ Kal rre1pav AU~LV TWV TtOA!llKWV TtOVWV. et o Kal etc; rre1pav
trrl !llKpov A9W<JtV, Taxwc; CtJtOXWP~<JOVTUl, <ppetV TOU<; JtOVOU<; Kat KlVOUVOU<;
ou OUYCt!lYOl. Ol01tp Kal aya9ov tyw Kp[vw <JTpa-rf]y6v, o-r' iiv Ta XP~<Jllla TOT
<JKeua(n Kal ow-rann Kal pya Kal rrpay11ma o-re ou Kmerrdyoumv al -rwv
20 TtOA!llKWV TtOVWV avayKat.
1. Next, 0 commander, in a general, summary fashion, we propose for your

consideration the training of the men that ought to take place before they
engage the enemy. This will help you in preparing them to become accustomed
to actual danger by facing dangers in training. Untrained men turn out to be
totally ignorant and blind in the face of sudden and unexpected actions.
2. In winter or at other times when there is a respite from war or a halt in
expeditions into hostile territory, it is necessary for you to exercise the army and
to make the soldiers skilled in war by getting them used to it, as though they
were raised on hard labor. 1 Do not permit them to become idle or to relax.
Idleness makes the body soft and weak, while relaxation renders the soul
cowardly and unmanly. For daily pleasures entrap and corrupt even the most
courageous man. Whenever they have been at rest for a long time and then once
more return to their labors, they do not go willingly nor will they persevere very
long, but they will quickly take to flight before they have experienced the
hardships of war. Even if they do acquire a little experience, they swiftly retreat,
unable to bear the labor and the dangers. For this reason I judge that man to be
a good commander who prepares what will prove helpful and who organizes
work and activities during that period when the unavoidable labors of war are
not pressing.
M W A VB E Va PG 107'733
8-20
Onas. 9.2; 10.1.
TIOAeiJLKWV TiapaaKeuwv MW A. om. VBE I (' MWVBE i:~MiJ'l A 3-4 6c:petA.oua'l<; MW

6c:peLAOUO'l<; OOL AVBE 4 OOL MW om. AVBE 11 ac:p['l<; MW ac:p~<; AVBE I ad iJUAUKU
scr. mg. xauva W 13 to MWVE om. AB I 6eA.t:a(ouam MWA OeA.eit(oum VBE
14 15Lac:p8e[poum MAVBE 15Lac:p8e[pouatv w I aveeevte<; MW A aveeevta<; VBE scr. mg.
~youv EK tWV KOTIWV KUtTIOVWV apy'laavte<; w 15 i:~[amv Va E~OUOLV codd. 16 c:peuyouOLV MW c:peuyoum AVBE I ~ Kal MW om. AVBE I TIOVWV MWA VE TIOVWV avayKm B
17 newaLV MWA newm VBE I UTIOXWP~OOvtUL Va aTioxwp[(ovtm codd. 18 ta XP~Olf.IU
MW om. AVBE 19 OKeua('l MW 1tpOKUtaOKEUCt('l AVBE I OtE VBE ot' av MWA I
KatETit:[youmv MAB ou Katmdywmv W OUKETIEiyoumv VE 19-20 al. .. TIOAEflLKWV
MW AVE om. B 20 TI6vwv MW AVE KalOtaTI6vwv B
1.
Cf. Onasander 9.2; 10.1.
106
3 fu!lva(e OE TOV aTpaTOV TOlOUTOl<; Tp6not<; Kal tmTT]OeU!laat npGnov !lEv

TOV Ka8va mpamiJTflV w<; tv !lAETn, TOU<; !lEV OTIALTU<; GKOUTCtTOU<; ne(fi ~youv
LOU<; <popouvTa<; T~v navon;\[av ei<; !lOVO!laxia<; !leTa aKoump[wv Kal ~epy[wv
aVTL<; CtAA~AWV, ei<; TO f'ii'\lat !l~Ko9ev ptKTUptv Kat !lapT(u~ap~oUAOV, 0 AEyTat
25
vuv aa;\[~a, Kal T(lKOUptv. TOU<; OE AYO!lEVOU<; '\llAOU<; oihw YU!lVUGL<; ei<;
TO~dav GUVTO!lOV KaTa KOVTap[ou U'\lflAOU ano OtaaT~!laTO<;, d<; TO ptmLV
!l~Ko9ev ptKTaptv Kal G<pVOO~OAOV, d<; Tif10~Gl<; Kal op6!lOU<; KaTU T O!laAWV
T6nwv Kal avw!laAwv.
4 Tou<; OE Ka~aUap[ou<; YU!lVUGL<; d<; TO TO~ULV GUVTO!lW<; ~ yap Taxu30
TT]<; Kal tKnvaaawem rrapaaKeua(n T~v aay[nav Kal iaxupw<; ~a;\;\w9m,

onep TWV I avayKa(wv tm[, Kal TOt<; trrl 'lnrrwv OXOU!lEVOl<; XP~at!lOV. Kal en d<;
TO TO~ULV ne(fi ano OtaaT~!laTO<; GUVTO!lW<;, dT KaTa Kovmp[ou dT KaTa
Tpou GT]!ldou. d<; TO To~eunv tnavw 'lrrrrou TpxovTo<; auvT6!lw<; !lnpoa9ev,
omaeev, Oe~LQ., aptmepQ. d<; TO rtT]MV t<p' 'lnnou<; d<; TO TO~ULV GUVTO!lW<;
35
navw '(rrnou TPEXOVTO<; !llaV ~ Kal 0UTpav aay[nav Kal anoTiewem TO TO~OV
TTa!lEVOV tv T'iJ 9T]Kap[q>, tav TIAUTU taTLV, ~ tv aAAq> ~!ll9T]Klq> trrl TOUTq>
ytvo11vq> euKa[pw<; Kat tm;\a!l~avwem Tou KovTap[ou tK Tou w11ou ~ama(o
!lvou. Kat ei<; TO xetv !lEV TO T6~ov TTa!lvov tv T'iJ 9f1Kap[q>, KpaTeiv 0 TO
KOVTaptv Kat GUVTO!lW<; Q1{0Ttewem aUTO tv T'iJ W!l4J, tmAa!l~avwecu OE TOU
40 TO~OU.
5 Ei<; TO tnpxwecu CtAA~AOl<; avopa<; Mo Kat unoxwpciv KatrtUAlV tneAaUVlV Kat t~e;\(aanv KaLa TOV TUrtOV TOU AYO!lEVOU napaKOVTUKlOU. nva<; OE
auTwv KaA6v tan Kat tv T'iJ Momopeiv Toil<; aTpanwm<; yu!lva(wem tv Tfi io[q.
xwpq. Kal tmTT]0UlV auTa tnavw TWV '(rrrrwv TIOletV. tK TOUTOU yap Kal ~ 000<;
45
Training for Cavalry and Infantry
Constitution 7
107
3 Train the army in the following ways and practices.' Begin by drilling the
individual soldier, the heavy-armed foot soldiers with their shields, that is, men
who are fully armed, in single combat with shields and staffs against one
~mother, in hurling from a long distance the short javelin and the lead-pointed
dart, now called the saliba, as well as the axe. You shall train the so-called
light-armed troops as follows. In rapid shooting with a bow, using a lance set up
a good distance away as a target. In throwing the small javelin a long distance
i.nd using the sling. In jumping and running on level as well as rough ground.
4 Train the cavalrymen to shoot rapidly. Speed is important in releasing the
arrow and discharging it with force. This is useful, even essential, for men
mounted on horses. They should, moreover, practice shooting rapidly on foot
from a distance, either against a spear or some other target. The trooper on
horseback should also shoot rapidly on the run, to the front, to the rear, to the
right, to the left. Leaping onto the horse. While racing on horseback he should
loose one or two arrows rapidly and put the strung bow away in its case, if it is
wide enough, or in another half-case specially designed for it. Then grab the
spear he has been carrying on his shoulder. While the strung bow is in its case,
he should grasp the spear and quickly replace it on his shoulder and grab hold
of the bow.
~
s. Two men should charge against one another and then withdraw; again,
ride forward and then wheel about, according to the model called parakontakiou.3 It is good for some of the soldiers to practice these drills, while marching along on horseback in their own country. For they can continue marching
without obstacle and the horses do not become worn out.
ave!lnoo[aTw<; tKTAetTat Kal oi 'lnrrot ou auvTp[~ovmt.
21-53 Strat.,
1.1.
MWAVE yu[!vci~wem B I Tp6not~ AVBE n6vot~ MW 22 Tov Ka8eva MW

AVBE 23 f!OVOflUXia~ MW AB flOVaxia~ VE 24 avTl~ MW e~ evavTia~
AVBE scr. mg. arrvavn W I ptKTaptv Va p!]KTciptv W p!]KTciptov M pmTciptov AVBE I
flUPT~u~cip~ouA.ov A flUT~ucip~ouA.ov MW flUT~o~cip~ouA.ov VBE I o MW onEp AVBE
25 Kal MW ~ A ~ Kal VBE I T~tKouptv MW T~tKoupwv AVBE I oihw MW oihw~ AVBE
27 ptKTciptv M PlJKTCtptv w pmTaptOV AVBE 29 Ei~ TO MW om. AVBE 31 enl MW enl
TWV A ecp' VBE I i!n MWVBE i!crn A 32 KUTU 1 MWA om. VBE 34 i~l ... Ynnou~ MWA
om. VBE I GUVTOflW<; AVBE GUVTOVW~ MW 36 eav MW A i VBE I ecr-rtv wAVBE om. M
39 Kov-raptv MW Kov-rcipwv AVBE 41 aAA.~A.ot~ MW AVE aAA.~A.ou~ B I ouo MW A W
VBE 43 ecrTt MAVBE ecrTtV W 45 eKTAlmt MW TEAELTat AVBE
21 yu[!va~
eva EKU<HOV
2.
Cf. Strat.
1.
3 Parakontakiou may be a mistake for para kontariou (by the spear), as Lami suggested,
or a corruption of the Latin, per contrarium (by the opposite), as Vari thought.
108
Constitution 7
6. 'Eav 8 OU!l~ft Kal xpoviom TO o-rpaTEU!lU EV ~n8inp ~youv v8a ouvay-
6. If the expeditionary army should happen to be encamped for a long time
TaL KaTa TOV '(owv Katpov OAO<; 6 a-rpa-r6c;, !l~ apyou<; dvm TOV Ka8va, aAA.'
or the entire army should be assembled in one place at the same time, do not let
all the men take it easy but get them accustomed, as mentioned, to hard work.
At times, drill them hard in the way already mentioned, at other times, as
though lined up for battle against one another, at yet other times let them devote
themselves to working on their weapons. Leisure not only makes them sluggish
and cowardly, but prepares the way and misleads them into useless and seditious
thoughts. If they are exercised in tasks they are willing to do, they will easily
bear up under those they are unwilling to do, and they will become accusto;:ne._d
to obey the orders given to them.
7 Not only shall you drill them individually, but you will get them used to
recognizing in its entirety their own formations and to maintain them and to
become familiar with the faces and the names of one another. 4 Each soldier
<must know> which officer he is under and in what bandon and with how many
men he is stationed. He must know the exact commands given by the officers
about formations, such as open order, either according to the width of the battle
line or its depth. Also, in like manner, close order or the tightening up into close
order. Turning to the left and to the right. Re-forming the columns and the
distances in the positions of one man from another. Their partial closing up and
broadening. The passing and repassing of files through one another, both
advancing and retreating. Their divisions according to files or columns and their
distribution and arrangement.
8. Also, whenever, as mentioned, the phalanx or the entire battle formation
is drawn together in depth or when it is extended in length. And what is called
face-to-face battle or one on two fronts, when the men who are called the last of
the file or those behind the entire file turn toward those circling about and fight
facing forward as protostatai do, and behind them, in like fashion, half of the file
8i(w8m aumuc;, we; dpT]TaL, novEtV. Kalno-r !lEV YU!lVa(w8m novEtV Kala TOV
dpT]!lEVOV -rp6nov, no-r 0
50 epyaaiac; anaoxoA.do8m.
we; EV napa-ra~1 Kal EV aH~A.ot<;, nOT 8 de; onA.wv
~ yap apyia ou !lOVOV vw8pou<; Kal avav8pouc; nott,
UAAU Kal KEVU Ttva Kat a-raatw8T] !1EAETCtV au-roue; napaOKEua(Et Kalnape~ayet
YU!1Va(6!1EVOl oi;: npoc; -roue; EKOUOLOU<; n6vouc;, EUKOAW<; lipa Kat LOU<; UKOUOlouc; {>JtEVEYKWO'l Katnpoc; Ta napayyeAAO!lEVU au-rotc; {maKOUElV 8to8<ilatV.
7 Kat ou !lOVOV Ka8' eva YU!lVCtOW; au-roue;, aAA.' 8[ot<; Kal Ka86A.ou
-ra~1<; Kat !1EVlV EV au-rate;, Kat -rate; O'!'Wl Kat TOt<; OVO!laat
ouv~8t<; UAA~AOl<; yiveo8m. Kat -ric; o-rpanWTT]<; uno -r(va EOTtV iipxov-ra Kat EV
no(<p ~av8<p Kal !lETa noowv av8pwv TUHETat ytvWOKElV 8 -ra 6~a napayytA.!laTa !lELU TU~EW<; napa TWV apx6v-rwv ytVO!lEVU, olov -rae; EKTU01<; eh Ka-ra
nA.a-roc; d-r Ka-ra !l~Ko<; -r~c; napa-ra~Ew<;, 611oiwc; 8 Kat -rae; ouo-roA.ac; ~youv
ocpiy~Et<; de; 1TUKVWOIV, Kal -rae; KAL01<; E1Tt TU apto-repa Kat ent -ra 8e~ta, Kat -rae;
TWV 6p8ivwv !l-ralnot~OEL<; KUt -ra OtU<Jl~!laTa nilv <JTUOEWV uno avopoc; Ei<;
livopa, Kat -rae; !lEPlKU<; aU-rwv nuKVW01<; ~ apmwotc;, Kat -rae; ot' UAA~AWV
anaVT~01<; Kal UVTlOta~a01<; ~ T EPXO!lEVWV ~ anEpXO!lEVWV, Kal -rae; KaTa -rae;
aKia<; ~youv -roue; 6p8ivouc; OtatpE01<; au-rwv Kal !1EPL0!10U<; Kat KaTUTCt~Elc;.
8. Kal T~V <ent> cpaA.ayya ~youv T~V OAT]V napa-ray~v, o-r' liv, we; dpT]Tal, enl
~a8oc; OU<JTEAAT]Tal KUL o-r' av enl !l~KO<; EKTEiVT]TaL, Kal T~V AY0!1EVT]V aVTl<JTO!lOV ~youv OlOTO!lOV !lCtXT]V, o-r' av o{ AYO!lV0l oupayot ~TOt o{ omo8V TWV
55 ytVWOKElV -rae; ioiac;
60
65
109
OAWV UKLWV mmp'!'UVT<; npoc; -roue; KUKAOUVTU<; Kala np6ownov !lUXWVTaL we;
npw-roo-ra-rm, Kat oma8V au-rwv O!lOLW<; au-rotc; avnmp'!'n TO ~!llOU T~<; UK[ac;
54-97 Onas. 10. 1-6.
46 Kal MW om. AVBE 1 ~rreoi-rw A tv ~m:o~-rw MW ~rreoiw VBE
-roue; a-rpanw-rac; AVBE
48 rroveTv 1 MW A om. VBE
47 -rov Ka8eva MW
301
50 ou fl6vov MWAVE ou flOVov ou
I avavopouc; MW avavopouc; -roue; a-rpmLW't:U<; AVBE 51 Kall ... 't:LVU MW om.

AVBE 52 fKOua[ouc; MW AB eKoucr[wc; VE I lip a MW om. AVBE 53 imeveyKWOL MAVE
UJteveyKWOLV w UJteveyKOUOL B 55 OVOflUOL MWVBE OVOflUOLV A 56 aAA~AOL<; MW
aAA.~Aouc; AVBE 57 rroawv avopwv MW rr6aouc; livopac; A VBE 1-rane-rm MW -racrcre-rm
AVBE 58 ad EK't:UOEL<; scr. mg. ~youv o-rav 6cpeiAwaL rrapeK-raSijvaL w 59 OE MWA om.
VBE 6o de; MWA om. VBE 1 Kal2 AVBE om. MW 61 Kal AVBE -ra W om. M I de;
MW AVE om. B 62-63 apmwaEL<; ... arrav-rftcreL<; MW A om. VBE 63 avn&a~acrEL<; MW
&a~aanc; AVBE 1~ -rE MW d-re AVBE I fJ MW Ehe AVE om. B I am:pxoflevwv MW AVE om.
B 64 &mpecreL<; MWA oLmp~crEL<; VBE I Kal Ka-ra-ra~eL<; MW AVE om. B 65 rrll ci. De
om. codd. lrrapa-ray~v MW rrapa-ra~Lv AVBE 66 aua-reAA-11-raL AVBE aua-reAA.e-raL MW I
K-reiv11-rm A eK-reive-rm MW K-re[vov-rm VBE 67 oF MW AVE om. B
f!OVOV B
4 Cf. Onasander 10.1-6.
uo
Constitution 7
Kal TI<XAlV Tac; EK nilv TOlOlJTWV flETa~oA.wv avaKA.~anc; Kal Ct1tOKaTUOTCtOl<;
70
should turn about. Again, <sound> the calls to bring such wheeling about to an
end and to bring the horses back into formation.
9 The soldiers who quickly become accustomed to all these are, so to say,
brought into formation spontaneously, whereas men without instruction and
unaccustomed to these exercises are totally confused and barely able to bring
themselves back to the pressing needs of the battle line.
10. Divide the army in two parts, then have them come together in a mock
battle, the lances and, likewise, the arrows without points or, as we said, with
staffs instead of swords. Or instead of lances distribute staves or reeds. If tile
ground on which they are drilling has clods of earth, order them to throw tllese
at each other in practicing for battle. At times let them make use of what are
called charzania or similar items in their battles. Point out to tile men steep hills
and order them to ascend them on the run and seize them. Of course, you will
have other soldiers in position on top of tllose hills.
11. After you drill one group of soldiers, tllen dismiss those troops and give
the weapons we spoke of to others. You will praise those who stood firm and
acted courageously in the drill, but those who turned out unfit and cowardly
you will admonish and exhort them to correct their failures.
12. As a result of practice and drilling of this sort, not only is the army
accustomed to hard labor, but it stays healthy, eating and drinking everything,
even plain fare, more heartily than gourmet meals. Their bodies become harder
and tlley will get used to future labors since they have done tlleir training
sweating and panting in the heat under the open sky and in the icy cold of
winter.
13. In like manner you shall drill the cavalry forces, making them compete
and vie with one another and engage in pursuits, close combat, and shooting of
missiles, either arrows or javelins, as well as in other ways that I will subsequently explain to you at greater length.
LTrTrWV.
9 Oi yap npoc; Tai'JTa TrCtVTU 8t(Of1V0l aTpaTLWTal Ola Taxouc;, we; El1tLV, Kal
alJTOflaTOl cppovTat npoc; T~V TCt~lV, oi o TOlJTWV av8taTOl Kal ana[OEUTOl Ola
mpaxou TrOAAOU Kal f!OAl<; aTroKa8(aTaVTat ic; Tac; KaT1ttyouaac; T~c; TCt~EW<;
xpLw:;.
75
~laflEp(aac; 0 Ta mpaTEUflaTa npoc; CtAA~Aouc; amo~pq> flCtXn OUfl~a/..1..TWOaV ~TOl Ola KOVTap(wv iivw ~l<pWV ~ aaytTTWV OflOLWc; ~, we; El1t0flV, avTl
ana8iwv ~pyla ~ vap8f]Kac; ~ KaAUf!OUc; CtVTL KOVTap(wv avaotoouc;. eav o Kal
~wA.ouc; xn ~ y~ ev YUflVCt(wvTm, TOUTOU<; ~CtAAlV KEAEU KaT' CtAA~AWV ev Tfi
yuflvaa(g T~c; OUfl~OA~c;. TrOT o Kal Ta AYOflVa xap(avta ~ TOUTOlc; OflOlCt
TlVa xp~a8waav ev Tfi flUXn oi~ac; o a1JTo1c; Kal ~ouvouc; 6p8(ouc; KEAEU auv
op6flq> ava~a(vnv Kal KaTaAafl~CtVlV auTouc;, xovmc; Of]AOVOTl Toile; ~ouvouc;
10.
So
eKivouc; Tpouc; aTpaTtWTac; E<pWTWTac; en' ai>Twv.

11. Kal oT' av Ttvac; TWV mpaTlWTWV YUf!VCtanc;, TrCtAlV EKivouc; EK~aAWV
85
90
fTEpotc; mowatc; Ta Eipf]flEVa onA.a. Kal TOU<; flEV flelVavmc; Kal avopaya8~
aavmc; ev Tft YUflVaa(g fT[QlVEOlc;, TOuc; o acpuwc; A.86vwc; Kal avavopwc;
napa8~~Lc; Kal napOTpuv1c; eic; TO Ta eA.aTTWflaTa auTwv avop8w8~vm.

12.'EK yap T~c; TotaUTTJc; f!EAETT]c; Kal yuf!vaaiac; ou f16vov 8i(Tm npoc; Toile;
n6vouc; TO mpaTEUf!a, aA.Aa Kal uytaivl Kal naaav Tpo<p~V ~oewc; a8(l Kal
1tLVl, KCtV AlT~ tanv, unp Tete; 1tOAUTA1c; Tpocpac;. yivTat 0 aUTWV TO OWfla Kal
aTt:pp6v, Kat auvt:8i(nm Tole; flA.A.oum n6vmc;, iopwTt Kal 8aA.nn Kat KaUflan
aaKtCtaTq> I Kat KPUfl01c; Kat XElflWaL auyyuflva(6flVOV.
13. 'Oflolwc; 0 YUflVCtaw:; Kat Toile; Ka~aAA.apiouc; p((lV auToic; TrOlWV Kat
CtfllAAiia8m Kat OlW~W; TrOleLV Kat OUf!TrAOKUc; Kat aKpO~OAlOflOUc; ~youv TO~E(ac;
95
~ aKOVTtalc;. Kat oaa t~f)c; aot TrAaTUTEpov Of]AWOW.

arroKa-rmrraoEL~ AVBE arroKa-rao-r~oEL~ MW 71 Yrrrrwv W om. MAVBE 72 -rau-ra
76-77 rrpo~ ... OUfl~aAA.-rwoav MW rrapaKEAEuou rrpo~
70
miv-ra MWVBE -ra rrap6vm A
aAA.~A.ou~ OU[l~CtAAElV
ava&oou~
f!CtXI]V
em&oou~
xwpl~ OlO~pou
A VBE
78
~cpyia
A VBE
~cpy[ol~
MW
EUTEA~~ ~
VBE
XP~a8waav MWB
ext-rwaav AVE I KEAEUE MWVBE KEAEUOOV A 83 f.cpw-rw-ra~ MWA a-rw-ra~ VBE
86 eA.86v-ra~ ... avavopw~ MW Kal avavopw~ 8La-rc8v-ra~ A VBE 87 rrapa8~~n~ MW
otcycipct~ A VBE 1 rrapo-rpuvI~ MW rrapopf!~an~ A VBE I d~ ... avopewe~vm MW -ra au-rwv
MW
AVBE
avopewam eAaHWf.taTa A VBE
-rpocpa~ A VBE -rpucpa~ MW

WAB
yu[!Va(6[!EVOV
90
eanv MW anv Kal
EUTEA~~
81
A Kal
91 a-rcpp6v MW iaxupov A VBE

auyyu[!VU(O[!EVOl
94 Ct[llAAaa8m MW om. A VBE
MW om. A VBE
So Kal -ra MWAB Ka-ra VE
I OU[lllAOKU~
95 ~ MW KalA VBE
VE
MW A
111
92 auyyuflva(6f1EVOV
93 au-roT~ MW au-rou~ A VBE

JtAOKU~ VBE I aKpO~OAlO[lOU~ ~youv
112
14. Taiim o TtolElV Kal ev emn:ootc:; TOT!Ol~ Kal n:epl atna~ Ta~ p[(a~ TWV
OCJOV OUVaTOV eanv auTOU~ Kal nov Tpaxtwv eyy[(etv TOT!WV.
15. Kal TOUTO flEV TOt~ n:aA.alOt~ oo~V EflOL o OOKEl fl~ flOVOV ei~ op6flOU~
ev TOt~ 6f.LUA0t~ TOT!Ol~ 8[(w8at TOU~ l11110U~ 6.vayKatov dvat, 6.A.Aa Kal ei~
lH!JflAOU~ Kal oaa1~ Kal -rpaxd~, WCJT CJUV eA.acr[<;t TOUTOU~ Ota~a[vetv, 6f.LOLW~ o
Kal i~ TOU~ KUTW<pepd~. eav yap Ei~ TOU~ TOlOUTOU~ 8[(wvTat, OUKETl ouo TOU~
avopa~ ouo TOU~ l11110U~ ~Vl(l T0110~ ~ Ct0LKl. 6.AA.a Kal ev n:p Katp(il TOU
8pou~ fl~ E11lTf10EUlV 11UKVW~ TOU~ l11110U~ 110Tt(nv. OLO oM XP~CJlflOV ean
11Af10lOV 110TaflWV Ct11AflKUlV. Kal n:apa-rcwaw8at o Ei~ TOU~ ouaxep1~ Kal
OUCJ~UTOU~ TOT!OU~ Kal emTpE11lV, w~ f(JTL<V v TU~L> TO ~6.voov, Ka8w~ <p86.CJl
6 T0110~ EKUCJnp (JUV eA.aa[<;t 6.vpxw8at 6f.LOLW~ o Kal Ka-rpxw9at. O(JOL TOLVUV
<pl00flVOl nov l1111WV aMwv n:ept<ppovoiim ~~ TOlUUTfl~ aUTWV YUflVUCJ[a~,
~ouvwv, e<p'
100
105
eaUTOt~ em~OUAUOUCJlV.
16.'En:l TOUTOl~ OEOV em[v, i Kal flETp[w~ OflW~ Kal ev 6/..[yOL~, imo&t~a[ CJOl,
n:poun:e9f.Le9a, n:A.a-ru-repov -ra~ -rwv apxafwv Ktv~an~ Kal -ra A.ey6f.Leva
n:apayyA.flaTa, Yva n:poyUf.LVO.(n~ Kal ev TOUTOl~ TO 0Tp6.TUflU Kal Oteyefpn~
auwu~ Kal ota A6ywv Kal Ot' pywv n:po~ -ra~ n:oA.ef.LtKa~ fl96oou~. fleTa yap -r~v
YUflVUCJ[av TOU Ka8va 0TpatlWTOU n:e(ou Kal Ka~aA.A.ap[ou o1 (J Kal EKUCJTOV
-rawa ~Tot ~6.voov yuflv6.(etv Ka9' eau-ro oihw~. Toii ~6.voou Twv Ka~at..Aap[wv
an:o -rwv A.eyoflvwv 6.Ktwv ~Tot 6pofvwv auvw-rw-ro~ Kal auv-re-rayflvw~
[CJTaflEVOU n:apayyA!..et 6 f.LUV06.Twp Ta 11p00TTUYflEVU, OLOV
17 <Z:ty~,> o-r' av ~ aufl~ot..~ yvfl<at. flflOei~ a<p~an. flflOei~ n:pot..a~n o
~6.voov>, ew~ ltv Otw~n~ TOY ex9p6v. eav EK~ft~ 6.n:o ~~ TOU flTW110U chvew~,
~Mn:e TO ~6.voov. OlWK fl~ w~ mpanWTT]~ 0tAO~, 6.AA.' w~ a-rpanWTfl~ 6.vopeto~,
Kat fl~ KaTa n:apUKAT]CJlV eaan~ fl~T aA!..q> Tp011q>. <pUAUTT, 0Tpanwm, T~V
110 Ka9w~
11 5
120
Constitution 7
98-108 Strat., 7.B.17.
14. Carry out these maneuvers in the plain and around the very roots of the
hills, as far as they are able to advance in broken country.
15. While the ancient tacticians regarded this merely as good, I consider it
essential to accustom the horses not only to rapid maneuvers in level terrain but
also over hilly, dense, and rough ground so they may learn to ride quickly
though such areas, as well as in steep terrain.' If they get used to such terrain,
then no place will surprise or trouble either the men or the horses. Even in the
heat of summer be careful not to water the horses too much; for this reason it is
helpful not to camp too close to rivers. Have them line up in rough and difficult
terrain and turn about. When the bandon is in formation, each man should
gallop over the ground as he finds it before him and return the same way. The
men who spare their horses and neglect drills of this sort are conspiring against
themselves.
16. In addition to these, it is necessary to teach you in greater detail, albeit
moderately and briefly, the maneuvers of the ancients and the words of their
commands, as we previously proposed, so that you may use these to drill the
army beforehand and you may stir them up by words and by deeds for military
exercises. After the training of each individual soldier, horse and foot, you must
drill each tagma or bandon by itself in the following manner. When the cavalry
bandon forms up in what are called files or columns and is standing together in
proper order, the herald proclaims the prescribed orders as follows.
17. <"Silence:'> when the battle begins. "Nobody fall back. 6 Nobody go
ahead of the standard until you are pursuing the enemy. If you lose sight of the
front, look at the standard. Follow <it> not as a cowardly soldier but as a brave
soldier. Do not allow yourself to be distracted or <to act> in another manner.
117-248 Strat., 3.5.
96 bnrrtoot~ MW Of!UAOt~ AVBE scr. mg. tv rreoivm~ Kal Of!UAOt~ W I atni:t~ MW om.
A VBE I -ri:t~ pi~a~ MW -ri:t Ka-rw-repa f!Epfj AVBE 97 t<p' ... -r6rrwv MW ava~aivetv ot
au-rou~ Kal trrl TWV -rpaxewv -r6rrwv O<JOV ta-r\ ouva-r6v AVBE 100 U'\ff]AOU~ MW U'\ff]AOU~
-r6rrou~ AVBE 103 JtUKVW~ MW auxvw~ AVBE 104 CtltAfjKEUElV AVBE CtltOKEAEUElV M
CtltAlKEUElV w I ot MWA VE om. B 104-105 TOU~ ... TOltOU~ MW -r6rrou~ ouaxepet~ Kal
ota~a-rou~ AVBE 105 tv -ra~EL Strat. om. codd. I <p8aaet MW A.axrt AVBE 107 au-rwv'
MWA om. VBE I nept<ppovoiim MW Ka-ra<ppovoiim AVBE I au-rwv 2 MW om. AVBE
109 ta-r[v ... Kal' MW ea-rl AVBE I Of!W~ ... 6A.[yot~ MW om. AVBE 110 Ka8w~ ...
nA.a-ru-repov MW om. AVBE 113 -roii Ka8va MW eKaa-rou AVBE I Kal 1 MWVBE om. A
115 auvw-rw-ro~ MWA auvea-rw-ra~ B auvea-rw-rw~ VE 117 my~ Strat. om. codd.
117-118 -ro ~avoov Strat. om. codd. 120 iiAA.w -rp6rrw MW A iiAA.ov -rp6rrov VBE
113
5. Cf. Strat. 7 B.17.

6. Strat. 35
114
Constitution 7
TCt~lV aou, qruA.aTT Kal au, ~avoocp6pe, o-r' O.v KaTanoA.elf!ian~, 'iva CtKoA.ouElft~ 303
125
TOV ex8p6v. ei of: EK~ft~ T~V O'!'lV ~~ napa-ray~~, il~ Man~ iaxupw~ ev T0
KCtf!nlp LVa fl~ aKOpn(an~ T~V a~V 1"Ct~lV.
18. 'H of: KaEl' eau-r~v TOU TCtyf!a-ro~ YUf!Vaa(a TWV Ka~aA.A.apiwv aih'l, wa-re
KlVelV auv-re-rayf!EVW~ w~ ev napa-rayfi ~ f!ELa opOf!OU en( Ll a'lf!ELOV Kal oihw~
'(a-raaem. Kal o-r' O.v 8A.n KlV~aat mwaivnv oeov f!OV'l Tft cpwvfi ~ T0 ~OUKLVlp ~
VeUf!aLl q>Aaf!OUAOU, Kal KlVeLV o{\-rw~ o-r' O.v of: 8A.n OT~VUl, a'lf!aLVelV ~ -rft
cpwvfi am ~ -r4J ~X4> -rof> aKOUTap(ou ~ -rft TOlJ~q., ~V VUV A.youm ~OUKlVOV, ~ -rft
-raupeq.. Kal au-rTJ f!EV Ilia KLVTJOl~.

19. 'E-repa 0, wa-r '(aa nepma-re1V ev apatOTEpOl~ npw-rov OlUOT~f!aOl, Kat
130
napayyeAA.n ~ '(aou nepma-r1-re.
20. 'E-repa o, wa-r acpiyywElm Ka-ra nA.eupav !lCtAlOTa npen6v-rw~, Of!OLW~
of: acpiyywElm Kal KaT' oupav. TO of: acpiyywEla( eaTI 1"0 nuKvoucrElat, 'iva Kal
Ka-ra nA.eupa~ Kal Ka-ra Wf!OV CtAA~AOl~ eyyi~wm. napayyAA.el o Ka-ra nA.eupav
135 acpiyye, -rou-r' an, oeKapxm npo~ OeKapxa~, nev-rapxm npo~ nev-rapxa~, Te-rpapxm npo~ -re-rpapxa~. Kal acpiyyov-rm nav-re~, w~ dpTJTat, nA.eupav npo~
nA.eupav eyyi~OVT~. OUK enl tvo~ of: f!Epou~ acpiyyovTat, aH' enl TOV f!Eaov
-r6nov, -rou-r' a-rt, -rov ~avoocp6pov, wa-re v8ev KCtKe1Elev aU-rot> yivwElm.
aUVTOf!W~ yap Kat eUTCtKTW~ ~ -rotaUTTJ yiveTUl acpiy~t~. wanep of: oi OeKapxm
140 iaof>VTUl ev CtAA~AOl~ KaTa f!ETwnov, OUTW~ npenel Kat TOU~ -re-rpapxa~ ~youv
TOU~ oupayou<; iaouaem oniaw TOU 6poivou. auTWV yap acptyyof!EVWV KaTa
A.6yov, KQV A.mo-raKT~awmv ev Tal~ auf!~OA.a1<; oi Ef!npoaElev, KWAUOVTUl im'
au-rwv ei<; -ra oniaw -rpnw8m.
21. 'E-repa 0, o-r' O.v acpiyywvTUl KaT' oupav. ou yap f!OVOV TO nACtTO~ T~~
145 napa-ray~<; oeov acpiyyeaElat, ana Kal TO naxo~ auT~<;, noAACtKl<; CtAA~AOl<; KaTa
-rou~ w 11 ou~ eyyi~ov-re~.
121 ~avoocp6pe MWA ~av&cp6pe VBE 122 -rov x8p6v MW nii x8pw AVBE
126 aTlflUlVELV oeov MW trsp. AVBE 127 KLVELV oihw~ M trsp. WAVBE I ~ AVBE om.
MW 128 a-ra AVBE om. MW I ~xw MW K-r\mw AVBE I vuv \tyoum M vuv Atyoumv W
\tyoum vuv AVBE 128-129 ~ 3 . -raupta MW om. AVBE 130 &aa-r~f!aat MAVE
&aa-r~f!aatv W otaa-r~f!a-rt B 131 ~ MWAB om. VE 133 -ro 1 -ro 2 MW (a-rtv W) o
tan AVBE 134 KanJ.l ... WflOV MW 6ma8ev Kat fK JtAayiou AVBE I eyyi~wat MB eyyi<wmv
WA eyyi~ouat VE I oe MWAVE oi:oi: B 13 5 acpiyyE AVBE acpiyyea8at MW I ea-rt MA VBE
eanv W 136-137 n\eupav ... n\eupav AVBE n\eupa npo~ n\eupa M n\eupa npo~
n\eupav W 137 tnt evo~ AVBE em8evo~ M em.evo~ W (sic) 137-138 -rov ... -r6nov MW
-rwv flEOWV -r6nwv AVBE 138 -rov M -rwv WAVBE 140 tv MW om. AVBE 143 oniaw
M -rou~ oniaw wAVBE 144 Ka-r' M Kat Ka-r' WAVBE 145 Kat MWAB Kat Kat VE I
a\A~Aot~ MWVBE aH~\ouc; A 146 eyyi<ov-rec; MW A eyyi~ov-rac; VBE
115
Soldier: keep to your assigned position. Standard-bearer: keep to yours also.

When you are fighting and pursuing the enemy, if you leave the front of the
battle line, do not charge out impetuously and cause your ranks to be broken
up:'
18. An individual cavalry tagma should be drilled as follows. At a given
signal to move in proper order as in a battle line or on the run; then come to a
halt. When the commander wants them to move, he must give the signal for
"Move" by voice, by bugle, or by a movement of the flag.? And they move as
ordered. When he wants them to stop, he signals: "Stand:' <He does this by
voice>, by banging on the shield or by the tuba, which they now call the
trumpet, or else by the horn. And this is one maneuver.
19. Another one. To march in line, first, over a rather broad area, he
commands: "In line. March:'
20. Still another. Specifically to close ranks in proper order from the flanks
and, likewise, to close ranks from the rear. To close ranks is the same as to
tighten up, so that the men come close to one another by their sides and
shoulders. The command for this is: "By the flank. Close up:' This means that
the dekarchs come close to the dekarchs, the pentarchs to the pentarchs, the
tetrarchs to the tetrarchs. And they all close up, as said, getting closer side by
side. They close in not on one section but upon the center, that is, the
standard-bearer so as to be on this side and that side of him. This kind of
closing up is to be done quickly and in good order. As the dekarchs align
themselves with each other along the front, so should the tetrarchs or fileclosers
align themselves at the rear of the column. When they close ranks as prescribed,
they effectively keep the troops in front of them from deserting in combat and
heading to the rear.
21. Another one. When they close up from the rear. Not only must the width
of the battle line be closed up but also its thickness, as they come ever closer to
one another, shoulder to shoulder.
7 Greek flOVT] is a mistranscription of Latin move (move) and o-ra is the same as Latin sta
(stand). Cf. Strat. 3.5.11-12.
116
Constitution 7
22. 'ETpa o KLVf]Ol<;, wan: fleTCt T~V aKpt~~ 11lJKVWOlV T~c; KaTCt rrA.wpav
f!CtAt<JTa acp(y~ewc; TITIUKVWf!fVOU<; TIpt1taTelV, ()T' UV ~ TO~ela apxnm y(vea8at,

Kal napayy:\.A.et nam~ov. Kal mKAtVOflvwv T&v OeKapxwv Kal rrevn1pxwv enl
150 TCt Ef.l1tpoa8ev Kal GKTIOVTWV Tac; eaUTWV KcpaA.ac; Kal f.lpoc; nov Tpax~A.wv nov
'(rrrrwv fleTCt n.ilv (JKOUTapiwv aunilv Kal TCt KOVTapta ava~ama~6VTWV errl TOU<;
Wf.lOU<; Kal tJTIOKpUTITOflfVWV
fleTCt TWV GKOUTapiwv em:A.auvetv eUTCtKTW<;
Tpm6o<.p f.lOV<.p ~youv KtV~f.laTt <JUf.lflTp<.p, T<ji A.eyof.lV<.p KCtArra, Kal f.l~ ~taiwc;
TPfXLV, Yva f.l~ Tft O~UTf]Tl T~c; :\.aaiac; OtaA.u8ft ~ TCt~tc; rrpo f.ll~ewc; xetpwv, orrep
155 f(JTLV ETILKLVOUVOV. TOU<; o oma8ev, O<JOL TO~OTUL
dai,
TO~ULV.
23.'ETpa o KLVf]Ol<; WGT emOtWKLV 6T f.lfV auv :\.aa[q. we; Koupawpac;, ouc;
oi vuv rrpoKAUGTac; A.tyoumv, 6T o GUVTTUYf!fVW<; we; Otcpvawpac;, ouc; ~flel<;
KaAOUflV EKOLKOU<;. Kal d f!fV we; KOUpawpac; XP~ KLVelV, rrapayyAA.et op6f.l<.p
A.a. Kal we; voc; f.llALOU aTIOKLVOUOl <JUV :\.aaiq.. eav 0 we; Otcpvawpac;, rrapay160 yA.A.et f.lETCt T~c; Ta~ewc; aKoA.ou8et. Kal aKoA.ou8oum auvTTUYf1vwc;.
24. 'ETpa o KLVf]Ol<; WGT imoxwpciv 6:\.iyov Kal TICtALV avTtaTpcpw8m. Kal
OT f.lfV 8:\.et urroxwp~aat 6 Koupawp, KpCt~1 TUTIT. Kal unoxwpei auv :\.aaiq.
we; EV ~ OeUTepov aaytTTO~OAOV Til TOU<; Otcpvawpac;. TICtALV KpCt~1 GTpacpou,
:\a. Kat av8urromp<pOUOlV we; av i KaTCt TWV vaVTLWV. Kat TOUTO TIOtelV
165 TIOAACtKt<; fl~ f.lOVOV ETIL TCt rrp6aw, aHa Kal Oe~t9, Kal aptaTep9,, Kal TICtALV we; av
ei ETIL T~V 0UTpav ni~tv. Kal TIOT f!fV ev auT<ji T<ji OtaAelf.lf.laTt TaUTf]<;, TIOT o
v T<ji fleTa~u auT~<; ~e:\.(aaw8at Kal lif!a OpouyytaTl ~youv Of.lOU 6pf1UV KaTCt
TWV x8pwv. ev 8 Tate; YUf!Vaaimc; TCt KOVTCtpta ava~ama~OflVa EXLV 0t Kal
f.l~ de; rrA.Ctytov, Iva fl~ oi LTITIOL ev Tft
170
:\.aaiq. Ef!TIOOt~WVTat.
25. 'ETpa o KLVf]Ol<; WGT f.lTaTi8w8m GUVTTaYf.lfVW<; aptmep9, Kal 0~[(~,

orrep apf16~t rrA.aywcpuA.a~tV Kal UTIEpKepamalc; ~youv TOte; ETIL TO KUKAW(Jat T~V
TWV TIOAfllWV napaTa~tV TETUYf!fVOt<; errl TOU 0~LOU f.ltpouc;, warrep Kpac;. Kal
148 rt1lUKVWf!EVouc; MW m:pmateiv rrmuKVWf!EVW<; A m:pmateiv rrmuKVWf!EVO<; VBE
149 tmKAtVOf!EVwv WA VBE tmKAlf!Evwv M
150 ta AVBE om. MW 152 Wf!OU<;

tm:A.auvm W A VBE tm:A.auvet M I etmiKtwc; MW lmiKtw A aniKtw
VBE 153 tpm6ow ... ~youv MW om. AVBE I KlV~flUTl GUflf!ETpw MW trsp. AVBE I ~taiwc;
MW iaxupwc; AVBE 158 rrapayyeAA.L VBE rrapayyeAA.m MWA 159 otcpevawpac; AVE
O!cpevaopac; MW otcpevawpa B 159-160 rrapayyeAA.et MW rrapayyeAA.m AVBE
160 O.KOAOU8t MWA UKOAOU8lv VBE 163 miA.tv MW OT o 8EAl ltCtAlV trrl TOU<;
tvavtiouc; urratpE\jlat A VBE I atpacpou MWAB atacpou VE 165 rrp6aw MW Ef!rtpoa8ev
AVBE 166 owA.Eif!f!UTt MW otaxwpiaflan AVBE 166-168 -rautf)c; ... txepwv MW -r~c;
aut~<; OEUtEpac; rrapata~W<; Opouyytatl ~youv (~ yap V) Of!OU E~Ataaw8at ltOTE o tv TW
flETa~u -rwv (t~<; B) ouo (W VBE) rrapata~ewv (rrapata~ew<; B) Otaat~f!UTL AVBE
171 rrA.aytocpUA.a~tv MW rrA.aytocpuA.a~t AVBE 172 n:-rawtvot<; MWAVE temwevouc; B
MW AVE rrrrouc; B
117
22. Another maneuver. With the troops marching in close formation, particularly after they have closed in tightly from the flanks, as they come within
range of the <enemy> archers, and the command is given: "Strike:' The dekarchs
.md pentarchs then lean forward, cover their heads and part of their horses'
necks with their shields, hold their lances at shoulder height and, protected by
their shields, they advance in good order, not too fast but at a canter, a measured
gait, the so-called kalpa, so that the impetus of their charge might not break up
their ranks before coming to blows with the enemy, a very risky action. All the
ntchers to the rear are then to open fire.
23. Another maneuver. In pursuing <the enemy> sometimes they race along
t\S assault troops, now called proklastai, or sometimes together in close order as
defenders, now called ekdikoi. If it is necessary to move as assault troops, the
commander gives the order: "Charge on the run:' And they ride along at this
rate for about a mile. If they move as defenders, he commands: "Follow in
formation:' And they follow in close ranks.
24. Another maneuver. To fall back a little and then wheel about. When the
commander wants the assault troops to fall back, he shouts: "Give waY:' And
they speedily withdraw a bowshot or two toward the defenders. Again he shouts:
"Turn. Charge:' They wheel about as though to face the enemy. Do this
frequently, not only forward but also to the right and to the left, and again as
though toward the second line. They should maneuver, sometimes in the
intervals of that line, sometimes in the space between the lines. All together, in
irregular formation, they then charge against the enemy. While drilling, the
lances should be held up and not down to their sides, so as not to impede the
free movement of the horses.
25. Another maneuver. To change front around to the left or to the right in
an orderly fashion and in coordination with the flank guards and the
outflankers, that is, the men lined up on the right side, like a horn, for the
purpose of encircling the battle line of the enemy. If the commander wants them
u8
175
180
Constitution 7
napa.yyeHt, i flV apta-rep<;t flTUT[0w0m ~OUATat KUTU<pp npo<; Ta apt<Hp6.. i O 0~ti;t flTUT[0w0at KUTa<pp npo<; Ta Oe~ta. KUL oi.\Tw<; flTUT[0w0m.
av flV ev ~avoov a-r[, TO v, i 0 n\dova, OflOLW<; TOU vo<; flEpou<; flTUTt0flEVOU. KUL Ta ;\oma W<JUUTW<; KO.Ta ev ~6.voov notOU<JlV.
26. 'ETepa o KLVI]<Jl<; W<JT flTU~anwem nOT flV EV ol<; l<JTUVTUl T6not<;,
noT 0 Kal TO flETwnov T~<; napa.Ta~W<; aA.Aa<J<JOVT<;. av flV yap atcpvtOlU<JflO<; TL<; yeVI]TUl uno txepwv KUTa vlinou ~youv omaeev m<pp0f1EVWV, na.payyeAAl flTU<JXTJflUTl<JOV. KO.L, w<; L<JTUVTUl EV TOt<; TOTIOl<; UUTWV, nl oupav omaeev ~;\enouat TWV ~avoocp6pwv flOVWV flTa TWV apxovTWV d<; TO KUTa oupav
flETwnov I EPXOflEVWV. i o n\~0o<; txepwv mcpavfi omaeev, napayyeHL
flTaAAa~ov. Kal TOT flTml0evTm KaTa ~avoov.
185
27. Ou flOVOV o nl fl~KO<; 6pOtvUlV KUL YDflVU(lV avayKat6v EO"TlV, aHa

KUL opouyyt<JTL TU<J<JOVTU<; YDflVa(Lv Kal E~AUUVlV n' eu0la<;, KUL KUKAOU<;
Ota.cp6pou<;, npwTOV flV Ota Ta<; unoxwp~<Jl<; KUL aVTl<JTpocpa<;, eha Ota Ta<;
aicpvtO[ou<; KO.Ta TWV x8pwv cp6oou<;, AOlTIOV o Kal Ota TO (JUVTOflW<; TOt<;
owflevot<; m~o1]0tv. d yap oihw<; Wta0wm Ta Tawam, Tolf1w<; xoum Kal d<;
Koupawpa<; ~youv npoKAU<JTa<; ~ npof16.xou<; Kal d<; Otcpevawpa<; ~youv K0(-
19o KOU<; ~ ~0!]00u<;, KUL L<; EKU<JTI]V xpdav TU<J<J<J0at.
28. Kal T~<; TotaUTIJ<; ouv yuflvaa[a.<; Ka.Top0ouf1EVTJ<; et<; Ta n\dova, i Kal fl~
navm, oe1 ytvwaKetv Tou<; aTpaTtwm<;. ou yap &t <navm> nou~\tKi(wem ota
To fl~ Tot<; txepot<; ytvwaKwem. ota yap Twv dpTJflEvwv TouTwv tvvea Ktv~aewv
npo<; nCiaav xpdav TOlflU ylvovTat Ta UUTWV TUYflUTU, KUL d<; KOupawpa.<; KO.L
195 l<; Otcpevawpa<; KO.L l<; n\aytO<pUAUKU<; KO.L L<; tJTIpKepa.ma<;, (h xpe[a yeVI]TUl,
acpopta0~va[ TlVU<; UUTWV, EV <JUV1]0l<;t n6.<JI]<; Ta~W<; YV0flVU.
29. AvayKatov oe EO"Tl AOlTIOV KUL T~V npo<; UAATJAU Ta ~avoa <JUfl<pWVLUV Kal
TU~lV 0l(w0at, w<; nlnapm6.~W<;, a;\;\' Yva, w<; dpi]TUl, fl~ cpavepa ylVI]TUl ~
nCiaa EKTU~l<; TOt<; txepot<;. ouoenoT yap <xp~> npo T~<; flUXTJ<; T~V nCiaav TU~lV
MWA om. VBE 174 Ka-ra<pepe ... f.!TaTi8ecrem

MWAVE om. B 175 ~avoov MWVBE ~aoov A I ecrTi MA ecrTlv W ~ VBE 179 n~ MW
Tk; VBE Tt A 1 KaTa ... ~youv MW om. AVBE I em<pepof.!ivwv MW btepxof.!ivwv AVBE
181 ~AETtOUO'l M ~AE1tOUO'lV WAVBE 184-185 avayKat6v ... yUf.!VU~lV MWAVE om. B
188 exoum MA VBE exoucrtv W 190 ei~ MW A om. VBE 191 Kall WA VBE om. M
192 crTpa-ruiJm~ MW om. AVBE lrraVTa2 ci. Va om. codd.lnou~AtKi~ecrem MW <pauA.i~ecrem
Kal Ol)f.!OOLeucr8at AVBE 193 yap AVBE om. MW 194 yivovTat MWVBE yiyvovTat A
197 ecrTt MA ecrTlv WVBE 198 yivl)TUt MWA yivl)Tal VBE 199 XP~ Strat. rrprret
173-174 f.lETaTi8ea8m ... apt(m:pa
A VBE om. MW 1-r~v MWA~~ VBE
119
to change to the left, he orders: "Turn around to the left:' If the change is to the
right: "Turn around to the right:' This is how they change front. If just one
bandon is involved, then that one <changes front>, if several, one unit changes
front in like manner, and the rest do so in conformity with the one bandon.
26. Another maneuver. To turn the formation around, sometimes changing
the position in which the men stand, at other times changing the front of the
battle line around. If there is a sudden movement of the enemy attacking from
the rear or from behind, the commander gives the order: "Change position:'
Remaining in place they face behind, toward the rear, with only the officers and
the standard-bearers actually moving to the <new> front, <which had been> the
rear. If a large enemy force appears behind them, he commands: "Change place:'
Then they move about by bandon.
27. Not only is it necessary to have them draw up in linear formation and be
drilled, but they should also be drilled in irregular formations, in charging out
straight ahead, and in various circular movements. At first, they fall back and
wheel about, they then make surprise attacks against the enemy and, finally, give
prompt support to units in trouble. If the tagmata become habituated to such
<maneuvers> they will be prepared <to operate> as assault troops, that is, as
proklastai or promachoi, or as defenders, that is, as ekdikoi or support troops,
and to adopt a formation for every contingency.
28. By the proper performance of such drills, the soldiers will necessarily
become familiar with almost all of them, even if not all. There is no need to
make them all public; if you do so, the enemy may learn about them. By means
of the above-mentioned nine maneuvers the tagmata are prepared to face any
situation, whether some are assigned to be assault troops or defenders, or flank
guards, or outflankers, as need may require, for they will have become accustomed to all the formations.
29. It is essential, moreover, that the banda become used to drawing up and
cooperating with one another, as in the battle line, but in such a way, as mentioned, that all our formations do not become apparent to the enemy. Before
120
200
205
210
Constitution 7
EV T<fl U!la, -rour' E<JTLV, eic; npWTTJV Kal 6eu-rpav napaTa~lV 6ta yu!lvao(av !10VTJV
-raooetv, ~ nA.aytoqn)A.aKa<; ~ -roue; imepKepamac; A.eyo11vouc; ~ -roue; 6pouyyto-rl
Kal A.av8av6vTwc; npoon(movTa<; ~ f.v6pac; ~youv EYKPD!l!laTa. -ra yap -rotafna
mpa-r11yiac; 11anov E.m-rTJ6eu11aTa elvm KaTa -rwv txepwv ~ Ta~ewc;, anep
nponou~AlKt~eo8at EV Tal<; YU!1VaO'lat<; ou OU!l<pepet, ana TOT npoc; TO napov
KaTa T~V anav-rwoav xpeiav 1t0lLV.
30. Tipenov ouv, e'iTe Ka8' auTo mu KO!lTJTO<; TO ~av6ov e'iTe 6pof>yyoc; e'iTe
-roup11a e'iTe Kal nponapa-ra~tc; noA.A.of> oTpa-rof> f.mtv, E.v -rptol 11epem Taooetv
-roue; yu11va~o!1vouc;. Kal ei !lEV ~av6ov f.oTl To Ka8' au-ro yu11va~611evov, -roue;
nA.eiouc; aU-rou EV TCt~l Koupowpwv 1t0lLV ano 0Ka Ka~aAA.ap(wv E1tL cmA.~c;
aK(ac; v8ev KUKe18ev, au-roue; L00!1TW1tOU<; TCtOOlV EV TCt~l &tcpevowpwv,
aAA.ouc; 6E 6A.iyouc; Ka~aAA.ap(ouc; axpt 0Ka TCtOOlV 6t' O\jiW<; f.vavT(ouc;, WOT
-r~v ou11~oA.~v npoc; au-roue; eiKa~wem. I
31. KtVOUVTWV 0 auTWV we; E1tl !lCtXTJV E~epxwem ouv E.A.aa(q. LOU<; KOUp-
215
220
owpac; Kal xwp(~eo8at TWV Otcpevowpwv, Kal -rpexov-rac; en' eu8eiac; we; EV ~
&eu-repov !llAlV imompe<petV ewe; TOU ~!l(aewc; EKelVOU 6taOT~!laTO<; Kal EKKAlVOVTCt<; 1tOT !lEV Oe~t{j., TIOTE 0 aptaTt:p{j., TpEXelV. OUTW<; 6E 1tOlelV Kat TplTOV Kat
TeTapTov, etTa naA.tv KuKA.oet6wc; EA.auvetv Kal !leTa -raf>Ta npompexov-rac; tv T<fl
!lTa~U T01t4J TWV 6tcpevowpwv, 08ev Kal E~~A.eov, !leTa TWV we; EV TCt~et 6tcpevowpwv EAauvetv we; eic; U1tCtVTTj<JlV TWV KaTa6lWKOVTWV au-roue;.
32. Ou-rwc; 6E nmdv Kal 6pouyyou yu11va~o11vou Kal -ra !lEv -rwv ~av6wv
auTOU TCtOOlV Koupowpac;, Ta 6E &tcpevowpac;, KalnaAlV vaAACt00lV a\na, OTE
Touc; Koupowpac; &tcpevowpac; notdv, 6TE LOU<; 6tcpvowpac; Koupowpac;, wa-re
npoc; T~V 6oKofloav xpeiav ETOl!lOU<; aU-roue; elvat.
tv TW MWAVE om. B I oeu-repav MWAVE B I YUf!VUa(av MW AVE YUf!VUaia~ 8

J.eyof!ivou~ MWA VE J.eyof!ivou B 203 bml)OeUflaTa MW Kal bml)OWf!<hwv AVBE
204 np07toU~ALKt<w8m MW npocpau:>..i<w8m AVBE 205 cmav-rwaav Strat. cmav-rouaav
M cmm-rouaav WAVBE 207 a-rpa-rou MW A :>..aou VBE 208 ~avoov MW AVE om. B I
ta-r\ MAVBE ta-rlv w 209 7tAelOU~ MW 7tAelOVU~ AVBE I au-rou Strat. au-rwv codd. I OEKU
MWA t' VBE I Ka~aHapiwv WAVBE Ka~aHapiou~ M 210 aKia~ MW aKia~ KalAVBE I
au-roil~ MW au-rwv AVE au-rw B I 0L<pvawpwv AVE 8Lcpeva6pwv MW &cpevawpa~ B
211 eSt' ... tvav-riou~ MW KUTEVUVLL au-rwv w~ tvav-riou~ AB Ka-r' evavn au-rwv tvav-r[oL~ VE
213-214 -roil~ Kovpawpa~ Va -rou~ Koupaopa~ MA -rou Koupaopo~ W Koupaopa~ VBE
21
5 f!lALV MW f!lALOV AVBE 217 npoa-rpexov-ra~ MWA npo-rpexov-ra~ VBE
218-219 08ev ... OL<pvawpwv2 MWAVE om. B 218 f!ELU TWV MW f!EL' au-rwv AVBE
220 oe MWAVE om. B 221-222 Kal...&cpevawpa~t MWAVE om. B 221 6-re Va wa-re
codd. 223 xpeiav MWA om. VBE I hOlf!OU~ ... dvm MW eLOLf!OL WGLV A eTOLf!OL WGL VBE
200
201
121
lmttle, never draw up the entire line all at the same time, but form <the army>
lnto first and second battle lines only for drilling. The same goes for flank guards
nr those called outflankers or with those in irregular formation or hiding ready
!o fall upon <the enemy> from ambuscades or ambushes. These dispositions are
matters of strategy against the enemy rather than of tactics, and they ought not
In be made known ahead of time during drill but should be decided on the spot
!o meet a specific need.
30. Whether an individual bandon, under its count, or a droungos or a
ttmrma or even the whole front line of a large army is being drilled, it should be
tlt<twn up in three parts. If a single bandon is to be drilled by itself, form most of
men as assault troops. On the same front with them about ten horsemen
11hould be drawn up as defenders in a single file on each flank. Station a few
iJther horsemen, say ten, out in front and opposing them so that they can form
!lome idea of the course of the attack.
31. On moving out, as though advancing rapidly to battle, the assault troops
~l:lparate from the defenders. They ride steadily forward for a mile or two, then
turn back about half that distance. Then they turn and ride, first to the right and
then to the left. They do this three or four times and circle back again. After this
they ride to their original position in the space among the defenders. Then, in
formation as defenders, they ride out as if to encounter a force pursuing them.
32. The droungos should be drilled in the same way. Draw up some of its
banda as assault troops and some as defenders. Then have them exchange roles.
The assault troops become defenders and the defenders become assault troops.
As a result, they will be prepared for whatever need must be faced.
122
33 '0110lW~
225
Constitution 7
o rrotetV Kat TOUp11a~ YU11Va(o11EVf)~ Kat rrapani~eW~ rrpWTf)~
Kat rrapma~ew~ OeuTepa~. maK'\fat 8 d~ Ta~ KUKAoet8et~ /..aa(a~ Twv Koup

awpwv, orrou 8ta<popa ~av8a eupiaKOVTUL,
W(JT
ei~ Mo apxa~ TafJTa 11Epi(w0at
Kat /..auvetV T~V vavT[av QAA~AWV, Kat urravTCtV Ta~ apxa~ T~V 11EV 11[av E~W,
T~v 8 8euTpav awTpw Tpexav, Iva 11~ rrpoaKpou11ma Twv Ka~at..Aapiwv

230
yivwvmt.
34 !:,.eov 8 Kat rrA.ayto<pUAaKa~ Kat urrepKepama~ ~youv TOU~ Ta~ KUKAW
(J1~ arro TOV 8e~LOV 11EPOU~ JTOLOUVTa~ i8[w~ 11d U\JTWV 8pouyytmt ~youv
rruKvou~ Kat 611ou 11mm6vm~ yu11va(etv, A.aveavovm~ 8 8t' ~v avwTepw
~::'irro11ev aiTiav, wme d~ 11ev Ta~ 11aKpOTepa~ rrapma~et~ Twv vaVTiwv iaoua0at
Kat 11~ E1111eptAal1~avwem urr' ainwv, KUTa
235
TWV KOVTOTepwv ei~ TO Ta~
KUKAWGet~ rroteia0at, avnTaaao11evwv auTot~ 6/..iywv Ka~aA.A.apiwv rrt arrA.~~

QK[a~ axpt i::vo~ ~ 8euTpou ~av8ou w~ vaVTLWV, '(va rrpo~ aUTOU~ Kavovi(wmv
oi urrepKepamal rrp6Tepov urrepKepav aUTOU~ ~TOt KUKAOUV de' oihw~ oi
(JUVOVT~ aUTOt~ 8pouyytml ~youv w~ 11a(a, 0110U, A.aveav6vTW~ aUTOL 110VOL
li<pvw urre~epx611VOL 11Ta /..aa[a~ 6~eia~ Ttp VWT(J.l ~youv KUTa TU omaeev TWV
240
vavTiwv mTi0evTat.
35 Aumt ouv ai )'U11Vaa[at arrA.at eiat. Kat KOLVW~ 8 rrona TCt)'l1aTU Kat
i8(w~ JTUALV EV TUYIJ.a Tl apl1o8iw~ )IUI1Va(ouat, Kal TOt~ txepot~ liyvwaTO~ t)
TCt~l~ <pUAUTTTat. Kal 8ov (J,
wmpaTf))'E, TaUTa~ Ta~ YU11Vaaia~ yypa<pW~ I
8ouvat Kat TOt~ UJTO (J TOUPI1UPXat~ Kat TOt~ UAAOL~ TOt~ i8[<;t )IU11Va(011EVOL~
245
TCt)'l1aatv, 0i(etV 8 Ta~ TOtaUTU~ yul1vaa[a~ 11~ 110VOV tv 011aAOt~, ana Kat tv
8ua~aTOl~ TOJTOL~ Kat ei~ U'\ff)AOU~ Kat d~ KUTW<pepet~. Kal tv Katptp 8 Kavawvo~
KaAOV an YU11Va(etv Kal 0i(etv TOV mpaT6v ouoel~ yap ol8ev TrOT GU11~~(J
Tat 11CtXfJ Kat TL 0"UI1~~aTat.
224 Kal' WA VBE om. M
226-228 Otcu:popa ... OwTepav MWA VE Olq>Evcrwpa Km)pcrwpac;
Yva rrpoc; T~V OOKOU<Jav fTOlf.lOl W<Jl orrwc; T~V 0UTtpav E<JW B 227 apxac; MW apxac; Kal
AVBE 228 owTpw Va crwTtpav MW i::ow AVBE I rrpocrKpOUf.lUTa MWVE
rrpooKpOUOf!UTa AB 231 f.leT' mhwv AVE f.lETaUTWV B f.leTa auTWV MW 232 rruKvouc;
MWA VE 1lUKVWc; B I o MW A om. VBE 232-233 Ol' ... aiTiav MW OlU TO f.l~ q>auA.i~ecr8m
TOLe; rroA.ef!imc; AVBE 233 vaVTiwv MWA rroAef.liwv VBE I ioouo8m AVBE Yva ioouvm1
MW 234 Ef.l1leplAaf.l~O.vecr8m AVBE Ef!lleplAUf.l~O.vovml MW 23 5 auToLc; MWA au-rwv
VBE 236 KUVOVl~WOlV MWAVE KUVOVl~OUOlV B 237 ~TOl MWAVE ~youv B 238 we;
f!O.~a MW om. AVBE 239 Tw ... omcr8ev MW 6nicrw AVBE 241 dm WVBE 1mv MA
242 Tl W om. MA VBE I yuf.lvO.~oum Strat. yuf!VO.~wm MWVE YUf.lVO.~ecr8al AB I iiyvwmoc;
MWA euyvwcrToc; VBE 244 TOLc; 1 AVBE TODc; MW I TOUpf.lO.pxmc; AVBE TOUpf!apxac; MW
247 olOev MW oloe AVBE
123
33 Act in like fashion in drilling the tourma, as well as the first and second
h11ttle lines. <Practice> encircling charges by assault troops that involve different
hnnda divided into two commands and riding in the opposite direction to one
1H1other, with one division advancing on the inside and the second on the outin order to avoid collisions among the horsemen.
34 The flank guards and the outflankers, that is, those making circling
movements from the right side, must be drilled separately, along with those
Irregular troops who had been hiding, for reasons explained above, and who
ldtnck all at once in a mass, so that when the enemy lines extend beyond ours,
keep our line even and guard it against envelopment by the enemy, whereas
when their lines are shorter than ours, they can make use of encircling movements. A few horsemen, say one or two banda, should line up opposite them in
tt single line as though they were the enemy, so that the outflankers, conforming
In the length of their line, may first outflank or encircle them. Then the men
who had been hiding can suddenly and swiftly charge out by themselves, in
Irregular formation or like a lump, and fall upon the rear, that is, behind the
tmemy.
35. These exercises are simple and can easily be practiced by several tagmata
together or, again, by a single tagma, without disclosing our order of battle to
the enemy. It is your obligation, 0 general, to give these exercises in writing to
the tourmarchs and others under your command involved in drilling individual
tagmata. They should get used to these exercises not only on level ground but
also in difficult terrain, among hills and steep inclines. Even in hot weather it is
u good idea to drill and get the army used to it. For nobody knows when battle
will take place and what will happen.
124
36. Xp~ yap oihwc; T~V YD!lVa<JlUV TIOLla8at we; btl UUTOU TOU TIOAE!lOU, 8Lo
2
5o Kal ~11Lc; ota -ro xr~m11ov Kal -ra v Katpt'P noA.11ou v-rauea dp~Ka!lev. -ro yap
npoc; -roue; KLVOUVOUc; 8i(wem avopeto-rpouc; Touc; mpanwmc; TIOLl.
37. 'End OE T~V TWV Ka~aA.A.apiwv YD!lVUGLUV EK !lpouc; OtTU~Ct!lea, xpe6v
anv 6!-lo[wc; KUL T~V TWV TIE(LKWV TUY!l<lTWV YD!lVUGLUV GOL OLOpiaaaem, oaov
EK TWV apxaiwv TUKTLKWV KUL oaov EK TWV vwv napetA~<pU!lV. 6pt(OVTUL TOLVUV
55 ai aKiat npw-rov -rou ne(tKou -ray!la-roc;, Kaewc; avw nou mwava11ev, wa-re
-raaaweai nvac; !lEV UUTWV aptmepg, nvac; oe O~Lg TOU ~avoou ~TOL TOU
apxovToc;. KUL nponopEDO!lEVOU TOU apxov-roc; U!lU Ttp ~avoo<p6p(fl KUL Ttp
!lUVOCtTWpl KUL ~OUKLVCtTWpl ETIUKOAOU80UGLV we; wpia8TjGUV oi A.oxayol ~youv oi
npwTOGTCtTUL ~ OEKUPXOL, npwTOV oi TOU aptmepou !lpouc; KUL TOT TOU 0~LOU.
260
265
Constitution 7
38. fLVO!lEVWV OE UUTWV v Ttp T~c; YD!lVa<Jtac; TOTI(fl ~ T~c; napma~ewc;,

LGTUTUL 6 apxwv Kal !l1"' UUTOV 6 ~avoocp6poc; KUL e'( TLc; -repoc; KUTa auv~eetav.
KUL napa-raaaovTat au-rotc; v8ev Kal EK18ev ai CtKLUL, we; wpia8TjGUV, npw-rov v
apatOTEPlfl OLaaT~!lUTL, '(va !l~ auvTpt~WVTUL im' aAA~AWV, ano t<:;' TO ~aeoc;
~youv TO naxoc;, xouaat Kal -roue; \j!LAouc; omaeev, Ta OE ~l<pTj TWV Kovmpiwv
livw ~AETIOVTU 'lva !l~ E!lTIOOt(WVTUl im' UUTWV. E!1TIPOG8v o TOU !lT<.imou
nepmamumv 6 11avoa-rwp, 6 Ka!lmoouKTwp ~youv 6 60Tjyoc; -rwv -r6nwv, 6 11v
TOU<; TOTIOUc; avepeuvwv KUL OOTJYWV, 6 o Ta !lUVOCtTU yvw!ln TOU apxov-roc;
otoouc;.
39 Kal d !lEV -rawa a-rl TO YD!1VU(O!lVOV, TOY TOU TCtY!lUTOc; apxov-ra
270 E!1TIPOG8V nepmaTlV !lETa !lavoa-rwpoc; KUL KU!lTILOOUKTWpoc;, l o TOUP!lU
yu11va(Tat, 1111<'>va i:!lnpoaeev nepma-re'iv l 11~ -roup!l<iPXTJV Ka~aA.Aaptov !lETa

!lUVOUTwpwv QUO, KU!lTILOOUKTWpwv ouo, a-rpa-rwpoc; a' KUL anaeapiou evoc; ~TOL
125
36. It is necessary to perform these drills as though you were actually at war.
We have, therefore, addressed ourselves herein to what is useful in time of war.
Being accustomed to its dangers makes the soldiers more courageous.
37 Since we have set down specific guidelines for drilling the cavalry, it is
necessary in like manner to give you instructions concerning the training of the
infantry tagmata, based on what we have derived from the ancient tacticians as
well as the modern ones. 8 First, the files of the infantry tagma must be organized, as we indicated above, so that some should be drawn up to the left, some
to the right of the standard or of the commanding officer. The commander then
moves forward together with the standard-bearer and the herald and the
trumpeter. The group leaders, that is, the protostatai or dekarchs, follow in their
i\Ssigned positions, first those on the left side, then those on the right.
38. On arriving at the site of the drill or of the battle line, the commanding
officer halts with the standard-bearer behind him and with his customary
entourage. The files draw up on both sides of them in their assigned positions, at
tirst a good distance apart to avoid bumping into one another, at a depth or
thickness of sixteen, with the light-armed troops to the rear. They hold the
points of their spears on high so they will not be impeded by them. The herald
and the field guide, that is, the guide of the places, march before the front line,
the one for reconnaissance and guide duty, the other to transmit orders from the
t:ommander.9
39 If a tagma is being drilled, the commanding officer should march in
front with the herald and the field guide. If a tourma is being drilled, nobody
should march in front except the tourmarch, mounted, with two heralds, two
field guides, one strator, and one spatharios, that is, the man bearing the
254-461 Strat., 12.B.11-16.

252 XPEOV MW xpeia AVBE
253 m:(LKWV MW ne(wv AVBE 253-254 O<JOV ... LUKTLKWV

MW O<JT]V EK TWV TaKTLKWV TWV apxa[wv AVBE 254 O<JOV MW O<JT]V AVBE 255 CtKLUL
MW AVE ax[m B I Ka8w<; MW A Ka86 VBE I iivw 1tOU MW avw-rpw AVBE I W<JTE MW w<;
AVBE 256 ainwv MW tv AVBE 1 Be MW Be tv AVBE 258 ~ouKLva-rwpL A ~ouKtva-ropL
MW ~ouKLVLa-rwpL VBE 259 BeKapxm MW A MKapxm VBE I ol MW om. AVBE
260 ytVOflEVWV W yevof!EVWV MAVBE 261 au-rov MWVBE au-rwv A scr. mg. ~youv
Beu-repo<; EKELVOU w 262 au-rot<; AVBE au-rol MW 263 u;' VBE K' MW BeKa~ A
266 nepma-roumv ... f!avBa-rwp scr. mg. <... > ouK anexouaa a-rpa-nw ... o<; ... anex .. . Lou W
267 flavM-ra MW napayyA.flaLU AVBE I YVWflT] MW npo-rpon~ AVBE 269 eat\
MAVBE E<JTLV w I YUflVa(Of!EVOV MW YUf!Va(Of!EVOV KalA VBE 271 TOUpflUPX!JV MWVE
-roupf!UX!JV A -roupf!UX!J<; B 272 Mo 1 MWA P' VBE I Mo2 MAP' WVBE I a' MW f:vo<;
AVBE I crna8ap[ou AVBE anaea-rou MW
8. Strat. 12.B.11-16.
9 Kampidouktor, although translated as drillmaster (Strat. 12.B.7-4; Engl. trans. p. 140),

l'ddwebel (Germ. trans. p. 425), Exerziermeister (LBG), in the Taktika (7.38; 14.59) reflects its
Latin origin (campus, ductor), indicating a field guide, who may also have been in charge of
drilling the troops.
126
Constitution 7
TOU ta onAa TOU apxovto<; I <ppovto<;, w<; ou nAT]GlOV t~<; GUfl~OA~<; YEVT]tal ~
napa-ray~. t6T 8 tv tft napatayft ua<paAw<; dapxnm, tv 4> t6mp to ~av8ov

275 aUTOU tetaKTUL.
40. M~ <JUflnAEKG8at 8 aUTOV TOt<; tvavTLOl<; f.!Tj8 ~OUKLVOV AEYELV d<;
Kaatov f.!Epo<; nA~v Tou f.!Epapxou, hE fllav toiipflav Xt To f.!ltpo<; dt ouo dt

nAEiova<;, Kav Ei aufl~ft noUa dvat Ta ~ouKtva, i'va fl~ 8opu~ou YVOflvou
KwA\JwvTat ta flUVOCtTa t~aKouw8aL. Kal oi f.!EV 6nA1Tat nE(ol ~youv oi aKouTa280
tot taaaovtat oihw<;. oi 8 \lfLAol Kata 8ta<p6pou<; tp6nou<; taaaovTat ~youv oi

UKpO~OAtatal flEV nCtAat KaAOUflEVOl, vuv 8 to~6tat ~ aaymatwp<; not flEV
yap oma8v EKCt<JTT]<; UKLU<; npo<; TO f.!Etpov TWV OVTWV, tout' eanv EL<; TOU<; t<;'
GKOUTCtTOU<; 8' \lflAOL, tva Kat flEXPL 8' f.!Ept(Of.!EVT]<; T~<; TWV <JKOUTCttWV UKta<;
EupE8ft Ei<; to~6tT]<; oma8v aUt~<;, not 8 tv T4> ~a8Et Twv uKtwv d<; nap' Et<;
aKoutaTo<; Kal to~OTT]<;, not 8 Kal tv tal<; UKtat<; Kal tv tol<; Kpaatv ~youv
tal<; t~oxa1<; TWV napata~Ewv, tout' eaTtv tawtpw twv Ka~aAAapiwv, noUaKt<;
8 Kal t~wtpw UUTWV, uno fllKpou 8taat~flUTO<; flETCt Kal OAtywv GKOUTCttWV d<;
TO tK8tKcia8at TOU<; d<; TO t~wtEpov eatwta<; KU~aUap(ou<;, tav noUoi Eiatv oi
\lflAOL
41. Oi 8 ta ptKTCtpta ~ t(lKOUpta ~ ~ap8ouKta exovt<; ~ oma8V TWV UKLWV
TWV GKOUTCtTWV ~ d<; ta aKpa t~<; napatCt~EW<; Kal OUK tv t<iJ flEGtp oi 8 G<pV-
8o~OAl<JTal navtw<; Ei<; ta aKpa t~<; napatCt~EW<;. vuv 8 TCt~OflEV TOU<; to~6Ta<;
KUL A0l110U<; UKOVTLGTU<; oma8v TWV UKLWV npo<; t~V YDflVaa(av ~ W<; unatTEl ~
xpLaauT~<;.
295
42. Tou<; 8 KU~UAAUplOU<; el<; ta aKpa T~<; nE(lK~<; napatCt~EW<; tCt~El<;, oaa
8 UUTWV uv8pEL6tEpa TCtYflaTa flETU TWV upx6vtwv UUTWV t~wtpw. KUL Ei flEV
noUoi datv oi Ka~UAACtplOl, tout' E<Jtl, nAEOV TWV tW XLAt<i8wv, uno 8Ka TO
~a8o<; TOUTWV yivw8at, d 8 KUL 0Atywtpou<; TOU f.!Etpou TOUTOU, uno nvt.
dvat o EK nEptaaou TlVU<; oma8v tv uno~OT]8d<;t UUtWV t~wTpw tWV UflU~WV

300
tva, tav f.!Ev Ota tWV oma8v TlV<; TWV tx8pwv <p8CtVWGLV, unoao~~GWGLV
273 apxov-ro~ MWAB apxovm VE
278 Kiiv MWA Kal VBE
276 fl~ WA fl~
Ot MVBE
277 ouo MWA VE
280-281 ~youv ... crayrn:c!Twpe~ MW om. AVBE
WB
283 0'
MWVBE -recrcrape~ A 1 o' 2 MWVBE -rwcrapwv A 288 eKOtK1cr9m MWA KOtKe1cr9m VBE I
-r62 wAVBE TOU~ M I dcrtv MW A wcrtv VBE 290 ptKTUpta Va pi]KTUpta MW pm-rapta
AVBE 1 ~apoouKta MW flaT<ouKta AVBE 291 flecrw MW flEcrw -raxe~crov-rm AVBE
291-292 m:pevOo~oA.tcr-ral MW cr<pevoov~Tat A crcpevoov[-rat VE cr<pevowv[-rm B 292 -rou~
AVBE om. MW 297 tW MWVBE owoeKa A 298 flETpou MWA f1pou~ VBE I nev-re
MWA VE e' B 299 omcr9ev MWAVE om9ev B 300 anocro~~crwcrtv Va anocrw~~crwmv
MW anav-rwcrtv AVBE
127
commander's weapons. <They remain there> until the battle line is close to
engaging. Then they safely enter back into the battle line, to the place where the
standard is located.
40. The commander should not personally fight against the enemy. No
trumpet should sound in each meros except that of the merarch, whether the
meros has one tourma or two or more, even if there should be many trumpets.
Otherwise the resulting noise may prevent the orders from being heard. This is
how the heavy infantry, the heavy-armed troops, should be organized. The
light-armed troops are formed in various manners. They were formerly called
akrobolistai, but now bowmen or archers. Sometimes to the rear of each file in
proportion to their numbers, four light-armed troops for sixteen heavy-armed
men, so that if the heavy-armed file is reduced to four deep there will be one
archer behind it. Sometimes <they are placed> in the depths of the files, one
heavy-armed soldier alternating with one archer; sometimes, both in the files
and in the horns, that is, the extremities of the battle line, on the inside of the
cavalry. Frequently, if there is a large number of light-armed troops, <they are
posted> a short distance to the outside of the cavalry, along with a few
heavy-armed men, to defend the cavalry stationed outside.
41. The troops carrying missile weapons, axes, or maces should be either
behind the heavy infantry files or on the extremities of the battle line and not in
the middle. The slingers are always at its extremities. At present we form the
archers and the others with missile weapons behind the files for drill or as need
requires.
42. Station the cavalry on the extremities of the infantry battle line, the
bravest units with their officers further out. If the cavalry force is large, that is,
over twelve thousand men, they should be about ten deep. If they number less
than that, about five deep. There should be extra troops in the rear, outside the
wagons, to support them, so they may scare off any of the enemy who shows up
128
Constitution 7
atJT01J<;, ft 0E 11~ ye, npo<JT8Wat TOt<; n/..ay[oL<; Kai au-ro(. Ta<J<JOVTQL Of Kai au-roi
EV apato-rp<.p np6-repov Otala-r~l1aTL tva, EUV YEVT]Tal Katpo<; d<; TO XPfl~eLV 30!1
11-ra~anwem, 11~ 11nooi~wv-rm.
43 IlapayydA.n<; 0 TOU<; Ka~aAAap[ou<; 11~ Kam-rpxnv TWV x8pwv 11110

305 a<p[a-raaem T~<; ne~LK~<; napa-r6.~W<; W<; nl TIOAU OL<i<JTT]I1a, KUV -raxa -rparrwow
ol x8po[, Yva 11~ yKPDI111a-r6<; -rtvo<; nap' au-rwv yevo11vou, dnep
ano otaa-r~-
11a-r6<; dmv ol rrt:~o[, yui1VODI1VOL -r~<; rrapa-ra~ew<; nTjpwa8wmv w<; 6A.tyw-rpOL ~ aa8VE<JTepOL. ana Kal av ~Laa8wmv, W<; ElKO<;, napa TWV vav-riwv,
oma8t:v -r~<; rrapa-ra~ew<; npoa<peuyt:tv Kai 11~ rrappxwem -ra<; a11a~a<;, -ra<;
310 6niaw T~<; napa-rO.~eW<; TWV ne~WV 6<peLAOU<Ja<; dvat npo<; <pUAaK~V au-rwv. [ Of
11T]Of OUTW<; av-rexoum, Ka-repxwOm au-rou<; EK TWV Ynnwv Kai OUTW<; ne~ft eauTOU<; EKOLKiv.
44 'Eav Of napa-ra~aa8at 11fV 8/..n 6 'a-rpa-r6<;, 11~ <JUI1~aALV 0 KaLa T~V
au-r~v ~11Epav, Kai OPI1~(JW<JlV oi exOpoi KaTa TWV Ka~aAA.ap[wv Kal 11~ ~aa-ra315 ~W<JLV au-rou<;, 11~ ava11EVW<JLV au-rou<; im6.11VOL ei<; -ra KEpa-ra T~<; napa-r6.~W<;,
O.AA.' oma8ev 11CtAAOV EA.Owmv <TWV m:~wv>, -roil-r' E<JTLV 11E<JOV T~<; napa-rO.~eW<;
Kai TWV Ctl1a~wv. el 0 Toil-ro YEVT]TaL, xpe[a l1fl~OVO<; -roil EV -r4J 11E<J<.p 0La<Jl~l1a
TO<;, tva 11fTa~aAA011EVWV, W<; iK6<;, TWV Ka~aAA.ap[wv 11~ <JTVOXWpTj0Wat 11T]Of
ai TWV exOpwv aayinat ~Aa\f!W<JLV aU-rou<;.
320
45 Tail-ra Oei 116.A.tma Kal tv Katp4J 11<iXT]<; yivwOm ota -rau-r11v yap Kal ~
yu11vaaia I1TaXLPt~Tat.
46. Tou-rwv ouv TWV OLa-r<i~eWV LPT]11EVWV nprrov ~!llv Kai -ra ax~l1aTa Kai
-ra napayyA.11a-ra -r~<; rre~LK~<; -ra~ew<;, want:p Kai -r~<; inmK~<;, 11<paviam aot Kai
Otaaa<p~aat.
325
47 '0-r' av yap napaa-rwm rrpo<; T~V YU11Vaa[av -ra 11EPT] T~<; rrapa-ray~<; TWV
-ray116.-rwv -roil a-rpa-roil, napayyAA.n 6 11av06.-rwp mil-ra "11Ta my~<; nav-re<; -ra
napayyA.11a-ra nA.T]pwaa-r. 11~ -rapax8~-r. -r~v -ra~tv u11wv <puA<i~a-r.
<0
~avo<.p
301 a\rrou~ MW a\rrou~ Kai anootwKwatv AVE au-rou~ Kai <'mootwKouatv B lnpoo-re6wot
MAVBE npoo-re6watv W 302 ei~XP~<EtV MW om. AVBE 303 flETa~aA.Aw6m MW

flETU~aA.toem au-rou~ AVBE 305 w~ MW om. A VBE 306 nap' ... YEVOflEVOU MW A trsp.
VBE 306-307 e'Lnep ... napa-ra~Ew~ MW flaKpav -rij<; napa-ra~Ew~ -rwv ne<wv euptO'KOflEVOt
AVBE 307 E1l!]peao6wmv MW AB E1l!]pea6wmv VE 309 naptpxw6at WAVBE
tmipxw6at M 311 av-rtxoum M av-rexouO'tV w Ct1lUVTWO'lV A Ct1lUVTWO'l VBE
313 O'Ufl~UAEiV AVBE O'Ufl~UAAElV MW 313-314 T~V au-r~v MW trsp. AVBE
314 Opfl~O'WO'lV MWAVE Opfl~O'OUatV B 316 aA.A' ... napa-ra~EW~ MWA om. VBE I TWV
ne<wv Strat. om. codd. I flEO'OV A om. MWVBE 318 O'TEvoxwp!]6wot MAVBE
O'TEVOXWP1]6WO'lV w 320 Oel PO oe codd. 323 L1l1llKij~ MWA 1le<tKij<; VBE
325 napao-rwm AVBE napao-rwmv M diff. lectu W 327 <pUAa~aTE MAVBE 1lA!]pWO'aTE W
129
in the rear. If there is no <such need> they join in support of the flanks. They
should first draw up in a very wide space so that, if the time comes for wheeling
about, they do not get in each other's way.
43 Order the cavalry not to race after the enemy or to get too far away from
the infantry line, even if the enemy quickly turns to flight. Otherwise, they
might run into an ambush and, with the infantry far off, without the support of
the battle line, weakened, and few in numbers they might be badly beaten. But
if, as may happen, they should be driven back by the enemy, let them seek
refuge to the rear of the battle line, but not go beyond the wagons, which ought
to be behind the infantry battle line to protect it. If they still cannot hold out,
they should dismount and defend themselves on foot.
44 If the army wants to draw up for battle, but not engage in fighting that
day, and the enemy charges against our cavalry, and they cannot hold them off,
they should not wait for them in their position on the horns of the battle line,
but rather ride in behind the infantry, that is, between the line and the wagons.
If this happens, there will be a need for more room in that middle area so that
the cavalry may not be forced into a narrow space, which is possible, and be
injured by the enemy's arrows.
45. These things occur especially in time of battle; it is with this in mind that
we devote time to drilling.
46. Now that we have covered these arrangements, it is fitting for us to explain and make clear to you the formations and the commands for the infantry
units, as <we did> for the cavalry.
47 When the various divisions are lined up and the units of the army get
into position for their drills, the herald gives the following commands. "In silence, everyone observe the commands. Do not be confused. Stay in your
130
Constitution 7
btaKOAou8~aa-r. !lflOeL<; acp~an TO ~avoov Kal LOU<; ex8pou<; oub~aTE." Kal

-rou-rwv elpfl!lvwv KLvoum npaw<; -rE Kai ~auxw<;, wa-re 1111o '!'L8upLa!lov yiv33o
wem napa nvo<;.

48. 'E81<ea8m o au-rou<; npo<; -rau-ra cpwvft ~ VEU!lan, OLU afl!lelOU TLVO<;, olov
KLvdv Kai '(a-raaem. A.emuvea8m ~youv !1EP1<w8m -ro ~a8o<; n'ilv aKLwv, nepma-rE"iv 'law<; Kai auVTETaY!lEVW<; ni aTO!-La ~youv en' eu8da<;. Kai KUTU noLKLAOU<;
-rp6nou<; Kai OLacp6pou<; nuKvoua8m ~-roL acpiyyw8m Ka-ra ~a8o<; Kal !l~Ko<;.
335
cpouAK4J nepma-rdv. au!l~UAAELV W<; tv -ra~EL !lCtXfl<; !lELCt ax~!laTO<;, no-r !lfV
!lETU ~epy(wv, no-r o !lElCt YD!lVWV ana81wv.
49 fu!lva<ea8m o Kai ou-rw<; I !1EPt<ea8m npo<; OLcpaA.ayy(av Kai naALV 306'
anoKa8(a-raa8m. OE~l(~ Kai apLaTEpq KA(vw8m Kai nepma-rdv ent KEpa<; ~youv
-ro OE~Lov 11po<;. npoayeLV e11npoa8ev KatnaA.Lv anoKa81a-raa8m. cpuA.anw8m

34o
a!l<pLaT6f.LW<; Ka-rpw8ev Kat naALV anoKa8(a-raa8m. f.LETU-rl8ea8m OE~Lq Kat

apLaLEpq. apaLOua8m Kat nA.a-ruvw8m. <~aeuvea8m> ~TOL omA.ouaem TO
~a8o<; -rwv aKLwv. f.LETa~aA.A.eaem Ka-ra vw-rou KatnaA.Lv anoKa81a-raa8m.

so. flvov-rm 0 -ra ax~flaTa -rav-ra OLCt -ra<; 0Lacp6pou<; avaKumouaa<; ai-r(a<;
cpwvft -ro(vuv ~ VEUf.Lan, OLU aflf.LELOU nv6<;, KLVOUOL Kat [a-rav-rm. OTE o 8AEL
345
KLV~<JUL, Gflf.LaLVEL ~ ~OUKLV4J ~ -rft Taup<;t 6 Kaf.L1tLOOUKTWp ~ Tft cpwvft, Kat

KLVOUOLV. Ei 0 a-r~aaL 8AEL, ~ Tft TOU~<;t, 0 an !lLKpOV ~OUKLVOV, ~ Tft cpwvft ~
VEU!lan T~<; xnp6<;, Kat l<JTaVTUL. OLU o TOUTO cpwvft Kat <JTjf.La<Jt<;t 81<ecr8m
avayKa16v f<JTL OLU TOV TOU apf.LaTO<; 86pu~ov ~ KOVLOp-rov ~ Of.LLXAflV myLV0-
350
!1EVTJV.
51. AE7tLUVOVTUL ~TOL f.LEpt<ov-rm ai CtKlaL o-r' av
ano
L<;' avopwv TO ~a8o<;
au-rwv tan Kat 8AEL<; f.LUAAOV TO f.L~KO<; TWV napa-ra~EWV fKTElVUL OLU KOf.LnOV ~
OLU TO iawe~vm -rft TWV evav-r(wv napa-ra~EL Kat napayyeAAEL
"<ano
OKTW>
e~EA8e." Kat ~pxov-rm et<; nap' eva f.LEPL<Of.LEVOL, Kat AE1tlUVETUL !lfv TO ~a8o<;
328 Kal 1 otw~m:e MW om. AVBE
329 Ktvoum A VBE Ktv~crovm MW 329-330 yivw8m MWVBE yevecr8at A 331 a\rrouc; MW au-roue; oeov AVBE 335 <pouA.Kw AVBE
<pouA.Kwv MW I crvf!~<iAA.m ... crx~flaTo<; MW ~youv -roue; 6nicrw crKenov-rac; -rae; -rwv
i:'f!npocr8ev KE<paA.ac; -role; crKov-rapiot<; Kal olovel Kepaf!w8ev-rac; nepma-relv AVBE 337 KaV
MWA om. VBE 341 ~a8uvecr8at Strat. nA.a-ruvw8m W om. MA VBE I omA.oucr8at AVBE
otanA.oucrem MW 342 KaTCt VWTOV MW (micrw AVBE 343 ota<p6povc; MW A cSta<p6pwc;
VBE 344 Ktvoum MA VBE Ktvoucrtv W 345 -ravpea Va -ravpia MW craA.myyt AVBE
347 LOTUVTat MWA LOTaTat VBE I o TOUTO MW trsp. AVBE I OllflUOta MW OllflelW AVBE
348 tcr-rt MAVBE tcrnv W I -rov ... iipf!aTo<; MW TE -rov KTUTiov -rwv <'tpf!UTWV AVBE I~~ MW
Kal TOV AVBE 348-349 ~ 2 emytVOf!EVI]V MW ~ KUL T~V emytVOf!EVI]V OfllXAI]V AVBE
351 ton M tcr-rtv WA ~ VBE I ota KOf!TIOV MW ~ cSta <pav-racr(av AVBE 352 napa-ra~et
AVBE TU~El MW I ano OKTW Va om. codd.
131
position. Follow after the standard. Let nobody leave the standard and pursue
the enemY:' When this has been said, they move at a steady pace and in silence,
without anyone even whispering.
48. They should become accustomed to these movements so that at a spoken
command, a nod, or some other signal, they march or halt, reduce or divide the
depth of the files, march evenly and in good order out in front or in a straight
line, and in a great variety of ways thicken or tighten ranks according to depth
and width. March in a foulkon. In battle formation engage in a mock battle,
sometimes using staffs and sometimes unsharpened swords.
49 Drill them also in this way. Divide into a double phalanx and then
resume normal formation. Face to the right and to the left. March to the flank,
that is, to the section on the right. Advance in front and again back to their
original position. Defend on a double front from both sides and then return to
their original position. Change front to the right and to the left, open files and
extend the formation, deepen or double the depths of the files, change their
front to the rear and then back again.
50. These maneuvers are set in motion by various means as they present
themselves. At a spoken command, a gesture, or some other signal the troops
march or halt. When he wants them to march, the field guide signals by
trumpet, horn, or voice, and they march. If he wants them to halt, then by tuba,
which is a small trumpet, by voice, or by a hand gesture, and they halt. to It is
essential that the troops become accustomed to these commands by voice or
signal because of the confusion caused by the clash of arms, the dust, or the fog
settling in.
51. The files may be thinned or divided when they are sixteen men deep and
you want rather to extend the width of the battle line to make it look more
impressive or to make it equal to the enemy line. Give the command: "March
out <by eights>:' They divide up with every other man stepping out of line, and
10. In Classical as well as Byzantine Greek, the word for trumpet was craA.my~. In the
Taktika, however, the common term is boukinon (Latin, bucina), which came in several sizes
(supra, Const. 5 4), was spiral in shape, and was sounded to begin marching. The small
boukinon, also known as tuba, gave the signal to halt; this too came in various sizes and
shapes; The Oxford Latin Dictionary defines it as a trumpet with a straight tube. Another type
ofboukinon was the taurea (Lat. cornu). See also Vegetius, Epitoma rei militaris, 3-5 A "count
of the trumpets" (KOfll]<; -rwv ~ovKivwv) is listed in CampOrg, 1.120. Cf. N. Maliaras, "Die
Musikinstrumente des byzantinischen Heers vom 6. bis zum 12. Jahrhundert;' JOB 51 (2001):
94-95
132
Constitution 7
nilv QKLWV, rrpom[8nm 0 n) fl~KO<; T~<; rrapma~W<;, Kal yivnm TO ~a8o<; cmo
355
r( i o 8Al arro -rwaapwv, rraALV A.eyet e~A8. Kal i#pxovTUL OflOLW<; rravT<;
d<; EV flEpo<;, 0~L<';i ~ apta-rep<';i. TOUTO o xrLa rrapaq>UAUTTLV, Iva rravT<; i<; EV
f1po<; Kal iapxov-rat Kal ~pxov-rat.
52. TiepmaTciV '(aw<; Kal OUVTTUYflEVW<; o-r' UV TLV<; T~<; rrapaTa~W<; TrpOKU'JIWaL
360
Kal av(aw<; rrepmaTOUat, Kal rrapayyeAAL '(aov TO flETWTrOV, Kal iaoiiTm TO
flETWTrOV.
53 TIUKVOUVTUL fjyouv a<ptyyovTUL, o-r' UV W<; UTrO
W~ y' aaytTTO~OAWV T~<;
TWV ex8pwv rrapa-ra~W<; yivnm ~flWV ~ rrapa-ra~t<; Kat flEAAn 0Ufl~UAALV.

rrapayyA.Aet "(eu~ov." Kal rruKVOUflVOL mpiyyov-rm rrpo<; -rov f1aov -r6rrov
KaTa ~a8o<; Kal fl~Ko<; -roaou-rov, Iva oi flEV Eflrrpoa8ev -rnawevot Kal EK rrA.ay[ou i<; Ta lipflaTU UAA~AOL<; yyi(watv, oi o omaeev KaTa VWTOU a.n~A.ot<;
warrep KKOAAfJVTUl. TOUTO 0 TO ax~fla yivwem MvaTUL Kal rrepmaTOUOfJ<; Kat
[OTUflEVfJ<; T~<; rrapa-ra~W<;. I XP~ o TOU<; oupayou<; rrapayyA.Aw8m Kal EK TWV
oma8ev rrpow81v Kat arrop8ouv aU-rou<; l<; T~V xrLav Iva fl~ vaTrOflEVWOl
TLV<;, W<; iK6<;, OelALWVT<;.
54 <l:>oUAKqJ 0 rrepmaT1V Aynm oT' av yyt(ouawv TWV rrapaTa~WV, T~<;
370
T ~flHEpa<; Kat Tf)<; TWV vavTLWV, flEAAn apxea8m ~ TO~ia y[vea8m Kat OU
<popoumv oi v
<4>
flHWrrq> -rnawevot (a~a<; fjmt A.wpiKta. Kal rrapayyA.Aet
"rruKvwaov." Kal -rwv l::flrrpoa8ev KaTa -ro flETwrrov -re-rayflvwv rruKvouv-rwv -ra
aKou-rapta au-rwv flEXPL -rou yyi(etv aA.A.~A.ot<;, KaTaaKerrov-re<; rrpoarrerrA.aa375 flEVW<; -ra<; yaa-rpa<; au-rwv flEXPL T~<; KV~flfJ<; fjyouv -rou A.eyof1vou aKA.ou<;, oi
rrapeaTWT<; aUTOL<; omaeev imepavexovT<; Ta OKOUTapta aUTWV Kal avarrauov-
355 r)' MWVBE OKTW A
6eAEl MAYBE 6EAI"J
358-359 npoKUI\'Wat MVBE npoKVI\'WOlV WA
w I
Teaa6.pwv MWA
o'
VBE
359 nepmmoum M nepmmoumv W
nepmanl!mv A nepmaTwm VBE 361 ~youv MA VBE ~Tot W I WMWVBE .SUo A I y'
MWVBE Tptwv A I aaytTTo~6A.wv MW AVE om. B I T~<; W A VBE om. M 362 yivemt
MWB yevfJTal AVE I ~f1WV MWB trsp. AVE I OUf1~6.AA.m MW A OUf1~6.AA.et VBE
363 napayyeAA.et AVBE A.eyet M om. W I <eu~ov MW a<piy~ov A VBE 366 KKOAAfJVTm
MW KoHwvmt A VBE I yivea6m ouvmm MW A trsp. VBE 367 Kat MW A om. VBE
368 vaT!Of1Evwa[ MW vaT!Of1elVWat A cmof1dvwat VBE 371 ~fleTEpa<; MWAB ~f1pa<;
VE I iipxea6m WA pxea6m M cmepxea6m VBE 372 cpopoumv MWA cpopwmv VBE
373 l:f1npoa6ev MAYBE Ef1Tlpoa6e W I TO MW om. AVBE 374 KaTaaKenovTe<; MW Kat
KmaaKen6vTwv AVBE 374-375 npoanenA.aaf1vw<; MWVE om. AB 375 Ta<; MW Ta<;
TeA VBE I flEXpl ... OKEAOU<; MW Kal Ta aKEAI"J AVBE
133
the depth of the files is reduced, while the width of the battle line is extended
and the depth becomes eight men. If he wants to make it four deep, he again
says: "March out:' In like manner they all march to one side, right or left. This
must be observed to make sure that all march in or out to one side.
52. They should march evenly and in good order. When some men step out
in front of the line and march in an uneven manner, the command is given:
"Straighten out the front:' And the front is made straight.
53 They tighten up or close ranks when our battle line gets to about two or
three bowshots from the enemy's line and is getting set to charge. The command
is: "Close ranks:' Joining together, they close in toward the center, keeping their
depth and width such that the weapons of the men lined up in front are almost
touching those of the men next to them, and the men behind them to the rear
are almost glued to one another. This maneuver may be carried out while the
battle line is on the march or when it is standing in place. The file closers must
be ordered to push forward the men in the rear and to straighten their line
when necessary, so they will not, as may be likely, hesitate or act in a cowardly
manner.
54. They are said to march in a foulkon when the two lines, ours and the enemy's, are getting close and the archers are about to open fire and the front-rank
men are not wearing coats of mail or body armor. The command is: "Close
ranks:' The men in the front ranks close in on one another until their shields are
almost touching, completely covering their midsections down to their shins,
also called the shank. The men standing behind them hold their shields above
their heads and resting them on those of the men in front, they cover their
breasts and faces and in this way engage in battle.
55 When ranks have been properly closed and the line is about one bowshot
from the enemy and fighting is definitely just about to begin, the command is
given: "Ready:' Right after this another officer shouts: "Help <us>:' Everyone
responds clearly and in unison: "0 God:' The light-armed troops start shooting
their arro~s overhead. As the enemy advance even closer, the heavy infantry,
drawn up m the front line, if they have lead darts, axes, or missile weapons, they
throw them all at once. Otherwise they wait until the enemy gets close, then
they ~~rl t~eir lances or javelins, grasp their swords, and fight in good order,
remammg m position and not pursuing the enemy if they happen to fall back
before them. The men stationed behind them cover their heads with their
shields and with their lances support those in front of them.
56. It is essential for the men drawn up in the first line to keep themselves
sa~e and protected until they come to grips with the enemy. Otherwise they
might be shot down by them, especially if they are not wearing body armor or
greaves.
~7 They are divided into a double phalanx when the battle line is advancing
straight ahead and hostile forces appear both in front and to the rear. Assuming
that the files are composed of sixteen men, if the enemy force approaching from
the front has gotten close and is about to begin fighting up close, give the command: "By eight. Split up:' Eight men take their position in a double phalanx.
The other eight, facing and marching about, are divided into a double phalanx.
If they stand at eight deep or four deep, the command is: "Stand firm. Seconds
-r<.; ic; -roue; l:f1rcpoa8v axercoum -ra a-r~811 xal -rae; o1jiL<.; a\nwv xal oihwc;
<JUf.l~UAAOU<JlV.
55 'D-r' av 8 rcuxvw8laa xal ~ rcapa-ra~tc; xa-ra .A6yov arro voc; aaytno-
380
~6.Aou
yv111"Ul 1"WV TIOAf.llWV Kal f1EAAl rcav-rwc;
~ <JUf.l~OA~
rcapayye.AAL "1"0lf10l." xal a.A.Aou 8ta8xof1EVOU xal xpa(ov-roc;
<JUVUTI1"<J8at,
"~o~8L." xal
TI<lVTWV cmoKptVOf.lEVWV '(awe; xal <JUf.lq>WVW<.; "6 86<.;." oi f.lfV 1j!LAOL 1"0~UOU<JlV
U1ji11A01"Epwc;, oi 8 <JKOU1"(ll0l, oi ic; 1"0 f.lE1"WTIOV 1"LUYf1EVOl,
yVOf.lEVWV TWV TIOAf.llWV, d f.lfV exwm f.laT(OUKta
385
Uf.la pimoumv aU-ra, d 8
~ -r(tKODpta ~
en
tyyu-rtpw
f>LK1"Ctpta, de; 1"0
!l~y, aVaf1EVOV1"<.; f.lEXpl<.; ou tyyuc; e.A8wm, TOLE

tm.Aaf1~UVOV1"at 1"WV <Jrca8iwv
axov-ri(ov-r<.; -ra KOV1"Ctpta fl-rot ptKTCtpta au-rwv,
au-rwv xal f1UXOV1"at UL<lK1"W<.; tv -rft 1"Ct~l au-rwv f1EVOV1"<.; Kal ou xa-ra-rpexovT<.;
we; dx6c;, urroxwpouv-rwv au-role; tx8pwv, oi 8 om<J8V au-rwv E<JLWT<.; -rae;
nov,
au-rwv Kq>a.Aac; <JKETIOVT<.; f.lla 1"WV <JKOUTapiwv au-rwv m~o1180V<Jl -role;

390
ef1Tipo<J8v f.lLa TWV xov-rap(wv.

s6. Xpda 8 E<JTLV a<J<pa.Awc; -roue; de; <TO> f1E1"WTIOV -ra<J<JOf.lEVOU<.; rcpocpu-
!l~ KULa1"0~U
WV1"at UTIO TWV TIOAf.llWV, tav f.lUAl<JLU !l~ exwm (a~a<.; ~ xaA.K6-rou~a.
AUL1"LV au-roue; f.lEXPL<.; ou de; xLpac; EK TOV TIA11<JLOV e.A8w<JLV Iva
57 Mpi(ov-rat rcpo<.; 8tcpaA.ayyiav o-r' av ere' U8iac; TIpma-roD<J11<.; -rf]c;

395
rcapa1"Ct~W<.;
KUL f1Tipo<J8EV KUL OTCL<J8EV q>UVW<JlV TIOAef.llOl. KUL i f.lv UTIO t<;'
av8pwv exoumv ai UKlat, xal flyytaav oi 8t' 01j!EW<.; tpx6f1VOl tx8pol Kal f.lEAAOU<JlV tx -rov rct..11aiov apxw8m -rf]c; f1CtX11c;, rcapayyeHL "arro 11' f1Epia811-re," xal oi
I oi
8 11' a-rpecp6f1EVOt xal xtvof>v-rec; rcpoc;

8tcpaA.ayyiav f1Epi(ovmt. d 8 ~ arco 11' l<JLUV1"at 1"0 ~a8oc; ~ arco 8', rcapayy/..At "8palot a-rf]-r oi 8e\npot xal oi -rf]c; 8tcpaA.ayyiac; ~A.8n." 8'6-rEpot 8
!lev 11' ic; 8tcpa.Aayyiav lamv-rat,

400
13 5
Constitution 7
134
377
TOU~ ltf17tpocr8ev MW TCt TOU ef11tpocr8ev OKOUTUpla A au-ra TCt TWV ltf11tpocr8ev OKOUTUpLa
B -ra -rwv ltf!rrpocr8ev crKouTapw VE 379-380 craymo~6A.ou MWA crayL-ro~6A.ov VBE

380 rravTw~ MWA nanwv VBE 383 en WAVBE eTL oe M 384 exwm MW exoum
AVBE I plKTCtpla Va pfjKTCtpla MW pmcapla AVBE 384-385 ei~ ... Uf!U De d~ TO xaf!al
MW om. A VBE 385 eyyu~ itA.8wcrL M eyyu~ EA.8wmv W EA.8wmv eyyu~ Kal AVBE
386 pLKTapLa Va PflKTapLa MW pmTapLa AVBE 387-388 Kma-rptxone~ -rwv MW

KQTQOLWKOVT~ TOU~ A VBE 388 {moxwpounwv MW imoxwpouv-ra~ AVBE I ex8pwv
MWVBE ex8pou~ A 389 tau-rwv KE(jlUACt~ MWA KE<paACt~ ainwv VBE 391 aac:paA.w~
MW om. AVBE I -ro ci. De om. codd. I -racrcrof!Evou~ MW -racrcrof!vou~ aac:paA.w~ AVBE
391-392 npoc:puA.aneLv au1:ou~ MW trsp. AVBE 394 nepma-rouOT)~ AVBE nepma-rwm
MW 395 c:pavwmv M c:pavwm WAVBE 396 exoumv A exwmv MWVBE I al MWA Kal
VBE 397 T)' MWVBE OKTW A 397-398 Kal...OLc:paA.ayy[av Kal ol f!EV (om. W) T)' (oKTW
A) de; &c:paA.ayy[av MW A om. VBE
o' MWVBE -reaaapwv A
398 T)'2 MWVBE 6KTW A
399 T)' MWVBE OKTW A
400 OLt:paA.ayy[a~ A VBE t:paA.ayy[a~ MW
Constitution 7
136
eimv ol A.ey6flevot naA.m aeKouvoot ~ ma-ra-rat. Kat a-rpecp6flevot ol aeKouvoot,

TOUT' EGTlV, o[ uno TOV OKUPXTJV TETaYflEVOl ~pxovTat OlUGTTjflU Tl axpt
TptaKoa(wv ~TjflUTWV ~TOl GKALGflUTWV,
WaTt:
fl~ ouvaaOat -rae; ~aAAOflEVac;
napa nov f:vav-rlwv aaylnac; EKaTpwOev ~A.ametv muc; VWTouc; TWV CtVTL~A405
n6VTWV, aA.A.' f:v T(i> UKatp4J TOnqJ nlmetv au-rae;. elm napayyUet "unoa-rp\jiaTe." Kat naALV unoatp\jiav-rec;, ei xpela yVTjTat, anoKaOiamvTat KaTa TO
np6Tepov GX~fla.
s8. Ei o, we; eiK6c;, ~ flEl~WV ouvaf1Lc; TWV exOpwv Ota TOU VWTOU ~youv
6ma0ev T~c; napaTa~ewc; epxnm Kat Ufla~at OUK CtKOAouOouatv, o[ aeKOUVOOl
4 1o
~youv ol f:matamt lamv-rm Kat oi nptflOL ~youv oi npw-roataTat, oi Kat A.oxayol,

~pxov-rm.
59 Ta
oe T~c;
OtcpaA.ayylac; ylvetat o-r' av ai Ufla~at OUK CtKOAouOouatv ~
CtKOAouOouaat f:~taaOTjaav uno TWV noAEfllWV. Taumc;
oe XP~ nav-rwc; f:nt nav-
Toc; ~TOlflaGflEVOU ne~LKOU atpatou CtKOAOU0etv, ei fl~ apa Ka~aUaptKoc; a-rpa415
-roc; ~taaOft ne~euam Kat f:v Katp(i> -rotoUT4J ~ Ctfla~wv ~ aAA.Tjc; UATJc; KaTa -rou
VWTOU anopet.
6o. L'le~t(t
oe Kat aptatep(t KAlVOVTat o-r' av f:K nA.aylou eic; v flEpoc; OA.n T~V
napaTa~lV aupat, ~ Ota TO,
we; eiK6c;, EKTLVat T~V napata~LV Kat unepKepaaat
~youv KUKAWGat -roue; exOpouc; ~ fl~ unepKepaaO~vat ~youv KUKAWO~vat nap'

42o
au-rwv ~ 8ta -r6nou f:ntTTJOet6TTJTa ~ ota napaywy~v a-revou -r6nou. Kat ei flEV
oe~t(t 0A.et napayayetv auT~V, napayyUet "f:nt KOVTaptv KALVOV." Kat atp-
<pOVTat nav-rec; oi 6nALTat f:KetOev. <"KtVTjGOV," Kat KLVOUatV ewe; ou xpda.> eha
napayyAA.et "un6a-rpe\jiov." Kat anoKaO[ataVTat. ei
oe apta-rep(t OA.et KALVat,
napayyAA.et "f:nt GKOUTaptv KAtvac; KlVTJGOV." Kal Ta aUa OflOLWc; <pUAUTTOVTat.

MW vuv o AVBE 402 uno MWA ano VBE I OEKapmv MW OEKapxov AVBE I
MW Tnawvot maT<iTm AVBE I OL<iOT!Jf.L<i n Strat. &aaT~f.laTa MW Otaanwa
AVBE 403 ~aAAOf.IEVa~ MW pmTOf.IEVa~ AVBE 404 Toil~ vwTou~ MW Ta~ 'Vila~ AVBE
406 KaTa AVBE d~ MW 408 Ota ... ~youv MW om. AVBE 409-410 Tii~~youv'
MWAVE om. B 409 epxnm AVBE epmmt MW 409-410 oi ... ~youv' MWB om. AVE
2
410 oP MWVBE om. A ltaTUVTUl WAVBE lOTUVTUl o M I o[2 ... ~youv WVBE om. MA I
oP MWAB om. VE I npwTOOTUTUl MW A npWTOOTUTOl VBE I oi Kal A oi o MW Kal VBE
412 Ot<paA.ayy[a~ AVBE <paA.ayyia~ MW I oT' av MWA OT VBE I UKOAouSouatv MWVBE
aKoAouSwmv A 413 aKoA.ouSouam VBE aKoA.ouS~aaam MWA I navTw~ MWA navm~
VBE 415-416 KUTa ... vwTou MW EK Twv 6niaw AVBE 418 ~ ... EKTeivm MWVBE ~ f.l~
A I T~v napam~tv MW auT~v AVBE 420 napaywy~v MW A napaywyii~ VBE
421 KOVTCtplv
MW KOVTCtplOV AVBE 422 KLV!]OOV ... xpeia Strat. om. codd.
423-424 un6aTpe'!'OV ... napayyAA.et MWA VE om. B 424 aKOUTaptv Va KOVT<iptv MW
OKOUTCtplOV AVBE I <pUAUTTOVTUl MW AVE q>UAUTTOVTU B
401 ~
Tnawvot
137
men in the double phalanx, march out:' The seconds were formerly called
or epistatai. The sekoundoi, that is, those drawn up under the
d~karch, face about and march out a distance up to three hundred paces or feet,
that the arrows fired by the enemy from both sides will not cause harm to the
ftl<lf of those confronting them, but will fall in the clear space <between them>.
111!11 give the command: "Turn around:' Again, turning around, if the need
they return to their previous formation.
)8. If, as is likely, a larger hostile force approaches the rear of our line and
wagons are not following along, the sekoundoi, that is, the epistatai, halt and
primoi, that is, the protostatai, also called group leaders, march out.
59 Adopt the double-phalanx formation when the wagons are not following
or if they were following and came under attack by the enemy. It is always
necessary for them to follow after every well-prepared infantry army unless
perhaps a cavalry army should be forced to go on foot at a time when they are
deprived of wagons or other supplies to their rear.
6o. They face to the right or to the left when the commander wishes to move
the battle line from the flank to one side, either, as would be likely, to extend the
line and outflank or encircle the enemy or to avoid being outflanked or
encircled by them, or for a more favorable location or for passing through a
narrow space. If he wants to lead it to the right, he orders: "To the lance. Face:'
The heavy-armed troops all turn away from that direction. <"Move:' And they
move to the designated place.> He then commands: "Turn back:' And they
return to their original position. If he wants them to face to the left, he
commands: "To the shield. Face. Move:' And the rest is observed as above.
il~koundoi
138
425
Constitution 7
139
61. Afl<pLO"lOf.lO<; Oi; KLVfjaL<; ()-r' av TWV exepwv, W<; iK6<;, ii<pvw yupw6vTWV
61. The two-faced maneuver <is called for> in case the enemy suddenly
Ef11tpoaeev Kal omaeev !l~ <p0cwn npo<; Ot<paA.ayy(av f.leptae~vm ~ napa-ra~L<;.
drcles around both front and rear before our battle line has time to divide into
the double phalanx. The command is given: "Keep to the formation of the files:'
Half of the troops stand fast to meet the enemy attacking from the front. The
(lther half turns about to the rear. The middle ranks remain in place covering
their heads evenly with their shields.
62. They change front to the right or to the left when you want to transfer
the battle line to the right or to the left in order to meet some necessity that may
arise. The command is: "Transfer to the right:' Or again: "Transfer to the left:'
By one tagma at a time changing front, the whole line is quickly transferred to
that place.
63. The line can be made more open or extended. When the men are in close
order and, as is likely, you want to divide or thin out the files and extend the
width of the battle line or to give it more slack, give the command: "Extend both
sides:' And they extend <the line>. This formation may be practiced while the
line, whether it be a single meros or the whole line, is marching or has come to a
halt, with both flanks heading to the outside.
64. The depth of the files may be increased or doubled. Assume that the
troops are standing four deep and you want to double that to correspond to the
depth of the enemy's line and to make your own stronger for the charge. The
command is: "Enter:' And they become eight deep. If you want to make them
sixteen deep, give the same command: "Enter:' One by one they return to their
own positions and the files are doubled, resuming their original depth of one
unit of sixteen men. If for some reason you want to make the files thirty-two
deep-not a very useful idea-give the command: "File after file:' They are
Kal napayyAA.t:t "-rwv aKtwv -r~v -ra~tv <puAa.~a-rt:." Kal ol ~f.lL<JL<; Ka-ra -rwv
Ef.l1tpoa0v EpXOf.lfVWV L0"1"Ctf.lVOL apf16(oVTal, oi o ~f.ll<Jfl<; enl TOV VWTOV
CtVTtaTpe<pOf.lVOL, I o[ o v Ttp f.lf<J(!l EO"LWT<; TU<; Ke<paACt<; ainwv '(aw<; <JKfTIOUat 3<1~
430 Ota -rwv aKou-rap(wv.
62. Mna-r(0VTUL Oe~Lq. Kal apt<JTep<t 6-r' av ~ Oe~Lq. ~ aptaTepq. eeA.n<; f.lT-
VeyKciV T~V napa-ra~LV, xpLa<;, W<; dK6<;, oihw KaAOU<Jfj<;. Kal napayyAA.L
"f1LU<pepe d<; TCt Oe~La," ~ TIUALV "f.leT<l<pepe d<; TCt aptaTepa." Kal vo<; <vo<;>
-rawa-ro<; 11t:-ranet: 11evou f.lTa<ppTm ~ napa-ra~t<; naaa npo<; -ro f1po<; Kcivo
435 <JUVTOf.lW<;.
63. ApatOUVTUL ~TOL TIAaTUVOVTal 6-r' av 1te1tUKVWf.lVOL elm Kal eA.n<;
f.lepiaat ~TOL A1tTUVUL, W<; eiK6<;, TCt<; aK(a<; Kal EKTLVUL T~V napaTU~LV d<; f.l~KO<;
~ OLCt TO avnw-repou<; au-rou<; yeveaem. Kal napayyeAAL "nAaTUVOV npo<; TCt

Uf.l<pOTepa !lfPTJ" Kal nAaTUVOVTUl. TOlJLO o TO <JX~!la Kal nepmaTOU<JTj<; Kal
440 L<JLaf.lfVTj<;
T~<; napa-ra~W<; ouvaTm yivwem TWV ouo Kepa-rwv nl TCt ~w
veu6v-rwv, t:'iT f.lpo<; v anv d-rc: ~ napa-ra~t<;.

64. BaeuvovTat o ~TOL OlTIAOUVTUl a[ UKLUL 6-r' av f.lEV ano -rwaapwv
Ya-rav-rat Kal eeA.n<; au-ra<; OLJtAW<JaL Kal npo<; <JUf.l~OA~V iaxuponot~<Jm, Ctpf.l0(6vTW<; -r(il ~aea -r~<; napani~ew<; -rwv vav-riwv. KalnapayyAA.a "dat:A.0t:." Kal
445 y(vov-rm OKTW. ei o 0AL<; t<;' not~<Jat, naALV napayyAA.a "dat:A.0e." Kal
L<JPXOf.lVOl ei<; TOU<; io(ou<; -r6nou<; el<; nap' eva OLJtAOUVTUL Kal yivovTUL t<;'
mivTe<; d<; v f1po<; W<; ~~A.eov. d 0 0AL<;, W<; iK6<;, ano
A.W TO ~aeo<; TWV
UKLWV not~<Jm, 6nep OUK an XPLW0e<;, napayyAA.L "6 <JTLXO<; uno TOV mixov,"
425 yupeu6vtwv MW 1!EptKUKAouvtwv AVBE 426 Kal MWA ~ VBE 427 aKt<iiv MW
aKt<iiv ~tot t<iiv A6xwv A VBE 428 <'tpf16~ovtat MW anavt<iiatv AVBE 428-429 oi ...
avncrtpecp6f1EVOt MW om. AVBE 429 raw~ MWA om. VBE I crKenoum MA <JKenoumv
WB <JKemoumv VE 432 outw KUAOU<Jl]~ MW anattOU<Jl]~ A VBE 432-433 nap-
ayyeHEt ... apwtepa MWAVE om. B 433 evo~2 Va om. codd. 435 auvt6f1W~ MWA
auvt6f1W~ of: VBE 436 elm MA dalv W wm VBE 438 avEtwtepou<; Strat. avwtepou<;
codd. 439 Ctf1cp6tepa AVBE Ctfltpl<JtOflU MW 442 ot' av MW A OtE VBE I tE<Jcrapwv
MWA o' VBE 443-444 apflO~OVtW~ MWA apf!O(Of!EV!]~ VBE 444 Kail MW om. A VBE
445 t<;' MWVE OEKae~ A om. B 445-446 not~<Jat ... ioiou~ MWA VE om. B 446 eva
Strat. d<; codd. 447 w~ 1 MWAVE om. B I AW MWVBE tptaKovta ouo A 448 ecrtt
MAVBE ecrttv W
140
Constitution 7
Kat om\ouvmt 611oiw~ Kat paeuvnat !lEV ~ napa-ra~t~, aua-rD.. \nat OE -ro !l~Ko~
6s. Me-rapaHovTat o-r' av en' eu8da~ nepmaTOUO'f]~ T~~ napa-ra~W~ !lfJKETl
65. When the line is marching on straight ahead and the enemy are not yet
Ot' OljiW~ \8watv oi ex8po[, aHa ano oma8ev aUT~~ Kat eav !lEV TO !lETWTIOV
approaching from the front but from the rear, the line may be turned around. If
~TOt rou~ \oxayou~, TOU~ Kat npw-roma-ra~, oma8ev 8\n~ !lTVYKelV ano tc;'
avopwv OVTO~ TOU paeou~, napayyHL "!lnaHa~ov -rov -r6n:ov." Kat OlU TOU
pa8ou~ nov aKtwv n:apepxo!levm oi \oxayot 'La-rav-rat d~ n:apa-ra~tv auvaKo\ou8ouv-rwv aU-rot~ Kat -rwv AOLTIWV Kat !lHaPaAAOVTal, -ro !lETWTIOV ent TOU~
TIOA!ll0U~ TIOLOUV"t~. -roUTO 0 n:po ~~ TIUKVWO'W~ em-rf]OelW~ y[ve-rat. el oe
you want to transfer the front, that is, the group leaders, also called protostatai,
TITIUKVWTat Kat ou O'U!l<p8a(t apatwaat, napayy\\et "llnaaxfJ!lU-rlO'OV." Kat
I KaTU -rou VWTOU ~youv TO 6n[aw

!lEPO~, OUKE-rt TOU \oxayou E!lTipoa8ev euptaKO!lEVOU, aHa TOU E~KatOeKU"tOU
a-rpe<pO!lVot, w~ 'La-rav-rat, av-rtP\n:ouat

460
oupayoi.\.
66. Ai !lfV oiiv YU!lvaa[at aD-rat ouvav-rat ev Katpqi TIOAE!lOU TOV a-rpa-rtW"tf]V
-rot!lOV napaaKUa(LV Kat npo Katpou TIOAE!lOU aveu atO~pou OlU on:\wv
465
doubled in the above manner and the line is deepened while its width is
reduced.
450 aU-r~~
455
141
to the rear, the files still being sixteen men deep, the command is: "Change
place:' The group leaders pass through the depth of the files to the rear and take
their stand in a line, while the rest of the men follow behind them and form a
new front facing the enemy. It is best to do this before they close ranks; but if
they are already closed and there is no time to open them up, the command is
given: ''About face:' Remaining in position they turn around to the rear and,
instead of the group leader, the sixteenth man, the file closer, is now stationed in
front.
66. These exercises, therefore, can be performed in time of war to prepare
the soldier to be ready and before the war begins, without regular iron weapons
-rpwv TWV n:po~ YU!lvaa[av em-rf]OeLWV e81(lV npo~ nav-ra TU ax~llaTa -rwv
but with others suitable for drilling, to accustom <the men> to all the forms of
KlV~O'WV Kat -ra n:apayy\!laTa U<pUW~ Kat aveu -rapax~~ Kat 8poia!lOD Otay[v-
maneuvers and to recognize the commands in an orderly manner and without
w8at, o-r' av !lUAlaTU npo~ aHf]Aa -ra -rawa-ra, Otatp0U!lVa ei~ ouo av-rtnapa-
too much noise or confusion. This is especially the case when the tagmata are
TU~t~, e'i-re Ka8' v -ray11a ehe KaTa n:\e[ova, notehat -r~v yu!lvaa[av.
divided into two battle lines opposed to one another, whether or not the exercise
67. OuK ayvow
oe OTt nep -rot~ apxaiot~ Kat -repa -rtva napaooo-rat n:apay-
involves one tagma by itself or several.
y\!laTa KUt KlV~!la-ra yu!lvaaia~, liHw~ T Kat Apptavqi Kat Ai\tavqi, wan:ep e~
67. I am not unaware that certain other commands and movements for drill
470 vo~ O'TO!lUTO~ nept aU-rwv O!lO<j>WVOUatV. a\A' 'iva !lTJ en:l TIAUTO~ TOO'OUTOV
have been handed down by the ancients, especially by Arrian and Aelian, who
n:apeKTivw -rov \6yov, tv Ke<pa\a(q> 116vov !lV~!lfJV n:apa8~aw EKivwv Kat -roi.\
are in agreement on these matters as though speaking with one voice.t 1 But in
\omoi.\ atWTI~O'O!lat TO n:\f]So~, -ro !lfV Ota T~V ev aU-rot~ aaa<plUV T Kat axpf]-
order not to stretch out the discourse to too great an extent, I shall set forth,
albeit only in summary fashion, what we remember of those authorities, and I
468-494 Aelian., 25-31; 36; 42. Arrian., 3.2.
will pass over most of the rest in silence. One reason is that some of it is not
Kail ... napam~u; MWA VE Kat ~a8ia~

rrepmarou<J!]~ r~~ rrapa-ra~ew~ B I auarA.Ae-raL MW aucr<piyye-rm A cr<piyye-rm VBE
2
452 aA.Aa Ct1!0 MW aA.A' EK TWV AVBE I f!EV MW f!EVTOL AVBE 453 TOU~ MWA om.
VBE 456 rwv MWA rwv -rwv VBE 45 7 npo ... yivemL MW A euK6Aw~ yivnm npo -rou
JTUKVWO~vm T~V rrapam~LV VBE 458 0Uf!<p8U~El MW Mvavml A OUVUTUL VBE I apaLW<JUl
Strat. Upf!OGUL MW E~EAL~Ul A VBE 459 avn~Atrroum MVBE avn~AE1!0U<JLV WA I KUTU ...
fjyouv MW ei~ A npo~ VBE 460 t~KatOEKa-rou MW om. AVBE 462 au-rat MWA au-rwv
VBE I rov WA VBE om. M 464 8i~e1v MWA pe8[~nv VBE 465 Kal OpoLGf!OU M om.
1
AVBE diff. lectu W 466 ra MA om. VBE diff. lectu W I Mo MWAB WVE 467 eh
MWA et TL VBE 468 rrep MW om. AVBE 469 aAA.w~ Va aA.AOL~ codd. 470 Of!O<pwvoumv MWAVE Of!O<pavoumv B 471 -rov MW -rov rrapov-ra AVBE 471-474 -rou ...
elp!]f!EVU MW yap TU JTAelOVU Kal XP'l<JlflO.>TEpa av8oAOYfl<JCtflEVOl (av80f!OAOY!]GUflEVOl
449 om\ouvrat MWA \mruvovrm VBE
VBE) vmU8a eip~KUf!EV AVBE
11.
Cf. Aelian, 25-31; 36; 42; Arrian, 32.
142
475
480
485
490
Constitution 7
ar[av, TO o Kat OLU TO EK10V 6.vaAT]<p0~vm wanp 6.v0oA.oyT]0v-ra TU nap'

~f.LWV vTaii0a dpT]f.LEVa f.LET<l T~-; Twv vwTpwv otO. nipa-; vpaw-;, Kat \'va f.L~
6.nnp6KaAOL 06~wf.LV dvm Kat OUTpoA.oyiv O.aa<pw-; v-raii0a Ta ~OT] aa<pT]vta0vTa.
68. TiapO. yap AiALaV{il A.yovTm OVOf.laTa Kat KlV~OL-; au-raL ~ f!Ev KAtat-;
KaAOUf.LEVT], T~V o KALOLV d-; Mo Olatp1 Kat T~V f.LEV nl O.an[oa Kat auTo-; KALOLV
AEYL ~youv nt OKOUTCtplV, T~V OE nt oopu ~youv nl KOVTCtplV. fOTl 0 n-;
KLVT]at-; Kat nap' auT(il Kat f.LETa~OA~ Kat ma-rpo<p~ Kat avaaTpo<p~ Kat npl07ta0f.LO-; Kal Knptanaaf.Lo-; Kal <uyeiv Kal aTOLX1v Kat d-; 6p0ov O.noooiivm Kal
~Aiaanv Kal omAama<nv. A.ynm 0 Kal naywy~ Kat &~ta napaywy~ Kal
euwvuf.Lo-; rcapaywy~ Kal rcA.ayia <paA.ay~ Kal 6p0ia <paA.ay~ Kal A.o~~ <paA.ay~ Kal
rcapef.L~OA~ Kat np6a-ra~L-; Kat fVTa~L-; Kat tm6Ta~L-; Kat n[Ta~L-; Kat npoavta~L-;
Kal rcapv-ra~t-;.
69. Ai f.LEV ouv OVOf.Laaim TWV KlV~OWV ToaaiiTm, TU o rcapayyAf.LaTa
oihw-; "iiy ei-; Ta orcA.a. rcapaa-rT]T napa TO. orcA.a. <6> 6rcA.o<p6po-; f.L~ O.niTw
T~-; <paA.ayyo-;. 6 aKwo<p6po-; O.rcoxwpdTw T~-; <paA.ayyo-;. aiya Kal rcp6aX T(il
rcapayyeAA.of.Lv<.p. iivw Ta 06pa-ra. Ka0-; Ta 06pa-ra. 6 oupayo-; Tov Mxov
6.rceu0uvTw. T~pL TO. otaaT~f.LaTa. I ret 06pu KA1vov. rcl O.arcioa KA1vov. rcp6ay.
ex' oi\-rw-;. ei<:; 6p0ov 6.rc6oo-;. TO ~a0o-; OLTIAaaia<, UTCOKaTaOTT]OOV. TOV
AaKWVa ~ALOO, <anoKaTUOTT]OOV>. rcl TO o6pu EKTCepiarca, O.noKaTCtaTT]OOV."
o.no. TaUTa OlCt T TO O.aa<p-; Kal T~V axpTJaTlaV Tw-; rcapdOOf.LEV, TOU
auvT6f.LOU Kal aa<poii-; f.LUALaTa <ppovTi<ovT-;.
143
dear or is not useful; another is that what we have taken up from those sources
been gathered into what we have said here, along with what we have derived
ft'om the experience of more recent authorities, and that we might not seem
ll>olish repeating here in an unclear way what has already been made clear.
68. Aelian speaks of the following terms and movements. There is the one
~!illed turning toward, which he divides into two turnings: he speaks of the
turning toward the shield, that is, the large shield. The other is toward the spear,
that is, the lance. He also gives names to certain movements. Wheeling about,
turning about, turning back, wheeling around, turning out, join, line up, turn
back to the front, march out, double up. He also speaks of march in sequence,
to the right, pass to the left, broad phalanx, straight phalanx, slanted
phalanx, parembole, prostaxis, entaxis, hypotaxis, epitaxis, prosentaxis, parentaxis.
69. All the above are the names for the movements. The commands are the
ftlllowing. "Go to the weapons. Stand by the weapons. Let the weapon bearer not
depart from the phalanx. Let the skeuophoros remove himself from the phalanx.
Be silent and pay attention to the orders. Raise your spears. Lower your spears.
Let the file closer straighten out the file. Observe the intervals. Turn toward the
!!pear. Turn toward the shield. Advance. Stay as you are. Go back to the front.
Double your depth. Go back to your original position. March out in the Laconian manner. 12 Execute this maneuver toward the spear. Go back to your original
position:' But we are passing over these because they are not clear or useful
today, particularly when our aim is to be brief and clear.
WVBE I Kal2 ... KA.imv 2

MWA TO VBE I aKouTaptv MW <JKOUTaptov AVBE I KOVTaptv
474-476 KaL.aa<pf]Vtcreev-ra MW om. AVBE
478 Mo MWA
MW trsp. AVBE 479 btl'

MW KovTapwv AVBE I eaTL MAVBE anv W 480 Kal' MW om. AVBE 481 ei~ opeov
AVBE btop8ov MW 483 EUWVUflO~ AB e~WVUflO~ VE om. MW I <paA.ay~' MWA <paA.a~ VE
<puA.a~ B I op8ia <paA.ay~ MW ope~ <paA.ay~ A ope~ <paA.a~ VBE I <paA.ay~' MW A <paA.a~ VBE
484 Kal rrp6am~L~ WB rrp6Ta~L~ M om. VE I rrpoaevm~t~ Va rrp6am~t~ codd.
485 rrapevm~l~ Va rrapam~l~ codd. 487 orrA.a I MWA orrA.a rrapaTaaae TU orrA.a VBE I 6
Va om. codd. 488 6 ... <paA.ayyo~2 AVBE om. MW I Kal MW om. AVBE
489 rrapayyeA.A.of!EVW MWA rrapayyeA.f!EVw VBE I Kaee~ MWVE KUTW AB I 6 AVBE om.
MW I A.Oxov MWA A.Oyov VBE 491 ex' Va ex Aelian. exe codd. I CtltOKUTCt<JTTj<JOV MW A
CtltOKCt<JTTj<JOV VBE 491-492 TOV ... Ct1tOKUTCt<JTTj<JOV 2 MWAVE om. B 492 e~eA.taae VBE
1
E~EAl<J<J TOV xopeiov e~eA.taae TOV f!UKel56va i#A.taae A om. MW I Ct1tOKUTCt<JTTj<JOV Va om.
codd. I TO MW om. AVBE I arroKaTa<JTf]<JOV2 MWAB arroKa<JTf]<JOV VE 493 T~v
axpf]<JTiav MW TO UXPTJ<JTOV AVBE
12. The Laconian countermarch is made by file when the rear guard of one of the end files
marches out along the rear and is followed by the man who had been in front of him. Cf.
Asclepiodotus, 10.14; AnonStrat, 24.
144
495
Constitution 7
70. Ta f.!EV ouv nEpl yuf.!vaa[a~ ~f.llv npoEtpT]flva nE(tK~~ TE Kal inmK~~ T~~
TE KaO'
eva
O'Tpami>TT]V Kal T~~ KUTQ niyf.la Kal napaTa~El~ w~
apK01JVTW~ EXEL. <lpf.!OOLW~
tv
tmTOfl(JJ
o T(il nap6VTl CJ'UVTUYf.laTL Kal TQ TOL~ UflapTavoum
mpanwTat~ tmTLflla tvTa~m, 'Iva ytVWCJ'KWCJ'lV aina Kal fl~, ayvoouvTE~, tf.!TIL-
mwm Tal~ tv UlJTOL~ KElf.lfVat~ Tlf.!Wplat~.
I T~<; AVBE T<iiv MW

MWA om. VBE 498-499 Ef1TCimwm MAVBE
495 TCepl... TCpoELpf)flEVa MW elpf)flEVa ~fltV m:pl yuflvaaiac:; AVBE

496 T~<; Va T<iiv MW om. AVBE
EflTCLTCTOUO'l w
I f.v
499 UlJTOt<; MW UUTUt<; AVBE
145
70. Now therefore, these comments of ours concerning the drilling of the
lnfnntry and the cavalry, the individual soldier, the individual tagma, and the
whole battle line, must suffice for a summary presentation. It is appropriate to
filllow the present constitution with a list of punishments for errant soldiers, so
may know them and not, because of ignorance, be subject to the punishtnents prescribed for them.
1.
ITOAEMIKON ITAPAIKEYON L1IATA3II H'
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION VIII
llepl a-rpanWTLKWV mrq1tWV
About Military Punishments
tl1 OUV ou !lOVOY f.y Katp<'iJ T<iiY CtAfl8WY ayWYWY, aAJ..a Kat f.y T(iJ Katp<'iJ
T~<.; YD!lYaa[a<.; OUYflY!lfvWY amlYTWY TWY n: apxoYTWY Kal TWY a-rpaTlWTlKWY

TawcnwY
npoaKaA.La8m miYTU<.; Kal imayaytYWOKtY ai>Toi<.; Ta LPfl!lYa
5
YO!ll!la OTpaTlWTLKa emTL!lla, exoYTU oihw<.;.
2. 'EaY a-rpaTtWTfl<.; T(iJ io[q> nYn1pxn ~ TETpapxn yaynw8ft, awcppoYt(a8w.
d Of. Tnpapxfl<.; ~ nYTUPXfl<.; T(iJ io[q> OeKapxq>, 6!lo[w<.; awcppoYt(a8w. i Of.
oKapxo<.; T(iJ KYTUPX'P> O!lOLW<.;. d 0 Tl<.; TWY mu TUY!laTO<.; TOA!l~Ol Toi)To
10 not~aat ei<.; TOY eat>TOU KO!lflTU, KE<paAtKft Tl!lWPL~ imoKdaew.
3 Ei !lYTOL UOLKfl8ft napa TLYO<.;, T(iJ apxoYTl TOU TUY!laTO<.; npoaA.8n d o
napa TOU apxoYTO<.; auTOU UOLKfl8fi, T(iJ !lEl(OYl apxoYTl npoaA.8n.
4 'EaY Tl<.; TOA!l~an ~ayeuaat imep TOY XPOYOY TOU K0!1UTOU ~youv T~<.;
anoMaew<.; TWY a-rpanwTWY ei<.; Tou<.; io[ou<.; o'lKou<.;, ei<.; OLflYEK~ m~aT[wya
15
20
KaTaKpt8fi.
5 Ei o TlY<.; TOA!l~OWat OUYW!lOO[ay ~ <ppaTp[ay KaTa TOU apxoYTO<.; TOU
io[ou not~aat imep oiaao~noT aiT[a<.;, KE<paAtKfi Tl!lWPL~ uno~Afl8Wat, KaTe~a[
pnoY Ol npWTOl T~<.; OUYW!lOOLU<.; ~ T~<.; OTUOW<.; yeYO!lYOl.
6. E'( Tt<.; napacpuA.aK~Y n6A.ew<.; ~ KaaTpou maTeu8d<.;, Tof>To npoowaet ~
napa yYW!lflY TOU apxoYTO<.; UUTOU EKt8Y UYUXWP~Oel, eaxaTn Tl!lWPL~ uno~Afl8~aTat.
1. Not only in time of actual combat but also in time of training, when all
the officers and their military units have been assembled, it is necessary to
address all of them and, in a loud voice, read to them in detail the military
punishments decreed by law, as follows.'
2. If a soldier disobeys his own pentarch or tetrarch, let him be punished. If
a tetrarch or pentarch disobeys his dekarch, let him likewise be punished. In like
manner a dekarch who disobeys his kentarch. If anyone of the men in the tagma
shall dare to do this to his count, he shall undergo capital punishment.
3 If <a soldier> is unjustly treated by anyone, he should appeal to the
commanding officer of the tagma, but if unjustly treated by that officer himself,
he should appeal to a superior officer.
4 If anyone should presume to stay beyond the time of his furlough, that is,
the dismissal of the soldiers to their own homes, he shall be condemned to
continuous garrison duty.
5. If any soldiers dare, for any reason whatsoever, to enter into a conspiracy
or mutiny against their commanding officer, they shall undergo capital punishment; this applies particularly to the ringleaders of any such conspiracy or
mutiny.
6. If anyone who has been entrusted with the defense of a city or fortress
shall betray the same or shall desert his post against the will of his commanding
officer, he shall undergo the extreme penalty.
M W (mut.) A VB E Va PG 107:764
1-90
Strat., 1.6-8.
no\ef.!LKWV napaaKeuwv M nepl noAEf.!LKwv napaaKeuwv A om. WVBE I &am~L~ 11'

MAVBE om. W 3 ev 1 MW ev -rw AVBE 6 VOf.!Lf.!U MW om. AVBE 7 nev-rapm ...
-re-rpapm MW A nev-rapxw ~ -re-rpapxw VBE 9 oeKapxo~ MWVBE KeKapxo<; A
14 m~a-riwva A m~a-rewva MW m~Lwva VBE 16 oe MW om. AVBE I TOAf.!JlOWOL M
-roAf.!J1awatv W -ro\f.!J1aoumv AVBE I~ cppa-rpiav MW om. AVBE 16-17 iipxov-ro~ ... ioiou
MW trsp. AVBE 17 uno~\118wm MVBE uno~\118wmv WA 19 npoowaet Va napaowaeL
46 (1926): 80-109; E. Korzenszky, Leges poenales militares e codice Laurentiano LXXV
codd.
(Budapest, 1931).
1.
Cf. Strat.
1,
6-8; W. Ashburner, "The Byzantine Mutiny Act;' Journal of Hellenic Studies
148
Constitution 8
7 E'l nc; A.cyxen 8A.~aac; txepoic; au-rov napaoouvm, -rfl eax<'nn TLflwpi<;t
U110~A'18fl, ou flOVOV au-roc;, aAA.a Kat 6 TOUTO (JUVlOWc;, E11l0~ TOUTO yvouc; Tj)
apxovTl OUK Efl~VU<JV.
25
8. E'( nc; UK01J<Jac; Ta flaVOCtTU TOU OKapxou fl~ <puA<i~n. <JW<ppovt~<J8w i oi;
ayvowv TCt flaVOCtTU ma[<Jl, 6 0KUPX'lc; <JW<ppovt~<J8w, E11l0~ ou npo1TIV
auTj).
9 E'( Tlc; aA.oyov (j)ov ~ aAA.o olovo~TIOT dooc; fllKpov ~ flEya cupwv fl~
TOUTO <pavpwan Kat Tj'J apxovTL Tj'J io[q> napaOW<Jl, <JW<ppovt~a8w, OU flOVOV
30 au-roc;, aAA.a Kat 6 <JUVl0Wc; auTj), we; KAETtTUl Ufl<jlOTpot.
10. E'( nc; ~f}fllW<Jl <JUVTA<JT~V Kat fl~ TOUTOV npoatpE<Jl ano8cpa11U<Jat,
Ka-ra -ro omA.amov -r~v ~'lfliav au-r4J anoKamm~at.
11. E'( Ttc; Aafl~UVWV aTtOAU<JlV v UKatp[ac; ~flEpatc; TWV eaUTOU OTIAWV
11pt<ppov~<Jl Kat fl~ TOUTOV 6 OKUPX'lc; avayKaan KT~<Ja<J8at <TUUTa> ~ Kat Tj)
35 io[q> apxovTL TOUTO fl~ <pavcpwan, Kat 6 <JTpanWT'lc; au-roc; Kat 6 OKUpX'lc;
aw<ppovta8wmv.
12. E'( nc; fl~ UTtaKOU<Jn Tj) io[q> apxovTL, <Jw<ppovt~<J8w KUTCt -roue; VOflOU<:;.
13. E'( Ttc; ~'lfllW<Jl <JTpanWT'lV, v omA.ft T[O<JOT'lTl auTj) aTtOKaTa<JT~<J[
6f1o[wc; Kat <JUVTA<JT~v.
40
14. Ei 0 v napaxlflaO[q> E<JTtV 6 <JTpa-roc; ~ KaTa napooov 6 apxwv ~ 6
<JTpaTLWT'l<:; ~'lfllW<Jl <JUVTA<JT~V Kat fl~ TOUTOV 00VTW<:; ano8pa11U<Jl, EV
OlTtAfl 710<JOT'1Tl TOUTO auTj) U710KaTa<JT~<Jl.
15. E'( m; v Katpj'J TtOAEflOU o[xa K0flUTOU ~youv UTIOAU<JWc; TOU <JTpaT'lyou a-rpanw-r'lv anoA.uam TOAfl~<Jt, -rptaKovm VOflL<JflaTwv notv~v ot06-rw v
45 Katpj'J o napaXLflaO[ou OUO ~ Tplc; fl~Vac; TtotdTW EV Katpj} o ip~v'lc; KaTa TO
ota<JTf}fla -r~c; brapxiac; 6 -r~c; anoA.uawc; Kmpoc; -r4J mpanw-rn otooaew.
22 txflpoT~ au-rov MW trsp. AVBE
24 Efl~VUcrev MW A eo~A.waev VBE 25 flUVOCtTa

MW napayyAflaTU A VBE 26 flUVOCtm MW napayyAflaTU AVBE I OeKUPX'l~ MW A
OEKapxo~ VBE 28 aUo MWA VE iiUov B 30 GUVeLOwc; MW cruyyLVWGKWV AVBE
31 npompcreL MW io[a npompcreL AVBE I cmoflepaneiicrm M cmoflepaneucret AVBE
arroSepaTieUGfj w 32 UUTW MW om. AVBE I artOKUTUGT~Gel MW arroOWGel AVBE
33 AUfl~UVWV arr6\umv MW artOAUOf.LeVO~ AVBE I TWV ... OTIAWV MW TU f:aUTOU OTAa
AVBE 34 Taiim Va om. codd. 35 Toii-ro MW om. AVBE I OeK<iPXlJ~ MW OKapxo~
au-rou AVBE 40 ~ M Ka\ WA VBE 41 ad lle6vTw~ scr. mg. rrpmovTw~ W I anoSeparteUGeL MW A anoSeparteUGeleV VBE 43-44 a-rpaTI]YOU Strat. cr-rpaTOU codd.
44 cmoAiicrm TOAf.L~GeL MWA trsp. VBE I TptaKovTa MWA \' VBE I notv~v MW om. AVBE I
0!06-rw MW arram[crflw AVBE 45 ouo ... -rpd~ MWA W ~ y' VBE 45-46 Katb....
errapxia~
MW A om. VBE
Military Punishments
149
7 If anyone be found guilty of wanting to desert to the enemy, he shall undergo the extreme penalty, not only he but also anyone who knew of it, because
knew but did not report it to the commanding officer.
8. If anyone after hearing the orders of his dekarch should not carry them
tlUt, he shall be punished. But if he does not do so out of ignorance of the orders,
dekarch shall be punished for not having informed him beforehand.
9. If anyone finds a stray animal or any other object, small or large, and does
f\Ot report it and turn it over to his commanding officer, he shall be punished,
l'l(Jt only he but anyone who knows about it, as thieves both of them.
10. If anyone causes injury to a taxpayer and refuses to make compensation,
shall make restitution for double the amount of the damage.
11. If anyone is granted a leave during some days ofleisure but pays no heed
to his own weapons and if his dekarch should not force him to hold onto them
or should not report this to his own commanding officer, both the soldier
himself and the dekarch should be punished.
12. If anyone disobeys his own commanding officer, let him be punished
according to the laws.
13. If anyone injures a soldier he shall give restitution for twice the amount,
as in the case of injury to a taxpayer.
14. If the army is in winter quarters or on the march and either an officer or
a soldier shall cause injury to a taxpayer without making proper restitution, he
shall pay him back twice the amount.
15. In time of war, if anyone should presume to release a soldier apart from a
furlough, that is, with the permission of the commanding officer, he shall pay a
fine of thirty nomismata. While in winter quarters he may take <a furlough for>
two or three months. In peacetime the soldier may be granted leave within the
borders of the eparchy.
150
Constitution 8
16. E'( n<; n6A.1v ~ KaaTpov man:ueel~ Ei~ napaqmA.aK~v Tofno npoowae1 ~
xwpl~ avayKT]~ [~ ~w~v GUVT1VOUGT]~ avaxwp~a1, 0UVCtflVO~ TOUTO EKOIK~aat,
50
Ke<paAIKfl TLf.Lwp[q imopantaew.

17 Taum f.LEV Kal ev Kmp(j) YUflVaa[a~ Of.LOU GUVTJYflEVWV nilv aTpaTIWTWV
imavaylvwaKeaew T<l ETCLTlflla Kal ev TepqJ oiqJO~TCOT Kmp(j'J npo<; dOf]atV -rwv
a-rpa1'1W1'WV Kat1'WV apxov1'WV aU1'WV.
18. Ll'[ oe auvmy~vm au-rot~ Kal TU AOL1tU ETCL1'lflla,
LOU TCOAEf.LOU avayKa[w~ <pUAanwem.
55
oaa OEOV ev -r(j'J Kmp(il
19. MLa oi'iv TO -ray~vm TU -rayflaLCt avayiVWGKLCtl Kal-rau-ra oihw<;.
151
16. If anyone who is entrusted with the defense of a city or a fortress should
"WTt~nder
it or evacuate it while still able to defend it, unless compelled by

to life, he shall undergo capital punishment.
17, During the period of training, then, with the soldiers assembled together,
these punishments be read aloud and also at any other time so the soldiers
their officers may come to know them.
t8. 1he other punishments as well must be prescribed for them, all those
they are obligated to observe in time of war.
19. After the tagmata have been drawn up, the following should be read to
20. 'Eav a-rpanW1'f]~ ev Kmp(j) napa-ra~W~ Kal 1tOAEf.LOU -r~v -ra~IV ~ TO

pavoov auLOU
eaan Kal ~ cpuyn ~ TOU -r6nou ev tp -ray'l7tp01tf]O~an ~ GKUAeuan
VKpov ~ i<; emo[w~IV exepwv Ka-raopafln ~ TOUAOqJ ~ cpoaaa-rqJ exepwv eneA.en.

KAU0flV Kal-rlf.LWpdaem al>Tov K<paAIKW~ Kalnav-ra -ra, w~ iK6<;, nap' auTOU
6o
nmp6f.LVa U<pmpdaem Kal -r(j'J KOIVqJ o[ooaem -rou -rawa-ro~, w~ -r~v TCt~IV
napaA.uaav-ra KaLLOL<; Ta[p01<; auLOU empouA.euaav-ra.
21. 'Eav ev Kmp(j) OfJflOa[a<; napaTa~ew<; ~ auflPoA.~~ -rpon~, onep andf],
YEVf]1'Ctl liveu nvo~ UA6you Kal <pavepa~ ah[a<;, KAU0flV TOU~ a-rpanw-ra~
TOU 1tpWTOV <peuyov-ro~ -rayf.La-ro~ Kal avaxwpouv-ro~ T~<; napa-ra~W~ ~1'01 TOU
65
io[ou f.LEpou~ Tou<; Ei<; T~v flCtXTJV -rayev-ra~ anooeKa-rouaem Kal uno Twv A.omwv
-rayf.L<lTwv Ka-ra-ro~euwem, w<; -r~v Ta~1v napaMaav-ra<; Kal ah[ou~ ~~ -rou
navTo~ f.LEpou~ -rpon~<; yevof.Levou<;.
22. Et
oe au!lPfl
nva<; ev auTot<;, w<; iK6~, 1tAT]ya-rou<; ev auTfl-rfl O"uf.LpoA.fi
yeveaem, EKLVOU~ Aw8epou<; -rou 1'0LOULOU eyKA~f.LCtlO~ lVCtl.

70
23. 'Eav pavoou a<pa[peat~ uno exepwv yltvf]-rm, onep cmdf], liveu nvo~
euA.6you Kal cpavepa~ npo<paaew<;, KAUOflV -roil~ T~v <puAaK~v -rou pavcSou
maTeu8ev-ra~ aw<ppov[~wem Kalnav-rAW~ eaxaLOu~ y[vw8m -rwv apXOflEVWV
un' au-rwv Kal UTlf.LOU~. i oe O"UflPfl nva~ au-rwv flaXOf.LEVOU~ yeveaem 1tAT]yet
LOu<;, -rou~ LOtouTou~ A.w8epou<; -rou emnf.L[ou -roU-rou cpuA.anwem.
63 ad aid- des. W (4 foll. desiderantur)
47 rrpoowcret MWA rrapaowcret VBE 48 tmJ-ro MWVBE om. A 50 Kal MWA om. VBE I
Of!Oii MW A Of!Otw<; VBE 51 imavaytvwcrKecrew MWVBE urravaytyvwcrKecrew A
57 t6.crl] MW KUTUALTIT] AVBE 58 tOUAOW MA VBE tOAOW w I tneA8T] MWAVE cmeAe'l B
61 ttaipot<; Va etepot<; codd. 62-63 onep ... ytv11tm MW yevfjtat o f!~ yevotto AVBE
64 npwtov MA npwtou VBE 65 touo:; ... tayevtao:; M tv wet6.yl]crav AVBE 68 tv autoi~
M om. AVBE 68-69 TCAT]y6.touo:; ... yevecrem M tfj <JUf!~OAij TCA'lYfivm AVBE 70 6.rcelfl
Va arcil] M f!~ yevm-ro AVBE 72 rcavteA<ii<; M om. AVBE I tcrxa-rou<; MA eK6.cr-rou<; VBE
73-7 4 yevecr8at TCA'1Y6.tou<; M TCAllYfivm AVBE 74 toutou MVBE om. A
If, during the time when the battle line is being formed and in time of
~vuu;u, a soldier shall abandon his post or his standard and either flee or charge
tmt in front of his assigned place or plunder the dead or race off in pursuit of the
or attack the baggage train or camp of the enemy, we order that he be
!,llecuted and that all the loot he is likely to have taken be confiscated and given
hJ the common fund of his tagma, for he has broken ranks and betrayed his
>'!lmrades.
21. If, during a general action or pitched battle, <some troops>, who had
lined up for battle, should turn back-may this not happen-without a
~ood and manifest cause, we order that the soldiers of the tagma which first
took to flight and withdrew from the line of battle or from their own meros be
down and decimated by the other tagmata, inasmuch as they broke ranks
mKl are to blame for the rout of the entire meros.
22. But if it should happen that some of them were wounded in the battle,
they shall be exempt from such a sentence.
23. If a standard should be captured by the enemy-may this not
happen-without a good and manifest excuse, we order that those charged with
guarding the banner be punished, disgraced, and reduced to the lowest rank
mnong the enlisted men. Any soldier who may happen to have been wounded in
the fighting shall be exempt from such punishment.
20.
1 52
Constitution 8
24. 'Eav <poaacnou OVTO<:; tporr~, om:p am:[f], flEpouc; ~ rrapata~W<:; YEVT]TU!
75
l4 If, when the army is encamped, a meros or a whole battle line should be
~1uted-may
Kai flf]OE rrpoc; OL<pvawpac; rrpoaopUflWaL, flf]OE v aut4J t4J <poaaatq> Kata
<puywat <oi> tp110flVOL, a\.Aa 11pt<ppOVOUVT<:; EV tpq> T0114J rrpoaopUflWOl,
KAU0flV TOU<:; TOUTO rrpattLV TOAflWVta<:; TlflWpdaElat,
we; niiv Eta[pwv 11pt~
<ppov~aavtac;.
so
25. 'Eav atpatLWTTJ<:; ta orrAa autou pf'!'n v rroAtflq>, KAUOflV autov

TlflWpdaElat
we; YUflVWGUVTU EUUTOV Kal TOU<:; xElpouc; 6rrA[aavta.
26. 'Eav TL<:; TWV apx6vtWV rrapfl1100tan atpatLWTT]V ~ E~KOUGUan ~ ~Lil

GUVAEllv v Ttp Katp4J TOU cpoaaaTOU, ~ GUVAEl6vta i<:; OLKiav Kataaxn OOU
A[av, wat T~v ta~tv autou Kata<ppov~aat Kal CtflA~aat TWV orrAwv, rrapKto<:;
85 TWV TTUYflEVWV Ct110 TOU ~flTpou GKptvfou, aw<ppovt(aElw Kai (T]fllOUGElW,

atpatfjyO<:; flEV xpua[ou Attpav a', TOUpflUPXTJ<:; 8 VOfllGflUTU Ac;', opouyyapto<.;
8 VOflLGflUTa Ko', KOflTJ<:; 8 Kal d TL<:; etpoc; VOflLGflata tW.

27. Toaauta Kai 11pl TWV atpaTLWTLKWV ETrLTLfllWV otoptaUflVOL, ~~<:; GO!
orrwc; Kal 6oomoplv oov TOV T KaEl6AOU atpatov KUL flEpoc;

90
ev T tfi ~flTp,1
xwpq. Kal v tfi TWV 110AfllWV Kal flTQ rro[ac; KataataaW<:; ~Of] OLata~OflEla.
75
tpon~ MA VE tp6nov B
I <'meil] Va emil] M f.!~ yvotto AVBE 77 oi ci. De om. cod d.

I E~Koucreucr'l Va E~KoucrEUEL M EK<JKoucreucr'l A
82 napEf.!TIOOl<JI] AVBE naponA.icrl] M
EK<JKoucrcreucrJ] VBE 83 cruveA.8Eiv AVBE EioeA.8Eiv M 84 t~v T<i~Lv M ~~ T<i~Ew~ AVBL

85 tETUYf.!EVwv ... crKptviou M (:motEtaYf.!EVWV Kal cHpopLOf.!EVWV auto1~ AVBE 86 a' M
f.!tav AVBE 87 Sf! MA om. VBE 88 mnf.!iwv MA VE mnf.!ia B I owptcraf.!EVOL MA
owpLOCtf.!EVOL VBE I <JOL MA <JOL Kal VBE 89 post OTIW~ iterantur omnia inde a tocrauw
usque ad finem B
153
this not happen-and if the men should not pull back toward the
or in their rout should not seek refuge within the camp itself but
~li!'eli~Ssily run off in some other direction, we order that those who dare to do
be punished for thinking so little of their comrades.
15. If a soldier throws away his weapons in battle, we order that he be
pt.utished for disarming himself and arming the enemy.
:16. If, when the army is being mustered, one of the officers should put
~D!Ita<:les in the way of a soldier or excuse him from joining in or, having let him
in, retains him for his own service, with the result that he regards his rank
contempt and neglects his weapons, he should be punished. In addition to
has been decreed by our secretariat, he should be fined as follows: for a
&;tmeral one pound of gold, for a tourmarch thirty-six nomismata, for a droun;arios twenty-four nomismata, for a count and anyone else twelve nomismata.
27. So much then about military punishments. Next we will provide you
with regulations about what is required for the entire army or one meros to
march both through our own country and through that of the enemy and in
what conditions; this we will now present in an orderly way.
~fenders
1.
TIOAEMIKON TIAPALKEYON L1IATA3IL 8'
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION IX
ITepl 60omop(ac;
About Marches
Mov ae TOLVUV,
wcrTpanw, ()T' &.v ooomopft<; flETa TOU mpaTOU, ei flEV tv
Tft io[q. ~flWV yft T~V noplav 1tOLL<;, '(va Ttapayy\An<; TOt<; OTpaTLWTaL<; ClTIEX
5 ecr6m T~<; xwpa<; Kat fl~Te 1tpat0ULV fl~T cp6e[peLV. TIA~6o<; yap OTpaTEUflaTO<;,
(h' &.v M~n TOU ouvaaem T~V ~oucr[av, acpeLOW<; mn[meL npo<; anavTa.
oe\ea"
(naL yap ei<; TtAWV~[av, ()T' CtV op(t KaT' 0\j!LV 1tpOKLflEVT]V T~V XPelaV, Kat
noA.AaKL<; Tou<; io[ou<; ota T~v TOLaUTT]V aiTiav no\ef.![ou<; nmeT.
2.
10
MT]OE XPOVL(e Ka9e(OflVO<; fleTa TOU crTpaTEUflaTO<; v Tft io[q. xwpq., ch'
UV ~OT] 6p[crn<; eicr~aAetV EV Tft XWpq. TWV TtOAEfllWV. Kat yap Kat TOU<; LOLOU<;
ava\wcreL<; Kapnou<;, Kal (T]f.1LWGL<; flUAAOV TOU<; cpi\ou<; ~ LOU<; TtOAEfllOU<;.
mxew<; 8i:: fleTCtq>epe Ta<; OUVCtfleL<;, flCtALGTa av ei<; \mapav KatTtOAUTpocpov TWV
TIOAEfllWV y~v flEAAeL<; etcr~a\e'iv.
3 Et<; va 8i:: TOTIOV crTpaTOV TIOAUV fl~ cruvaye, TtOAEfllWV fl~ EVOXAOUVTWV,
15 tVa fl~ UKatpOUVT<; OL OTpanWTUL EL<; aTCtGEL<; Kat CtKa(pou<; tvvo(a<; UGXOAOUV"
TaL.
4 Et 8 TIOT xpeta KaAEGeL TOUTO yevcr9m xaptv CtOVOUfllOU ~ UAAT]<; avay'
Ka(a<; ah(a<; ~ mxtw<; TOV crTpaTOV OLaflEpL(e ~ YDflVa(e Kal et<; pya TWV OTIAWV
acrxo\e'lcr9m napacrKeua(e, W<; tv Ttp nepl YUflVMta<; ~fllV dpT]TaL Kecpa\ai<.p.
20
fl
yap apy[a KaLVWTEpa<; fl!':AETa<; 'law<; Kal m~\a~et<; anoyevv(t.

5 'Eav oi:: TtOA!':flOV npocrooK(t<;, fleTU TCt~ew<; TOV crTpaTOV nepmaTetV TIOLT]'
crov, KUV T KaLa opouyyou<; TU<; ooomopia<; TIOLOUVTUL, KUV T Kala TOUpf.la<.;
KUV T KaTa o\a<; napaTa~eL<;. TO yap tv TCt~eL TUUTU<; y(vwem ou f.!OVOV nl T~<;
1. When you are on the march with your army, 0 general, and proceeding
in our own land, you must order your troops to keep their hands off the
and not to pillage or ravage it. When a large army gets the
llPt>ortunity to exercise power, it falls upon everything without mercy. Greed
over whenever it sees something serviceable lying before its eyes. The
f~i!ttlt is that it frequently turns its own people into enemies.'
2. After you have already decided to advance into the enemy's territory, do
nut settle down for a long time with your army in your own country. 2 You will
.:onsume your own crops and do more damage to your friends than to your
tmemies. Transfer your forces quickly, especially if the hostile territory you
Intend to invade is fruitful and wealthy.
3 Do not assemble a large army in one place when there is no hostile
<\Ctivity lest, with time on their hands, the soldiers should give themselves to
!!edition and inappropriate thoughts. 3
4 If you are compelled to bring all your troops together for the purpose of
muster or because of some other pressing reason, then you must quickly divide
up the army or drill them or prepare them to devote themselves to working with
their weapons, as we have written in the chapter on drills. For idleness easily
begets useless and harmful ways of thinking.
5 If you are expecting combat, have your army march in formation, whether you are proceeding by droungoi or by tourmai or by entire battle lines.
~~mmtryside
M W (mut.) A V (mut.) BE Va PG 107:768

3-8 Onas. 6.10.
9-13 Onas. 6.13.
14-96 Strat., 1.9.
MA om. VBE 2 Momopia<; MAB Momop~~ VE

M rcapayydA.!]~ AVBE 4-5 cmtxw6m VBE cmepxw6m MA 6 tmrcimet
MAVE btimet B 9 Ka6e(6f!EVO~ AVBE Ka6e~6f!EVO~ M 10 KaF MA om. VBE
12 rcoM<pocpov AVBE rcoA.u<porcov M 13 da~aA.dv M da~aAA.etv AVBE 14 fl~ AVBE
om. M 15-16 cwxoA.of>VTat M aoxoA.wVTat AVBE 20 KatVWTEpa~ De KEVWTEpa~ M
VEWTEpac; AVBE I arcoyevva M yevva AVBE 22 TCOlOUVTat M TCOlWVTat AVBE
1 TCOAEf!lKWV
rcapaaKeuwv
4 rcapayytAA.I]~
Onasander 6.10.
Onasander 6.13.
3 Sections 3-21 derive from Strat. 1.9.
1.
2.
156
TIOAf.lla<; aAA.a Kal n:l T~<; ioia<; a<J<paAWTEpou<; Kal n:poyeyuf.!Va<Jf.!EVOU<; I TIOlEl
25
Toil<; aTpanwTa<;.
6. "EKaaTov oe opouyyov HH~wem n:oif]aov waT T~v ioiav an:oaKeu~v
omaeev UKOAOU61V f.!ETU TWV iO[wv <Jf]f.!dWv Kal f.l~ ETilf.llyvuaeat hp<;t. avayKaLOV yap E<JTLV, oT' liv o[ TIOAEf.!lOl OUT n:apt<JLV OUT EATIL~OVTat v Tft ~f.lTEp<;t
yft, ~ KaTa Opouyyou<; ~ KaTa TOUpf.!a<; TIplTiaTLV Kal f.l~ auvayLV v tvl T6mp
30
TOY an:avTa mpaTOV Ota T TO f.l~ AOlf.!WHlV ainov UXPW<; f.lf]& U<JUVOTITOV
TO TIA~6o<; OAOV TOL<; KaTa<JKOTIOl<; TWV exepwv, W<; iK6<;, yivweat f.lf]Oe i<;
~O<JKU<; <JTVOU<J6at.
7 'Eyyt~OVTWV Oe TWV x6pwv W<; n:po e~ ~ ma ~f.!Epwv ~ Kal OKa, auvamweat Kal v T4> Uf.la UTIAf]KUlV. Kal av, W<; iK6<;, v ayvw<JTOL<; TOTIOL<; ~ OOOl35 n:opla ylveTat Kal ou n:apLai nve<; vT6mm oouKaTwpe<;, an:omeiA.n<; Tou<;
f.!LvaopaTwpa<;, tva n:poA.af.!~avwmv, av x6pou <p6~o<; ouK an, n:po f.!Li'i<;

~f.!pa<;, otnv<; 6<peiA.oum T~v n:epif.!npov Tou n:avTo<; Otaypa<petv aTpaTon:6ou
v 4> f.!EAAl<; mpaTOTI0UW6at, Kal TO m~aAA.ov f.!ETpov avaA6yw<; EKCt<JT<.p

40
Marches
Constitution 9
f.!EPl Otaf.!Epiaat.
8. Ta auTa <) TIOLLV Kal TOU<; UVTLKEV<Jwpa<;. OUTOL 6 L<JlV o[ 6<piAOVT<;
Twv uMTwv Kal T~<; VOf.!~<; T~v xp~mv KaTaf.!aveavetv.
9. 'Eav 6 Ota Tpaxwv n:avu T6n:wv ~ Momopia f.!AA.n yivwem ~ KPT'Jf.!VWowv ~ oua~aTwv ~ oaawv, n:poeuTpm~ n:A.~6o<; mpamu Kal an:6aTetA.ov btl
TOUTO W<JT Otopewaaaeat Kal n:apa<JKUCt<Jat eu6eiav yeva6at T~V 6Mv KaTa
45 TO OuvaTOV, tva f.l~ <JUVTpl~f]Tat ~ tn:n:o<;. TOU<; Oe a<popt~Of.!EVOU<; en:l TOUTtp f.l~
un:oK1a6at ~lyA.<;t ~ hp<;t OouA.d<;t.

10. IIepmaToiivm<; 6 Tou aTpaTou ~ydaew ~ a~ voo~6Tf]<;, w<; Toii n:avTo<;
aTpamu aTpaTf]y6<;, n:pon:opw6f.!VO<; auTou TLf.!~<; vKV Kal Ota Tov <p6~ov
Twv mTtf.!lwv, f.!ETU T~<; a~<; cmaaf]<; n:poeA.euaew<; Kal Twv f.lTCt aou ~avowv Kal
50 omaeev TICtVTWV ~ n:ep[ (J UTIO<JKU~.
11.
IIpo<; To ax~fla 0 TofJTo Kal KaaTo<; Toupf.!CtPXT'J<; ~ opouyyapto<; n:ept-
n:aTiTw T~V auT~V TCt~LV <pUACtHWV, h ~VWf.!EVW<; TIpmaTOU<JlV h [O[w<;.
oe opouyyw M 30 Aoq.ui>TTELV UUTOV M AOLj.!LKal~

vooOLc; 1tEplTil1tTELV AVBE 31 Toic; KUTUOKOTOLc; MA Touc; KUTUOK07tOUc; VBE I TWV ... EiKO~
M trsp. AVBE 33 Kal MA om. VBE 33-34 ouvcimwem M om. AVBE 35 y(veTat M
ylvl]TUL AVE yevfJTUL B I ncipetol TLvec; MA napwm Ttvec; VBE 36 oi.\K eaTL MA fl~ ~ VBE
37 OTpaToneoou Va OTpUTOU codd. 38 em~ciUov M emAayxcivov AVBE 41 VOf!~c; M
~ooK~c; AVBE 43-44 btl TOUTO M om. AVBE 45 ouVTpt~l]TUL. .. lnnoc; M ouvTpt~wvnu
oi lmtoL AVBE 48 TLfl~c; MA TLfl~V VBE
\I
157
i'>1M>:hing in formation, not only in hostile territory but also in your own land,
!lh\kcs it safer for the soldiers and keeps them in practice.
(J, Make each droungos accustom its own baggage train to follow behind
its own standards and not to get mixed up with another one. It is essential
whenever the enemy are not present or are not expected in our country,
should march by droungoi or by tourmai and not bring the whole army
;nl4""'"'' in one place, lest they fall an easy prey to pestilence or, as is likely, the
size of the army may be easily estimated by enemy spies, or fodder may be
to find. 4
As the enemy approach more closely, six or seven days away, even ten,
the troops closer together and, at the same time, set up camp. If the march
h~t~lpens to be in unknown places and no local guides are present, then send out
I!Urveyors to go ahead a day in advance, if there is no fear of the enemy. Their
is to survey the perimeter of the entire camping site in which you intend to
lit~t up camp and to apportion sections equitably for each meros.
8. The quartering parties should do the same thing; they are charged with
rt~ron noitering the availability of water and forage.
9 If the route of the march is about to pass through very rough, steep,
tllU'Ven, or heavily wooded terrain, select a large number of men ahead of time
send them off to level the road, as best they can, and to take steps to make it
~~!ISsable, and so prevent the horses from being worn out. The men detailed for
should not be part of a scouting troop or other service unit.
10. When the army is on the march, Your Excellency should be at its head,
~ln>:e you are the general of the entire army. You should march ahead of it as a
of honor and to instill fear of the penalties. You should be accompanied by
your entire retinue and the banda with you. Behind all of them is your baggage
lntin.
In similar fashion let each tourmarch or droungarios march along, while

preserving his own formation, whether marching together with other units or
himself.
t t.
26 EKUOTOV ... opouyyov AVBE EKUOTW
4 Cf. Kekaumenos,
11.18-20.
15 8
Constitution 9
12.
Marches
'Ev of: Tal<; niJv JWTaf.lWV Otapam:cnv ~ l:iAAWV ayvwo-rwv xwp[wv TOU<;
O.vnKvowpa<; rrpoA.af.lpavtv, wo-r OoKtf.la(etv rrp6n:pov -roil<; -r6rrou<; Kai ou-rw<;

55
O.rrayyeAAlV OOl TCt TOU -r6rrou, [va OlCt TWV eTtlTTJOelWV apxov-rwv arroo-rAA.n<;
Kai rrpocpuA.aHn<; -r~v Otapacnv.
13. Ei of: mivu mocpaAl<; eiatv oi TOTtOl Kai OUOKOAOl, XP~ 0 au-r6v, TOV TOU
rrav-ro<; o-rpmTJy6v,
I cmepxwem Kai y[veoem KUTCt TOV -r6nov Kai rrapao-r~vat
Of: axpt<; &.v miv-rt:<; arra6w<; otA.6watv.

6o
14. Tou-ro yap Kai -rov ~f.lETepov adf.!VTJOTov rra-rpa Kai pacnAa Bao[A.t:tov
T(TtOlTJKEVat ytvWOKOf.lV, OT KUTCt fepf.!UVlKeta<; T~<;
ev L:upt<;tT~V eKo-rpa-re[av
errot~oa-ro, rrpoKamA.ap6vm f.!i':V TOV I1apa0LOOV AYOf.lVOV T(0Taf10V, rrapa-
o-rav-ra of: f.!HCt AUf11tCt0WV KaLCt TO f.!EOOV, Kai -rft au-rou rrapouo[<;t Kai aocpaA.et<;t
rravm TOV im' au-rov a-rpmov arra6w<; Kai UKOAW<; OtaPtPaoavm, W<; Kai xdpa
65
Oouvm TtOAAUKl<; Kai Ot' au-rou -rtva<; TWV o-rpanw-rwv KlVOUVUOVTa<; avaowoaoem.
15. Tou-ro of: T(OlelV OOl KAU0f.lV,
TOl<; TOT(Ol<; eKelVOl<;.
wo-rpmTJy, eav 11~ yy1(wmv oi TtOAEf.llOl

eav of: eyy[(wmv, TOT 0 f.!i':V ev Tft iOt<;t TU~l f.!EVlV, i:Ka-
OLOV Of: apxovm LOU io[ou flEpou<; T~V XPLUV avaTtATJpWoat ew<; &.v T(QVT<; oi
70 im' au-rov o-rpaTlWTat
apA.apw<; OteA.ewmv, '(va
f.l~ orrouOU(OVT<; T(QVT<; liAA.o<;
-rov l:iAA.ov rrpoA.apdv amK-rouot Kai ouv-rpipwvmt. 'low<; -ron: Kai p>..apm nvf:<;
y[vov-rm.
16. '0-r' &.v Of:
ev Tft
xwp<;t TWV UTtTJKOWV ~f.!WV T~V Otapacnv TOU o-rpa-rou
rtotft<;, cpeiowem Kai arrocpeuyetV TOU<; yewpyTJeevm<; TOTtOU<; TOl<; o-rpanw-rm<;

75 rrapayyeAA, eh xwpacpta eimv eh Uf.l1tAWV<; ~ K~1t0l, Kai fl~ &apaivwat
f.!Eoov aU-rwv, Yva cpuA.ann<; -roil<; urro-reA.et<; ~f.lWV Kai yewpyou<; a(TJf.!LOU<; Kma
-rov nap' ~f.!WV oot napKT6v-ra VOf.lOV.
17. Ka[, i f.li':V ouva-r6v, Ota TWV ayewpy~-rwv TOTtWV f.!UKpav 0 Otepxeoem.
i of: CtVUYKTJ 0 KaLTtelYl Ota TWV TOlOUTWV yewpyTj6v-rwv -r6rrwv OteA6tV,
311'
159
12. At river crossings or in other unknown regions send quartering parties

ahead so they can first investigate the places and thus inform you what the
country is like, so you may send out competent officers and safeguard the
passage.
13. If the places are unusually precarious and difficult, then you, as supreme
commander, should step aside and remain in position at that place until everyone has safely passed through.
14. We recall that our ever-memorable father and emperor Basil did this
when he was on campaign against Germanikeia in Syria. He arrived at the river
called Paradeisos and stationed himself in the middle of it with lamps, and in his
presence and in safety the entire army under his command made the crossing
easily and securely. 5 He frequently gave a hand and, by himself, saved several
soldiers from great danger.
15. We order that you do this, 0 general, if enemy forces are not in the
vicinity of those places. If they are getting close, then you should remain in your
own formation. But the commanding officer should perform that duty for his
own meros until all of the soldiers under his command have crossed over
without harm. Otherwise, everyone will rush to get ahead of everyone else,
resulting in confusion, with some being trampled, and the likelihood that a
number of troops will be injured.
16. Whenever you have your army pass through territory belonging to our
subjects, order the soldiers to spare and steer clear of land under cultivation,
whether it be a small farm, vineyard, or gardens. They should not pass through
them, and so you will preserve the farmers subject to us unharmed, according to
the law we laid down to you.
17. If possible, you should make your longer marches through land not
under cultivation. But if it is absolutely necessary for you to march through land
67 ad -T!]y de novo inc. W

57 XP~ Va Kal codd.
Ti)V AVBE om. M 58 Kal yivwem M om. AVBE 58-59 napa59 15t0..8watv MA &tA.8wat VBE
61 T~v MA om. VBE 67 notdv crot M trsp. AVBE I yyi(watv AVBE yyi(wat MW
69 TOU ... flEpou<; MW TO lOlOV flEpo<; AVBE I T~V ... ava7lA!]pGlcrm MW OlU~l~acrm AVBE I
&.v MW om. AVBE 70 ainov MWA mhou<; VBE 71 aTaKTOuat MW CtTUKTWGl AVBE I
'iaw<; MW lGW<; oe AVBE 74 7l0l~<; MW 7l0l~<; napayyeAA.e TOt<; GTpaTlWtal<; AVBE
74-75 TOt<; ... napayyeA.AeMWom.AVBE 76 ~flWVKalMW~fl1vAVBE 76-77 KaT<L.
v61-1ov MW om. AVBE 78 15tpxecr8at MWA cruvpxea8m VBE
1
<n~vm ... iixpt<; M napicrtacr8m EKet flEXpt<; AVBE
5 Skylitzes, Basil.Mak., 23 (pp. 141-143); Kappadokien, F. Hild and M. Restle, Tabula

imperii Byzantini 2 (Vienna, 1981), 82-83.
160
Marches
Constitution 9
rtapayye[A.n<; TOU<; EKU(JTOU TUYflaTO<; apxovm<;, flEXPl<; av oi 1m' au-rou<; TnayflEVOl a-rpanWTat rtapA.0wmv, ta-raa0at Kat <pUAUHlV Kat T4J em' au-rou tpxoflEV(!> rtapaot86vat TOU<; TOlOUTOU<; TOTtOU<; a.pA.apel<; Kal oihw<; avaxwpelv.
18. Tov OflOlOV o -rp6rtov TtOltV Kal TOV art' tKe[vou, Kal EKaaTO<; apxwv TO
aU-ro notd-rw. oihw<; yap Kal ~ a~ eu-ra~[a Kal ~ -rwv apxov-rwv Kal ~ -rou mpas5 -rou Kal -ro a.pA.ap<; -rou yewpyou ota<puA.axe~anm.
19. '0-r' av o tyy[~n Kal rtpoaooKiiTat KUflaTO<; TtOAeflOU ~ ouaxep~<; Kal
trt[KOTtO<; otapam<;, tav ~4Ja aypta ~ ~flpa KaTa T~V 60ov OtavaaTW(JtV ~ imavT~(JW(Jt KaLa rtp6awrtov, KwMn<; 'Lva fl~ OlWKW(JtV au-ra, on ot' au-rwv 06pupo<; Kat Kpauy~ y[vTat Kat Ol lTtTtOl xwpt<; CtVUYKTJ<; auvl-rp[povTat.
90
20. '0-r' av o Katp6<; tanv eip~VTJ<; Kal OU0flla avayKT) tA.rtL~T)Tat, TOT
So
xp~mfla
dm -ra Kuv~yta -rot<; a-rpa-rtw-rat<;.

'Eav o 6A.[yov a-rpa-r6v, W<; iK6<;, tm<pepn Kal flEAAn<; tmTT)OUlV KaTa
TWV TtOAflLWV, fl~ OtaPtPa<n<; au-rou<; Ota TOTtWV oiKOUflEVWV, flfJOE tv Tft ~flTE
N yft flfJOE tv Tft TtOAflL<;t, Iva fl~ <pavepw0ft<; Ota TWV KaTMKOTtWV TOt<; tx0pot<;,
a.na ot' -repwv TOTtWV a<pavwv crrtouoa~ rtpoepxw0at. Kal TaUTa flEV, o-r' av tv
Tft io[<;t xwp<;t TOV mpa-rov OtaPtPa~n<;, XP~ (J otartpanw0at.
22. '0-r' av 0 tv Tft TtOAflL<;t T~V 60omop[av tnayn<; LOU a-rpa-rou, XP~ (J
-raUTTJV <p0dpetv Kal Ka[etv Kal KaTaTEflVtv. ~TJflLa yap XPTJflUTwv Kal Kapnwv
evoaa tA.anova<; TtOlel TOU<; TtOAfllOU<; Kal TOV TtOAflOV aa0evmepov, wartep ~
TOUTWV rtptoua[a flUAAOV -rp<pt TOUTOV Kal au~UV1.
21.
95
100
under cultivation, you should order the officers of each tagma to remain in place
and supervise until the column of soldiers under their command has passed
through. They should then hand over those fields in good condition to the next
unit approaching and so leave the area.
18. The officer coming after him is to act in like manner and each subsequent commander is to do the same. In this way your good order and that of the
officers and of the army will be assured and the farmers will suffer no harm.
19. When the toil of battle is near or is expected or the passage is difficult
and laborious, or if wild or domestic animals are startled or encountered on the
road ahead of you, forbid <the men> to chase them. This only causes noise and
confusion and wears out the horses to no purpose.
20. In time of peace and when no emergency is expected, hunting is a useful
exercise for the soldiers.
21. If the army you are leading happens to be small and you intend to engage
the enemy in battle, do not march through inhabited areas, either in our
country or in that of the enemy, to avoid being observed by enemy spies, but
make an effort to proceed through other less obvious places. You must also take
such action when you have the army march in its own country.
22. In contrast, when you lead your army marching through hostile territory,
you must ruin and burn and thoroughly ravage it. 6 The loss of money and the
shortage of crops decrease the strength of the enemy and render them less able
to fight, just as the abundance of such things rather nourishes and strengthens
their <fighting ability>.
97-111 Onas. 6.11-13.

So i:Kacrtou MWA EK tOU VBE
81 Kal2 MW KUL i!Kacrto<; AVBE I em' autou MW an' autov
A f!et' autov VBE 81-82 EPXOf!EVW MW EPXOf!EVW iipxovtt AVBE 83-84 TOV ... 7lOlELTW
MW om. AVBE 86-87 eyyi~l] ... &ui~am<; MW 7tOAEf!O<; npocrOoKCitat ~ Ota~am<; oucrxep~<;
Kal eniKono<; (eniaKono<; B) AVBE 87 ~ ~f!epa MW om. AVBE 88 .St' autwv MWA
ouvatwv VBE 89 Kail ... yivnm MW yivETat Kal Kpauy~ AVBE 90 0 MW A om. VBE I
ecrTLY MW ~ AVBE I A.ni~l]Tat MA VBE A.ni~etat W 91 eim MW ecrtl AVBE 92 we;
eiKo<; MW om. AVBE I emcptp!] MW EXIJ<; AVBE I emt!]Oeum MW emtiSeaSm AVBE
93 &ta AVBE Kata MW 1 f!IJ&e MW fl~TE AvE f!~n B 94 f!IJ&e MW f!~Te AVBE
95 npotpxeaSm Va naptpxeaSat codd. 97 T~v ... crtpatou MW O.Somop~<; AVBE 98 Kal
Kaietv MW AVE om. B I KataTEf!VEtv MW KaTaK67lTetv AVBE 98-99 ~l]f!ta ... v&eta MW ~
yap tWV XPIJf!CtTWV ~T]f!lU KUL ~ twv Kapnwv oA.iywm<; AVBE 99 7l0lel ... acrSevtcrtepov MW
Kal toil<; noA.ef!iouc; A.anova<; note1 Kal tov n6Aef!OV 6A.tywtepov AVBE 100 tpc:pet toumv
MW A trsp. VBE
161
6. Sections 22-24 derive from Onasander 6.11-13.
162
Marches
Constitution 9
23. 'Eav OE noA.uv xpovov tv Tft nOAfll<;l yft f.l.EAAD<; KaTaaLpa-rom::OeUelV,
mcrafna Kal Totau-ra <p8dpov T~<; xwpa<;, OLWV Kal O<JWV a\m)<; oux E~et<; xpdav,
Ta OE avayKa1a <pUA.ane TOL<; fleTCt <JOU mpaTeUfla<JlV ei<; oanaVTjV au-rwv.
24. '0-r' av OE Ta<; cmacra<; OUVCtflel<; exn<; Of.l.OU, fl~Te nl T~<; ~fleTEpa<; xwpa<;
105
fl~Te err' liAATj<; UnT]KOOU Ka8e(OfleVO<; tyxpovt(e. Kal yap TOU<; io[ou<; avaAW<Jel<;
Kapnou<; Kal (Tjf.l.LW<Jet<; nAov -rou<; <p[A.ou<; fl&.A.Aov ~ -rou<; noA.efl[ou<;. fleTayaye
OE aU-ra<; -raxu, av CtK[vouva crn Ta T~<; OLKeta<; xwpa<;, Kal nayaye nl T~V
noA.efl[av. Kal yap, av cr-rtv ~ noA.efl[a Oa\l!lA~<; Kal euKapno<; Kal nA.oucr[a,
-rpo<p~V E~el<; Kal eunop[av a<p8ovov, tav OE OUK E<JTL TotaUTTj, T~V f.l.EV io[av <JOU
llO
Kal <jllAT]V xwpav OUK EpTjflW<Jel<;, nona of: Of.l.W<; Kal uno T~<; noAef.l.La<;, ei Kal fl~
A.mapa E<JTLV, eup~cret<; ei<; xpdav LOU uno <Je mpa-rou Kal avayKa1a.
25. 'Ev of: -rft noA.eflL<;t yft fl~ a<p[n<; -rou<; mpanw-ra<; a-raK-rw<; <ppecr8at npo<;
-ra<; w<peA.e[a<;. noA.AaKt<; yap m~ouA.eu6f1evot napa -rwv txepwv fleyaA.a<;
~A.a~a<; unof1voumv.
26. <DpovT[<Jet<; OE tv -rft iO[<;t yft ooomopwv <JUV
ll5
<4>
cr-rpa-reUflaTL T~<;
ayopa<; Kal EflnOpe[a<; KaTa Te y~v, ei TUXOL, Kal Ka-ra eaA.acrcrav, [va CtKLVOUVOU
'*
napoucr[a<; au-ro1<; OU<JT]<; CtOKVW<; Kal Ct<jlO~W<; KOfll(W<JL TOV ei<; TCt f:mT~Oeta
<p6p-rov.
27. '0-r' &.v of: Ota <JTeVWV -r6nwv f.l.EAAD<; note1cr8at
120
I T~V
napooov ~ Ota 31
6petv~<; Kal OU<J~CtTOU xwpa<; noAef.l.La<; napayetV TOV cr-rpa-r6v, avayKaLOV
npoeKnf1netv cre flpo<; n -rou mpa-reUflaTO<; Kal npoKa-raA.afl~avecrem -ra<;
unep~a<Jel<; Kal Ta<; TWV <JTeVWV nap6oou<; ~youv Ta<; AeYOflEVa<; KAet<Joupa<;,
'(va fl~ <pOacravTe<; ol noAEfllOl Kal crm8vTe<; nl TWV aKpwv ~ TWV aTeVWV
115-118 Onas. 6.14.
23. If you intend to encamp for a long time in the enemy's country, you
should destroy that amount and that sort of thing in the country that you will
not need for yourself. Preserve whatever is needed to supply your own troops.
24. When you have all your forces together, you must not settle down and
spend a long time either in our own country or in another one subject to us. For
you will consume your own crops and do more damage to your friends than to
your enemies. If matters in your home country are not at risk, then lead out
your forces quickly and proceed into the country of the enemy. Indeed, if the
enemy's country is rich and abounds in a variety of produce, you will have a
bounteous source of provisions ready at hand. Even if this is not the case, you
will not be laying waste your own land or a friendly one, and you will still find
things essential for the use of your army from the enemy country even if it is not
l'rosperous.
25. In hostile territory do not allow the soldiers to search for plunder in an
undisciplined manner. When they turn to this they often suffer great harm from
the enemy.
26. On the march with your troops in your own country, consider the markets and trade centers on land routes and perhaps also along the coast, so that
the <merchants> may be present there without danger and may transport their
cargoes for your provisioning without hesitation and without fear. 7
27. When you intend to make your march through a narrow pass or to lead
your army over mountainous and difficult terrain in hostile territory, you must
send ahead a detachment of your army to occupy the mountain passes beforehand as well as those through narrow places, the so-called kleisourai.B Otherwise the enemy might get there first, take their stand on the summits or in the
119-129 Onas. 7.1-2.
y~ MWA om. VBE I f1EAAI]<; MWVBE ~oUAI] A 102 <p6eipov MW <p6eipe AVBE I
MW ota Kal oaa AVBE I oux ... xpe[av MW ou XP!](El<; AVBE 104 cmaaa<;
MW naaa<; AVBE 105 eyxp6vt(e AVBE xpovt(e MW 106 TIAeOV MW A om. VBE I
f1iiAA.ov MW om. AVBE I noA.ef1[ou<; MW tx6pou<; AVBE 107 a-rt MW A ~ VBE I olKeia<;
MW l6ia<; AVBE 108 tam MW A ~ VBE I 6a\j1LA~<; Kal MW om. AVBE 109 an MW A
~ VBE I aou MW aot AVBE 111 \mapa MW nA.oua[a AVBE 112 a<p[!]<; MW a<p~al]<;
AVBE 113 w<peA.eia<; MW apnaya<; AVBE scr. mg. npo<; Koupa<; npo<; auvaywy~v -rwv
xpetwv W 114 unof1vouatv MWA unof1vouat VBE 116 Ka-ra MWA om. VBE
117 au-rot<; oila!]<; MW oila!]<; TOL<; npaYflaTeuTaL<; AVBE I KOfll(Wat MWVBE KOfll(WatV A
117-118 TOV ... <p6p-rov MW -ra<; xpeia<; tv TW a-rpa-rw AVBE 120 6ua~a-rou MW
6ua~a-rou TOTIOU AVBE I xwpa<; TIOAEflla<; MW trsp. AVBE 121 npoeKTIEflTIELV AVBE
napeKTIEflTIELV MW 123 <p66.aav-re<; MW npoA.a~6v-re<; AVBE
163
101
OlWV ... oawv
7. Onasander 6.14.
8. Sections 27-28 derive from Onasander 7.1-2.
164
KwA.uawa(v a T~v ota~amv nm~aaaem ~ Klvouvov ota T~~ crTevonop(a~ naya125 ye1v T<jl mpaTeUf.laTL.
28. To of: aUTO q>pOVTL~e Kal oT' av auTO~ 11e<j>O~f]GaL TIOAef.llWV da~OA~V d~
T~V io(av xwpav, Iva npoKaTaM~n~ Ta aTeVa T~~ ooou Kal KWAucrn~ TWV TIOAef.llWV T~V e'iaooov OLU TLVO~ cmoaTeAAOf.lEVOU aTpaTOU ~ KaKW~ 6La0~creL~ aUTOU~
v Tft Twv mevwv ot6o<.p.
29. 'Eav 0 ota f.laKpa~ ooou f.lAA.n~ nopeuwem KalnoAA.wv ~f.lepwv otavu130
nv rrope(av Kal v Tft io(<;t XWP<:t Kal v Tfi 1t0Aef.ll<;t, OLa f.lV T~~ io(a~ xwpa~ Iva
Wl~n~ Ta aTpaTeuf.lam f.lEvnv v ni~n Kal cruf.lcpuA.aunv Toil~ iolou~ A.oxou~

~youv TOU~ 6po(vou~ T~~ TU~eW~ Kal CtKOAOU0e1V TOL~ apxoumv Iva Kal v Tfi
1t0Aef.ll<;l npo~ TU~, w~ eLKO~, YLVOf.lEVa~ ~a(q>VT]~ m~ouA.a~ f.l~ v a0p6<.p Katp(\l
135 Kal
6~w~ myLVOf.lEV<.p 0opu~OUVTUL Kal mTpxoum Kal UAAOL rrpo~ aAA.ou~
cptpwvTaL Kal OLa TOUTO f.lf]Of:v f.lV ~Ofj0etv ouvavTaL, rroAA.a of: KaKa Ot' auTOU
~ Kal OLa TWV 1t0Aef1LWV na0wmv, aAA.' Iva OLa TOU 0LGf.lOU T~~ eUTa~(a~ Kal ei~
rropelav dalv mo~LOL Kal ei~ f.lUXTJV euTpemGf.lEVOL, xovTe~ Kal Gf]f.le'l6v n Kal
aH~A.ou~ v Ta~et ~A.tnoVTe~.
30. T~v 0 nopelav Tou aTpaTeUf.laTO~ 6A.IyT]v noteicr0a( a Oei, Kal ota
TOLOUTWV xwp(wv OLa~(~a(e Ta~ TU~et~, OL' <bv ou auv0AL~~GOVTUL, OUK xouam
nA.aTo~, wme K nA.eupa~ rrl f.l~Ko~ eKTa0~vm. euem~ouA.euTOL yap ylvovmL
npo~ Ta~ aicpvtolou~ Twv rroA.ef.lLWV mcpavela~ ai TmauTm Kal f.l&.A.A.ov ouK
145
Marches
Constitution 9
exouam TO opaaT~pLOV.
31. 'Eav yap aUTOi~ Ct110 Ef11tpocr0ev arravT~awmv ol TIOAEf.lLOL rrA.aTUTepOL
TeTaYf.lEVOL, eUKOAW~ aUTOU~ TprrovTaL, Ka0anep ol nl T~~ f.lUXTJ~ auT~~ eUKa(pw~ KUKAOUVTe~ TOU~ vavT(ou~.
130-182 Onas. 6.1-8.
MW KWAu<JW<Jl AVBE 124-125 Ota ... cr-rpm:Euflm:t MW TW cr-rpaTUflUTl

enayaywat OlCt T~V TOU T0110U <JTVOTI]TU AVBE 126 11<pO~l]<Jat MW om. AVBE
127 xwpav
MW xwpav npoaOoKii~ AVBE 129 Otoow MW nap60w AVBE
130-131 Otavuetv nopeiav MW Mov nepma-rlv AVBE 132 flEVtV ... -ra~et MW tv -ra~et
nepma-re1v AVBE 1 <JUfl<puA<inetv MWA <puA<inav VBE 135 tmytVOflEVW MWAVE
tmyeVOflEVW B I eopu~OUVTat MW eopu~WVTat AVBE I tm-rptxou<Jl M tm-rptxouatv w
tm-rptxw<Jl AVBE 136 ouvavTat MWA OUVWVLal VBE I auLOii MW au-rwv AVBE
138 Eialv MWA W<JlV VBE I UTp11l<JflEVOl MW ELOlflOl AVBE 141 xwp[wv MW T011WV
AVBE 143-144 fliiAA.ov ... opaa-r~ptov MW avevtpy!]TOt AVBE scr. mg. ~youv &a -ra
<JTVWflal:U ouxtxou<JL TO KaLU TWV ~:xepwv eVepyav w 146 TpE110Vlat MW KUKAW<JUVT~
tpE110U<JlV AVBE 146-147 au-r~<; ... tvav-r[ou<; MW TO TWV tvav-riwv Kpa<; KUKAOUVT<;
124 KwA.uawa[v
AVBE
165
defiles, and prevent you from passing through or seriously endanger your army
if it does pass through the defile.
28. Be mindful of the same thing when you fear an attack of the enemy
against your own country. Before they arrive, have your troops occupy the
narrow places on your route. By dispatching some of your troops for this
purpose you will prevent enemy incursions or you will inflict serious injury on
them in their passage of the defiles.
29. If you plan on a long journey and a march of many days both in your
t1wn country and in that of the enemy, first, in passing through your own
country, accustom your troops to remain in formation and to keep to their own
groups or columns of the formation and to follow their officers; so that, in
hostile territory in case of sudden attacks from ambush, perhaps coming very
t}uickly at a critical moment, your men may not be thrown into confusion, run
Hbout, and stumble over one another. 9 In such a situation, they will be of no help
to themselves, rather they will suffer many evils, some of them self-inflicted and
others by the enemy. But by being accustomed to good order they can handle
themselves well on the march and be prepared for battle. They should have some
kind of watchword among themselves and keep their eyes on each other in
formation.
30. You must reduce the size of the marching formation of your army. Have
it pass through the kind of terrain in which the troops will not be pressed tightly
together because their formations are not wide enough for them to extend their
flanks broadly. Such lines are more readily subject to sudden assaults of the
enemy and are really not effective at all.
31. For, if the enemy, drawn up in a more extended front, should encounter
the head <of your column> they will easily turn it to flight, just as, in the battle
itself, they may readily encircle their opponents.
9 Sections 29-40 derive from Onasander 6.1-8.
166
Marches
Constitution 9
32. 'Eav o KaTa f.lE<Jf]V T~V OUVUf.llV tK TIAUpa<; tm~aA.wat, mxu Olianl>ow
32. If they attack the center of your force from the flank, they will quickly
atJLWV T~V nopdav KQL OlUKOTILOU<JlV. tav yap tmaTpE\I'W<Jl npo<; <paA.ayya ol
pierce the column and cut through it. If the marching column wheels about into
phalanx, so as to line up against the foe, their fighting will be without thick
ranks and weak.
33 In like manner, if they appear in the rear, it will obviously result in the
destruction of the men lined up at the head of the column.
34 It also happens that, even if some assistance can be given, it would be
difficult and ineffective. When the men in the rear want to come to the aid of
those up front or, in turn, those up front to those in the rear, their arrival is
delayed and cannot come in time.
35 A marching formation that is compact and rectangular, shaped <so that
its length is> not much longer than its width, but proportionate, is helpful in
every contingency and is safe and easy to manage.
36. If the army should march through very narrow defiles with its column
extended and very thin, its fate frequently sinks into uncertainty when the first
units descend into level terrain from the mountainous area <above>. For they
observe the men still descending behind them and mistake them for a hostile
attacking force, so that they get set to charge into them as though they were
enemies, and they barely avoid coming to blows with one another.
37 Place and draw up your entire baggage train, the service units, the pack
animals, and all the equipment in the middle of your force. If you suspect some
150 ooomopouvn:<;
tl
wan: avnnapaTa~aa6at, aaeev~<; ~ f.HiXfJ y[vLat Kal OUK exou-
aa naxo<;.
33 'Eav o ano oma6ev tmcpavwm, npo<pav~<; y[vnat 6A.t:6po<; Of!OLW<; TOt<;
tv TtP I Ef!Tipoa6ev T~<; nope[a<; Tnawtvot<;.
31.1
34 LUfl~ULVl o KUL, tav Tl<; napa~o~6ta yvfjTUl, OU<JXP~ Kal O.npaKTOV

155
167
auT~V yeva6at. TWV yap ano oma6v TOt<; Ef11tpoa6v ~OUAOf!EVWV ~Of]6civ ~
KUL TIUAlV TWV Ef11tpoa6v TOt<; d<; TO oma6v, ~paoda ~ EAU<Jl<; KUL ou KaTa
Katpov Mvmm y1vw6m.
35 'H o <JUVWLaAf!EVf] nopla Kat Tnpaywvo<;, ~ rrapafl~Kf]<; f!EV, fl~ TIUVU
o TOUTO exouaa TO ax~ flU
aHa <JUflf!ELpov, d<; TIUVTU Katpov W<pfAlflO<; tan Kal
160 UflLUXtpl<JTO<; KUL a<J<pUA~<;.
36. 'Eav yap d<; rravu <JTVOU<; TOTIOU<; ota~a[vn TO mpaTUflU trrl TIOAU
A.emuvof!EVfJ<; Kal tneKTtVOf!EVfJ<; T~<; rrapaTa~ew<;, rroAA.aKt<; yap ei<; afl<pt-
~o:\[av tf.lTtlTILOU<JlV, OLaV ol rrpWLOl KULa~avT<; arro 6pLVWV TOTIWV d<; trr[TIOa
xwp[a 8t:a<JUflVOl yap TOU<; OTIL<JW tm<KaLa>~a[vovLa<; EOO~av LVat 1tOAfllWV
165 trrAU<JlV, W<JT <JT[U<Jat 1tpO<J~UAAlV
W<; tx8po1<;, nva<; o KUL d<; X1pa<; tA.8civ
KaT' aAA~AWV napa f!lKp6v.

37 Aaf.l~UV o Kal L<l1'L TO LOUAOOV OAOV, T~V T oouA.dav Kal Ta aawapta
KUL T~V arro<JKU~V arraaav tv flE<Jn Tfl OUVafll. tav o Kat arro omaeev U<p-
148 bn~aAwm M tm~aAwmv W t<pop[!~Owow A <pop[!f]owm VBE

otaK6moumv AVBE
bnoTpE\jiWOlV
150 avTmapaTa~aoem
MW
~a8o<; ll~ exnv AVBE
152 av ... yivnm MW AVE om. B
TOL<;
EK
rrAayiou
I tm<pavwm MVBE tm<pavwmv
ouoxepfi KUL MW om. AVBE
15 5 auT~V yevo8m MW UUTOV dvm Kal avevtpyl]TOV AVBE

156 Kal 1 AVBE om. MW
156-157 ou ... yivwem MW OUK
tmrroAU E7teKTa8fivat T~V rrapata~LV wom:p dp!]tat AVBE
tv TW
TOL<;
wAVBE
TWV M
ap[!6~ovn Katpw 15La TO
159 W<pEAL[!O<; VBE XP~OL[!O<; A
160 eu[!etaxdptoto<; MW eUf!ETUKiV!]tO<; AVBE
AVBE om. MW
ouoTwmv MW
moTpE\jiWOL MAVBE
avnrrapma~aoem
154 rrapa~o~8eLU MWA rrapa ~o~8eLUV VBE
om. MW
150-151 Kal... rraxo<; MW OLa TO A7tT~V elvm T~V rrapam~LV Kal
ETCePXOf!EVOL<; AVBE
WA
149 Kal otaK6moumv MW om. AVBE
161-162 av ... rrapata~ew<;
162 rroA.AaKL<; yap M rroA.AaKL<; yap Kal W rroA.AaKL<; Kal AVBE
162-163 Uf!<pL~oAiav AVBE U[!<pL~OAia<; MW
163-164 rrirrel5a xwpia MW O[!UAOU<;
I orriaw MW orriaw UUTWV

AVBE I mKata~aivovta<; De tm~aivovta<; MW Katepxof!vou<; AVBE I eoo~av MW eoo~av
yap AVBE I TfOAE[!lWV WA VBE TlOAef!lUV M 165 07tUOUL MW orrouoaam AVBE
t6rrou<; AVBE
164 eeaoit[!eVOL yap MW 8eaOWVTat AVBE
167 Tane MW Taooe A KaTa ae VBE
168
170
Marches
Constitution 9
169
opcwm <po86v nvwv, no[T]aov Kal -rou<; vwTo<puA.aKa<; iaxupou<; 6f1o[w<; niiv
Mort of attack from the rear, make sure your rear guard is as strong as the forces
Efl1tpoaElev TETaYflEVWV ev Ttp fleTW1t<J.l T~<; nope[a<;, WGTe flT]8v 8ta<ppetv TOU<;
~hltioned
(m[aw T<iiv Efl1tpoaElev npo<; Ta EiKo<; GUfl~a[vovm.
38. AnomLA.n<; 8 Ka[ nva<; Ka~aAA.ap[ou<;, Tou<; flEAAOVTa<; 8tepeuv~am n\<;
68ou<;, Kat flCtALGTa, c>T' UV UAW8L<; Kat neptKeKAeLGflEVa<; ~OUVOi<; ~ opem

8w&un<; EPTJflLa<;. 1tOAACtKL<; yap eyKpUflflaTa 1tOAeflLWV U1tOKaEl(ovTal Kal
oA.a npawam GUVTPL~OUGL nov evavT[wv.

39 T~v flEV yap ne8ta8a y~v olnavTwv 6<pElaA.flolnept~A.en6flevot euK6A.w<;
175 A.aEl6vTa Taxa Ta
8tepeUVWGL. Kat yap ev ~flEp<;t KOVLOpTo<; ava<pepOfleVO<; 1tOAACtKL<; flT]VUeL T~V

E1tEAUGLV niiv 1tOAeflLWV Kalnupa KaLOfleVa VUKTO<; imA.afl'(!e Kal un8Et~e TOU<;
1tOAeflLOU<;.
180
40. Kal eav flEV ou flEAATI<; EKTQ(J(JLV ei<; flCtXTJV Ta<; 8uVCtfleL<;, aye auTa<; ev
~flEp<;l flOVOV. eav 8 enLywm Kal anouM(n<; <pElaveLV GUVTOflWTepov, aye
auTa<; Kal ev VUKTL, eav apa aa<paA<; elvat TOUTO VOfll(n<;.
41. Kalnpo flEV TOU Katpou T~<; flCtXTJ<; fleTa avaew<; Kat GXOA~<; 1tpoepxou.
em\v 8 TOi<; 1tOAeflLOL<; Efl<pavtaElft, eUElu<; em~aAOU, KaAW<; npoeKTa~a<; T~V
18 5 MvaflLV. noAA.aKt<; yap npo Tou aufl~a"-ALv Tov n6A.eflov 6 nepl -rouTov K6no<;
d<; &tA.[av ayet Kal TOU<; av8pe[ou<; Kal 8anav~ Tft flep[flVTI T~V MvaflLV TWV
GWflCtTWV. I
42. Tou<; 8 mevou<; Kal8ua~cnou<; T6nou<; enlnoA.u 8taGTTJfla eKTeTaflvou<;
ev XWP<t exElpwv KaTe~a[peTOV ol ne(ol 8ta~a[veLV ou 8uaxepw<; txoum. nepl
190 TOUTWV
in the front of your column, since there is no difference between the

frtmt and the rear with a view to what may happen.
38. Send out some cavalry units to reconnoiter the roads, especially when
you are proceeding through deserted areas that are wooded and closed in by
hills or mountains. Ambuscades are often set up by the enemy and, when not
detected, swiftly bring utter destruction upon their adversaries.
39. On a level plain everyone can look about and easily reconnoiter. By day a
.::loud of dust often gives warning of the approach of the enemy. By night the
llght from burning fires points to their location.
40. If you do not intend to draw up your forces for battle, lead them only by
day. But if you are in a hurry and anxious to arrive first <at a certain place>, lead
your forces at night as well, provided you think it safe to do so.
41. Before the time of battle march along in a relaxed and leisurely manner.
tlut when you come in sight of the enemy, draw up your force in good order and
nttack immediately. The hard work involved before the actual fighting gets
under way frequently causes even courageous men to lose heart, and anxiety
llttps their bodily strength.
42. Foot soldiers in particular do not find it difficult to traverse long stretches of narrow and difficult places in hostile territory. 10 We will shortly speak
11bout these matters.
8i:: fld 6A.[yov epOiifleV.
188-254 Strat., 94
I 6Jloiw<; MA VE 6Jloiou<; WB 171 npo<; ... cruJlpaivovta

MW Km:a OUVUJllV AVBE 172 nva<; KapaHapiou<; MW trsp. AVBE 173 u:X.weet<; Kat
MW llaada<; oto0eu!]<; tp!]JlLU<; AVBE I neptKKAlO"JlEVa<; MW A neptKKAtO"JlEVOt<; VBE I
opeat MW opemv AVBE 174 otooeu!]<; tp!]Jlia<; MW om. AVBE I unoKa6(ov-rat Onas.
bttKa6(ovmt codd. 175 auv-rpipoum MWVBE auv-rpipoumv A I TWV evavTiwv MW om.
AVBE 176 T~V ... y~v MW TOU<; JlEV 6JlUAOU<; Kal oevopa Jl~ exov-ra<; T01IOU<; A VBE I
neptp:X.en6Jlevot MW neptp:>..erwumv A neptp:X.enoum VBE 177 otepeuvwm M 0tepeuvwmv
w om. AVBE 178 KUlOJlEVU MW KUlOJlEVT] AVBE I UTIEAUJl\jiE MWA eneAUJl\jiE VBE
180 JlEAAT]<; MW pouAT] AVE pou:X.et B I EKTaacretv MW napaTaacretv A VBE 183 crxo:X.~<;
MW apyia<; AVBE 184 tnav MW tnetoav AVBE 185 npo Toii MW tav EJlppaOUV!]<;
AVBE I cruJlpaHetv MW cruJlpa:X.eTv AVBE I 6 ... K6no<; MW om. AVBE I K6no<; Va aKono<;
MW om. AVBE 186 ayet. .. OUVUJllV MW epxov-rm oi avopciot Kal 6 aywv Kal ~ JlEPlJlVU
T~V OUVUJllV oanava AVBE 188 EKTETUJlEVOU<; MAVBE EKTETUJlJlEVOU<; w 189 exoum
169 1wwv MW no:X.eJliwv AVBE
MVBE exoumv WA
10. Sections 42-51 derive from Strat. 94
170
Constitution 9
43 Touc; 8 KU~aAA.apiouc; tv Tft xwp<;t TWV noA.qtiwv EV Katptp 8pouc; flUAlOTU am:plOKETITW<:; Kal we; ETUX 8ta~a(vLV OUK mTpE1t0flV xwplc; avciyKTj<:;. av
8 onv TOTIO<:; n' 6A.iyov axpl i::voc; fllALOU EKTTUflEVO<:; Kal ouvavTm Kalne(ol
8La~atVlV EKl, 8uvaT6v on Kal Ka~aAA.apiouc; 1t(ULV tv aUTOtc; ampaA.wc;.
195
44. :Luvouc; 8 Kal 8uoK6A.ouc; Kivouc; A.eyw T6nouc; Toile; fllav Kal flOVTJV
ncipo8ov xovTac;. ei yap Kal liAA.m eiol n6.po8m Kal mvoTj8~vm MvavTm,
aVfl1t08ioTwc; ~ n6.po8oc; ouvaTm yivwem. av oDv YEVT]Tat Kmpoc; OTVWV
8La~6.oewv Kal 8ta Twv auTwv n6.A.tv T6nwv flEAAD imooTpecpnv 6 oTpaT6c;, d
flEV 8aolc; dOL KUL n' 6A.iyov 8t6.0TTjflU, we; dpf]TUl, KpaTOUOl, TOUTOU<:; KUTU TOV
200 Kmpov T~c; 68ou KKOTIT Kal nA.6.Tuve Kal Ka86.pt( KaTa Tov v&x6flevov
Tp6nov. d 8 OTVOL Kal KPTJflVW8nc;, WOT fl~ 7tAUTUVW8m ouvavTm, we; UVWTEpw ~fltV dpTjTUl, npoKUTUACtfl~UV auTouc; 8t6. nvoc; 1t(lK~c; 8uVCtflW<:; Kal tv
TOte; lJ\f!T]AOTEpOLc; UUTWV T01t0l<:; T~V apKouoav KUTUALflTIUV aocpaA.wc; ~o~enav
~ Tuxov Kal 8ta Ka~aAA.apiwv flEXPL T~c; unooTpo<p~c; ~ Kal TouTo KaKtvo nmdv
205 tv TOte; avayKatOTEpOLc; TOTIOlc;, TOUT' EOTLV EKK01TTlV ~youv Ka8api(nv KUL
~o~enav KUTUALflTI6.vnv KaTa TO v8ex6flVov.
45 . Toile; 8 T~v n6.po8ov 8ta Twv oTevwv notouf1vouc; ~ flHa TouA.8ou ~

flTU npai8ac; de; Mo cp6.A.ayyac; ~TOL napaT6.~etc; yivwem Kal nl Kepac; v 6p8i<;t
napaywyft nepmaTlv ne(ft. 6p8ia 8 oTL napaywy~ ~ KaTa flETWnov flEV OTV~,
210 KaTa 8 To ~6.8oc; eic; fl~Koc; KTLVOflEVTJ. TouTo 8 notetv npai8ac; flCtALOTU tv
xepolv OVOf]<:;, dT 1t(oi dmv ole; flCtAAOV n'>xep~c; ~ TWV 8aowv Kal 8uo~6.TWV
T6nwv 8t6.~amc;, e'LT Ka~aA.A.6.ptoL i::K Twv '(nnwv KaTa~aivovT<:; Kal fli::oov TOV
TOUA8ov KUL T~V U1TOOKU~V EXOVT<:;.
46. 'Ev 8 Tote; TmouTmc; Kmpotc; Kal T6nmc; flHU T~v 8tcpaA.ayyiav, ~nc; xn
215 8uvaTOV TOV A.aov Efl1tpoo8v KUL 6mo8v, W01tp OTOflWflUTU flUxaipac;, ~v oeov
0 acpopi(nv de; <pUAUK~V TOU TouA.8ou Kal T~c; npai8ac; T~c;, we; iK6c;, EVOUOT]<:;
193 tcr-nY MW ter-n A ~ YBE 1 br' MW btl AYBE I iixpt. .. Ktnaf!iYo~ MW KtnaweYo~
(EKteTUflfYO~ YBE) iixpl EYO~ fllALOD AYBE I OUYaYtal MW A OUYOYtal YBE
194 1l~UlY ... aa<pa\w~ MW 1l~UOYta~ &tpxw8m AYBE 195-197 C1tYOU~ ... y[yw8m
MW om. AYBE 199 Elm MAYBE dcrtY W I Kpatoiim MYBE KpatoiimY WA I toutou~
MW om. AYBE 201 7!AatuYw8m MWAB 1lAatuYacr6m YE 204 ~ 1 AYBE i MW I

KaKdYo MW KdYo A Kal KlYo YBE 205 t61!ot~ MW om. AYBE 207 crtYWY MW
2
crtYWY t61!WY AYBE 1 ~ 1 MWAYE ~ Kal B I tou\oou MAYBE t6\oou WI ~ MWAYE ~ Kal
B 208 ~tot MW ~youy AYBE 209 er-n MWA cr-nY YBE 211 DXP~~ MW UXP~~
Kal l>KoAo~ AYBE 212 toY A to MWYBE 215 toY MW om. AYBE I crtOf!Wflata MW
crt6f!ata AYBE 216 touASou MAYBE t6A8ou W I tij~ 2 MWA om. YBE I youcr!]~ MW
CYDYOUCYI]~
AYBE
Marches
171
43. Apart from an emergency, we do not recommend that cavalry, while in

hostile territory, especially in summertime, imprudently and without necessity
should do that. But if the pass is not very long, extending only a mile or so, and
infantry can make their way through it, then the cavalry can pass through on
foot.
44. I define narrow and difficult passes as those places that have only one
passable road. When other routes exist or can be improvised, the passage can be
made without hindrance. Therefore, if the time comes for the army <to pass
through> narrow passages with the intention of returning again through the
same places, and if it is heavily wooded and, as mentioned, not very long, then,
when we first go through it, chop down the trees and level the ground as best fits
the situation. If the way is narrow and precipitous, so that it cannot be leveled,
as we have said above, have an infantry force go ahead to seize the place and
have an auxiliary detachment of sufficient strength take up position on the
commanding points, or perhaps also a force of cavalry, until we return. Or take
the same steps in more critical locations, that is, cut down <the trees> or clear
the ground and leave behind a suitable guard.
45 The troops making their way through the defiles, either accompanied by
the baggage train or by plunder, should form into two phalanxes or battle lines
marching on foot in columns by the flank. In column means a marching formation narrow in the front but in depth stretched out to a greater extent. Observe
this especially when they have plunder in hand. Infantry can traverse wooded
and difficult terrain easily enough. But have cavalry dismount and place the
baggage train and the equipment in the center.
46. At such times and in such places, in addition to the double phalanx,
which has a strong force in front and to the rear, like the hard edges of a sword,
it is necessary for you to detail <men> to guard the baggage train and the
Constitution 9
172
au-roTc;, miv-rwc; Kal aUouc; ~nA~KTOUc; ~youv nl TOUTq> flOVq> ov-rac;, -roue; I
Kaft.A.[w Kal nA.douc;, nott:Tv eK nt:ptaaou Ka-ra -rwv -reaaapwv flepwv -r~c; OtcpaA.ayy[ac;, we; 6 -r6noc; napaOXTat, napaKoAou8ouv-rac; Kal anoao~ouv-rac;
220 -roue; ~OUAOflvouc;, we; etK6c;, EK TWV x8pwv npxea8at Kal Ota-rapaaat:LV
auT~V, 'lva aotaanaa-roc; Kal aauyxu-roc; ~ npoc; napaq>UAaK~V TOU TOUAOOU Kal
T~c; npa[oac; TCt~Lc; q>UAaTTeTal Kal flllOE 1teplG1tWVTaL ol v auTfl OLa muc; nepxoflvouc;. ou yap ouva-rov -roue; t:ic; T~V OtcpaA.ayy[av -raaGOflVouc; Kal T~V npa[oav flt:Ta TCt~eWc; q>UAUHeLV, Kat TOte;, we; eLKOc;, E1tepXOflVOLc; TWV x6pwv etpf16225 ~ea6at. OLa TOUTO EK 1teptaaou Oel i:~weev T~c; OtcpaA.ayy[ac; exetv KaTa TWV
TeGGCtpWV flepWV Kat KaTe~a[peTOV oma8t:V TOUc; KpelTTOVac; aq>op[~ea6at.
oihwc; yap av nc; OUV~GeTaL v nav-rl Katp -roue; OUGKOAOUc; Kal -rpaxeTc; -r6nouc;
ota~a[vt:tv
t:uK6Awc;.
47 Touc; o '(nnouc; TWV ano~atVOVTWV Kal 1te~UOVTWV a-rpaTLWTWV, av
1te~ol ou auvetat a-rpatlWTal, fl~ 1tA11GlOV TWV 1te~eUOVTWV EX, aHa v f1Gq>
-romp aU-roue; aacpaA.wc; aye, Wale fl~, we; eiK6c;, napaA6you OeLA[ac; yeVOflVllc;,
-rapaaGOfleVOl ol 1te~eUOVTec;, av 1tA11GlOV aumuc; eupwat, npoxelpwc; emAafl~aVOfleVOl -rwv Ynnwv KataALf11tCtvoum -r~v -ra~tv Kal v-rt:u6t:v ~Aa~ll fleYLGTll
yivnat.
235
48. El o GUfl~fl alxflaAwa[av au-roue; ~ npaToav mcppea6at Kal f1AAOUatV
ol exepol E1tlTll0UelV -rau-ra, oeov ~ KaTa TOU voc; f1pouc; ~ KaTa TWV ouo, vea
~ napoooc; y[vnm, -roue; aixflaA.w-rouc; ot:Oeflvouc; ~w-rpw -r~c; -ra~t:wc; napaynv Kal un' aU-rwv waavel GKOUTeUW6at, Yva aU-rwv q>eLOOfleVOl ol exepol fl~
e~rcA~KtoU~ ... TCAeLOU~ MW exeLV oei e\acppou~ Kal fli]OfV ~apo~ emcpepof!EVOU~
Kal rc\dova~ AVBE 217 e~TCA~KTOU~ Va e~aTCA~KTOU~ codd.
8
rcotdv
...
7teptcrcrou
MW om. AVBE 219 rcapaKo\oueouvm~ MWAB rcapaKaAou21
eouvm~ VE I arcocro~ouvm~ MW altaVTWVTa~ AVBE 221 am)yxu-ro~ MW a-rapaxo~
AVBE 1 ~ AVBE ~ W om. M I -rou\oou AVBE -r6\oou MW 222 cpu\annm MW
cpu\anJ]-rm AVBE 22 3 -r~vt MWA om. VBE 224 -roi~ ... ercepxoflvot~ MW -rou<; ... ercepxoflvou<; AVBE 224-225 apf16~ecr9aL MW arcav-riiv AVBE 225 TOUTO MW TOUTO XP~
AVBE I Oel MW om. AVBE 230 <JUVEL<Jl MW cruvurcapxwm A cruvurcapxou<JL VBE I ana
MWA aU' VBE 231 au-rou<; acrcpa\w<; MWA trsp. VBE 232-233 mpacrcr6f1VOL. ..
lTCTCWV MW TCAT]<JlOV exov-re<; TOU<; 'ircrcou<; au-rwv oi TCe~EUOVT<; em~a(vovTe<; au-rwv AVBE
233 KaTaALflTCavoum MW KUTaALflTCavw<JL AVBE 234 yivnaL MW AB yivJ]mL VE
235-236 f!EAAOU<JLV ... mum MW <JUfl~~ TOU<; exepou<; em-rtewem KaT' au-rwv AVBE
236 -rau-ra OEOV Va oov mu-ra MW oov TOU<; aixflaAWTOU<; AVBE 237 rcapooo<; MW
217-218
TOU~
Ka\A(ova~
ecpoOo<; AVBE 1-rou<; aixfla\w-rou<; MW om. AVBE
Marches
173
plunder it is likely to be carrying. Over and above this, be sure to assign other
light-armed troops, better and more numerous, specifically for this purpose on
the four sides of the double phalanx as the terrain permits. They are to march
alongside and ward off any hostile parties who might be attempting to harass
the column. This provides protection for the formation assigned to guard the
baggage train and the plunder without being split up and disordered or the
troops drawn off to fight attackers. For it is not possible for the troops stationed
in the double phalanx to guard the plunder in an orderly manner and also deal
with likely hostile raiding parties. For this reason, it is necessary to have troops
that can be spared outside the double phalanx and to post the stronger ones on
the four sides and especially to the rear. In this way one will be able at all times
to pass through difficult and rugged places easily.
47 If there are no foot soldiers accompanying them, the horses of the soldiers who have dismounted and who are proceeding on foot should not remain
close to them but should be led along safely in the center. This is to avoid the
likelihood that the men going on foot might break ranks out of reckless fear
and, if they find the horses close by, readily take hold of them and abandon their
formation. That would lead to the greatest harm.
48. If it should happen that they are transporting prisoners or plunder, and
the enemy are about to go after them, you must, either on one side or on both
sides of the line of march, lead the prisoners, still bound, to the outside of the
column, using them as a sort of shield. Either the enemy will hold their fire out
17 4
ErHTT]OUWatV UKOVTt(etv ei oi:: Kat UKOVTiawow, alJTOU<; !lCtAAOV acpavi(ouat Kat

240
!l~ Tov mpaTLWTT]V.
49 Ei oi:: apa tv avayKn, w<; eiK6<;, Katneptaniaet UOOK~T(tl 6 mpaTo<; yevfjTaL Kat tv aTVW!laat KaTaAfj<p0ft Kat OUK eaTLV UKLVOUVW<; T~V avaxwpfj<HV
Ke10ev 1IOL~aaa0m, TOT KpetHOV eaTLV fK aU!l<jlWVOU ~ !lEPO<; T~<; npaiow.:; ~
rraaav rrapaxwpe'lv TOL<; x0pot<; Kat Ct~Aa~w<; ~pxea0at, UAAa !l~ OL' auT~V
245
KLVOUVUlV.
so. Ei oi:: !l~ OUTW au!l~L~aae~vaL ~OUAOVTaL, OLaxp~aem TOUTOU<; err' 0\jfWL
TWV tx0pwv Kat ~ f1Il!lEVlV Tft xwp<;t auTWV Kat AU!laivwem aM~v a<petOW<; ~,
w<; ouvaT6V eaTLV, i::aUTOU<; !leTa T<l~ew<; rreptacp(etv Kat T~<; t~eA.euaew<; <ppovT((etv.
2
5o
51. Kat rravTo'l6<; aot, ib aTpaTT]y, aKono<; mw tv TOt<; TOLOUTOL<; aTevw!laat
I Kat !lUALaTa TOL<; tnt T(OAU otcianwa KpaTOUat !l~ f1ILTT]OUlV ~La(eaem aTpaTOU rrapooov, t~mpeTW<; tv Katp<j) 0pou<;, OLU T~V T~<; UAT]<; oaaUTT]Ta ITOA!llWV
!lciA.tam tvoxA.ouvTwv, rrptv iiv ~ auwt arroao~T]0wat cpmv611evot ~ D\jfTJA6Tepot
TOT(OL T~<; rrap6oou uno TOU mpaTOU npoKaTaATl<jl0WatV.
255
52. Kat TaUTa !li::V tnt T~<; Ka~aAAapLK~<; tKaTpaTe(a<;. tnt Oi:: T~<; 1I(LK~<;
Momopia<; ei<; !li::V tmrreoou<; TOITOU<; oeov ae Kat oma0ev aUTWV Kat E!l1IpOa0ev
Ka~aAA.apiou<; Ka0tmiiv ei<; ~iyA.av Kat t~wTepw T~<; ~iyA.a<; !lTJOeva Twv rre(wv
cpaivw0m. Ta oi:: UITALKTa fK TOU ITAT]aiov yivea0at '(va !l~ KOITOUVTat oi rre(ol
26o
Marches
Constitution 9
rrepmaTOUVT<:; ITOAU OtaaTT]!la.

53 Ta<:; oi:: !leTa Twv rre(wv a!la~a<:; KaTa Ta !lEPTJ T~<; napaTa~ew<; rrepmaTetv
oeov, ehe tv 6poivc.p e'LT tv rrapaTa~et, npo<:; TOV TOITOV rrpwTOV TOU oe~LOU
of consideration for them or, if they do shoot, they will kill the prisoners and
not our soldiers.
49 If the army, as can easily happen, finds itself in an unexpected critical
situation, trapped in narrow passes, and unable to extricate itself without real
danger, then it is better to come to an agreement with the enemy, relinquishing
part or all of the plunder. The army can thus withdraw without harm and
without endangering itself for the sake of the plunder.
50. But if they do not wish to make such an agreement, put the prisoners to
death before the eyes of the enemy. Then, either remain in their country and
ravage it without mercy or, as best you can, try to save yourselves in an orderly
way and concentrate on escape.
51. Above all, 0 general, when you find yourself in such defiles, especially
ones extending a long distance, you must be careful not to have your army try to
force its way through, particularly in summer, when the dense foliage enables
the enemy to cause a great deal of trouble, before those who appear can be
driven off or your own army shall have seized the commanding heights of the
passage.
52. So much then about cavalry expeditions.u When it comes to infantry
marching along in level terrain, you must send out cavalry patrols to the front
and to the rear. No infantry man should appear outside the line of patrols. The
camp sites should be fairly close, so that the foot soldiers do not become
exhausted from marching long distances.
53 The wagons accompanying the infantry should be driven along in accord
with the divisions of the battle line, either in column or in a broad formation. In
255-371 Strat., 12.B.19-20.

239 EltlTT}OEuwmv MWVBE om. A I aKOVTt<ELV MW aKovTi<wmv ~ TO~Euwmv AVBE I
UKOVTLO'WatV MW UKOVTt<oumv AVBE I a<pav[<oum M a<pav[<oumv A a<pav[<wm WVBE
241 crTpmo~ MW A O'TpUTflYO~ VBE 243 EKElOEv MW om. AVBE 246 oihw M oihw~
WA VBE 1 &axpficr8m ... 6'\fEO'l MW <poveuELV mhou~ ~:\m6vTwv AVBE 247 :X.uJ.taivwOm
MW a<pav[<ElV AVBE 248 EUUTOU~ MW A UlJTOU~ VBE I E~EAEUO'EW~ MW A E~EAUO'EW~
VBE 250 Kal ... <HpUTflYE MW om. A VBE I aKono~ MW aKono~ oe crot AVBE I ToT~ MWA
om. VBE I TOLOUTOL~ crTEVWJ.lUaL MWA trsp. VBE 251 KpaTOUO'L MVBE KpaToumv WA
253 anocro~f18wm <pmv6J.tEVot MW oi <pmv6J.!Evot noAEJ.lLOL anootwxOwmv AVBE
254 npoKaTUAf)<pOiiimv MW npoKaTaKpUTf18iiimv AVBE 256 mne8ou~ MW OJ.IUAOU~
AVBE 257 ~[y:\av M ~iy:\a~ WAVBE 258 Konouvmt AVBE crKonouvmt MW 260 Ta
MWAom.VBE
175
11. Sections 52-75 derive from Strat. 12.B.19-20.
176
Marches
Constitution 9
Kepa-ro<;, 1-ra LOU aptcr-rpou, fl1"' EKflVa<; cS TOU f.LEO'OU apta-rpou Kal TOT TOU
f.LEO'OU o~tou Kal fl~ n<pUpf.LEVat Kal avaflflLYf.LEVat n~::pmaToumv.
54 'Eav o oi txepol nAT]O'LOV dcr[v, oeov TOU<; 6n/..[-ra<; eKaa-rov TU onA.a
auTou ~acrnx<ovTa n~::pma-rciv Kal fl~ ~::l<; Ta<; Ufla~a<; -rau-ra KaTaAtf.Lnavav, \'va
WaLV eTOlflOLnpo<; T~V f.LUXT]V. v 0 TOt<; avayKa[ot<; Katpot<;, Ka8w<; EV Tft napaTa~L TUTTOVTUL Ta Tayf.LaTa, oihw<; au-ra 0tnpma-rdv Kal fl~ cruyKXUf.LEVW<; ~
otacrnacrf.LEVW<; \'va, av YEVT]TaL xpda TOU napaTa~aaem, ETOlf.LW<; d<; TOUTO

Ka-racrTG.>mv.
55.'Eav 0 noA!..o[ dmv oi TWV x8pwv Ka~aA.A<'tptot, eyyt<ovTWV aUTWV -rq>
270
crTpaTq> fl~ E1tlTT]01JlV O'UVXW<; TU anALKTa aHacrcrav ~ TU<; 60omop[a<; not1aem npo T~<; TOU 1tOAEf.LOU eK~aaW<;, ana npo ouo ~ -rptWV ~flpwv npoKa-raAafl~UVLV TOY -r6nov, v8a ~ O'Uj.l~OA~ j.LEAAl yiv~::aem, KUKfLO' aa<paAW<; anAL-
275
KUlV.
56. 'Eav o f.LEAAn<; E<pOOOV nolLV KUTU xwpa<; txepwv flTU n<LKOU cr-rpaLOU
OLU oacrWV Kal oucr~a-rwv Kal O'TVWV T01tWV ~ Kal tv aUTOL<; tyxap~crL<; KaT'
aU-rwv 1t0lLcr8at, ou od a nonou<; Ka~aHapiou<; EXLV, j.l~T Ctf.LU~a<; xav ~
TOUAOOV noA.uv ~ onA.a nona. <Kal ~apea>, oiov A.wpiKLa Kal Kaaaioa<; ~ KAL-
~avta ~
Tl
TWV TOLOUTWV, ana. O'KOUTapta f.LOVOV exav TOU<; O'KOUTUTOU<; f.Ld<ova,
280 Kov-rapta o KOVTU Kal TU crna8[a Kal T<lKOUpta, LOU<; o AYOj.LEVOU<; \j!LAOU<;
aKouTapta j.ltKpa Kal A.a<pp6T~::pa, -ro~o<pap~::-rpa, ptK-rapta, aK6vna f.LLKpa,
T<lKOUpta Kal d
Tl
TOLOUTOV A.a<ppov Kall XP~alf.LOV. a~[va<; 0 naVTW<; n~::ptcrcra<;
XP~ EXLV Kal tv TOL<; crayj.Lapiot<; m<ppw8at OLU TU<; xp~::ia<;.
57 T~v o n<LK~V TWV O'KOUTUTWV -ra~LV j.LT]OE en' ~::uSda<; ~TOl KaTUj.LETwnov
TUO'O'flV XP~, W<; tv TOL<; OflaAOL<; Kal YUf.LVOL<; T01t0l<;, aH' l<; QUO~ o' f.LEPT] nl
~ o' TO ~a8o<; TWV UKLWV npo<; TO nocrov TOU crTpaTOU ~ W<; ~ xpfia anaml. TU o
j.LEpT] '(aw<; KlVLV Kaln~::pmaTdV U<pWTWTa an' UAA~AWV, W<; uno A.i8ou ~OA~<;.
263 ad 8e~10ii des. W (fol. desideratur) 285 ad JlEPI] de novo inc. W
263 rre<pupf!EVat MA m:pt<pupf!EVat VBE I m:pmatoiimv
M rrepmatwcrtv AVBE 264 eicr[v MA wow VBE 266 etOlf!Ol MA l!tOtf!U VBE
269 KUtaOTWOLV AVBE Ka0t<JTW<JlV M 270 dcrtv MA WOLV VBE I at'nwv MVBE autw A
272 EK~acrewc; AVBE eKtacrEwc; M I Mo ... tptwv MA W~ y' VBE 277 fl~TE M outE AVBE
1 exetv2 M om. AVBE 278 Kal ~apta Va om. codd.
279 twv M om. AVBE I J16vov M
f16va AVBE 281 ptKtapta Va pi]Ktapta M ptmapta AVBE 283 XP~ MA om. VBE
284 Jli]OE M ouoe AVBE 285 Mo MAB W VE I o' M tcrcrapa A tcrcrapac; VBE
285-286 f!Epl] ... o' MWA om. VBE 285
MW Mo AVBE 286 o' MW tcrcrapac; A I TO
rrocrov MW T~V J!OOOTI]TU AVBE I UJ!attel WAVBE arravta M 287 U<pEOTWta MW A
262 eKEtvw; MW eKdvouc; AVBE
ecpecrtwta VBE
177
first place should be the wagons of the right flank, then those of the left, following them the wagons of the left center and then those of the right center. They
11hould not be in disarray or mixed up with one another as they proceed along.
54 If the enemy are nearby, the heavy-armed troops should march along,
~ach one carrying his weapons, not leaving them in the wagons, but prepared to
tight. When they are under pressure, the tagmata line up in the way they form
for battle and in that order they march along without any mixing or dispersion
of troops in order that, if it becomes necessary to form the battle line, they are in
t>osition to do so.
55. If there is a large number of enemy cavalry and they are getting close to
our army, we should not immediately get ready to change our campsite or to
undertake a march before the battle has ended. Instead, two or three days
beforehand, occupy the place where the battle is likely to occur and there set up
camp in safety.
56. If you intend to lead an army of infantry on an expedition against hostile
territory that is dense, very rugged, and with narrow passes, or to launch
llSsaults on them in such places, you must not have many cavalry or wagons or a
large baggage train or much heavy armament, such as body armor, helmets,
cuirasses or anything of that sort. The heavy-armed troops should carry only
large shields, short spears, swords, and axes. The so-called light-armed troops
should have smaller and lighter shields, bows with quivers, throwing spears,
short javelins, axes, and anything else light and serviceable like these. They
definitely must have extra axes that can be carried by the pack animals until
needed.
57 The force of heavy infantry must not be drawn up in a straight line on
the front as in flat and open country, but, depending on the size of the army or
as the circumstances require, in two or four divisions, two or four ranks deep. Its
divisions should move evenly and march along separated from each other by
about a stone's throw.
178
290
295
300
305
Constitution 9
58. 'Eav ot auvLm Ka~aAA.aptoL ~ Toi:iA.oo<;, 6ma9v aU-rwv Tov Toi:iA.oov

rrot1v Kal f.LET' auTov TOU<; Ka~aA.A.ap[ou<; Kal f.LET' auTou<; 6:\[you<; O'KOUTCtTOU<;
<Kal> 'f!LAOU<; VWTO<pUAaKa<; OLa TCt<; arro 6ma9v, W<; ELKO<;, emyLVOf.LEVa<; CtOOK~
TOU<; e<pOOOU<;.
59 Tou<; 8 'f!tA.ou<; Tou<; f.LEv eKrropn!wem T~<; rrapa-ra~Ew<; f.LEXPL vo<;
O'T]f.LELOU f.LETCt 6:\[ywv Ka~aAA.ap[wv, TOU<; OE eK rrA.ayiwv ev9v KCtK19v avayKT]
rrpmaT1v, tva Kal O'KOUAKEUWO'l Kal ytvwaKwat, f.L~rroT eyKpUf.Lf.LaTa Eimv
exepwv ~ 8v8pa LO'TCtf.LEVa, Ta 6ma9V aUTWV rrmpLO'f.LEVa, exov-ra Kal O'XTJf.LaTLKW<; LO'TCtf.LEVa, anva arro XELPWV w90Uf.LVa Kal rr[mov-ra KaTa TWV rrap68wv
ef.L<ppa~El<; rrOLOVO'LV v T01<; OTEVWf.LaO'l Kal aywva T01<; ai<pVLOLa(Of.LEVOL<; rrapxoumv.
6o. Kal TaVTa npoEpwvav o1 OLCt T 'f!LAWV a-rpaTLWTWV Kal 6:\[ywv Ka~aAA.apiwv, Uf.La OE Kal anoao~1V TOU<; KEKpUf.Lf.LEVOU<; exepou<;, Ele' OUTW<; rrappxwem T~V napaTa~LV.
61. Kal OTIOU f.LEV apm6Tpo[ Elm T6rroL, TOU<; Ka~aAA.ap[ou<; rrpoA.af.L~CtVELV
Kal Ta<; ~[yA.a<; rroL1V, orrou OE oaa1<; Kal ouaxEp1<; TOTIOL, TOU<; 'f!LAOU<;.
62. Tou<; OE 'f!LAOU<; f.l~ TCtTT err' u9la<; Ka9w<; TOU<; O'KOUTCtTOU<;, ana KaTCt
<Opouyyou<;, TOUT' ean,> Mo ~ Tp1<; ~ TEaaapa<; 'f!LAOU<; aKovna-ra<; TCt~EL<;,
em<pEpOf.LEVOU<; Kal Ta OKOUTCtpla aUTWV tva, eav xpda YEVfJTUL, Kal OKOUTEUO'WO'l Kal aKOVTtO'WO'LV oi auTo[ Kal eva OE TO~OTTJV EXLV oan<; Kal im' aUTWV
<puA.axe~aa9m
310
ouvaTm.
63. Tou<; OE TOLOUTOU<; opouyyou<; f.l~ enl f.LLU<; napaTCt~EW<; ~err' u9da<; T~V
ooomop[av rrotLa9aL, aU' e<p~~<; earrapf.LEVW<;, tva Kal TOU<; VWTOU<; aAA.~A.wv
<puA<inwmv Kai, eav auf.L~ft Tou<; Ef.Lrrpoa9v auTwv avTiaTamv imo exepwv
288 eav MWA El VBE I cruvw:n MA VBE cruvetmv W I -rouA.Oo~ AVBE -r6:\&o~ MW I
TOUAOOV AVBE TOAOOV MW 289 f!n' au-roil~ MW A f!ETCt TOU~ VBE I O'KOUT<lTOU~ MW om.
AVBE 290 Kal Strat. om. codd. I emytVOf!EVa~ MW ytVOf!EVa~ AVBE 290-291 Ct&oK~
TOU~ ecp6&ou~ MW A ecp6&ou~ aOOK~TW~ VBE 294 O'KOUAKEUWO'l w O'KOUAEUWO'l MVBE
O'KOUAKeutlwmv A scr. mg. O'K01!UWO'l ~ty:X.euwm W I ytVWO'KWO'l MVBE ytvwcrKwmv WA I
ELO'LV MWA WO'LV VBE 295 TCt ... au-rwv MW ii-rtva AVBE I 1!E1lplO'f!EVU AVBE
1!Epl1lplO'f!EVU MW 295-296 exov-ra ... iinva MW f!Ev eicrl (Elcrlv A) &t' OAOU TOU~ KOpf!OU~
6:\iyov DE (& Tl VBE) f!OVOV Kpa-roiiO'l (KpaTOUO'lV A) Kal AVBE 296 XEtpwv MW xetpwv
11apa -rwv extlpwv AVBE 1 weouf!eva MWA wxouf!eva VBE 297 Ef!cppa~et~ 11otoiimv MW
Ef!<ppacrcroum A Ef!cppanoum VBE I -rot~ cr-revwf!aO'l M -rot~ cr-revwf!aO'lv W -ra cr-revwf!a-ra
AVBE 304 -ra-r-re MW -r6.TTTJ~ A VBE 305 &pouyyou~ ... ecr-rt Strat. om. codd. I &Do ...
-rpet~ MWA W~ y' VBE 306-307 crKou-reucrwcrt MA VBE crKou-reucrwcrtv W 308 cpu:X.axe~crwtlm AVBE cpu:X.axtl~O'ETat MW I Mva-rat A &uv~crnat VBE om. MW 310 TOU~
vw-rou~ MW -ra~ IJ!ua~ A VBE 311 -roil~ AVBE -rot~ MW
Marches
179
58. If cavalry or a baggage train accompanies them, place the baggage train
to their rear, followed by the cavalry, and behind them a few heavy and light
infantry as a rear guard because of surprise attacks likely to be launched from
the rear.
59 The light infantry, along with a few cavalrymen, should march out about
one mile ahead of the main body of troops. Others must march here and there
around the flanks to patrol and to discover any enemy ambushes or trees that
seem to be standing upright but which have been sawed through in the back so
they can be quickly pushed over, fall down, and block the passage in those
narrow places, causing serious trouble for those who have been ambushed.
6o. The light-armed soldiers, together with a few horsemen, should be
looking for such things and, at the same time, should clear out enemy troops in
hiding. The main body of troops may then pass through.
61. Where the country is fairly open, the cavalry should ride out in advance
and act as scouts, but where it is wooded and difficult the light-armed troops
should do that.
62. Do not line up the light-armed infantry in a straight line, as <you do>
with the heavy-armed men, but in irregular groups, that is, formations of two,
three, or four light-armed soldiers with javelins, carrying their shields, so that, if
necessary, they can both protect themselves and hurl the javelins. They should
also have one archer who can be protected by them.
63. Irregular groups of this sort must not advance along the route in one
solid formation or in a straight line but they should be separated, one following
the other, so they may protect each other's rear. If it should happen that the
Marches
Constitution 9
180
UTIOflELVat Kal ~apia8at uno 8uaxpda~ TOTIOU, oma8V ayvwaTW~ U'\fT]AOTp0l

YV0flVOL KaTa TOU VWTOU T<DV exepwv epxovTaL, W<J1tp avayKai6v E(JTLV ad
(JT[U0Lv TOU~ '\flAOU~ i'va TOU~ U'\fT]AOTEpou~ TOTIOU~ KaTa TWV exepwv 1tpOKaTa315 Aafl~UVWaLV.
64. Tiapayyd:\n~ 8 Kal TOU~ '\flAOU~ i'va
I JtAEOV
TOU ouvaaem auTOU~ 31~'
UKOULV ~OUKLVOU fl~ xwp[(wvTaL T~~ 1tapaTa~W~ Iva fl~ YUflVOUflVOl ~OT]8da~,
W~ iK6~, ~apOUVTal.
65. Twv
320
oe TW<Japwv
flpwv EJtL TO Ef11tpoa8v KEpa~ 1tOpUOflEVWV, eav
(JTVO~ Up8ft <6> TOJtO~, W(JT fl~ ouvaaem TU Teaaapa flEPTJ Ka8' i::aUTCt
oe f1Tj8 Mo xwpoumv, KaTU EV
1tappxwem, Mo flEPTJ Jt0lLV d~ 8L<pa:\ayyiav. i
flEpO~ JtapayLV eJtl KEpa~ w~ flLaV Jtapam~LV, Kal TOU~ AOLJtOU~ E<p~~~, TWV
'\flAWV, w~ dpT]TaL, a1 1tpOAafl~av6vTWV. flTU 8 TO napA81v TOY (JTVOV
TOJtOV JtUALV i~ Taaapa~ apxa~ ~youv flEpT], w~ ETUyT]aav, eJtl KEpa~ ~youv
325 7tpo~
Ta Ef11tpoa8v <ppnv auTou~.

66. Ei 8 n:\~eo~ exepwv emcpav1 ~ Ef11tpoa8v ~ EK JtAay[wv, <Ka8'> OLOU
av auvi8n~ flEpou~ OTL 1tpE1tl, KaT' eKdvou T[QL~(Jl~ EJtL flETWJtOV ~youv EJtL TU
Ef11tpoa8V T~V JtapaTa~LV TOUT' eanv, i flEV apl<JTp(i T~~ 1tapaTU~W~ cpavwmv, auTOU TOU aKpou flEpou~ T~~ JtapaTU~W~ EV T<X~l [<JTaflEVOU epxovTm TU
330
ana
Tp[a flEPTJ Kal JtapaTU(J(JOVTaL aunp EV TOL~ i8(0L~ TOJtOL~ i 8 8~L(i

cpavwm, Tov OflOLOV Tp6Jtov flTa~an6f1VOL nowum Ta~ O'\fL~ KaT' eKivou i
8 Ef11tpoa8v cpavwm Twv flawv flpwv ~ Toil vo~ ~ Twv p-, Jtpo~ Tov T6Jtov
ana
8~l~ eyKALVOflEVWV Kal i~ flETWJtOV Ct1tOKa8LaTaflEVWV TU

ouo flEPTJ
epx6flVa OflOLW~ JtapaTU(J(JOVTaL Kal y(vTal ~ TU~l~ JtAay(a EJtL flETWJtOV.
317 ad t~~ des. V
I wcrm:p MW cmep AVBE 314 (JT(UOetV ... \!flAOU~

MW crrrouoa~etv AVBE I tva MW 'iva ol \!flAOL A tva tva ol \!flAOL VBE 314-315 rrpoKataAafl~UVWGlV MWA TCpoKataAaf1~6.vwat VBE 316-318 rrAtov ... eiK6~ MW tocroutov
XWPl~WVtat UJtO t~<; rrapatU~W<; OGOV OUvavtat CtKOUlV ~OUKlVOU <pWV~<; tVa fl~ flaKpav t~<;
rrapata~ew<; ytv6flevot Kal ~o!]8eia<; crtep01JflVOt AVBE 318 ~apouvtat MW ~apouvtat
urro txepwv A ~apwvtat BE 320 6 Va om. codd. I tecrcrapa MWBE ttaaa A
321 TCapepxwem AE rraptpxnm B rropeuecreat MW I xwpouatv WABE xwpoucrt M I ev
MWA to ltv E to eva B scr. mg. t<pe~~<; W 326 Kae' Va om. codd. 326-327 otou ...
J.!Epou<; Va olov ... flepo<; codd. 327 rrptTCet MW <'tpf16~et ABE I Kat' Va f!et' codd.l trrF MW
ei<; ABE 327-328 ~youv ... crttv MW om. ABE 328 J.!Ev MW f!EV ouv ei<; ta ABE
3 28-329 <pavwcrtv MW <pavwmv ol txepol ABE 329 lcrtaflvou MWA lcrtaflevou~ BE
331 <pavwcrt MBE <pavwatv WA I Kat' Va Kal MWBE om. A I tKdvou Va i:Keivot codd.
332 Eflrrpoaeev MABE Eflrrpoaee W I WMW ouo ABE I TCpo<; ... t6rrov Va Kal twv t6rrwv
MW tOUtWV ABE 333 tyKAlVOJ.lEVWV MW EKKAlVOflEVWV ABE
313 KaTU ... VWTOU MW OTCiaw AVBE
181
group up front is met by resistance from the enemy or is bogged down in rough
terrain, the groups behind may move to higher ground without being observed
and come down on the rear of the enemy. So it is always necessary for the
light-armed troops to hasten in order to seize the higher places beforehand
against the enemy.
64. Order the light-armed troops not to distance themselves from the main
body beyond where they can still hear the trumpet, so they may not end up
bereft of support and, in all likelihood, be overwhelmed.
65. If the four divisions are marching along on the front flank and they run
into a place so narrow that the four divisions cannot pass through by themselves, make two divisions into a double phalanx. But if two will not fit, then
lead one at a time through as one battle line by the flank, and have the rest
follow, always, as was said, keeping the light-armed troops in front. After
passing through the narrow spot they resume their formation of four commands or divisions advancing forward by the flank.
66. If a strong enemy force appears in front of them or off to the side, form
the battle line on whatever side you consider appropriate, with its front or its
forward units facing that side. That is, if the enemy appears to the left of the
battle line, the division on that flank of the line halts in position and the other
three divisions come and form up with it in their own positions. If they appear
to the right, our men make the corresponding maneuver and make the front in
that direction. If they appear in front of either one or both of the center
divisions, the other two divisions come and head toward the right and set
themselves up as a front, in like manner forming their battle line with their
flank as their front.
182
Marches
Constitution 9
183
67. Kal ei flEV 6 -r6n:oc; i!xeL, auv-re-rawevwc; n:pxeaem -roue; 'f!LAouc; -ro1c;
67. If the terrain permits, the light-armed troops are to advance in close
x0po1c; 'tva fleT' au-rwv Kai Ka~aHapLOl KaTUKUKAOU<Jl TOU<; vavt(ou<;. ei o ou
order against the enemy so that both they and the cavalry can encircle the
enemy. But if it is not practicable for a formation in compact and close order to
pass through, then line up the heavy-armed files (hoplites) in depth and in
extended order, so they can easily make their way through wooded areas and, if
need be, resume close order.
68. If even this is not feasible, it is necessary to halt the main body and send
the light-armed troops against the enemy, closely supported by a few heavyarmed men and cavalry.
69. Most certainly you should give the following order. In the event that,
while your men are marching along, the alarm is sounded that the enemy are
approaching, everyone must not get excited and rush toward that sector. Rather,
the heavy-armed troops should maintain their formation, while the light-armed
troops from each division dash toward the man who gave the alarm. The troops
in front should not hastily move toward the flanks nor those on the flank to the
section in front without the approval of the commanding officer. But each
division should support its own troops when the alarm is given, as the situation
demands so that, in the event that the men are hard pressed, they hasten back to
the main body of heavy infantry to avoid being overwhelmed by the enemy.
70. Infantry, therefore, are capable of undertaking marches safely and in
good order, as we have said, in thickly wooded and difficult country if they
arrange their formation by the flank, that is, the width being narrow, either in
four divisions or in two, depending on the terrain, and in more open country
forming the front on the flank more broadly, with the files fairly open according
to width but deeper according to thickness.
71. Bear in mind that in thickly wooded country javelin throwers, using
short spears or menaula, are needed more than archers or slingers. For this
335
xwpci <JUVTeTaYflEVrtV aut~V Kai TieTIUKVWflEVT]V Otepxeaem, <Oci> -rae; o TWV

OTIALTWV ~youv TWV (JKOUTUTWV aK(ac; ~aeelac; Kal apmac; -raaaeaem tva Kai -rae;
OLa~a<Jel<; eUKOAW<; OLa TWV ovopwv TIOLOUVTUL Kat, av xpe(a yvrtTUL, TIUKVOUV340 Tal.
68. 'Eav 0 ou<OE oihwc;> xwpof>VTUL, 01 ta-raaem T~V n:apam~LV, TOU<; o

'f!LAOU<; a<ptelV eic; -roue; exOpouc; Kal EK TWV TIArt<JLOV m~OTj01V auto[<; Ota Te
6:\[ywv <JKOUTatwv Kal Ota Ka~aHap[wv.
69. TiapayyetAD<; OE n:avtwc; tva, ot' av,
345 60omope1V
we; elKO<;, Kpauy~ yevrttUL v t4J

we; TIOAefllWV ETIL<j>UlVOflEVWV, fl~ n:avtac; <pupeaem Kal Kat' EKelVOU
TPEXLV TOU flEpouc;,
ana -roue; flEV <JKOUTUTOU<;
'*
TU~eW<; aUTWV exeaem, TOU<;
o 'f!LAOU<; EKU<JTOU flEpouc; n:i TOY Kpa(ovta <JUVTPEXLV Kal fl~ -roue; i!pn:poaOev
I t:ic; -ra n:A<iyta n:poxdpwc; i!pxeaem ~ -roue; -rwv n::\ay[wv n:i to l!fin:poaOev flEpoc;
aveu T~<; TOU apxovto<; mtpon:~<;,
350 Kmpq> Kpauy~<;,
we; ~
a;\;\' EKa<JTOV flEpoc; TOL<; [O[OL<; m~ort0civ v
xpe[a KaAE<Jel, Kai tva, av ~apouvtm,
we; elKO<;, ei<; T~V
TWV <JKOUTUTWV n:apata~LV tpexou<JL Kal fl~ ~La(wvtm un:o TWV exOpwv.
70. 1\a<pa:\wc; oi>v al 60omop[m -rwv n:t:(wv Kai apfloO[wc; y[veaem Mvavtm
we; e'lTIOfleV, v flEV TOL<; oaautepOL<; TOTIOL<; Kai OU<J~UTOL<; n:l KEpac; ~youv
<JTeVOeTilfl~Kll TU<J<JWV'tUL TU~LV, e'ite ei<; -reaaapa flEPll e'he eic; ouo, we; ol TOTIOL
tva,
355 oexovtm, v o TOL<; apmotepOL<; n:i flETWTIOV v n:Aay(q. TU~1 eic; TIAUTO<;, v
apaw-repmc; flEv Kata -ro n:A<i-roc; aK[mc;, ~aeu-repmc; 0 Kata to n:axoc;.

71. nvw<JK o OTL v ta1c; oaadmc; UAUL<; ol EK Xelpoc; aKOVtt(ovte<; OLa
plKtap[wv ~ fleVaUAWV avayKULOTepo( el<Jl Kai TWV TO~OTWV Kal TWV <J<j>eVOOVL-
336 KUTUKUKAOUat W KU1UKUKAoumv A KUTUKUKAWat MBE 337 01 Va om. codd.

339 &ta~aaEt~ MWAB om. E I t:uK6Aw~ ... otv8pwv MW 8u1-rwv 8tv8pwv t:uKoAw~ ABE I
7tolOUVTUl MW 7tolWV1Ul ABE I eav MW A d E ~ B 339-340 ITUKVOUVTUl MW TIUKVWV1Ul
ABE 341 oVIle oihw~ Va ou codd. I xwpouvmt MWA xwpwv-rat BE I 1a-raa6at MW
342 cu:p[EtV ... txepou~ MW t~tpxeaem KU1U -rwv txepwv ABE I Kal
MWA om. BE I -rwv MW -rou ABE I TIAI]GLOV MWAB TIAI]GLOU E 344 rrav-rw~ MW A
rravm~ BE 345 rravm~ ABE rrav-rw~ MW 349 tm-rporrfj~ MW rrpo-rporrfj~ ABE
350 w~ 1 MW om. ABE I ~ ... KUAEGel MW om. ABE I tav MWA d BE I ~apouv-rat MABE
1ama6at f!EV ABE
~apuvwv-rm W 351 -rptxoum M -rptxoumv W -rptxwm ABE 353 1va MWA '(v' BE
354 -ra~tv MW -ra~t:t ABE 1-rtaaapa MWAE 8' B I8Uo MWA W BE 355 rr;\ay[a MWAB
rr;\ay[w E 356 apato-repat~ MWA apato-repot~ BE I rraxo~ MWE ~a6o<; AB 357 EK
XELPO~ MW euxepw~ ABE 358 ptK-rap[wv Va p!]K1ap[wv MW ptmap[wv ABE
3111
184
Marches
Constitution 9
a-nov. OLU TOiJTO n:pbtov ea-rl TOU<; n:oA.Aou<; TWV 'I'LAWV Ei<; ptKTapta Kal UKOVTLa
360 EK xetpo<; GVfl~ai\.i\.6f.LVa YVflVU~wem.
72. Ol o TO~OTUL avayKa1o( dat Tfi n:apaTa~l !liii\.i\.ov imo-racrcr6!1VOL, Kal

ei<; Tpax1<; Kal ei<; KPll!lvwoet<; Kal d<; a-revou<; Kal yv11vou<; T6n:ov<;.
73 Ol !lVTOL UKOVTtaTal Kal ~w8ev T~<; n:apaTa~ew<; ei<; TU<; ui\.a<; TU<; oacre1<;
f.LUALGTa avayKa1o( dcrtv. TocrauTa f.LEv ouv Kal v Tal<; ooomop(at<; n:apa<pvi\.aT365 TLV G avayKatOV, W GTpaTT)y.
74 IIplv ~ o n:avTa<; an:i\.tKUGUL, T~V n:apaTa~LV !lT)OTIOT Otai\.ve, !l~T n:l
n:e~~<; crTpaTda<; fl~T n:l Ka~ai\.i\.aptK~<;, w<; av Kal TO <pOGGUTOV oxvpw8fi Kal
al ~(yi\.m ~i\.8wmv.
75 Eiovm 0 n:av-ra<; n:pocrTa~et<; Iva Tfi <pwvfi Tou KaTO. ovv~Setav ~ovK(37o vov, yvwp(~ovTe<; auTo, lcr-ravTat Kal n:ai\.tv Tfi crvv~Set <pwvfi Tou eTpov ~ovK(
vov ~youv TOU KLV~flaTO<; KLVWGLV.

76. Oihw<; ouv ~!llV OlaTTVTIWflVWV TWV n:epl ooomop(a<; crTpaTOU, E<p~~<;
am Kal Tov n:epl Tou i\.eyof.Lvov Toui\.oov otaTa~611e8a Tun:ov.
reason, most of the light infantry should be trained in hurling short spears and
Javelins by hand.
72. Archers, rather, are needed for supporting operations with the main
battle line and in rugged, precipitous, narrow, and open country.
73 Javelin throwers, for their part, are needed outside of the main battle
line, especially in thickly wooded areas. It is, therefore, necessary for you, 0
general, to observe all these things when on the march.
74 Never dismiss the main body, whether it is the infantry on campaign or
the cavalry, until everyone has settled into camp and it has been fortified and
patrols have gone out.
75 Everyone must know the following ordinances. They must come to a halt
when they recognize the customary blast of the trumpet and, in turn, at the
customary blast of the other trumpet, the one for movement, they move.12
76. So then, we have set down the regulations about an army on the march.
Next we will set forth ordinances regarding the baggage train, as it is called.
359 tcrrl MBE ecrnv WA I fllK'tCtpta Va p!]K'tCtpta MW pmtapta ABE 360 <JUf1~UAAOf1EVU
M ~aAAOflEVa WABE 361 elm MABE elcrtv W titulum const. decimae summa pag. scr.
rcoAEfllKWV rcapaaKeuwv <'itata~t<; t' W 362 Kal yuf1VOU<; MW A om. BE 363 oacret<; MW
oa<JEta<; ABE 364 elmv MWA elm BE 367 TIE~~<; MW TCE~lK~<; ABE I crtpateta<; MW
crtpanii<; ABE 368 t~tA.ewatv MWA t~tA.Swm BE 369-3 70 elotvat. .. auto MW
rcpocrta~Et<; 0 rcavta<; aKpt~w<; yvwp[~Etv t~v <pwv~v toil ~ouK[vou 'lva t~<; cruvf!Sou<; <pwv~<;
t~<; crtacrew<; aKm!ovtE<; ABE
3 73 touA.Oou ABE t6A.Oou MW
185
u. Cf. supra 7.128-133, 352-354.
TIOAEMIKON TIAPALKEYON ~IATA3IL I'
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION X
ITepl -rouMou
About the Baggage Train
!11 ouv KUL -rou -rouA.Oou avuyKu[wc; m: cppov-r[~etV KUL fl~,
we;
Luxe,
KUtaAlflTIUVlV uu-r6, aAA.a aacpuA[~w9m, OTIOU iiv KUTUAT]q:>9fl. flf]8 rraAtV
5 aTipovo~-rwc; mcppwem uu-ro tv -rfl flaxn <JUflPCltVl yap Ketti TIUAALKaptu dvm
tv uu-r4J, XPT]<JlflOU<; -roTc; a-rpu-rtw-rmc;, Kal-reKVU ~ auyyeveTc; au-rwv KCll, et fli'J tv
aacpaAl((l -ruyxavet, -r4J rrept<JT(Cl<Jfl4> UULOU oi a-rpa-rtw-rm <JUVXOflVOl aflq:>lpoA.ot Kal flpt~6f1Vot -rae; yvwf1uc; tv -raTe; flaxmc; y[vovmt.
2. Kul yap EKCt<JTqJ auve-r4> av8pl arrou8~ tan xwplc; l8[uc; pA.apT]c; -ra -rou
10 txepou Kt:p8~am av 8 OLKeLUV ucpopa-rm pA.apT]v ~ arrexe-rm ~ OKVT]p6-repoc;
1.
15
20
yive-rm.
3 Kul rrpw-ro-rtmwc; flEV auverruyof1vou -roil -rouA.8ou Ketl <JUflpoA.~c; 8T]flO<J[ac; rrpoa8oKWflVT]C: rrA.~eoc; -rwv AYOflVWV TIUAAlKUp[wv ~youv -rwv 8ouA.eu6v-rwv -roTc; 1" apxou<Jl Kul-ro1c; a-rpanw-rmc; mcppwem ou <JUflPOUADOf1V, oihe
tv -rfl l8[(l yfl i'JflWV -r~c; flUXT]C: A.m~of1VT]C: oihe tv -rfl aAA.o-rp[((l rrepxof1VWV,
aAA.a <JUflfl-rpouc; e1vm Ketl-rouc; v 8UVCtfll ov-ruc;.
4 Toaou-rouc; 8 ~youv -roue; rrupKoilvmc; KULa -ra Kov-roupepvta av-rexeaem KUL 8tOlKelV -ra liA.oya uU-rwv rrpoc; -ri'jv 8tacpopav KUL -ri'jv T(QlOTT]TCl Kal
8tayvwmv -rwv LaYflUTWV ~TOl TO TIA~9oc; -rwv aA.6ywv, 8ta TO fli'J rroAA.i'jv cpupatv
KUL 8arraVT]V liKmpov KUL rrept<JTIU<JflOV etc; au-roue; y[veaem.
M W (mut.) A BE
Va
You must realize that the baggage train is essential and you must never, as
has happened, leave it behind. 1 It must be securely guarded, wherever it has
been left. On the other hand, it should not be brought carelessly onto the field of
battle. For the train happens to include the grooms needed by the soldiers, as
well as children and other relatives of theirs. If their safety is not assured, the
soldiers become distracted, hesitant, and do not focus their attention on the
battle.
2. Every intelligent man indeed makes an effort to profit at the enemy's
expense without any harm to himself, but if he suspects harm to himself he stays
away or becomes very hesitant.
3 First of all, when you are accompanied by the baggage train and a pitched
battle is expected, we advise you not to bring along a large number of the socalled grooms, that is, those in the service of the officers and the soldiers, when
we are advancing in expectation of battle, whether in our own country or in a
foreign one, but only a moderate number and vigorous men at that.
4 There should be enough of them attached to each squad to take care of its
horses and to manage them, making due allowance for their differences, their
quality, and the distinction of the units, as well as the number of horses. This
will avoid a great deal of confusion, inopportune expense, and distraction
among them.
1.
Jill'
PG 107:788
1-70 Strat., 5
1
1lOAef!lKWV 7tapaaKeuwv MWA om. BE
2 -rouf.oou A -r6A&ou MW -rou -rouA&ou BE
KUTUATJ<p8~ MW <p8aa8~ ABE 5 7taAAtKapta MW

av8pc.imou<; ABE 7 au-rou MWA au-rw BE 9 tan MWAE eanv B 10 eav MWAE ei B
1
12 auvt:7tayof!EVou MWAE auveXOf!EVOU B I -rouf.oou ABE -r6f.oou MW 13 -rwv ~youv
3 -rouf.oou ABE -r6f.oou<; MW
MW om. ABE
15
y~ ~f!WV MW trsp. ABE
16 ev ... ov-ra<; MW ouva-rw-repou<; ABE
KOVTOU~epvta ABE KOUTOU~epvta MW 17-18 av-rexwem MW om. ABE 18 Ka\

OlOlKelV MWA om. BE 18-19 -r~v 1 ~TOl MW om. ABE 19 aA6ywv MW aA6ywv au-rwv
ABE I f!~ MW f!TJOE ABE 20 ei<; au-rou<; ABE om. MW I yivea8m MW A yevea8at BE
17
1. Sections 1-15 derive from Strat. 5. See A. Dain, "'Touldos' et 'touldon' dans les traites
militaires;' Melanges Henri Gregoire (Brussels, 1950), 2:161-169.
188
Constitution
The Baggage Train
10
5 ToU.ou<; of: tv T<!J Katp<!J T~<; !lUXfJ<;, ei !lf:V auvwn 11e(lKO<; a-rpa-r6<;,
Of]AOVOTL auv au-r<!J !leTa T<OV tnl TOUT<.p a<popt(O!lEVWV KaTaAl!111UVelV apx6vTWV, e'L-re tv Tft iOL<t dTe tv Tft aAA.o-rp[<t 6 110Ae!10<; Kp[vnm. aa<paAW<; Of: aUTOU<;
elvm tv -r<!J <poaaa-r<.p, Ka8w<; tv -r<!J nepl anA.[K-rwv Of]Awao11v aOL -run<.p.
25
6. Kal au-ra of: Ta aawapta Kal T~V AOL11~V anoaKeuijv, anep KaAeLTal aoa-rpa-ra, !leT' auTOU TOU TOUAOOU KaTaAL!111UVLV.
7. Kal tv llf:V TOL<; Koupaot<; ~ Tal<; aAAat<; t<p600L<; EXelV auT TOU<; a-rpanw-
Ta<; Taxa Kal !1EXPL Kal auT~<; T~<; ~11pa<; T~<; O"U!l~OA~<; 11e<ppawva Kal tv
30
ouva!lel.
8. 'Ev mhft of: Tft OU!l~oA.ft tyyu<; EXelV T~<; napa-ra~eW<; aoa-rpa-rov OUK
avayKaLOV KptVO!leV, aU' tv T<!J <pOOOUT<.p KaTaAl!111UVW8at. Kal yap O"U!l~a[Vel
110AAUKL<; Kal capax~<; ytVO!lEVf]<; eUKOAW<; napan[moum Ota TO uno !llKpwv
naA.A.tKap[wv KpaTeta8m.
9 Ei Of: auvwn ne(tKo<; a-rpa-r6<;, ei 11tv tv -rft io[<t xwp<t ~ tv au-rot<; -rot<;
35 !le8op[ot<; Ct!l<pOTpwv TWV xwpwv,
T~<; Te ~!lTpa<; Kal T~<; 110Ae!lla<;, npoaOOKU-
Tal ~ !lUXfJ eu8w<; y[vwem Kal OUK EXel I unp8wtv, TOTe tv oxup<!J T011<.p, v8a 31/
Kal ~OO"Kal Kat UOaTa apKOUVTa eUplOKOVTat, W<; U110 TplUKOVTa ~ Kat11eVTTJKOVTa !llALWV KaTaAl!111UVlV TOV 11Ae[ova Kal axpfJOTOV TOUAOOV Kal Ta 11eptaaa
aA.oya Kal tpyaA.da Kal ETepa dOT], WV xpda OUK an KaTa T~V ~11pav TOU
40 noA.11ou.
10. l\<p6pt(e of: Ka[ nva<; tv -r<!J !1EO"<.p OlaaTfJ!laTL LOU Te TOUAOOU Kal T~<;
!lUXfJ<;, tyvWO!lEVOU<; mlm KaLil~ 110Vf]pOU<; Kal <pauAOU<; av8pwnou<;, Kal KaTaOTT]O"OV ai>Tou<; ei<; OlQO"TaTa Kal U1100el~OV TOUTOU<; -r<!J apxovTL TOU TOUAOOUOel yap ai>T<!J 11UVTW<; apxovm '(otov EXeLV-WO"Te npo<; T~V TOU 110AE!10U EK~amv
45 6<peLAelV auTOU<; !lfJVUO"at TOL<; tv T<!J TOUAO<.p
22 0!]A.ov6n MW om. ABE

UAAOTpia xwpa ABE
aupTa ABE
I KpivETUL
~ !lelVaL tv T<!J au-r<!J T011<.p tv
22-23 apxovTwv Va a\nou<; codd.
MW yivETat ABE
26 f1ET' MW KaT' ABE

23 aft.AoTpia MW
25-26 iim:p ... aotaTpaTa MW Kal TU
TouA.Oou ABE T6A.oou MW
I m:cppaYf1EVU
MW om. ABE
27 tcp6oot<; MW
tmopOf1Ui<; ABE
28 Kail MW om. ABE
MW aupTa ABE
31-33 Kal. .. KpaTeia8m MW ota To urco f1LKpwv rcaiowv Kpmeia8m a\na
rcpo<; iiAA!]AU OtUflCJ.Xlo:aem Kal Tapax~v ou flLKpav EflTCOLeiv ABE
30 aoeaTpmov
34 auvwn MWA auvean
I UflCf>OTepwv ... xwpwv MW om. ABE I ~fleTepa<;

MW ~fleTepa<; xwpa<; ABE I TCOAef1LU<; MW TWV rcoAeflLWV ABE 37 TPLUKOVTU MW A.' ABE I
Kal BE
35 f1e8opiot<; MW auv6pm<; ABE
39 eaTL MABE tanv w 41 TOU

W ABE TOAOou M 42 tyvwaf1EVOU<; MW yvwptf10U<; AB
44 auTW MW om. ABE I TCUVTW<; MW TCUVTW<; TOV TOUAOOV ABE
~ Kal ABE~ M Kal
TE MWA TOUTO BE
yvwpLKOU<; E
37-38 TCEVT~KOVTU MW v' ABE
I TouA.Oou
45 6cpdA.etv al>Tou<; MW om. ABE
189
5 At the time of battle those servants should be left behind, whether the
battle is fought in our own or in foreign territory, and they should be joined by
atn infantry force, if one is present, with officers assigned to this task. They
11hould find safety in the camp, as we shall make clear in the ordinances about
camps.
6. Also leave behind with the baggage train itself the reserve horses, also
referred to as spare horses, and the rest of the equipment.
7 For raiding and other offensive actions the soldiers must quickly take
~'lossession of the horses <and keep them> well armored and vigorous up to the
very day of battle.
8. But once the battle begins, it is our considered judgment that there is no
need to keep the spare horses near the battle line, but they should be left behind
in the camp. For, as often happens, they may easily fall into confusion when
handled by young servants.
9 If an infantry force is present, either in our own country or right on the
frontier between both countries, ours and the enemy's, and battle appears
Imminent with no delay in sight, then, in a strong place, where sufficient fodder
and water may be found, about thirty or even fifty miles away, leave most of the
nonessential part of the baggage train, the extra horses, tools, and the rest of the
equipment that is not needed on the day of battle.
10. In the space between the baggage train and the battle line, detail certain
men, not at all ignoble or cowardly, whom everyone recognizes, and station
them at intervals. Make them known to the officer in charge of the baggage
train-it is absolutely necessary for it to have its own commander-so that,
depending on the outcome of the battle, they should advise the troops in the
190
Constitution
10
Ka-raA.q.mavovrat ~ f.v -repq> am:A.8e1v T<jl 6oKOUVTl TOITqJ ~ Kal vyKat UUTOU<;
50
rrpo<; Tov mpaT6v.

11. 'EK 6 TOU TOUA6ou KlVOUVTU<; f.rrl T~V fiCtXTJV rrapaA.a~t:lV TCt aMaTpa-ra
~youv aawapta Kal ~ Tev-ra<; fitKpa<; ~ aay[a 6mA.ii ei<; To fiEV ev aKrrea8at,
e'lrrep xpda KUAEG1, TO 6 ETt:pov ei<; TEVTUV ~TOt TO A.ey6fiVOV KUfiCtp6tv exetv.
12. AHa Kal6am1vT]V ~ rra~afiaT[ou ~ rr[mou ~ liAA.ou nvo<; e'l6ou<; f.A.acppou
e'(Koat ~ Kal TptaKOVTa AtTpa<; Kal TOT Ct1tALKUGat f.v T<jl <poaaaTq>, f.v 4> av M~n
y[vea8at TOITqJ, C>T rrpo<; T~V TWV ex8pwv fiCtXTJV CtiTOKlV~GOUatV. TOUTO 6 TO
<pOGGCtTOV ft <arro opUYflCtTWV ~> CtiTO OLK060fi~<; At8WV ~ 1tAtV8WV oxupwaat,
Kiiv rrpo<; fi[av ~fipav aufi~ft fiEVetv f.Kdae.

13."EKamov 6 ~av6ov arroT[8ea8at xopTOV ~ axupov filii<; ~fiEpa<; LVU, f.av,
W<; elKO<;, EVUVTLW<; TU TOU ITOAEfiOU ~A.8n, f.v T<jl urroaTpE<pt:tV TOV aTpaTOV
fit:TU arrou6~<; f.v UUT<jl ~ fiElVat f.v UUT<jl T<jl <poaaaTq> EXOVTU T~V TWV aA6ywv
arroTpo<p~v fiLii<; ~fitpa<; Kal fl~ avayKa(ea8m f.v TotouTq> 8opu~q> ~ ~6aKetv ~
6o xopToA.6ytv rrott:lV Kal ~A.amea8at ETOlflW<; urro TWV exepwv ~ yupeuetv f.v
xwp[ot<; Ota oarrava<; TWV ex8pwv f.rrtKlflEVWV ~ KUL rrapeA.St:lv f.v Tft TOtauTn
55
v6e[q. aunl>v T Kal TWV aMywv Kal EKAU8~vat.

14. Ei 6 lipa Kal rraptpxovTat Kal OUK exoua[ TLVO<; xpdav, a<pop[aet<; TlVCt<;,
waTe KUlt:lV TOV xopTOV KUL oi.hw<; f.rrl TU Efl1tpoo8ev rreptrraTelV Ota TOU<; f.A.m(o65 fiEVOU<; orr[aw rrpxea8at ITOAEfilOU<;.
15. 'Ev 6 Tal<; Momop[at<; 1tOAfllWV yyt(6vTWV avayKat6v EGTLV ael fiEGOV
exetv TOV TouA.6ov, [va fi~ a<pUAUKTO<; wv EITT]pt:Ct(T]Tat. TU<; 6 Momop[a<;, W<;
~6T] Kallivw rrou el1t0fiV, fi~ rroteta8at fiEfllYflEVU<; flETU TOUA6ou, aUa OtUK64 ad Ef17lpoa8ev des. W ( 2 foll. desiderantur)
48 rouA.oov wABE TOAOOV M I rrapaA.a~dv MW oei napaAUfl~UVElV aVTOV~ ABE
48-49 ,a._. ~yovv MW om. ABE 49 WMW om. ABE ITevm~ MW Tevoa~ ABE I f!lKpa~
Strat. omA.a<; MW om. ABE I ei~ ... v MWA 1'0 f!EV v ei~ 1'0 ABE 50 KaAeaEl MW KUAEOOl
A KaA.tam BE I ETepov MW ETepov exm ABE ITevmv MW TEVOav ABE I ~TOl ... EXElV MW
om. ABE 52 ~ ABE om. MW I Kat 1 WABE om. M ITptaKovm MWA A.' BE 53 n'ilv
MW AE om. B I CtJlOKlVijaovmv MWA cmOKtvi)aovat BE 54 ano 1 ... ~ 2 Va om. codd. I
nA.ivSwv MW nA.ivSov ABE I oxvpwam MW A wxvpwam XP~ BE 56 xopTOV MW A xopmv
BE 57 e~tA.S!] MW OVfl~ii ABE 58 EXOVTU Va EXElV codd. 59 UJlOTpocp~v MWAB
arcompocp~v E 6o notdv MW om. ABE 6o-6t ev xwpiot~ A evxwpiot~ MWE eyxwpiot<;
B 61 Tfj MW om. ABE 62 evoeia MW A.ehjtel ABE I Ulhwv MW TWV avayKaiwv ABE I
te ... BKAV8fjvat MW Kat BKAv8fjvat autou~ te Kat ta iiA.oya autwv ABE 65 entpxeaem
MAE napepxeaem B 66 eattV BE eatl MA 67 TOV ABE 1'0 M I acpuAaKTO~ wv ABE
acpuA.aKTov ov M 68 nov M om. ABE I !leTa M f!Eta tou ABE 68-69 OtaKeKptf!tva~ Kal
Mom. ABE
The Baggage Train
191
baggage train either to remain in the same place in which they were left, to go
off to another suitable place, or to join up with the <main> army.
11. Troops moving from the baggage train up to combat should take with
them their spare or reserve horses and small tents or a couple of heavy cloaks,
the one for covering if needed and the other as a tent or what is called a canopy.
12. In addition, twenty or thirty pounds of provisions, hardtack, flour, or
some other light stuff. They should then set up camp in a place that seems
suitable, when they move out to engage the enemy in battle. This camp should
be fortified by ditches or by constructions of stone or of brick, even though <the
army> might stay there only for one day.
13. Each bandon should store there a day's supply of forage or hay, just in
case the battle has an adverse result, and they have to beat a hasty retreat to that
place. It may remain in the camp itself with a day's provisions for the horses and
not be forced to gather fodder and forage in such great confusion and be easily
harmed by the enemy, or to wander around villages <seeking> provisions with
the enemy hard upon them, or to march on with so few provisions for themselves and their horses that they come unstrung.
14. But if they should march on and have no need of the supplies, you will
detail some men to burn the fodder and then proceed up to the front because
the enemy may be expected to attack from the rear.
15. On the march, when the enemy are nearby, it is essential that the baggage
train always be in the middle so that it may not be subject to harassment for
lack of protection. As we have already said above, troops on the march must not
192
Constitution
The Baggage Train
10
Kpq.tf:vm; KUL Kexwpt<Jf.lEVU<;, wa-re io[w<; TOV -rouA.Oov omaeev TOU io[ou f.lEpou<;
70 68omopeiv KUL io[w<; -rou<; cr-rpanw-ra<; e~TIA~KTOU<;.I
16. ~el o TOV TOUAOOV, w<; etpT]Lal ~f.llV avw-rtpw, KUL ~yef.LOVU exetv '(OLOV, 3\7'
wa-re au-rov KUL Ota-ra~et KUL Oteu9uvet, Kal ayetv aU-rov oihw<; ~ rrpo ~<; rrapa-
-ra~ew<;, eav EK TtOAef.lLU<; y~<; imoa-rptcpn<;, on[aw of: ~<; napa-ra~ew<;, eav ei<;
TtOAef.lLUV y~v Ef.l~ann<;, evetvoe ~ eKet9ev, eav -ra nA<lyta ~<; napa-ra~ew<;
75 Cj>O~OUf.leVO<; rropeun, EvTO<; Of: T~<; cpaAayyo<;, eav TU nav-raxo9ev i.\noma xn<;.
17. Toaau-ra f.lEV ouv Kalrrepl -rou -rouAOou Ota ~paxtwv aot Ote~~A90f.Lev,
cr-rpUTT]yE, ehe ev Uf.lCt~at<; f.leTU ne(tKOU a-rpa-rou ehe f:v crawap[ot<; f.leTU KU~UA
Aapiwv et-re UAATJ<; UTtO<JKEU~<; TOLUUTTJ<; f.leTU <JUf.lf.llKTOU, W<; &.v f:v f.lT]Oev[, ocrov
f:a-rl TO OUVUTOV ~f.llV, EAAtTtn <JOl Keq>UAUL(!J ~ ~f.leTEpa napaKEAEUat<;. rr6f.leVOV
So of: TOUTOl<; KUL TOV rrepl niJv AeyOf.lEVWV UTtALKTWV Otacracp~<JOf.leV -rfj
aft f:voo~6-
TT]Ll TUTtOV.
69 KEXWPL<Jf!EVCU; MBE OlctXWPl<Jf!EVa~ A
69-70 omcr9ev ... crtpanwtac; MABE sed iteravit

B 70 f~7lA~KtOU~ Va Eli7lAlKtOU~ M avevoxA.~tOU~ Kal fAeu9epou~ ABE 71 tOY ABE to
M I we; dp'ltal MAE om. B I ~fllY avwtepw M om. ABE 72 &eueuvd MA Oteu9uvei autov
BE I autov 2 A auto M om. BE 72-73 ~ ... rtapata~EW~ M om. ABE 73 eav' M eav f!EY
ABE I imocrtpE<p'lc; M unocrtpE<p'l~ Ef17!pocr9ev tii~ rtapata~ewc; ABE I {m[crw ... rtapata~EW~
MA omcr9ev E om. B 74 ef!~<iU'l~ MA Efl~aA.f}c; BE I ev9voe MA ev9ev BE 75 evto~ M
ecrw9Ev ABE scr. mg. ta navmx69ev A (alia m.) 7S anocrKeuft~ M KatacrKeuft~ ABE
7S-79 ocrov ... ~f!IY M om. ABE 79 eA.Airt'l ... KE<paA.aiw M Ke<paA.aiw A.Airt'l crot ABE
ert6f1evov M aKoA.ou9w~ (cum quo inc. const. xi) ABE So toutotc; ABE toutwv M
&acra<p~<JOf1EV M eK9~<JOf1EV ABE
I
I
193
get mixed up with the baggage train, but they must be kept apart and separate.
'lbe train should proceed by itself behind its own division and the soldiers,
unburdened, should travel by themselves.
16. As we have previously remarked, the baggage train must have its own
commander, who will draw it up in formation and manage it. He should lead it
as follows: ahead of the main body of troops, if you are returning from enemy
territory; behind the main body, if you are entering into enemy territory.
Proceed on either side if you are worried about the flanks of the main body, but
inside the marching column if all sides look suspicious to you.
17. We have, therefore, in summary fashion, gone through all those matters
concerning the baggage train, 0 general, whether it <consists of> wagons with
an infantry army or of pack animals with cavalry or any other such <way of
carrying> supplies with a mixed force. Thus, to the best of our ability, we have
not omitted a single topic in these ordinances we have given you. Following
them, now, we shall explain to Your Excellency the rules regarding the so-called
encampments.
1.
IIOAEMIKON IIAPAIKEYON fliATASII IA'
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION XI
Ilepl cm:\.LK-rwv
About Camps
~d ouv Ta liTIAlKTU ~TOl -ra cpoaaa-ra-Kup[wc; yap <poaaa-rov TO an:AlKTOV
TOU OAOU a-rpa-rou KUAlTat--raii-ra ouv Cta<paA.wc; m: 1tOllV Ka[, d flEV evoexe5
Tat, de; apmo-repouc; -r6n:ouc; KUTUGK'lVOUV Ta a-rpaTLWTlKCt, d OE OUK an:av-r<;t, !l~

aflEAWc; aHa a<ptyK-rwc; Kal oxupwc; aTIAlKVlV Kal cmocpevyLv -roue; -r6n:ouc;
EKE[vouc;, OGOl xoumv EK TOU TIA'la[ov D\jl'lAOTEpouc; au-rwv, '(va !l~ eKdvouc; oi
exepol aep6wc; ~ ev VUKTln:poKUTUAU~OVT<; KUKCt TlVU Otae~aoum -r<;> <poaaanp.
2. '0-r' uv -ro[vuv ev Tft TWV ex8pwv
10
~aedav, KUV etc; f1LUV flOV'lV,
xwpq. a-rpa-ron:eoeunc;, n:ept~aA.oii -ra<ppov
we; e'(p'lTal, ~f1Epav flEAAnc; an:AlKUlV. aflETUVO'lTOc;
yap ~ TOlUUT'l a-rpa-ron:eoda Kal aacpaA.~c; Ola -rae; at<pvto[ouc; Kal an:poopa-rouc;
em~ouA.Ctc;. KUTaaT~aetc; OE Kal <pUAUKac;, KUV flUKpav dvm VOfll~nc; -roue; TIOAEfll-
ouc;, we; eyyuc; OVTWV.

15
3 'Dn:ou OE f1EAAl<; 7totda8m XPOVlOV TO aTIAlKTOV, !l~ exepwv E<pOOOV
0'1AOVOTl U<pOpWflEVO<; Kal <p8dpetv xwpav evav-riav ~OUAOflEVOc;, eKAtyou
xwpia XP~aLflU, !l~ UAWO'l ~youv uA.ac; KUL1t'1Aa Kal ~aA.-rac; xov-ra Kal uoa-ra
GW'lflflEVU. Ta yap TOLUUTU Ola -rfjc; ava8Uf1lCtGWc; Kal -rae; cmo TWV TOTIWV
ouawoiac; VOG'lPCt dm Kal AOlflOU<; Kal v6aouc; cpeapnKac; Efll~itAAEL de; -ra
20
a-rpa-reu11a-ra. Kal n:oAA.ouc; flEV n:oAA.<iKtc; eKaKwae -rft v6mp, n:oAA.ouc; 0 Kal
C1.1tWAaV,
WaT !l~
f10VOV 6A.iyov EK TOUTOU yeveaem, ana Kal aaeevc; TO
You must assure the security of our camps and entrenchments-entrenchment is the specific term used for the camp of the entire army.' If possible, the
military units should pitch their tents in open country, but if this cannot be
tlone, we should not be careless. Our camps should be strong and tightly guardAvoid those places that have higher ground close by, so that the enemy will
not occupy them ahead of us and, all of a sudden or at night, cause damage to
the entrenchment.
2. When you set up camp in enemy territory, surround it with a deep ditch,
even if you intend to camp there only for one day, as has been said. 2 You will not
!'egret setting up a camp of this sort that will be safe from sudden and unexpected attacks. Even if you believe that the enemy are far off, be sure to place guards
ns though they were in the immediate vicinity.
3 When you intend to camp there for a long time, say, because you do not
suspect an enemy attack and you wish to ravage their country, choose beneficial
places, not woody areas covered with trees, mud, or swampy ground, all
water-soaked. The rising vapors and foul smell of such places are unhealthy and
bring pestilence and deadly diseases to the army. 3 The health of many men has
often been impaired and many have been taken by death. As a result, not only is
the army reduced in numbers but it is also greatly weakened.
1.
aTpCtTEUflU.
M W (mut.) ABE Va PG 107:792
3-9 Strat., 12.20.
10-27 Onas. 8-9.
rcoAeJ.!tKwv rcapacrKeuwv MA om. BE 5 et<; ... ouK MAB om. E I cmaVTa M votxnm AB
om. E 6 aqnyK<W<; MAE crcptKTW<; B 7 exoucrtv MAE exwcrtv B 8 a6p6w<; ABE a6p6wv
M 1 KaKa -rtva M KaK6v n ABE 8-9 cpoaaa-rw M cpocrcra-rov ~J.!WV EJ.!TCOt~croucrtv ABE
10 a-rpa-rorrEOeUIJ<; MA a-rpa-rorrEOeUIJ BE I nJ.cppov M aoucSav ABE 11 Kilv MAE Kal B I
Ei<; ... J.!EAAIJ<; M Ei<; Jliav J.!OVIJV ~J.!Epav dp!jmt 6cpEiAIJ<; A w<; dp!j<at d<; Jliav J.!OVIJV ~J.!Epav
oq>ELAIJ<; B om. E I UTCAlKEUelV M U1tAIJKEUelV AB om. E 12 arrpoopa-rou<; ABE aopa-rou<; M
13 Kilv MA Kal BE 15 rcotdcrSat xpovwv MA trsp. BE 17 ~youv uAa<; M J.!IJOE OCtOIJ ABE
18 OeOIJJ.!J.!EVa M cStecpSapJ.!EVa ABE 19 vocr!jp<i Va vocrepa codd. I Eim MBE eicrlv A
1.
Strat. 12.20. See CampOrg, 1;
J. Kulakovskij, "Vizantijskij lager' kontsa X veka;'
Vizantijskij Vremennik 10 (1903): 63-91.

2. Sections 2-4 derive from Onasander 8-9.
3 Cf. infra, 27-28; also Kekaumenos, 11.18-21.
196
Camps
Constitution 11
4 Xp~aq.toV 0 Kat (JWT~plOV T<il a-rpm<iJ yivwem,
tav !l~ btl TOU auTOU
l.lvn aTIALKTOU ItOAUV xp6vov, ei l.l~ O.pa Xll.lCt~l Kal 8ta TOV Katpov warrt:p
25
7t7t0Al<JI.lEVa exel Ta aTIAlKTa TO mpaTt:UI.la. Kal yap Kala[ (JWH]ptw8w; tKKpt-
aw; trrl nilv auTWV ytVOI.lVat TOTIWV CtTI.lOU<; 8te<p8apl.lvouc; ava7tEI.l7tOU<Jl Kal
(JU!ll.lt:Ta~CtAAOU<JlV eic; v6aov Kal T~V TOU IteplEXOVTO<; apoc; Ue~(av.
5 'Ev 8 Talc; rrapaxell.laa[at<; ItCtVTW<;, we; O.vw ItOU e'ipT]Tat, YDI.lVa~ Ta a-rpaT07tt:8a Kal 7tOA!1lKa 7t0ll, Kal Iva auvt:8[~WVTat TOll:; ItOVOl<; Iva l.l~T apywm
30
l.l~T pa8UI.lW<JlV.
6. Ou l.lOVOV 8 uytLVWV (J 81 <ppOVTl~lV UTIALKTWV, o-r' av O.Ot:taV exnc; arro
TWV 7tOA!1LWV, ana Kal ItOAAU<; Kat 8ta<p6pouc; exelV au-ra -rae; xopfjy[ac; Kal
l.lCtAtaTa
tv -r<iJ t~rrt:8iTqJ ~youv tv -rfi KaTa Katpov -rou oA.ou mpmou auvaywyfi,
v8a !lCtAl<JTa Kat XPOVL~elV 8ov.

7. pov-r[~nv 81:: Kat -rwv tl.lrr6pwv Iva 11~ UOLKOUI.lt:Vot A.urrouv-rm Kal ou
35
<ppoum -rae; XOpfjy[ac; TWV tmTTj8eiwv.
8. Ei 8 Tl<; KUL tA.rrlc; tvav-r[a tvoxA.1, aacpaA.[~wem ~ opuwamv ~ ItCtAOl<; ~
OAOKA~P<f' -rpa<pqJ, 0 A.youm cp6aaa, ~ Tpl~OAOl<; ~ oiKo8ol.lalc; ~ arro ~UAWV ~

Ct7t0 Ai8WV ~ aAAW<;, Wl:; OUVa<Jat tmvo~aat. EXl<; 8 Kat ~[y/..a<; E~W8t:V, CtAAa Kat
40 U!lCt~ac; t:ic; xapaKW<Jt:l<;, tav eimv, A.[av 8uvm6v, ~ xapaKa 7t~~Lc;, 0 A.ynat
aTa~apwaat, ehe apmwc; ehe 7tUKVOTepov, we; ij OUVa!llC: exn, ~T 8ta ~UAWV
TeAelWV ~ Ov8pwv KOTIEVTWV. 8t:1 yap ItCtVTW<; Ct<J<pCtAlUV
45
exnv TO aitAlKTOV, ei
l.l~ O.pa tv Tfi iJI.lt:TEp<;t ta-rlv xwp<;t ~ YUI.lvaa(ac; xaptv y[vnat ~ O.AA.ou nvoc;
xpetw8ouc; -rp6rrou ij TOU mpa-rou KlVTj<Jl<;.
9 MaA.ta-ra 8 <ppov-r(at:tc; Kal -rwv TIAT]<Jloxwpwv imo-rt:A.wv -r~c; ~amA.eiac;
iJ!lwv, Iva 11~ a8tKof>vmt rrapa -rwv mpanw-rwv, Kal KaTt:~aipt:-rov -rwv yt:wpywv.
ouo yap TaUTCt l.lOl 8oKOU<JlV tmTfj8t:ul.laTa A.iav avayKata rrpoc; 8vouc; (JU<JTa34 ad 6ov de novo inc. W
39-66 Strat., 7.B.13.
23 yivecr8at M yivnat ABE I fl~ M fl~ TIOAUV xpovov ABE 24 TIOAUV xpovov M om. ABE I
wcrnep M wcrnep KUTfJcrcpaA.t<JflEVa Kal ABE 25 -ro cr-rpaTeufla Mom. ABE 28 iivw nou M
1
l:tvw-repw ABE 28-29 cr-rpm6neoa MA cr-rpa-reuflam BE 29 Kal 2 Mom. ABE 1va M Kal
ABE 31 cre ... l:tnA.tKTWV M cmA.iK-rwv cppov-ri(etv oei ae ABE 35 Efl7t6pwv MW
npawa-reu-rwv ABE 1 A.unoiivmt MWBE A.unwvmt A 36 cpepoucrt MABE cpepwat W
38 -rpacpw MW Tacppw ABE I 0 ... cp6crcra M 0 A.Eyouatv cp6crcra w om. ABE 39 exw:; MW
exetv ABE 40 ei~ ... OUVUTOV MW eav elatv (w<JlV BE) yup68ev LOU C!TIA~KTOU n8evat ABE I
elmv W dcrt M I ~ MW ~ Kal ABE I n~~et~ MW n~crcretv ABE 42 l:tcrcpaA.etav MW l:tcrcpaAt~
AE O.crcpaA.w~ B 43 ecr-rlv MW ea-rl ABE 44 cr-rpa-roii De cr-rpaTfJYOii codd.
46 CtOlKOUVTUl MW CtOlKWVTUl ABE
197
4. It is advantageous and healthy for the army not to remain in the same
l:mnp for a lengthy period, unless it is winter, for at that time of year the soldiers
may be billeted in some sort of building. The bodily excretions deposited in the
#arne place will give off harmful vapors and will transform the fresh air surftlttnding the place into disease-bearing air.
s. As mentioned above, in winter quarters, by all means, continue to drill the
army and practice warlike actions to get the men used to hard work, so that they
may not become idle or too relaxed. 4
6. Not only are you to be concerned about healthy encampments when you
are free from the enemy, but you should also make sure that the men have
plenty of provisions of various kinds, especially on the march and at a time
when the whole army is gathered together in a place where you must spend
!lome time.
7. Be concerned too about the merchants. See that they are not unfairly
tt'eated and so come to bear a grievance that may lead them to discontinue
furnishing the supplies we need.
8. If you are worried about some unexpected opposition, secure your camp
by means of ditches, palisades, or by a trench, called fossa, around the whole
camp, or by caltrops or some type of construction, whether of wood or stone, or
in some other manner that you will be able to devise. Post sentries outside.s
Wagons, if you have them, make very effective defenses. Or make a wall of
pointed stakes, called stabarosai, either spread out or placed more closely
together, depending on their strength, either of finished lumber or of trees felled
<on the spot>. By all means, the camp must be kept secure, unless perhaps the
army may be moving about in our own country, on training exercises or
<engaged in> some other useful activity.
9. Take thought especially for the subjects of Our Majesty in neighboring
locations so they may not be mistreated by our soldiers. In particular, be
concerned about the farmers. It seems to me that these two institutions are truly
4 For example, see Leo the Deacon, 1.9; 2.1 (Talbot and Sullivan trans. pp. 68-70).
s. Here through 11 derives from Strat. 7.B.13. Cf. Skirmishing, 15.
198
50
Camps
Constitution 11
<HV KUL 01Uf10V~V, y~::wpytK~ fleV Tp<pouaa KUL au~ouaa Toile; aTpaLIWTac;, aTpaTIWTIK~ oe EKOIKOUO"a KUL 1tEpt<puA.anouaa Toile; yewpyouc;. ai oe liAA.at EJtiTT]OEUO"Eil:; OEUTEpat TOUTWV Ef10L KULU<j>ULVOVLUI. OUl LOUTO Kal avayKaiov ad I
TOULWV tmf1EAETa8at Kal Ta imep mhwv <ppovT[<EIV EKCtaLOTE, we; av Kal oi
aTpanwml OIKa[wc; TpE<pOf1EVOI avopayaewmv KUL oi y~::wpyol fl~ CtOIKOUflEVOI
EUXall:; auToilc; Tall:; Ctpflo<ouaatc; 1tp01tEf11tOU<HV.

10. I1oAEf1LWV oe yyt<6vTWV KUL 1tpoaOOKWflEVOU JtOAEflOU, av 1tpoA.a~wv
55 v <poaacmp Otaync;,
mpaLT]y, Kal Toile; exepoilc; UVUf1EVnc; EKELO"E, OEL EUTpE1tl<EIV Kai U1t01"18vat xopTOV ~ lixupov ~ KptG~v fliCtl:; ~ OEUTpac; ~flpac; TWV
aA.6ywv, we; ~OT] 0"01 Kal tv T(\l 1tEpi Momop[ac; KE<pUAUL(!J 1tpOOIEGEf1EGa. Kal
JtaA.tv av EKEiG~::v ~ouA.T]Gftc; de; ih~::pov lirrA.tKTov UJtEAGEiv Kai EKEiGEv JtapaTa~aaem, avayKaiov xopmv Kaiaxupov KUV f11Ctl:; ~flpac; ~ama<nv Kat o\hwc; EV
6o T(\l ytvOf1EV4J <poaaaTc.p aJtoT[G~::aGat ml>Tov. '(awe; yap ou auyxwpoiivmt imo Twv
exepwv oi de; OOUAELUV a<pwp10f1EVOI JtULOE<:; auTft Tft ~flEP~ E~EA.Gdv Kai xopToA.oy~aat, OUTE oe Ta liA.oya de; ~OO"K~V tK~UAELV.
11. Ei oe Kai JtOAV yy[<oumv oi txepo[, OUK UTOJtOV v T(\l 1tEp11tUTELV, we;
dpT]TUI, EKUO"TOV auvaynv TOV xopmv, TOV 6<pELAOVLU U1tOLE8~vat. ouoe yap
65 flETa TO U1tAIKEUO"UI JtOAACtKil:; auyxwpouvml oi JtatOEc; E~EAGEiv Kai xopToA.oy~
O"UI, JtAEIOVWV flCtAiaLU Ka~aA.Aap[wv TWV exepwv EUplOKOflEVWV.
12. Kai rrwc; yap ou OLKUIOV Kai TU de; OEUTpav TUXTJV a<popav JtOAACtKI<:; Kai
Tac; Ke1G~::v vavnwanc; aKoJtdv Kai 1tpoaa<paA.L<wem Ta flA.A.ovm, fl~ flELUflEAAW8at uaTEpov Kai f1CtAtma Tac; aJtoTpo<pac; ~f1Epwv 6A.[ywv Twv TE aTpaTtw7o TWV Kai nov aA.6ywv, Kai <poaaaTa oxupa 1tOIELV tv E1tiTT]OELOI<:; T01t01l:; evea
OUVUTOV EhE uowp JtOLaflOU E'LTE T6rroc; ouax~::p~c; E'LTE liA.Ao n oxupWflU OIEKOtKELV TO <pOO"O"CtTOV EV Katp(\l UVCtYKTJ<:;;
13. 'Ev oe Tote; avayKa[otc; TOU JtE<IKOU U1tALKLOU KUL Tac; CtflCt~ac;, we; dpTJTUI,
1tEptKUKA4J KaG[ma Toii aJtALKTOU, E'LTE v JtE<tK(\l mpaT(\l ~ Ka[, av datv, Kai v
75 KU~aA.AaptK(\l ~ O"Uflf1LKT4J, KUL OlKOOOf1ELV, Wl:; f101 dpTJTUI, av 0 T01t0l:; EXD> K<lL
67-72 Strat., 7.A.7.
73-115 Strat.,
AE
t?ssential for the constitution and permanence of the nation; farming nourishes
und strengthens the soldiers, and the military avenges and protects the farmers.
'lhe other institutions impress me as second to these. For this reason it is
necessary always to take care and to be concerned for their welfare in both
tespects, so that the soldiers, properly nourished, will do valiant deeds and the
furmers, being fairly treated, will cheer them on their way with appropriate
l'rayers.
10. As the enemy approaches and the time for battle is near and, in anticipation of it, you are spending time in the entrenchments, 0 commander, and you
await the enemy there, you must prepare and set aside one or two days' supply
of grass or hay or barley for the animals, as we have already prescribed for you
In the chapter on marches. Again, if you should wish to go off from there to
another campsite and there line up for battle, it is necessary to transport enough
grass and hay for one day and to store it in the new entrenchments. It is unlikely
that, on that day, the enemy will permit the servants assigned to this work to go
out and gather fodder or to graze the horses.
11. But if the enemy get very close, it would be a good idea, as mentioned,
for each man to gather forage on the march and stow away what he needs. Most
of the time, after they have set up camp, the servants will not be allowed to go
out and gather forage, especially if the enemy cavalry outnumbers ours.
12. Is there anything wrong about frequently considering the possibility of
secondary fortune, checking out its adverse effects, and taking measures to
guard against future contingencies, so that you will not regret it later, especially
when it comes to provisions for a few days for the soldiers and the horses, as
well as setting up strong fortified camps in suitable locations where there is the
water of a river or difficult terrain or some other obstacle able to provide protection for the camp in emergencies?6
13. When the infantry camp comes under heavy pressure, park the wagons,
as we said, all around the camp site, whether it be for the infantry army or also,
if they are present, for the cavalry or a mixed army/ Also construct, as I have
12.B.22.
48 OLUflOV~V MWBE OtaVOfl~V A 52 avllpaya8wmv MW avllpaya8wot ABE

53 npo7!Ef17toumv MW 1!po7!Ef17lW<JLV A npo7!Ef17!Wat BE 54 npooOOKWflEVou MWA
npocrOoKoflevou B TipocrooKOUflEVou E 55-56 llEI ein:pen[(etv MWA lltwTpen[(etv BE
58 Kat MWA om. BE 64 EKa<JTOV MWAE eoxaTOV B 67 TCt MW om. ABE
68 evavmi>ow; MW AE UVTlWO'El~ B I TCt MW TOV ABE 68-69 f1ETaflEAAE<Y8at MW
f1eTUf1EAEio8m ABE 7 4 TIE(LKw MW A m:(w BE I eimv W A dol M wmv BE I Kal MWB om.
199
6. Strat. 7.A. 7.
7 Sections 13-20 derive from Strat.
12.B.22.
200
Constitution
Camps
11
~w8v Tpa<pov T[0LtV T[ACtTOUc; flEV TtOOWV ' ~ KCtL ~, ~aeouc; o ma ~ OKTW,
written previously, if the ground permits, a trench on the outside. Make it five or
111x feet wide and seven or eight deep, with the earth thrown up on the inner
Ketl TO XWflCt tv Tft tawTtpq O\lfL T8~VCtl, ~w8V o TCtUTT]I:; -rpt~6/..ouc; Ketl
AUKKOUI:; flLKpouc;, exovT1:; T[UAOUI:; tvToc; T[J1T]YflEVOUc;, ouc; o1 tv yvwaL T[OlelV
TOte; TOU mpmou OLU TO fl~, ayvoouvTac;, tm' CtlJTWV ~t..amwem.
so
14. "EXLv o Ketl T~v Ttptf.1Tpov Tou <poaaaTou Teaaapac; flEV Tt6pmc; I
flYCtAWTEpetc; Ketl OT]flOO'tetc;, 1tetpet1t6pTLet o flLKpa TtAdova, KCtL Ket8' EKUO'TT]V
TtOpTetV ~youv ~ooov XLV apxovTet, TOV TtAT]O'LOV CtJ1ALKUOVTCt Ttpoc; Ttetpet<pUACtK~V au-r~c;. eaw o Ttap' CtUTUc; Tac; CtflU~etc; <Tac;> TWV \lfLAWV TEVTetc; cmA<ic;
1tetpetKLflEVetc;, ~youv TWV T CtKOVTLO'TWV Ketl TWV TO~OTWV, Ketl aTt' tKdvwv
85 fi)Kmpov OLUO'TT]flCt we; T[OOWV TpletKOO'lWV ~ u', Ketl TOT Tac; /..omac; Tety~vm
TEVTetc;, WGT tv Tettc; TWV tx8pwv TO~dmc; fl~ TtA~TT<J8etL Tac; tv TtP flEO'qJ, aU'
tv TtP UKaipq> T6TI<p Tt(mnv Tac; aayinac;.
15. 'Ev TtP flEO'qJ o TOU <poaaaTOU aTaupono~ T[ACtTtCtV dvm mpaTCtV TO
TtAaToc; fl' ~ v' Ttoowv, Ketl v8v KaK18v TtapaKda8m auTft Tac; Tevmc; puf.1o9o LOWe; KaT' op8Lvov, txouaac; auTac; 6/..(yov aTt' CtAA~AWV OLUO'TT]flCt.
16. Kal EKamov TOUpflO.pXTJV flEO'OV Twv im' auTov Cl.TtALKULV, a 0, -rov
aTpCtTTjy6v, de; v f.!Epoc; Ketl fl~ tv TtP flEO'qJ T~c; TtAaTdetc;, '(va fl~ Ketl Tft flEGD
tflTIOOt(nc; Ttpoc; Ttapooov KCttl)T[O TWV TIUPPXOflEVWV OXAta8m, Toile; o KCt~CtA
t..ap(ouc;, tav ytvT]TCtL Kmpoc; da!..8tv, tv TtP flEaq> Tou <poaaaTou aTIALKULv
95
On the outside of the trench put caltrops and small pits with sharp stakes
!lft in them. You must make sure that the troops know their location since, if
they do not, they may be injured.

14. Along the perimeter of the camp there should be four really large, public
ptes and a larger number of small postern gates. The officer who is camped
closest to each gate or exit is responsible for guarding it. Inside the line of
wagons the simple tents of the light-armed troops, the javelin throwers and the
trchers, should be pitched. There should be a clear space for a distance of three
hundred or four hundred feet from them and then the rest of the tents should be
lift up. When the enemy start shooting, their arrows will fall in the clear space
md not hit the tents in the middle.
15. <Two> broad streets, forty or fifty feet wide, should run through the
tniddle of the camp in the shape of a cross. On both sides of the street the tents
should be lined up in rows with a little space between each one.
16. Each tourmarch should camp in the middle of his troops. But you, the
commander, should be off to one side, not at the central crossroads, to avoid
obstructing the flow of traffic in the middle and to avoid being bothered by
troops passing by. If the cavalry have the opportunity to enter the camp, they
should pitch their tents in the middle of the camp and not near the edges.
17. The more competent counts, with the units under their command,
should be assigned to the gates of the camp, so that from the evening dismissal
until the signal is given <in the morning>, nobody shall dare to pass in or out of
fl~ tv -roic; axpOLc;.

17. Touc; o XPTJO'LflWTEpouc; TWV KOfl~TWV flTU TWV im' CtUTOUc; TCtYf.!CtTWV de;
TU<.; Tt6p-rac; TOU <poaaa-rou a<popi(w8m, waT flTQ TU<.; aTtpLvac; fllO'Getc; flT]OEva 8apptv flEXPL Tou OOOflEVou GT]fliou Ttapa yvcbf.!T]V Tou aTpetTT]you au-rwv
KUL
76 scr. mg. m:pl -raq>pou W I rrA.a-rou<; MW rrlta-ro<; ABE I Kal ~ MBE ~A Kal
MW ~6.6o<; ABE I 6wiJ MWA r]' E Kal r]' B

crw6Y
so
ABE
79 Ola
TO
MW '(ya
77 T6~Yat MW n6Yal ABE
ABE
ayYOOUYTa<;
MWE
<W I ~6.8ou<;
78 EYTO<; MW
ayYOOUVT<;
AB
-rtaaapa<; ... rr6p-ra<; ABE -rtaaapa<; flEY napa -ra<; M rr6p-ra<; (scr. supra lin.) -rtaaapa<;
rrapa-ra<; W
82 ~youY ~oOoY MW om. ABE
82-83 TOY ... mh~<; MW rrpo<; rrapaq>uAaKi]Y
mh~<; TOY rrltJ]crioY arrAtKtuoYm ABE 83 rrap' MW rrapa ABE I -ra<; 2 Va om. codd. I -rtYm<;
MW -reYOa<; ABE
84 ~youY MW om. ABE
-rptaKocriwY ~ -rnpaKocriwY A -r' ~ u' WBE

-rae; MW -roue; ABE
TO iiTlA!]KTOY
I -rwY2 MW om. ABE
85 -rptaKocriwY ... u' M
86 TfYTa<; MW TEYOa<; ABE I EY MWA om. BE

1
87 -rw MW -rw apyw Kal y -rw ABE
88 scr. mg. rrw<; 6q>ElAl ytYW6at
w I cr-raupoet.S~ MW AE cr-raupoelO~ KUL B I cr-rpa-raY MW OOOY exoucraY ABE
89 fl' ... rroOwY MW -rwcrapaKoYm rr6.Sac; ~ Kal T!EYT~KOYTU A tt' rr6.Sa<; ~ Kal y' E fl' ~ Kal y'
B 1 -rtnac; MW TEYOa<; ABE

a\rrwY E au-ra y' B
-rou<; BE
91 ad TWY scr. mg. flWOY -rou tOiou ltaou W
I ot MW AE om.
97 ttiaaac; MW ttiYaa<; ABE
93 oxlte1cr6at Du oxltficrm codd.

98 OEOOflEYOU MW OtOOf1You ABE
ainoY MWA
1
201
96 -rwY MW A
Constitution
202
Camps
11
dapxw8at ~ t~pxw8at tv T{iJ <j>O<J<JCtTql. Ta<; Oi:: VUKTeplvac; ~tyAa<; TWV Ka~aA100
Aapiwv awev OVTWV aa<paA.wc; yivwem.

18. "EKa<JTO<; oi:: TOUp!J<iPXfJ<; tva 'iOLOV flaVMTwpa a<popian,
WaT
dvm de;
T~v K6pTfJV Tou mpmfjyou npoaEOpeuovm. 6!Joiwc; oi:: Kal LOU<; opouyyapiouc;
Kal KO!lfJTU<; de; T~v Tevmv Tou Toupflapxou, '(va OLa TouTwv auvT6!JW<; ylV(iJaKoum miVT<; Ta tvTAAOf1Va.
19."EXELV 8 <J,
10 5
VWV
W <JTpaTfjy, nepl eaUTOV
~OUKLVchwpw:; Kat !JlKpWV ~OUKl-
Kal !JEYUAWV. Kal TOU i8L<Jf1EVOU ~OUKLVOU aaAnt~OVTO<; nepl i::anpav
nauea8m nov n6vwv Kal 0l1VOUVTU<; 'I!UAAlV TOV TpLaaywv U!JVOV.

20. A<popi~wem
8i:: KUl TLVac; LOLKOU<; aou avepwnouc; Trl<JTOU<; tva KaTa!JaV-
eavw<JL Tac; ~(y:\ac; Kalmi<JL napayytnwm mwn~v EXLV, W<JT t~ OVO!JUTO<; !l~
110
eappdv !lETa Kpauyf)c; KaAdv TOV i::m1pov aULOU. nona yap Ta tK Tf)c; mwnf)c;
ayaea Kal OTl noAACtKl<; KaTU<JKOnOL noAE!JlWV tK TOUTOU TOU Tp6nou tv T(iJ
mpmoneOq:> AaveavovT<; t<pwlpaefjaav Kal tKpaT~efjaav, wanep Kal tK Tf)c;
Kpauyf)c; nona Ta <JUfl~a(vovTa ~Aa~epa. KWAULV 8i:: Kal Tac; opx~aLc; Kal
!-LUAl<JTa Tac; i::anepLvac; Kat ano d Tl na(yvwv,
115
we;
!l~ !JOVOV CtKO<J!lOU<; Kal
eopu~WOel<; nOLOUVTa CtTa~iac;, ana Kal K6nouc; CtVW<pA1c; napexoVTa.
21. 'Eav oi:: !JEnne; f18LaTi:iV de; ELepov T6nov ano anAtKTOU TO aTpUTEU!Ja
Kal ~OUAl A.aedv LOU<; noAE!JlOU<;, ~ T6nouc; oxupouc; npoKaTUAa~taem npompf)am ~ Toile; ll~ ovmc; TmouLOuc; <peuync; OLa nvac; tK nov noAE!Jiwv ~A<i~ac;.
<d> Kal ou ~OUAl tA81V de; avayKfjV TOU !JUXWem, nupa nona Kavaac;
120
avaxwpel. ~AtnoVT<; yap oi noAE!JlOl Ta <pwTa, OO~OU<JlV ETl tv T(iJ anAtKTql (J

f1EVlV, Kal tKTAE<Jl<; aou TO ~OUAf]!Ja. TOUTO oi:: Kal NLKfj<p6pov 'i<Jf1V, TOV
~!JETepov aTpaTfjy6v, nnOlf]KEVUL, i:h KaTa Z:up(ac; anWTUAf] nap' ~!JWV !JETa
ouv<i!JEW<; iKavf)c;, noU~v T nOLf]GU!JEVoc; Af]Aaaiav Kal ouTw flTUT8lc; tv
107
203
the camp without the commander's permission. When the cavalry are safely
Inside, night patrols are <sent out>.
18. Each tourmarch should assign his own herald to stay in attendance at the
ptvilion of the general and, in like manner, the droungarioi and the counts
~Jhould have someone at the tent of the tourmarch. These will expedite the transmission of orders for everyone.
19. Trumpeters, playing both large and small trumpets, should be on duty
with you, 0 general. 8 The customary trumpet should sound in the evening;
work should cease and, after supper, the men should chant the Trisagion hymn. 9
20. Detail some of your own trusted men to inspect the sentries and to
proclaim that all should observe silence. Nobody should dare even to shout out
the name of his comrade. There are many advantages to keeping silence. Our
tlbservance of this has frequently led to the detection and capture of enemy spies
lurking in the camp. Likewise, shouting can lead to a great deal of damage.
llorbid dancing, especially in the evening, or any other frivolity. 10 Not only are
they disorderly, annoying, and destructive of discipline, but they are a waste of
energy for the soldiers.
21. If you intend to transfer the army from the camp to another location and
you wish to do so without the enemy finding out about it or if you choose to
occupy strong points beforehand or if you wish to abandon such places because
of damage inflicted by the enemy and if you do not want to be forced into
offering battle, light many fires and then withdraw. When tlle enemy see the
lights, they will believe that you are still inside the camp, and you will be able to
carry out your plan. We recall that our general, Nikephoros, did just this when
he was sent by us to Syria with a fairly large force. 11 His troops severely ravaged
<the country> and then moved into the middle of the enemy's land. While his
cant. iiyLO~ 6 8c6~, iiyw~ 'lcrxupo~, iiyw~ a9avaTO~ eAElj<JOV ~f!ii~.
Tevmv MW TevcSav ABE 103-104 ytvwaKoucrt MBE ytvwcrKwat WA 105 tauTov

MW <JWUTOV ABE 106 d9t<Jf!fVOU MWA e9t<Jf!fVOU BE 109 rrapayye.\Awm ABE
rrapayye.\Aoum MW 1 xm MWA iiym BE 110 Ta MWA om. BE 115 9opu~wcSct~
w ABE eopu~odcSct~ M I T!OlOUVTa AE T!OlOUVTa~ MW T!OlOUVTal B I KOTIOU~ MW A (JKOTIOU~
BE I rrapexovm MABE rrapexovTa~ w 116 f!E9tcrTiiV ... <JTPUTWf!U MW am) arrA~KTOV ci~
en:pov TOJtOV TO <JTPUTWf!U f!c9t<JTiiv ABE 117 rrpoKaTaAa~ecr9at MW rrpoKaTaAU~clV
ABE 117-118 rrpoatp~crm MW crrrouM~!]<; ABE 118 f!~ ABE om. MW I oVTa~
TotouTou<; MW trsp. ABE 119 d Va om. codd. I t/..9c1v MW om. ABE I d<; ... Tou MW t~
avayKaiou ABE 1 rrupa rro.\Aa MW rrupKata~ rro.\Aa<; ABE I Kaucra<; MWE ii'iJa<; AB
121 'l<Jf!EV MW o'lcSaf!EV ABE 123 Tc MWA oe BE I Ac!]AU<J[av MW rrpatcSav Kal
103
acpavt<Jf!OV ABE I f!ETaTe9d<; MW AB f!HUTt9d<; E
8.
Cf. Const. 7, n.
10.
9. "Holy God, Holy Strong One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us:'
10. Cf. Strat. 12.B.22.41-43. While the dancing referred to here was undoubtedly wild,
frivolous and, quite possibly, lewd, a more disciplined form of dancing was allowed and even
encouraged: see Leo the Deacon, 79 (Talbot and Sullivan trans. p. 39). Cf. E. Wheeler, "Hoplomachia and Greek Dances in Arms;' GRBS 23 (1982): 223-233.
11. The campaign took place about the year 900. This Nikephoros Phokas was the
grandfather of the later emperor of the same name. See Skirmishing, 20.
204
Constitution
Camps
11
flE<Jn Tfi TIOAfllq., TWV exepwv aMou TIOU <JUVf]YflEVWV, OU<; ATIOUA<pEp, 6 eu125 vouxo<;, 6 TWV 2:apaKf]VWV <JTpatf]y6<;, ne<ppeto
~youv TWV ~ap~aptKWV
ouv<'tflWV T~v T alxflaA.wa[av T~v ~ap~aptK~v Kat m1aav T~v liUfJV npalOav
~v dxev a~A.a~w<; OLWW<JaTO Af]AaT~<Ja<; T~V TIOAfl[av.
22. KaTa 0 T~V BouA.yapwv EK<JTpaTetav Kat Tepov auT<fl nevo~ef] npo<;
<pUAaK~V UTIALKTOU XP~<JlflOV, onep XP~ fl~ ~..~en napa1tfl<pe~vm, 6flOU T yap
130 :\a<ppov L<; ~aatay~v Kat avayKalOV ei<; <pUAaK~V yvwp[aef]. ~V 0 TOLOUTOV
Kav6vta Mo <JUflfleTpa A.a~wv ~VALVa ava Tptwv TIOU ameaf.LWV ~ 6:\[yq.J TIAEOV
A.a~oapa[av <JUVEfll~V, ihepov 0 Kav6vtov OflOLW<;, exov ameafl<'t<; TIEVT ~ Kat

~, TU~lV flVaUAOU tv Tfi <JUflfll~et TOU 0L<JKALOU meet<; Tpl<JKEALOV ETIOLf]<JV,
imaflevov taxupw<; Ota T~<; im' aU~A.wv Twv aKeA.wv auyKpoT~aew<;. nept 0 To
135 liKpov TOU oiov flVaUAOU ~L<pUpLOV flEya Kal CtOpov v~a:\ev npoKUTITOV TOU
Tpt<JKALOU, W<; e'ipf]TaL, ameaf.LU<; Mo ~ fllKp<fJ TCAEOV, Kat oihw TOU<; ~uA.lvou<;
EKetvou<; Tpt~6A.ou<; oTe ~ouA.eto aumUwv, oTe ~ouA.eto naA.tv auvlam, Kal
ei<; oxupwfla dxev, 6flOU Kat OTIAa v Tal<; avayKa[m<; xpdat<;
I TOU
UTIALKTOU
KaTa TWV ouvaf.LEVWV npxwem Ka~aUaplwv Tfi TWV 0UVUflWV ~flWV TU~l,
140 TLTPW<JKOflEVWV v Tal<;
npoa~oAal<; UTIO TOU oiov xapaKO<;, UKOAW<; Kal natp6-
flVOV Kal ~aaTa~OflVOV Kat 1tfJYVUflVOV, Kat <he rcoU6.Kt<; opuyflaTa OUK
yveto ETOLfla, dxov TaUTa ei<; aa<paA.etav.
23. 'DT' av o flEAAn<; fleTCt aoela<; KLVelV UTIO TOU UTIALKTOU, oeov O[Ooaeat
flaVOUTa ano anpa<; Kat TIUALV ei<; TO auyo<; KaTa auT~V T~V ~flEpav TOU
1
45 KLV~flaTo<; Ta ~oUKtva Tptaa6.Kt<; <Jf]flalvetv Kat TOT Ktvelv Kat KaTa TU~tv
143-230 Strat., 12.B.22.
125-126 ~youv ... ouvaf!ewv MW om. ABE
MW acpaviaa~ ABE
126 -re MWA -re yap BE
128 ~Ot>Ayapwv MWA ~ou>.yapiwv BE
205
~tdversaries,
commanded by Apoulfer, 12 the eunuch general of the Saracens, that

of the barbarian forces, were gathering together, he held on securely to the
b~trbarian prisoners and all the other booty that he had taken after plundering
ftU:my territory.
22. At the time of the Bulgarian expedition he invented another helpful
d~vice for defending the camp that should not lapse into forgetfulness. It is at
once light to transport and clearly providing necessary protection. It was like
He took two lengths of wood of equal size, about three spithamai or a
little more,' 4 and joined them together to form a lambda. In like manner he then
took another length of wood, of five or even six spithamai, and like a menaulon
placed it on the joint of the two-legged device and made it into a threelegged one, which got its strength from the legs being tightly bound to one
iUlOther. On the tip of the menaulon-like pole he fixed a large and broad sword
blade that extended out beyond the three-legged stand, as was reported, two
lipithamai or a little more. And so he set up those wooden caltrops when he
wished and again took them down when he wished, using them for defense. At
the same time, they could be used as weapons when the camp came under
intense pressure from the <enemy> cavalry. As they advanced to attack the line
of our forces, they would be wounded in charging against such a palisade. It
could be easily taken up, transported, and set up again. When trenches could
not often be gotten ready, these provided security.
23. Whenever you intend to move from the camp in safety, you must give
the orders the evening before. 15 Then at dawn on the day designated for moving,
the bugles should sound three times to begin the march. The officers march out
127 AeTJAa-r~aa~
131 KUVOVLU Mo MW trsp.
ABE I GUf.lf!Hpa Aa~wv MWA Aa~wv GUf.lf!Hpov BE I ava ABE om. MW I Tplii>V ... am8Uf!WV
MW -rptii>v exovTa am8Uf!WV A -rpe1~ exov-ra am8Uf!U~ BE I 6Aiyw MW Kal ABE
132 Aa~oapaiav MWA Aa~oapeav B Aaf!oapeav E lnev-re MWA e' BE
133 e~ MWA ~
f.IEVUUAOU MW wanep f!EVUUAOV ABE I OLGKEAlOtl MW OtGKEAlOU EKElVOtl A
OlKEAAlOV EKelVOtl BE I TplGKEAlOV MWA TplOKEAALOV BE 134 (JKEAWV MWAE GKEAAWV B
134-135 TO aKpov MW TOU aKpou ixeivou ABE 135 f!EVUUAOU MW f.IEVUUAOU OVTO~ ABE
I aopov Va aopov MW naxu ABE 136 ouo MWA BE I ~ ... 1lAEOV MW om. ABE I oihw
MW oihw~ ABE 137 GUGTEAAWV MW avvea-reH TE Kal AB GVVEGTEAAE KUl E
138 Cl1lAlKTOU M anA~KTOU ABE cmA~TOU w 139 OUVUf!EVWV MW ~OUAOf!EVWV ABE I
3
~ ... TU~El MW om. ABE 140 xapaKO<; MW xapaKO<; TOUTO oi: ABE 141 Kal MW om.
ABE 142 yve-ro MW eyive-ro ABE I dxov -rau-ra MW TaUTa e1xev ABE 144 f!UVOUTa
MW n':t napayyEAf.lUTa ABE I naALV MW om. ABE I au-r~v -r~v MW trsp. ABE
BE
I TU~lV
145 -rptaaaKL<; GT]f.laivetv MW npii>-rov AaAe1v ABE
12. See below, Const. 17.65.

13. This expedition took place ca. 894. See Skylitzes, Leon.Phil., 12. On the three-legged
device see E. McGeer, "Tradition and Reality in the Taktika of Nikephoros Ouranos;' DOP 45
(1991): 129-140.
14. Ca. 70 em.
15. Sections 23-40 derive from Strat. 12.B.22.
206
Constitution
Camps
11
~pxw8cu TOU~ apxov-ra<; KUL rrp6Lepov !J.EV TOU<; OTtALTU~, eha -ra<; Ct!J.U~a<;, eav
eim, KUL e'( ll -repov m<pep6jlVOV d<; umtpea[av TOU a-rpawu.
24. 'H o nilv -rpt~OAWV XP~Gl~ avayKa[a E<JLLV ev TOL<; C111AlKTOl~. eav yap ~
11LpW0'1<; 6 TOTIO~ eupe8ft ~ !J.~ 0UV'l8WatV 6pu~cu ~ ~paoda ~ wpa yv'1Tctl, T~V
150
au-r~v Ttp <Hpa-r(il napexoum xpdav EV -rft a-rpa-roTI0eL<;t al-rp[~OAOl npTtOVTW<;

U110ll8EjlVctl ~v KULTO opuwa napxel.
25. O'iOUjlV of: Oll Ota<p6pou<; 8at<; KUL ax~!J.Ula <poaaa-rwv o[ apxaTOL
rrapa00WKU<JlV ev -rft mpaTOTt0eL<;t ETtaLV1"~ o ~ rrapa!J.~K'l<; -rnpaywvo<; w~
dhaKTO<; KUL avayKa[a.

26. Ei<; o ETtl0l~lV mpmou KQL <pav-raa[av !J.UAAOV -ra rrA.ayta Kal btl U'\'0~
155
aTIAlKLa rrA.dova TOV ev au-rol<; mpa-rov napa TOU~ 'iaou~ ~ yKljlEVOU~ TOTtOU~
rrapaOelKVUGLV. eav ouv npo<; en[Oel~lV xpda yV'llal, TOU~ nA.ay[ou<; oel mAyw8m TOTtOU<;, eav !J.UAL(Jla Kal-ra m-r~Ota EXWGL l~~ avayKmOTpa~ xpda~.
27. Av6aou<; o,
w<; dp'llal, mAywem -r6rrou<; [~ aTIAlKLa KQL
!l~ xp6vov
160 TtOAUV vota-rp[~LV ev evl xwp[q>, d !l~ apa Ota TOU<; 6.pa~ TOU<; Ka8apou<; Kal-ra
em-r~oeta xpetwo<; eanv Kal ou KaTmdyet n<; avayK'l
28. AHa KQL -ra<; <pUatKa<; avayKa[a<; xpda<; TWV av8pwrrwv, w~ dp'lTal, !l~
y[vwem i:aw8ev TOU <pO<JGCtTOU, 6.A.A' E~w8ev, Ota T~V ouawo[av, KUL !J.UAlGTa eav
ETil!J.EVn Ota llVQ xp6vov TO <poaaa-rov EV tvl-r6rrq>.
29. 'Ev of: -role; avayKa[ot<; Kmpol<; ~paxuv !J.EV ~TOl !J.lKpov OVTa TOV TtOLU!J.OV
165
ev !J.EGq> 01 neptAU!J.~CtVlV TOU xapaKO~ TOU <poaaaTOU Yva a-rlv d\~a-ro~ LOL~
TOU a-rpa-rou. av o -rpaxu~ EGLl KQL !J.Eya~, EK rrA.ay[ou au-rov TIOleLV (J XP~ Ota
TO d~ oxuJpW!J.U yeva8cu-rou a-rpa-rou. TIOLU!J.OU 0 napa-rpxov-ro<; GU!J.!J.ETpou
ou Mov TOU<; L11110U<; ~ayetv d~ TIOTOV KaLa TO avweev !J.Epo<;, Yva !l~ Tft KlV~(Jl
150 ad m:paTw des. W
146 ~pxwElm MW A epxwElm BE
I av MW A e'lm:p BE 149 rtETpWOI]~ ... eupeElij MW 6

TOTlO~ eupeEli'j rtnpwO!]~ ABE 150 xpdav ... Ti'j M om. ABE I cnpmorteoda M
crTpmorteodav ABE 151 artoTtElEj.!Vat ABE artoTtElEj.!EVOt M 152 Ota<p6pou~ M Ota<popa
ABE 1 6crw~ Kal M om. ABE 153 ~ MA om. BE 156 crTpm6v M m:pmov
rtapa0lKVUOUatV ABE 157 rtapaOdKVUatV Mom. ABE I o1 MAB of. E 159 8 M of. XP~
AE XP~ B I w~ e'lprrrat M om. ABE I TOT!OU~ M TOT!OU~ w~ e'lp!]TUl ABE I Kal MA om. BE
160 EV0taTpi~lV ... xwpiw M tv vl xwpiw OtaTpi~etv (aOtaTpi~etV B) ABE I iipa M TlOAAUKl~
ABE I TU MAB om. E 161 crnv M ecrTl ABE 162 <pU<JlKU~ MB <pU<JlKU~ Kal AE I w~
etp!]TUl M om. ABE 163 crw6ev ... <pOCYaUTOU ME eaw TOU <pO<J<JUTOU A TOU <pocrcraTOU eaw
B 164 xp6vov De xpeiav codd. 165 EV ... Katpot~ MAB om. E 165-167 ~paxuv ...
crTpaTOU M eav (et BE) j.llKp6~ crnv 6 TlOTUj.lO~ tv wj.!EAAl UTlA!]KUlV XP~ j.!E<JOV al!Tov TOU
(urA.~KTOU rteptA.aj.!~<'tvetv ABE 167 Kal MA ~ BE I cre XP~ M om. ABE 169 Tou~ ...
t~ayetv M trsp. ABE I iivw6ev MA ecrwElev BE
207
in order, the heavy-armed infantry first, followed by the wagons if they are
present and whatever else might be carried for the service of the army.
24. The employment of caltrops is essential in camping. For if the ground is
rocky and impossible to dig or if it is late <in the day>, caltrops properly
scattered about provide the same protection to the army on campaign as do
entrenchments.
25. We realize that ancient authorities have described various shapes for
setting up an expeditionary camp, but we prefer the four-sided, oblong form as
basic and making for good order.
26. Camps situated on a broad front and on high ground give the army
encamped there a more impressive appearance than those on level or sloping
ground. If, therefore, you feel the need to make an impression, you must select
sites with a broad front, especially if they have the basic supplies we really need.
27. As mentioned, choose healthy places for camp and do not stay too long
in one spot, unless the salubrious air and the availability of supplies are more
advantageous and there is no critical pressure.
28. As mentioned, the necessary physical needs of the men should not be
taken care of inside the camp but outside, because of the disagreeable odor,
especially if the army needs to remain in one place for some time.
29. In critical situations you must choose a site with a small or slow-flowing
river in the middle of the army's entrenchment, where it is easily crossed by the
soldiers. But if it is large and swift you must keep it on the flank, the better to
protect the army. If a good-sized river is flowing <there> the horses must not be
watered above the camp. Their trampling around will disturb the water and
208
170
175
Camps
Constitution 11
nov no8wv mpacrcrovn:c; TO Mwp eoA.pov aUTO Kal axpTJaTOV not~crwmv, aA.AC:t
KUTW8v flUAAOV. av 8 6:\[yoc; mlv 6 1t0Taf.10<;, 8ta ayylwv au-roue; OEOV
no-ri(tv Kal fl~ naqHvm LOU<; 'innouc; lc; TO mpacrcrLv a1n6v.
30. ITAf]O"lOV oe A6cpou, L<; ov ouvavTat oi txepot avapf)vat, TO U1tAlKTOV fl~
nowu, fl~nwc; Kt8v LOU<; tv -r<P a-rpa-ron8<.p KaTaTo~ucrwmv UK6A.wc;.
31. 'Eav 8 OUK dcrtv yyuc; oi 1tOAEfllOl aHa flaKpav ano iKavwv ~flpwv
ooou, fl~ mT~OEU 1tAf]Gtov Ma-roc; Ta anAtKTU nmlv, Kat flUAt<JTa -rwv KapaA.A.apiwv, 'iva fl~ Kat Ta aA.oya Kat oi av8p<; tv O"UVT]8l<;t Tf)c; noA.unoa[ac; YVOflVOl tv Katp<P Ai'!'W<;, we; LKO<;, Ma-roc;, OT 8L KapTplv, fl~ <ppovT<; 6A.tyw-
pwmv.
32. Ouo TOU<; 1t(ouc; flTa TWV KapaAA.apiwv 8L aJtAlKUlV, nplv ~ TOU<;
x8pouc; yyfcrat, v T<fJ <pOG<JUT<.p, aU' ~w8v flEV JtAf]O"lOV 0 TOU cpocrcrUTOU,
\'va flf]8E <JTvoxwpouvmt flf]8E Uapt8flf]TOl cpa[vwvTat TOt<; KaTacrKOJtot<;.
8oKtfla( 8 npo 6A.iywv ~flpwv de; n6crov 8tUaTT]fla xwpoiivTat Kat nwc;
flA.A.oumv anA.tKuLv, av yvf]Tat au-ro1c; Kmpoc; dcrA.8Lv flTa -rwv
18 5 Kapanapiwv. av 8 oi txepot yyi(wmv, 'iva auvamwv-rm oi Kapanaptot -ro1c;
n(o1c; Kat tv -r<P Ufla anAtKuoumv tv Tote; T-rayflEVot<; -r6notc;.
33 'Ev 8 T<fJ TOU JtOAEflOU Katp<P 8ov a de; oxupouc; T6nouc; Ta U1tAlKTU
mvolv Kat <ppovTt(Lv TWV f1tlTT]8lwv, fl~ flOVOV, W<; dpf]Tat, TTJ<; TWV av8pw1tWV ano-rpocpf)c; 6A.iywv ~flpwv, aU' d 8uva-r6v, Kat TWV aA6ywv 8ta TO li8T]AOV
190 TOU 1tOAEflOU Kat f1tlflAlcr8at Kat 8tacrKOJttV 'iva 8ta 1tUVTWV ouvacrat TO uowp
KOtKlv. tv Katp ~ O"UflPOA~ TOU 1tOAEflOU flEAAl yivwem, anouoa(lV fli::V EXLV
1tCtVTW<; de; Ta 6nicrw ~ JtOTaflOV ~ AlflVf]V ~ lpov TOlOUTOV oxupwfla.
180
17 4 ad i:KeTeev de novo inc. W
170 eoA.epov M eoA.Ov ABE
M ~ouvoii ABE
171 i:av M i ABE
172 a1rr6v BE m'rro MA
174 i:Keleev MW i:Keleev euK6A.w~ ABE
175 i:av MWA Ei BE
lKUVWV ~f.lEpwv MW trsp. ABE
177 iivope~ MW iivepwnot ABE
173 A.6<pou
euK6A.w~ MW om. ABE
176 oooii MW om. ABE
178 w~ dK6~ MW om. ABE
180-181 npiv ... i:yyiom
MW npo rou JtAl]OLUOUL tOU~ exepou~ ABE 182 OtEvoxwpoiivtaL MW otevoxwpwvtm

ABE I euapief.ll]TOL MW 6A.iyOL ABE 184 aJtALKEUELV BE cmALKEUOUOLV MW ClltAl]KEUWOLV A
185 i:yyi(wmv MW JtAl]OLU(WOLV ABE 186 ClltALKfUOUOLV MW cmALKEUWOLV A
cmA.l]Keuoumv BE
ABE
I ouvaoaL
ewf.lEVOU~ BE
189 c:motpo<p~~ MWAE anootpo<p~~ B
MWA OUV!] BE
I i:av
MW A d BE
193 etepov MW AE tep6v n B
190 ota navtwv MW om.
191 yap MW yap JtOAAUKL~ ABE
I OEOf.lEVOU~
MWA
192 (JJtOUOU(ELV f.lEV MW OJtouoa( f.lUAAOV ABE
209
make it muddy and useless. Water them downstream instead. If it is a small rivl:lr, you must water them from buckets. Do not allow the horses into the stream
!Iince they will stir it up.
30. Do not set up camp near a hill that is accessible to the enemy, since they
can easily shoot arrows into the camp from there.
31. If the enemy forces are not nearby but still several days' march distant,
do not try to set up camp near water, especially because of our cavalry. The
lnimals and the men will get into the habit of drinking a lot of water and, when
there is not much of it or it becomes completely unavailable, just when persever~nce is needed, they will not endure it when water is in short supply.
32. Before the enemy gets close, the infantry should not camp together with
the cavalry within the entrenchments, but outside although close by. In this way
they will not feel cramped for space and may not appear to spies as few in
number. A few days beforehand, determine how much room they will require
and how they plan to set up camp, if the situation calls for them to enter in with
the cavalry. When the enemy approach, the cavalry should join together with
the infantry and should camp with them in assigned locations.
33. In time of combat you must plan to situate the camp in a strong location
and give thought to supplies for a few days, not only, as said, for provisions for
the men but, if possible, also for the animals, for the outcome of battle is uncertain. Above all, give special consideration to the water supply and devise ways of
defending it. When the situation arises you will find that the enemy too are in
need of it. If the crush of battle is about to take place in an open area, always
take care to have a river or lake or some other defense of that sort behind you.
Constitution
210
Camps
11
34 Make a strong camp and leave a good-sized army behind in it, so that the
tnemy commander will not plan an attack against the entrenchments and
dellttoy those within. Have the wagons follow in order.
35 If the place is difficult and uneven, leave the trains or the wagons and
things like that and the rest of the baggage train in the camp, with a few wagon
drivers to guard them, and draw up the battle line in a suitable place near the
34 Kal TO !lfV cpoaaaTOV n:OLLV oxupov Kal a-rpa-rov EV au-r(\J KaTUAL!11taVlV

195
TOV apKOUVTa, '(va ll~ 6 nov 1tOA!1LWV a-rpa-rrwo<; fn:t~ouA.euan TOV xapaKa Kal
8tacp6efpn TOU<; eaweev, Ta<; 8 alla~a<; en:aKOAOU6etv EV Ta~el.
35 El 8 Ma~a-r6<; eanv 6 -r6n:o<; Kal avw11aA.o<;, -rov 11tv Kapayov ~Tot -ra<;
a11a~a<; 1 Kal -ra o11ota Kal -rov A.omov -rouA.8ov tv -r(\J cpoaaaT4J Ka-raA.tlln:avetv
!leTa 6A.fywv TWV Ct!la~eAaTWV el<; n:apa<pUAaK~V, T~V 8 n:apa-ra~LV TIAT]GLOV TOU
200 cpoaaa-rou -raaaetv tv en:tTT]8efqJ -r6n:q1.
36. El yap elmv oi -r6n:ot Ma~a-rot Kal11aA.w-ra -rwv txepwv ov-rwv Ka~aA.
A.apfwv, apKet Tfi n:apa-ra~el el<; OXVPW!la ~ TOU -r6n:ou 8uaxepeta. EaV yap ai
Ulla~at UKOAou6GJatv EV TOL<; TOLOUTOL<; -r6n:OL<;, en:w<peAel<; !lfV TOL<; TU(JGO!lEYOL<;

OUK ela[v, ana Kat 8ualle-ra6eTOl eupiaKOVTUL.
37 'Emvo~aet<; 8 el<; TOU<; ~6a<; TWV Ct!la~wv tva, o-r' uv aKoAou6GJat Tfi
205
n:apa-ra~el, eav xpe[a yevT]TUl apa Kal ava!letVaL -ra<; Ct!la~a<;, wa-re ll~ 8ta-rapaa-
aeaem un:o TOU 6opu~ou TWV ex6pwv, un:o TWV, W<; elK6<;, ~aAAO!lEVWV aaytTTWV
Kat UTUKTelV Kat fVOXAelV Tfi n:apa-ra~el, aAA.a ~ n:e8tKAOUV -raU-ra<; ~ 8W!lelV tva,
W<; e'lpT]TUL, el Kat TLV<; f~ auTWV un:o aaytTTWV TlTpwaKWVTUL, ll~ 8ta-rapaaawat
XP~ n:oA.u eyyu<; -raaaeaem au-ra<;.

38. Ei 0, W<; elK6<;, yevT]TUl xpe[a EVOXAOU!lEVqJ ~OTJ6fiaat T01t4J un:o txepwv
210 TOU<; n:e(ou<;. 8to oM
~ n:poKa-raA.a~e1v -raxu-repov Kal ou cp6a(oumv ai a11a~at, 'lva 11~ ~paouvwmv al

XPelUL, TO !lfV aAA.o TOUAOOV Kal TO cpoaaa-rov KaTaAL!11taVlV EV oxup(\J TOTtqJ,
215
n:apaAall~aVLV 8 TOU<; n:e(ou<; Kal T~V 8an:aVT]V aU-rwv, ei TOLaVTT] yevT]TaL

xpe[a, Kat n:apaaKeua(etv ~aa-ra(ea6at ~ 8ta aayllapfwv ~ en:l TOUT4J acpwpta!1EVWV tn:n:wv KUL Ta<; -rpt~6A.ou<;, Kat oihw<; an:epxeaeat !leTa TOU a-rpa-rou.
195 Tov' MWA om. BE I TWV noA.eftiwv MW aTpaT'lyo<; TWV noA.eftiwv A.a6paiw<; cmomeiA.a<;
ABE
I TOY
xapaKa MW om. ABE
196 TOU<; aw6ev MW auTO ABE
197 Ma~aT6<; A
I TOY Va TO MW om. ABE I f!Ev ... ~TOL MW om. ABE I TCt<; MW TCt<; f!EV
Kal' ... Of!OLa MW om. ABE I TOY WABE TO M 199 <'tf!a~EAUTWV MWA
lluvaT6<; MWBE
ABE
198
<'tf!a~'lAaTwv BE 201-202 ovTwv Ka~aAA.apiwv MW trsp. ABE 202 lluaxtpELa MW

TpaxuT~<; ABE 203 f!Ev MW om. ABE I <aaOOf!EVOL<; MW napamaaof!EVOL<; AE
nept<aOOOf!EVOl<; B 205-209 emvo~OEl<; ... e'ip'lTUl MW {n' b.v lle UKOAou6wat T~ napaTa~El
ai Ufla~Ul eav xpeia ytv'lTUl 6.Vaf!ElVUl TCt<; Uf!U~a<; npoa~Kel ~ nellLKAOUV ~ lleOf!ElV TCt<; ( TOU<;
BE) ~6a<; WOTE fl~ lltaTap6:aaea6m uno TOU 6opu~ou TWV ex6pwv ~ uno TWV pL1tTOf!EVWV
aaytTWV tva ABE 205 TOU<; MWBE TCt<; A 211 ~0'16~am MW om. ABE I ex6pwv MW
ex6pwv ~o'16~am ABE 212 cp66:~ouatv MWAE cp6ey~ouatv B 212-213 tva ... XPciat MW
om. ABE
ABE
214 napaAaf!~6:vm MWA npoAaf!~6:vetv BE
214-215 d ... xpeia MW om.
215-216 Kal... "Lnnwv MW ~ &a aawapiwv ~aaTa~Of!EV'lV ~ llta tnnwv enl T01JTW
6.cpwptOf!EVWV 6.vaA.af!~6:vea6atlli: ABE
211
eimp.
36. If the ground is difficult, especially when the enemy are mounted, the
difficult ground itself is a good protection for our battle formation. If the
wagons follow along in such places, not only will they be of no use to the troops
in line, but they will be very much in the way.
37 Take care with the oxen pulling the wagons so that, when they follow the
battle formation and it becomes necessary for the wagons to come to a halt, they
may not be disturbed by the noise made by the enemy and, as is likely, by the
arrows flying about, and panic and throw the line into confusion. They should
be hobbled or tied so that, as mentioned, even if some of them are wounded by
the arrows they may not cause confusion among the infantry. For this reason
they should not be lined up close to them.
38. When the need arises, as is likely, to relieve a position under enemy
attack or to seize a place quickly before the wagons should arrive, then, in order
not to slow things down, leave the rest of the baggage train and the army behind
in a strong place. If such a need does arise, take the foot soldiers and their
provisions, as well as the caltrops, and arrange for them to be carried either by
pack animals or by horses requisitioned for this purpose, and in this way let
them march out with the army.
Constitution
212
Camps
11
39. T6n: yap, tav Kal yvfJTal Kmpo~ cmA.iK-rou, -rou 6puwa-ro~ Ka-ra -ro 8ov
YlVO!lfVOU Kal TWV tpl~OAWV arron8!lfVWV ~ OLKODO!l~~ ytVO!lEVfj~ aw8t:v ~
xapaKO~ cmo ~UAWV TifJYVU!lEVOU, TOlUUtfjV cwcpaA.nav exn TO

220
cpoaaa-rov, ~v
be A.eyo!lt:v -ra~ 6.11a~a~ Kal -rov 8t'

cpoaaa-rou.
40. 'Eav be -ruxn wa-r -rou~ Ka~at..Aapiou~ rrA.dova~ dvm, 6A.iyou~ be -rou~
rrt:(ou~, Kal oihw~ M~n, wa-r lldvm -ro -rouMov tv -r(i> cpoaacmp, ll~ mivm~
TOU~ rrt:(ou~ 'la-raaem aw8t:v TOU cpoaaa-rou, aA.A.a nva~ !lEV tv au-r(i> -r(i> cpoa-
wcpnA.t:v ext:tv !lt:Ta -rou Kapayou. Kapayov

au-rwv rrt:plTLXl<Y!lOV TOU
225
aa-rq> rrapacpuACtHlV, nva~ 81:: ~w8t:v TWV rr6p-rwv Kal TWV 6puy!lciTWV TOU
cpoaaa-rou tv -ra~n 'lama8m 'lva,
tav aull~fi -rwv Ka~at..Aapiwv -rporr~v yt:va8m
Kal ll~ <YUVl<YlV au-roi~ rrt:(oi, auLOl DXO!lVOl au-rou~
I DUVU!llV
Kal li8t:tav
au-roi~ 8t86amv ~ av-rta-rpacp~vm Kata TWV txepwv ~ UTUKTW~ trrepxwem [~
cpoaaa-rov
-ro
230
Kal ll~ a-rt:voxwpda8m d~ -ra<; rr6pm~
tv
-rfi t:ia68q> Kal
KlVDUVUlV.
41. Tou~ 81:: apxovm~ TWV im6 0' TaY!lCtTWV 8ov <YOl rrapayyA.A.nv 'lva
8tayvwatv rrotwatv
OfjAOTIOtdv, rr6awv
tv -r(i>
'(rcrcwv
Kmp(i> LOu rrapaxnlla8iou Kal 8ta -rwv -roup11apxwv

Kal rroiwv OTIAWV Mov-rm oi
im'
au-roi~ TTUY!lEVOl
a-rpaTlWTat, LVU avayKa[w~ rrapaaKUa(n~ tv t{il Dovn Katp{il TaUTa Utp1Tl235
(w8m Kal tmA.all~avwem au-ra TOU~ a-rpanw-ra~. KUL!lCtAlO'Ta T~~ TO~t:ia~ tm-
!lAfj8fi~
WO'T,
i 8uva-r6v, KUL TOU~ aa-rpatt:ULOU~ tv LOL~ o'(KOl~ tmcppw8m
-r6~a. ~ yap TOULOU LOU Kt:cpaAaiou Ct!lEAlU TIOAA~V ~Aa~fjV KUL arropiav T(i>
Ka86A.ou 'Pw!la'LK{il atpatt:Uilan tvTIOlfj<YV, w~ !lOl Kal avw rrou dpfjtUl. ToaauTa
!li::v ouv Kal rrt:pl arrA.iK-rwv ~lliv t:ip~aew. aK6A.ou8ov
217
Kal MW om. ABE
I Mov
MW rrperrov ABE
218
8 ta-rt Kal rrt:pl -r~~
i~
ytVOf!fVOU MA yevoflvou WBE
xapaKoc; ... 7!T]YVUflfVOU MW <iTa~apwv 7!T]YVUflfVWV ABE
220 W<plAV ABE 6<pdAL

M 6<pdALv W I exLv MW EXL ABE I Toii Kapayoii MW T Twv UflU~wv Kal Toii Aomoii
TouA&ou ABE 220-221 &t' auTwv Du &' aim)v codd. 222 TUXT] MW A TUXT]<; BE I wme
MW om. ABE 223-224 Kal ... rre~ouc; MWAE om. B 223 ouTwc; MW om. ABE I TO MW
T6v AE om. B 225 ~w8ev ABE i:'f!rrpoa8ev MW 227 auvLatv MW dal A
BE I
auTo1c; rre~o[ MW rre~ol fld auTwv ABE 228 &t06aatv MW rraptxwmv ABE I avnaTpa<p~vm ABE avaaTpa<p~vm MW I errtpxmSm MW daeASdv ABE 231 aot MW a ABE
232 Otayvwatv rrotwatv MW om. ABE 232-233 Kal. .. OT]AOrrOletv MW e~Ta~watv ABE
233 UUTOL<; MW auTouc; AE auTOii B 234 <iTpanTat MW <iTpUTlWTUl Kal Ota TWV
TOUpflaxwv aot mum OT]AOrroeTv ( o~A.a rrOLdv A) ABE I rrapaaKeuU~T]<; ... Taiim MW A om.
BE 234-235 euTperri(wSm MW ETOtf!<'t(wSm ABE 236 o'lKotc; MABE o'laKot<; W
237 TOUTOU TOU MW TOU TOlOUTOU ABE I arrop[av Va Uf!fAelUV MW arrwAetav ABE
238 Ka86Aou MW om. ABE I f!Ol. .. rrou MW avwTepw f!Ol ABE
219
wat
213
39 Then, if the time comes to set up camp, the entrenchments are dug as
~gulated,
the caltrops are scattered about, and on the inside a wooden wall or
palisade is constructed and fixed firmly. This will provide the camp with as
11\tch security as it would have had with the line of wagons. Karagos is the term
Wt use for the wagons and the defensive wall they form around the camp.
40. If it should happen that there is a very large number of cavalry and only
i few infantry and the decision is made to keep the baggage train in the camp,
not have all the infantry stay there. Keep some on guard duty in the camp
and station others in formation outside the gates and trenches of the camp.
Then, if the cavalry should be driven back, without the foot soldiers, these
b1fantry can cover them and give them the ability and freedom to turn around
against the enemy or to withdraw in good order into the camp and not risk
being crowded together at the entrance around the gates.
41. You must announce to the officers of the units under your command
that they must make their enquiries during winter quarters. Have the tourmarchs make clear how many horses and what sort of weapons the soldiers
under their command need. In good time, then, you may make the necessary
preparations to get them ready and to allow the soldiers to take charge of them.
Show particular concern about archery; have those not registered for military
service store bows in their houses, if possible. Neglect of this provision has
caused the entire Roman army great harm and rendered it ineffective, as I have
indicated somewhere above. Therefore, let us conclude all that we have to say
IlOAEMIK.ON ITAPAIKEY.ON
~IATASII
IB'
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION XII
ileplnponapacrKeU~~noAe~ou
1. '0-r'
UV !lEV OUV Katpo<; JtOAe!lOU A.Jt[(T}1'Ul GOL, d) GTpmf}y, Kal 1'0V ~Of}
rrpoyu!lvaaetvm a-rpaTOV emauva~n<;, KaAOV eanv, tva 11~ arravm 0!10U d<;
5 ~-tiav
fKTann<; napam~LV Kal~-t<iA.ta-ra JtOAUV ov-ra Kal iKav6v, Kal OLa 1'0U aKa[-
pou nA.~Sou<; auyxeaet<; T~V eu-ra~[av T~<; rrapa-ra~ew<;, W<; 11~ ouvaaem OLa TO
~-tye8o<; Kal rrA.~So<; KaAW<; rrei8w8m auT~V rrpo<; Ta KAUO!lVa. ana TOV
neptaaov aTpaTov ota~-teptaov Kalrroif}aov Kal owTepav napaTa~tv.

2. '0-r'
10
av yap OfJ!lOG[a ~-ttAA.n Ka~aAA.apiwv !lCtXTJ yivw8at Kal el<; ~-tiav !lOVT}V
napmay~v -rt<; -rov oA.ov a-rpaTov KaT' O'!'LV Twv rroA.e~-tiwv napmaaan Kal 11~
arro~A.trrn rrpo<; evavTiav -ruxTJv, !lfJO ~-tt:A.n~ Kal aAA.w<; em-rf}Oeuetv KaTa Twv
exepwv ~youv I Kal ot' hepa<; rrapa-ra~ew<;, OUTO<;, W<; ~-tol OOK1, av~p anetp6<;
eanv Kalrrpo<pavw<; el<; KLVOUVOV eau-rov emppimet.
3 Kal yap ouxl TO rrA.~So<; TWV aw~-t<i-rwv oM~ U1'UKTO<; 8paaUTT}<; oM~
15 cmA.~ rrpoa~OA~
1'0V 1tOA!10V Kpivoumv ~ KaTop8oumv, W<; 1'LV<; TWV arreipwv
VO~-ti(ouatv, aAA.a !leTa eeov OLa TeXVTJ<; Kal <ppOVT}!lCtTWV aTpaTTJYLKWV !l1'a T~<;
npo8u11ia<; mu a-rpa-rou KaTop8oiimt 6 n6A.e~-to<;.

4 lua 11t:v <ppOVT}f.LCtTwv Kal Tporraiwv, oiov d<; Katpou<; ~youv ~11epa<; ~
VUK1'0<; ~ XLf.1WVO<; ~ euoia<; ~ JtCtALV L<; 1'01tOU<; ~youv 6t' fYKPU!1!1Ct1'WV ~ a-revw20
f.LCtTWV Kal ot' ai<pVLOLU0!10U ~ OLa 1tOAAWV UAAWV Kal OLa<p6pwv Tp6rrwv '(va
arra-r~<; 1'0U<; ex8pou<;, wa-re xwpl<; OTJ!100LOU 1t0Ae!10U KaTop8waat T~V VLKT}V
MWABE
Va
About Advance Preparation for Battle
1. When you await the hour of battle, 0 general, and you gather your army
together, already well drilled, it is wise not to draw them all up, at the same time,
hlto one battle line, particularly if it is a large and combat-ready army. Such an
inconvenient multitude utterly destroys the good order of the battle line. Its size
tmd numbers render it unable to obey the commands properly. Divide an
excessively large army and make it into two lines.
2. A man who forms the whole army in just one line facing the enemy when
tl general cavalry engagement is about to take place, and who does not consider
the chance of a reverse or does not consider other ways of dealing with the
enemy, say, by a second battle line, strikes me as inexperienced and dearly
throwing himself into danger.
3 For it is not, as some inexperienced men imagine, the multitude of bodies
or undisciplined boldness or simple assault that determine the outcome of battle
or bring it to a successful conclusion but, after God, skill and strategic planning. 1
These, together with the enthusiasm of the troops, lead to victory in battle.
4 It is by means of intelligent planning and changes <in strategy>, with
regard to time, that is, day or night, stormy or clear weather, and also place, such
as narrow passes, and by ambushes, by surprise attacks, and by a great variety of
ways to trick the enemy, that you will achieve victory over them without actual
PG 107:805
18-430 Strat., 2.
1 noA.q.ttKwv ... tW MWA om. BE 5 eKraTTTJ~ W -rciTTTJ~ M napa-rci~TJ~ AB om. E
s-6 aKaipou MWA EUKa[pou BE 6 cruyxecret~ Va OUYXEEl~ w cruyxETJ~ MABE 7 f!Eye6o~
Kal MW om. ABE 9 f!EAAIJ ... f!clXTJ MW flclXTJ KapaAA.apiwv f!EAATJ ABE I yivm6at ABE
om. MW 10 Tt~ MW om. ABE I Ka-r' ... napmacrcrTJ MW napa-racrcrTJ Kma np6crwnov -rwv
noAEf!tWV ABE 11 f!EAna MW f!EAnav ABE 13 tcr-rtv MWA tml BE 15-16 nve~ ...
VOf![~OUOlV MW VOf!t<oum nve~ TWV andpwv ABE 16 f!ET0. 1 MW Kal ABE
18-19 ~youv ... T01tOU~ MWAE om. B 20 ot' MWBE om. A I -rp6nwv ABE T01tWV MW
1.
Sections 3-5 8 derive from Strat.
2.
Constitution
218
Advance Preparation for Battle
12
fighting. This is absolutely essential for survival. It is by your intelligence, planning, courage, and skill that you will defeat the enemy.
s. So much for intelligent planning and stratagems. It is through practical
knowledge that you will be successful against the enemy, that is, provided that,
in various ways, you divide up or unite your army securely and in proper order.
After you line it up in good military formation, then launch attacks against the
enemy. Not only will you protect yourself against the wiles and machinations or
plans of the enemy but, rather, you will turn their machinations and stratagems
against them.
KaT' at>TWV. TOtrto yap fOTl Kat OWT~plOV Kat JtaVU avayKaLOV, 'iva OLU T~~ 0~~
(JUVEOW~ Kal <ppov~OW~ Kal avopia~ Kal TEXVTJ~ VLK~~ TOU~ x8p01J~.
5 Kal TUUTU 11EV OL<'t TWV <ppOVTJI1aTWV Kal TWV mpaTTJYTJI1aTWV OLa o T~~
25 moT~I1T]~ KaTopewoL~
TOV Jt0A110V, av 11Ta Ta~W~ T~~ rrp7tOUOT]~ 0Lai1Pl-
on~ ~ ouva\j!n~ TOV OTpaT6v, JtOlKlAW~ Kal ao<pat..w~, Kaln:apaTa~n~ 11Ta UTU~l
a~ n:ot..11LK~~ Kal oihw~ Ta~ Twv rrot..11wv yxap~oL~ rrot~oa~. Kal 11~ 116vov
<pUAa~n~ (JUUTOV arro TWV 06/..wv Kal TWV fJtlTTj0U11aTWV ~youv <ppOVTJI1aTWv
TWV vavTiwv OOU, at..A' 'iva 11UAAOV Kal (JU KaT' aUTWV fltlTT]OcDO~ Kal CtVTlOTpa30
Tcun.
6. '08v Kal oln:aA.atol OTpaTT]yol TOUTO rrapn~pfjoav w~ XP~Ol110V ~youv
6. With this in mind, commanders in the past carefully observed the follow-
T~v UTa~iav. Kal Ota TouTo d~ Toup11a~ Kal Opouyyou~ Kal K011TJTa~ Kal KvTap-
ing as beneficial, namely, good order. This is why they organized the entire army
into tourmai and droungoi with counts and kentarchs and into other divisions
as conditions required, and so drew it up in this fashion. It is a mistake to draw
up the army in only one battle line, staking the management, as well as the fate,
of tens of thousands of cavalrymen on only one throw. But behind the main
battle line form a second, often a third, and draw up your formation in this way,
especially when, as was said, you have a large army. When, in your judgment,
the situation requires, you can launch a great variety of attacks.
7 To draw up the whole army in one battle line, especially if it includes
lancers, is, in our opinion, to invite a host of evils. For it happens that, if it is a
large army, it will have to stretch over a great distance, with part of it located on
unfavorable terrain. The length of the line will make it uneven and hard to
manage. There will be no coordination between its divisions. It will end up in
disarray and, even before contact, will be easily broken up and thrown into
confusion.
xou~ Kal d~ aHa 11EPTJ n:po~ T~V xpdav T~V rrapouaav TOV OAOV OTpaTOV
8tal1piaavT~ oihw~ n:apnaaaovTo. ou yap rrpn:ov mlv d~
35
219
11iav 116VT]V n:apa-
Ta~tv KTaaotv Tov aTpmov Kal v 11L~ 116vn pon:fi Kpimv Kal OtoiKT]atV Tooou-
Twv XLAtaOwv Ka~at..Aapiwv JtlOTULV, ana Kal OcUTpav, TIOAAaKL~ Kal TptTT]V,
rrapaTa~LV KaT6ma8v Otatp1v Kal oihw~ Ta~ Ta~l~ Jt0lLV, 11aALOTa, oT' av aoi
f(JTLV, Kaew~ c'lpf]TUl, rrt..~eo~ OTpaTla~. Kal yap oihw~ TIOlWV, w~ av (JOL M~n Kal
CtJtUlT~(Jn ~ xpda, TIOlKlAW~ Kal Ota<p6pw~ Ta~ yxLp~Ol~ 1t0l~Ol~.
7 nona yap Ta vaVT(a A.oyt~011ea yivwem, OT' av d~ 11iav rrapam~LV
40
Tov oA.ov mpm6v TL~ auvayayn Kal KUT~a(pnov Tou~ KOvTapta xovm~.
OU11~a(vL yap, rrt..~eou~ OVTO~ mpaTOU Kal l~ TIOAU OtaOTT]I1a ~ avayKT]~
KTtvo11vou, ha Kal avw11at..wv T6n:wv 1momJtT6vTwv, avtaov upioKw8m Kal

an:L8~ T~V rrapaTU~lV W~ 11aKpav ouoav Kat 11~ OU11<jlWVlV UAA~AOl~ Ta 11EPTJ
45 aUT~~, Kat Ota TOUTO Kal rrpo T~~ OU11~0A~~ Ota T~V UTa~(av U0taAUTOV aUT~V
Kal Jt<pup11vT]v yivwem.

8. Elm, av rroT ou11~fi Tot~ rroA11LOL~ ~ un:pKm8~vm KaTa To rrt..aywv
~youv rrl Kpa~ n:~A.81v rrpo~ KDKAwmv ai<pvtOiw~, A.omov ~ n:apaTa~t~ Ota
22 cr~~ MWA om. BE
24 Twv 2 MWBE om. A
27 rroAEflWV Strat. rroAeflLWV codd.
rrot~cret~
BE
MW rrote1cr6m ABE 31 Kal MW om. ABE 32-33 KevTapxou~ MWA KevTapxa~

34 OtUflepicravTe~ W ABE .Staflepicravm~ M I rrapnacrcrovTo MWA rrapaTacrcrovmt BE
35 eKTacrcretv ... crTpaTov MW Tov crTpaTov rrapmacrcretv ABE

38 ecrTtV MW ecrTl ABE
TU ABE
42 T!A~6ou~ MW T!A~6o~ ABE
41 TOU~ MW
43 eKTelVOflEVOU ABE eKTelVOflEVOU~ MW
45 Ota2 ... cna~[av MWA Kal OlaTa~[av B Kal Ota am~[av E

rroAefliou~ ABE
36 xtA.ta.Swv MW om. ABE
40 T!OAAU MWAE TlOAACtKl~ B I TU MW om. ABE
47 TOt~ TlOAefllOl~ MW TOU~
3'H'
8. If the enemy should happen to extend their own lines by the flank and
launch a sudden encircling movement there, then, without support from the
220
5o
6o
Constitution 12
n: -rwv 6rricrw Kal -rwv rrA.ayiwv aV-r~c; O.rropouaa ~o118dac; Kal flflOevoc; \mapxov-roc; TOU (JUVflyopouv-roc; au-r~v ~ O.vayKfl<:; rrpoc; n:/..e[av <puy~v 6pfl~<Jl.
9 AAA.a Kal v au-rft -rft TOU 1t0Aef.10U <JUfl~OAft OLU TO fl~ TO fl~Koc; -r~c;
rrapa-ra~ewc; m~AE1tLV nva EK TWV omcr8ev, 1tOAACtKLc; Ttvf:c; TWV TaYflCtTWV flt:TU
Kal TWV ~avowv a<pavwc; Al1tOTaKTOU<Jl. Kal yivnm Kalrra.m -rotc; A.omotc; avaxwp~aewc; rrp6<pamc; KairrpiiYfla EAWVOV, TpE1tOf.1EVWV <ob aUTWV OUOE CtVaK01tll
-r~c; <puy~c; ouo urrompo<p~ OUOf.1La yive-rm. ouoelc; yap O.va<pa[vnm 6 flEAAWV
6.vaKaAet<J8at ~ mauvayt:LV aU-roue; de; -rporr~v, we; e'ipflTaL, Kai <puy~v Opfl~<JaV-rac;.
10. 'Eav Of: -raxa Kal vof.iiaoumv flETCt m-ruxiac; -rov rr6A.eflov rrotetv oi etc;
flLaV rrapa-ra~LV Ta<J<JOflVOL Kal rrpow8lv v -rft flUXn -roue; 1tOAflLOUc;, o-r' iiv
otaf..u8ft rrav-rwc; ~ rrapa-ra~tc; v -rft <JUfl~OAft TOU 1tOAEflOU Kai 1tOLOU<Jl T~V
oiw~tv a-raK-rwc; oi otwKov-rec;, av crufl~ft rro!..AaKtc; -roue; <peuyov-rac; av-rtcr-rpa<p~
vm KaTa TWV OLWKOVTWV au-roue; ~ OUVaflLV UAAflV ai<pvto[wc; O.rro yKpUflflaToc;
O.va<pav~vm, O.vayKfl rriicra, oi otwKov-rec; de; <puy~v 6pfl~croum fllloeva xov-rec;,
we; e'ipflTaL, TOV OUVCtflVOV O.rrav-r~crm ~ Ct1t0(JO~~(Jat -roue; OLU -r~c; urrocr-rpo<p~c;
65 O.rrpocrooK~Twc;
70
rrepxoflvouc;.
11. "Ev Of: f.10VOV VOfll(W rrpo-rpflfla EXLV TO rrav-rac; de; flLaV -raacrw8at
rrapa-ra~tv, -rou-r' mt -ro <paivwem -rotc; x8potc; fl~Ko8ev -reA.dav Kal ~wyKw
flEVflV T~V TCt~LV. O.AA.a Kal aUTO flEXPL eewpiac; Kal flOVfl<:; EXL TO Kpooc;. EXL of:
-raxa Kal -repov rrpo-rpflfla, TO ouvacrem OLU -r~c; f.1Liic; rrapa-ra~ewc; Kal flEYCtAfl<:;
1tOltV KUKAW<JLV ano voc; I flEpouc; Kal Ct1tOKAellV -roue; 1tOAfllOUc;, av apa Kal
-rou-rq> flETU -rou rrpnov-roc; A6you Kal -rexv11c; nc; XP~crnm.
12. To
omAiic; 1tOlelV -rae; rrapa-ra~Lc; W<JT elvm de; urro~o~8etav -r~c;
npw-r11c; rrapa-ra~ewc; -r~v Ot:u-repav, Ka-ra -rov O.v8pwmvov A.oyt<JflOV rro!..Aa -ra
~aipna Kal O.vayKata vof.1i(of.1V cruv-rpexnv. Kalrrpw-rov flEV, o-rt oi -r~c; rrpw-r11c;
oe
49 mh~<; MW om. ABE
om. BE
50 auv11yopouvTO<; MW auw:pyouvTO<; ABE I a\rr~v MW auT~ A
50- 5 1 t~ ... tv MWA om. BE
om. MW
53 Kall MW om. ABE
51 fl~ TO MABE om. W
52 nva ... omcr8ev ABE
I AlltOTUKTOU<JL MB AlltOTUKTOUOlV WAE
54 oe Va om.
56 Kal MWAE om. B 58 VOflL<Jouow MW VOfll<JOU<JL ABE 6o notou<JL MW

not<il<JL ABE 63 niiaa MW mina<; A mivTw<; BE I ol OtwKovTE<; W avOtwKoVTE<; M TOU<;
codd.
I 6pfl~<JOU<Jl M opfl~<JOU<JLV w 6pfl~<Jat ABE I exovTE<; MW exovTa<; ABE

6 4 anoao~~aat MW anootw~at ABE 65 enepxoflevou.; MWA enepxoflevou.; noAefliou.;
ABE 67 TOUT' ean De tof>Tean M touTeanv WA TouTean BE I Kal ABE om. MW
OLWKOVTE<; ABE
68 aUTO MWA aUTO TO BE I Kal2 MW om. ABE I flOVll<; MWAB flOVll<; flOVll<; E I EXL MWA
1
EXELV BE
71 Kal MW Kal
T~<; ABE
xp~anat W XP~<JllTat M 6tanpa~11mL ABE
73-7 4 JtoAAa ... <JUvtpexeLV MW KaT JtOAACt e<JTLV w<pEALflWTepov ABE
221
rear or from the flanks and without anyone coming to its aid, our line will be
torced to rush into headlong flight.
9 In actual combat, furthermore, because nobody has a good view of the
long battle line from the rear, frequently some men desert from their units or
banda unnoticed and provide the rest of the troops with an excuse to retreat.
'Ibis is truly pitiable. When they do retreat there is no way of turning back or of
checking the flight. None of those present, as was said, is able to call them back
tU' get them to turn around after they have rushed into flight.
10. Sometimes troops drawn up in a single line will seem to be pursuing the
battle with success and driving the enemy back in the fighting, but in the melee
of battle their formation will surely be broken up and they will continue the
pursuit in a disorderly manner. If, perchance, the fleeing enemy should happen
to turn around against the men pursuing them or if some other force should
lluddenly appear out of an ambush, then, without any doubt, the pursuers will
be forced to take to flight since, as mentioned above, they have nobody in
position to ward off or repel those who have turned about unexpectedly and are
charging against them.
11. I think that forming all the troops in one battle line has only one advantage, and that is, from a distance the formation will impress the enemy as very
large and imposing. But this advantage is theoretical only. It may, perhaps, have
another advantage, namely, because there is one large battle line, it is able to
circle around from one side and close in on the enemy, presuming that a person
can make use of this maneuver with proper reason and skill.
12. We believe that, as far as human reasoning goes, there are many
exceptionally compelling reasons that lead to the conclusion that there should
be a twofold battle line, the second of which should be for the support of the
Constitution
222
12
75 rrapa-ra~eW<; exovT<; omcr8ev KaTa TOU VWTOU ainwv T~V 8eu-rpav T<l~lV <pUAUT-
TOuaav auTOU<; rrpo8ulloTpw<; llUXOVTat rrpo<; TOU<; JtOA1-llOU<;, O!lOLW<; 01;: Kal TU
aKpa ~youv Ta 8e~la Kal Ta aptmepa T~<; rrapa-ra~eW<; Ota TWV rrA.ayw<pUAUKWV
<pUAUH0!1Va a<p6~w<; rrpo<; TOU<; Ei11tpocr8ev JtOA!10UOlV. TO 8 rrHov rrpmPTJ!la, OTl T~<; 8eu-rpa<; rrapaTa~eW<; omcr8ev OUOT]<; o[ JtOAAUKl<; AlltOTaKTOUVT<;
So
EV Tft rrpw-rn rrapma~el ou -rperrovmt, W<; ETUXV, urro TWV omcr8ev UUTWV imomeu6!1VOl -rou-ro yap Kal !leyaA.T]v wcpA.etav rrot1 -rft 11axn- Kai
-rporr~<;,
tv
Kmp4J 8
W<; JtOAAUKl<; OUfl~aivet Tft rrpw-rn TU~l, yivnm ~ 8eu-rpa el<; UVTLAT]'JilV
Kai KUTa<puy~v, o8ev JtUAlV OUVUTOV auTOU<; avaKaA.e1a8m ~OT]80U!1EVOU<; i.mb

T~<; 8eu-rpa<; TU~eW<; Kai KaLa TWV mrrw6v-rwv tx8pwv JtUAlV avnmp<pw8m.
85
13. AHa Kat, o-r' av 8tWKWOl LOU<; tx8pou<;, o[ T~<; rrpWTT]<; rrapma~eW<;
aacpaA.w<; Kai fleTa rrpo8ullia<; JtOlOUVTal
T~V 8iw~lV. av yap avnmpa<pwmv,
W<;
rroHaKt<; yivnm, <peuyovT<; o[ x8poi ~ aAA.o8v rro8ev ai<pvtO[w<; rrA.8wmv

tx8po[, yivnm ~ 8eu-rpa TU~l<; arrav-rwaa Kai auvayouaa Kai <pUAUHOUOa TOU<;
T~<; rrpWTT]<; rrapma~eW<;. aHa Ka[, 0 11~ yVT]Tat, av OU!l~ft TAtav cporr~v
90
yeva8m T~<; rrpWTT]<; TU~eW<; Kai ou ouvaam avnmpa<p~vm KaTa TWV EJteA86vTWV auTft JtOA!1LWV, eup[OKTat ~ 8wrpa TU~l<; -roiwl Kai eUKOAW<; JtOAeflel Kal
Ka-raywvi~nm -r~v vav-riav 8Uva11tv, Kuv -raxa rrav-reA.w<; -rparrft ~ rrpWTTJ rrapam~t<;.
14. Kai yap avayKT] micra T~V TU~lV TWV x8pwv arro T~<; auyKp01"~0W<; TOU
95 rroA.11ou aKa<ama<ov yeva8m Kai 8taAAUflEVf]V, Kai T~<; ~11npa<; 8eu-rpa<;
<a~ew<; eUTUKTW<; icrmf1VT]<; Kai 11na Kammaaew<;,
'*
8 -rwv x8pwv rre<pup-
!1EVTJ<; rrpon:peiv !1UAAOV T~V ~llHEpav Kai m8tWKlV LOU<;
I 8taA.uaavTa<; T~V
TU~lV.
77 Ta2 MWA om. BE 78 Tio>.qwuow WA

7!0Af.l0Uat M 7lOAflWaL BE 78-79 7!Aeov 7!pOTEp!]flU MW flEL~ov ABE 8o-81 \momwOflEVOl MW tm~A7!0flVOL ABE 81 TOUTO MW cmEp ABE I yap MWB om. AE I 7!0LL..
flUX!] MW tv Tij flUX!] TIOLEL ABE I Kail MW om. ABE 82 7!pWTI] TU~L MWA 11apmu~t B
Tu~EL E I &wTepa MW &wTepa Tu~L<; A WTU~L<; BE 84 &wTepa<; MWA WBE 85 &twKwat
MABE &twKoumv W 87 tx8pol MW om. ABE 88 y1vmL MW euptcrKTm ABE I Tu~L<;
MW 11apuTa~L<; ABE 89-90 aHa ... TU~Ew<; MW A om. BE 89 tav crufl~ii ABE om. MW I
Tpo11ijv MABE Tpo7!ijv d OUfl~ii W (alia m.) 90 Mvacrm MA MvaTm W (corr. e Mvacrm)
OUVI]TaL BE 91 Kall MWA om. BE I i>K6Aw<; MW flHU TCt~Ew<; lcrTaflV!] Kal Ei>KOAW<; A
flHU TU~Ew<; lcrTaflEV!] BE I 7!0AflL MW KaTaTIOAeflEL A KaTa7!0AflEL UK6Aw<; BE 92 Tijv
vaVT1av MW Twv tvavTiwv ABE 94 txepwv De vaVT1wv txepwv codd. I auyKpoT~crew<;
MABE cruyKpoucrew<; W 96 TU~Ew<; MW 7!apaTU~w<; ABE 97 7!poTeplv MW u7!epxm
ABE I Tijv ~flTepav MWA Tij ~flETEpa BE I E7ll0LWKLV MWAE emOLWKel B
75 Kata ... vwTou MW Kal Kma vwTov ABE
;!
223
tlrst. One reason is that the troops in the first battle line will fight more eagerly
against the enemy when they have the second line behind protecting their rear.
ln like manner, with their flanks, that is, the right and left wings of the battle
line, protected by the flank guards, they will fearlessly carry on the battle against
those in front of them. There is a further advantage: as has often happened, the
soldiers in the first line are not likely to turn and run away while the second line
Is to their rear, for they will be observed by the troops behind them. In combat
this can be extremely important. In the event, a fairly frequent one, that the first
line turns back, the second is there as a support and a place of refuge. The
support provided by the second line makes it possible to rally the troops once
again and gets them to turn back against the attacking enemy.
13. Moreover, when they are pursuing the enemy, the men in the first battle
line can safely and in good spirits carry out the pursuit. For if, as often happens,
the fleeing enemy should turn back or if they should attack unexpectedly from
another quarter, then the second line can confront them, join battle, and protect
the troops in the first line. But even if-may this not happen-the first line
should be completely routed and cannot turn back into action against the
enemy attacking it, the second line is standing there ready. It will easily continue
the battle and fight vigorously against the enemy forces, even though the first
line may have been completely routed.
14. The enemy's formation will most assuredly be broken up and disordered
by the crush of battle while our second line is still standing firmly in good order.
The enemy line will be thrown into confusion and ours will gain the advantage
and turn to pursue the foe, who will have broken up his formation.
Constitution
224
12
15. The most compelling reason of all is that the division of the army into
15. AAA.a Kal TO avayKat6n:pov rrapa miv-ra, 6-rt ou f10VOV rrpoc; -rae; laOf1ET
100
pouc; OUVUf1l<:; ~youv TWV T ~llTpwv Kal TWV vav-r(wv awoo(a ea-rl Kal
avayKa(a,
we;
e'lpf1TaL, ~ elc; Mo rrapa-ra~etc; Otaipeatc; TOU a-rpa-rou, a\.Aa Kat
rrpoc; -rae; imepqovaac; Kal rrA.ov TWV ~f1Tpwv ouaac; OUVUf1lc;.

16. 'Eav 0 -rtc; A.tyn, 6-rt -ri o<peA.oc;; -r~c; yap rrpw-rllc; -ra~ewc; mpaaao11v'lc;
Kal TPTrOf1EVTj<:; euxtpwc; Kal ~ eeu-rpa auvarraye-rat au-rfi Kal auvrprrnat
105
aHa UKOuaa-rw 6 TOlOUTOc; 6n, av ouo rrapa-ra~ewv, Ka8wc; dp~KUf1V, ytvo!lfVWV ma<paA.ec; TO rrpawa yivnat, Tl av Ttc; A.rriaet 6-r' av Kal f1lU f10VTJ ea-rl
rrapam~tc; Kal -raUTfl -rparreiaa ouK exet -rpav, ot' ~c; ~o'le'le~vm ouvamt Kal
avaKATj8~vat;
av Oe rraAlV A.tyn, 6n T~c; OUVUf1Wc; rraaTjc; ~youv TOU a-rpa-rou
f1Pl<0!1EVOU etc; rrpWTfiV Kal de; Oeu-rpav rrapam~tv aaeevw-rpa Kal aouva-rw110 -rpa ~ TU~lc; eup[aKTat, KQTaVO~aet Kal TOUTO, 6n, av f1EV ~ OUVUf1l<:; Ef1Pt<e-ro
Kat exwpi<em TOU TrOAEf10U, KaAwc; av TOUTO ~rr6pet. a\.A' ~f1ic; OU T~V OUVUf1lV
KAUOf1V f1pta8~vat, a\.Aa f10VOV TO ax~11a a\.Aay~vat. Kat yap, 0 rrpo TOU
aAA.ay~vat TO ax~lla auv~atV yeva8at, TO rriiaav T~V OUVUf1lV de; f1LUV rrapa-
Ta~lV maaOf1EVTJV f1UKpav Kal A.em~v eupiaKw8at, TOUTO EV Tfi omA.fi TU~[
115 eurrop~aaf1V aU!1f1ETpouc; -rae; Mo Ta~etc; rrot~aav-rec; Ota TO TrATja(ov UAA~AWV
dvat, ou T~c; f1UXTJ<:; xwp[aav-rec;, a\.Aa TO ax~!la eva\.Aa~av-rec; Kat T~V f1EV
Ef1Trpoa8ev, T~V o omaeev Ta~av-rec; Kal rrAtov -rae; rrapa-ra~etc; Ota TOV rrpoetpTj!lfVOV -rp6rrov Kamxupwaav-rec;.
17. !lta TOUTO yap de; f1EP'l Ota<popa KaAwc; av Kal rrprrov ea-rl TO TOV rrav-ra
uo Ka~aA.A.aptKov a-rpa-rov Otaf1pi<wem, Kav -re rroA.uc; a-rt Kav -re au1111TPoc;.
U0f1AOV yap Kat rrprrov, LVU XPWaTfic;, W a-rpaTTjy, Aoyov Trotla8at Kat KUTaamatV,
we; evoxe-rat, 6-r' av f1UAtaTa Kal rrpoc; eev'l TrOAf1fic; TU~lV exovm Kal
TEXVfiV TrOAEf10U.
100 ~youv ... EVUVTlWV MW om. ABE I EOTL MABE EOTlV
I~
MWA om. BE
101 w~ dpf1Tal MW om. ABE
103 Ti o<peAo~ MW oMi-:v o<peAo~ T~~ 15EuTpa~ napaTa~ew~ ABE
TapaooOf!EVfl~ MW npWTfl~ yap mpaooOf!EVfl~ (napaTaoOOf!EVfl~ BE) napaTa~ew~ ABE
I auvanaynm ... auvTpennat MW auv miT~ Tpnnat

I Ka6w~ Eip~KUf!EV MW om. ABE 106 yivnat MWAB
yivf1TUt E I f!OVTJ MWA f16vov BE I eoTl MWA unapxfl BE 107 TaUTfl M a\hfl WABE I
hepav MWA OEUTEpav BE I ouvaTat MWAE ouvavTat B 109 Ei~ MWA om. BE
104 Kal TP1lOflEVfl~ MW om. ABE

ABE
105 ana MW om. ABE
112 aUa ... aUay~vat
MWAE
om.
113 auve~atVE
115 Eimop~oaf!EV MWA Ef11!0p~craf!EV BE I Mo MWA
WBE
MWBE
OUVE~atVEV
117-118 Tov ... Tp6nov MW
Twv npoetpflf!EVWV Tp6nwv ABE 119 KaA&~ ... eoTl MW(ecrnv) npbrov eoTl Kal KaAOv
ABE I TO ... navTa M TO navTa W To navm Tov A navm Tov BE 120 tan MABE eoTtv W
121 EUOflAov ... noteiaOat MW npenov yap tan (eanv A) <ppovTioa noteiaSai ae
ABE
225
woTpa<flye
two battle lines, as said, is appropriate and necessary not only against forces
t>Lttml in numbers, ours and the enemy's, but also against forces greatly superior
to ours.
16. If someone were to ask: What is the advantage of this? If the first line is
thrown into confusion or driven back, the second will easily be carried along
With it and pushed back. Let such a person listen to this. If, as we have said, the
llituation is precarious with two battle lines in position, what hope can one have
when there is only one battle line? When that one is beaten back, there is no
other line capable of providing assistance and rallying the first. Again, if
llt>meone should say: By dividing up the entire military force into a first and a
second line, the battle line will be weaker and less effective. Let that man consider this. If the force had been divided and kept out of combat, this would surely
be open to question. However, we are not ordering the force to be divided but
tre merely changing its formation. Before the formation came to be changed,
the entire force was found to be drawn up in one long, thin battle line. We have
now arranged this in a double line and made two equal lines to stand close to
one another. We have not taken it out of action but have only altered its formation, drawing it up into a forward line and a rear line and further strengthening
the lines by the method noted above.
17 For these reasons it would be well and appropriate to divide every
cavalry army, whether large or of average strength, into various divisions. For it
is obvious and fitting that you, 0 commander, be obliged to act in accord with
the dictates of reason and adapt to circumstances, as best you can, especially
when you are waging war against a nation that is disciplined and skillful in
combat.
Constitution
226
12
18. 'Eav o ouvaoat, fl~ Ttotft<; <pavepw<; TOV JTOAflOV, oT' av ytv<.V<JKD<; OTL
125 nA.dou<; oou dolv ol noAEflLOL. Kal yap npnov oot np6Tepov T~v ouvaflLV TWV
noAfltWV oou avaf1a81v Kal oihw<; not~oao8m T~v OU!J~OA.~v Tou noAEflOU.
19. 'Eav o
I exn<; 1t(LKOV 0Tpa-r6v,
JTOL~<Ja<J8at TOUTOU T~V nap6.-ra~LV, w<;
fltU -rau-ra OTJAW<JOflV v Tfi nepl Twv ne(wv Kal Twv <JUjlfltKTWV Tot<; Ka~aA.
A.ap(ot<; OLUTCt~l. av o jlOVOL Ka~aUO.pto( l<JLV KUL npo<; Ka~aAA.ap(ou<; un6-
6 n6AflO<;, Kal d<; Tpt<; Ka~aAA.aptKa<; ni~t<; OtaflptoL<; Tov o-rpaTov Kal
T~v flEV npWTTJV nap6.Ta~tv, ~n<; Atynm np6!Jaxo<;, d<; Tp(a 'ioa flEPTJ EKTU~L<;,
130 KLTUL
ano Tptwv flOLpwv exovT<; EKU<JTOU flEpou<; ~youv ano TplWV opouyywv EKU<JTT]<;
TOUpfla<;, KUL v T(\J flE(J(p flEpl TCt~l<; TOV unoo-rpUTTJYOV <JOU, v 0 TOt<; -rpot<;
ouo[v, ~youv T(\J 0~L(\J Kal T(\J apt<JTp(\J, TOU<; TWV flpwv apxovTa<;, flEOOU<; TWV
135 UJTOTTUYf1EVWV aU-rot<; apxovTWV ~youv TWV flOLpapxwv.
20. Tau-ra o TU Tp(a !JfPTJ <JU<JT~<Jl<; ano Koupowpwv ~youv TWV i<; Koup<JOV TTayflvwv oTpanwTwv, ou<; vuv Atyouot npoKA.aoTa<;, Kal ot<pevowpwv
~youv TWV unooexoflvwv Tou<; d<; To Koupoov A.auvovTa<; Kal eKOLKouvTwv

UUTOU<;,
W<JT
EKCt<JTOU flEpou<; TO TPLTOV JTO<JOV KOUp<JaTwpa<; dvat, TOUTOU<; o
140 dvm Kal To~6Ta<;, TO 0 O[flotpov, TO v flEmp Tou oTpaTou, Ot<pvowpa<; ~youv
Ko(Kou<;, Tou<; unooexoflvou<; Tou<; KoupoaTwpa<;.
21. TiapaT6.~L<; o v Tfi npwTn TCt~l oihw<; d<; jlEV TO apt<JTpov jlEpo<;, d<;
o flUAL<JTU Kal a[ KUKAW<JL<; TWV vavT(wv euK6A.w<; ylvovTm, Mo ~ Tpia ~O.voa

Yva dol nA.ayw<puA.aK<; loTCtflVOL 'ioot Tou aU-rou !JEpou<;, Kal ~O.voov v ~ Mo
145 ~O.voa TO~OTU<;, TOU<; AYO!JfVOU<; unpKepao-ra<; ~youv ETOlflOU<; ov-ra<; i<;
KUKAW<JLV TWV noAflLWV, TOUTOU<; <JT~<JL<; d<; TO flEpo<; TO 0~t6v. Kal T~v flEV
npWTTJV Ta~tv oihw<; napaTa~et<;.
22. T~v o 0UTpav napaTa~LV, T~V AYOflEVT]V ~OT]86v, TCt~l<; Yva exn TO
Tp[TOV nooov TOU JTUVTO<; o-rpaTOU, KUL TUUTT]V JTOL~<JL<; i<; Tf<J<Japa flEpT], Yva
W<; ano evo<; oaytno~OAOU Ota<JT~flUTO<; KUTU TU<; nA.eupa<; o.n~A.wv nepma124 ouvacrm MWA OUV'l BE
i:crtl BE
127 i:av MWAB ei E
125 JtAelOU~ MW JtAelOVE~ ABE

129 eiatv WA elm MBE
I <JOl MW
<JOl i:crtlv A (JOl
130 tpeT~ MWA tpei~ taxa BE
Ka~aUaptKa~ MWBE Ka~aUaptKa~ taxa A I ta~et~ MW om. ABE I tov crtpatov MWE to
crtpatEUf!a AB 134 tw 1 MW tw tE ABE 135 autOl~ ABE autou~ MW I f!Otpapxwv
MWBE toupf!apxwv A 137 crtpattwtwv De crtpateuf!atwv codd. 138 EKOtKouvtwv
MWA &eKOtKouvtwv BE 139 Koupcratwpa~ BE Koupcratopa~ MW Koucrwpa~ ABE
143 Kal ABE om. MW 144 eicrl MW A
BE I Mo MW A WBE 145 ~avoa MW om.
ABE 146 crt~cret~ MW A at~cret BE 149 tecrcrapa MW A o' BE 150 w~ MWA om. BE I
cmo ... Otacrt~jlato~ MW CtJtO Otacrt~jlato~ crayttto~6AOU tvo~ ABE I tO.~ JtAeupa~ MW
nft.eupav AE nft.eupwv B 150-151 nepmatoiiat W nepmatoiicrtv M nepmatwat ABE
wat
227
18. If you are able, avoid openly engaging in battle when you know that the
enemy force is more numerous than yours. Be sure to ascertain the strength of
the enemy before engaging them in pitched battle.
19. If you have an army made up of infantry, you will line them up for battle
as we will subsequently explain in the constitution about infantry and mixed
formations with cavalry. If they consist only of cavalry and they are to do battle
against other cavalry, divide your mounted forces into three lines. Draw up the
first line, called promachos, into three equal divisions, with each division having
tluee moirai, that is, each tourma with three droungoi. Station your hypostrategos in the middle division. In the other two divisions, that is, the ones to the
right and to the left, post the officers of the divisions in the midst of the officers
under their command, that is, the moirarchs.
20. You will organize these three divisions into formations of assault troops,
that is, those assigned to assault, whom they now call proklastai, and into
defenders, that is, those who provide refuge for the men riding on to assault and
who cover for them. One third of each division should consist of assault troops:
these are to be archers; and two thirds, in the center of the army, should be
defenders or ekdikoi, who provide refuge for the assault troops.
21. Draw up the first line in this manner. Post three banda as flank guards to
the side of the left division, where hostile encircling movements may easily
occur, their front aligned with that of the division. To the side of the right
division post one or two banda of archers, known as outflankers, who should be
prepared to encircle the enemy. This is how you shall draw up the first line.
22. Organize the second battle line, referred to as the support line, consisting
of a third of the whole army, into four divisions. These divisions should station
themselves at about a bowshot's distance from one another's flanks. You will
228
Constitution
12
TOU<Jl TCt TOtaum !lfPTJ TCt 8 mum !1EPTJ Ct!l<plGTO!la 1tot~m:u:; ~youv 8iaTO!lC!,
'lva KC!L oi f!11tpoaeev npo<; TO Ay0!1VOV !1ETW1tOV datv 8uva-rol Kal KaElwnA.ta
!lfVOl, O!lOLW<; Kal oi omaeev npo<; T~V Ay0!1EVT]V oupav 8uva-rol Kal KaElwnA.ta!lfVOl, 'Lva Ka[, av KQTCt TOU VWTOU ~youv 6n(aw au-rwv 1t0l~OWGL npoa~OA~V ol
155
txepo[, avna-rpe<pwv-rat KQL eup(aKWVTat Ct1t0 TWV DUO !lPWV ETOl!lOl avn-rcwl
awem. ana KQL v TOL<; QAAOL<; !1EPGLV omaeev

~youv v8ev Kal EK1Elv
T~<; 1tapma~W<; f:Ka-repweev
W<; Ct1t0 vo.:; aaytTTO~OAOU 8taaT~!1UTO<; EKTa~n.:; anb
v6.:; ~av8ov tv -ra~et vw-ro<puA.aKwv, olov d.:; -rpi-rTJv -ra~tv.

23. "Iva 8 KQL TCt v -r<iJ !lfGqJ xwp(a ~youv TCt 8taaT~!laTC! T~<; 8eu-rpa<;
160
TCt~W<; ~VW!1EVQ eupeElwat 8ta 1tQVTO<; KQL ~ niiaa TCt~l<;
ev GW!lU <patVT]Tat
W<;
Kal 11~ 8taa-rp<pT]Tat 1tpmmouaa, avayKa16v ao( EGTLV d.:; mum TCt v !lfG(jl
OtaAel!l!lam ano v6.:; ~av8ov KQTQGT~am d.:; OAOV TO UKatpov 8tCtGTf]!1U,
xov-ra TO ~aeo.:; ~youv TO naxo.:; ~ Ct1t0 Mo Ka~aAA.ap(wv ~ TO KQAW<; xov Ct1t0
-rwaapwv, !lCtAlOTQ 1tOAAOU OVTO<; TOU a-rpa-rou '(va, o-r' av Katpo<; YEVT]Tat TOU
165 uno8~aa8m
TCt -rp1t0!1VC! !lfPTJ T~<; 1tpWTf]<; 1tapa-ra~W<;, mum Ta -rp(a ~av8a,
TCt ov-ra v TOL<; UKa(pot<; T01t0l<;, U1tOGTAA0!1VQ Kal aua<ptyy6!1VQ UKatpa

1t0l0Uat TCt xwp(a npo<; T~V EKelVWV uno8ox~v KQL U!la !lEV unooexov-rat TOU<;
Tp1t0!1EVOU<; UKatpa xwp(a 1tOlOUVT<;, U!la 8 KC!L avaa-rA.A.ouat TOU<; 8:\.ovm.:;
GKOp1tt~WElat ~ <puy1v, U!lC!
170
8 KC!L i<; TptTT]V
TCt~lV GUVLGTCt!lVQ !1lCt TWV
VWTO<pUACtKWV anoao~ouat 1tOAACtKl<; TOU<; KC!TCt VWTOU ~youv omaElev m<patV0!1EVOU<; Kal nepxo11vou.:; x8pou.:; npo.:; -ro -rapa~m -r~v 8eu-rpav napam~tv Kat
151 TU2 f!EpTJ 2 MW TU tSe f!EPTJ TUUTU ABE
I Ufl<plGTOf!U MWA a<piaTOf!U BE
153-154 6f!oiw~ ... KaewnA.taf!EYOl MWAE om. B
MW eial A wm BE
ABE I KUTU ... ~youv MW om. ABE
155 Mo MWA
wBE
157 ev<k .. OlUGT~f.lUTO~ MW
OlaaT~f.lUTO~ tvo~ aaytT0~6A.ou A OlUGT~f!UTO~ aaytTO~OAOU evo~ BE

7tapaT<i~El~
ABE
158 TU~lV
MW
tStaxwpiaf!UTU ABE tSeu-rtpa~ MWA

rrap<im~t~ ABE
I crwf!a
nap<im~lV
WBE
I Mo
164-165 -rou imo6t~aaem ABE om. MW

166 -ra MWA om. BE
~I
168 xwpia MW Ta tStaxwp(af!UTU AB om. E
avaa-rtA.A.oumv W avaa-rtAA.wm BE
169 <puyeiv MW <peuyetv ABE
MW TWY
MWA
WBE
165 -rpe7t6f!EYU
I aua<ptyy6f!EVa MW
oniaw ABE 167 nowiim MBE notoiimv W 7tOlWat A 167-168
xwpia MWAB om. E
MW
162 tStaA.df!f!UTU MW tStaxwpiaf!am ABE
163 exovm MW eivm tSe ABE
MWAB npm6f!EVU E lnpWTfl~ MWAE om. B

imoxwpoiivm
EKTU~T]~ MW
napeK~aAA.of!tvwv (napef.l~aAA.of!tvwv BE) ei~ -ra tStaxwpicrf!UTU ABE
164 -rwa<ipwv MWA tS' BE
159 xwpia ... tStaaT~f!UTU
160 -r<i~ew~ MW napa-r<i~ew~ ABE -r<i~t~ MW
MW A GWf!UTl BE
KUTUGT~GUl MW 7tEpl~UAelV ABE
ABE
152 eiatv
154 Kai MW om.
npo~ ...
I avaaTEAAOUat
MA
170 anoao~oum MW
anav-rwm Kal anoKUKAUouat ( anoKuKA.uwm BE) ABE KaTa ... ~youv W KUTa vw-rov ~youv M
om. ABE
170-171 em<patVOf!EYOU~ KUL MW om. ABE
171 exepou~ MWAE JtOAEf!lOU~ B
229
make these divisions double-fronted, or two-fronted, making sure that those in

front, along the so-called front, are strong and well armed and, in like manner,
those to the rear, along the so-called tail, are also strong and well armed. Then,
If the enemy should launch an attack from the rear or behind, they will turn
ttbout and be ready to line up and face them from both sections. In the other
divisions behind the main battle line on both sides, here and there, at about a
bowshot away, draw up a bandon as a rear guard, that is, as a third line.
23. To make those spaces or intervals in the middle of the second line
aligned all the way and to make the entire line appear to be one body and not
become disordered when moving about, it is necessary for you to station one
bandon in these central intervals along the entire distance of the clear space.
They should be two mounted men deep, or thick; four is better, especially if it is
a large army. And so, when the time comes to provide refuge for the retreating
units of the first battle line, these three banda drawn up in the clear spaces close
up and pull back, leaving the clear spaces as a refuge for them. At the same time
as they provide refuge in the clear spaces for the retreating troops, they can also
turn back men dispersing or trying to run away. Moreover, when they form in
the third line with the rear guard, they often take part in repelling enemy forces
appearing in the rear or behind and attacking in order to harass the second line,
230
CtOlUAUTOV
175
180
185
190
195
Constitution 12
au-r~v
Ota<pUAUHOUOW. Kal mum 11EV,
eav noA.uc;
i::anv 6 a-rpa-r6c;,
oi\-rwc; nm~onc;.
24. 'Eav oi:: <JDI111TPOV exnc; a-rpa-r6v, TOUT' anv ano e' XlAL<:iOwv ewe; OEKa ~
OWOKa, !lf]KETl T~V oeu-rpav napam~lV ano 8' 11PWV 1TOL~anc;, aHa ano Mo
Kati10VWV, W<JT v Kall16vov xwpiov ~youv T01TOV EXlV d\Kmpov etc; unooox~v
-rwv Ka-racpeuy6v-rwv. d 81:: 6A.tyw-rt:pov -rwv t:' XLAtaowv EXtc; a-rpa-r6v, TOT -r~v
8eu-rpav -ra~tv v Kal116vov 11poc; not~aetc;.
25. 'Enl TOUTOl<; oi:: TI<l<Jl KA\l011EV <JOl W<JT Kal -rp[a ~ -reaaapa pavoa, -roue;
AY011EVOU<; eveopouc; ~youv EYKPDI111aTa, v8ev Kal EK18ev T~c; napa-ra~t:wc;
acpopiot:tc; Kal Ta~etc;, 'iva elalv oi 11EV KWAUOVT<; -ra ano TWV ex8pwv eyxetpou11Va i::yKpDI111aTa KaTa TWV apt<JTepwv T~c; napa-ra~W<; <JOU, oi Oi:: 'iva 1TOlW<JlV
i::yKpD1111am Kal i::mopo11~v Ka-ra TOU Oe~lOU 11epouc; TWV ex8pwv, eav apa Kal oi
-r6nm t:ialv ap1168tot. I
26. L'll1elW<Jat yap, OTl ai KaTa TWV nA.ayiwv T~c; TWV exepwv napa-ra~t:wc;
Kal ai KaTa TOU VWTOU ~youv ano oma8ev aU-rwv YLV011Vat i::mopol1a[, eav
KaA.wc; yivwvmt Kal UKaipwc;, 11UAAOV opa<JTlKWTepai elm Kal avayKaim napa
-rae; YlV011EVac; Ot' O'VW<; 110V'lc; <JU11PoA.ac; Kal we~aetc;. KUV T yap 6A.tyw-rt:poi
dmv oi ex8poi, we; i::~ai<pv'lc; i::mAa11Pav611VOl Kal KUKAOU11VOl Ota TWV TOlOU-rwv i::mopo11wv, 11eyaA.'lv -r~v PMP'lv uno11evoum 11~ ouva11vwv UK6A.wc;
aw~eaem TWV e~ au-rwv -rp1T011EVWV, KUV T ia611Tpoi dmv ~ Kal1TALOV<; TOU
a-rpa-rou TOU <JOU, t:ic; aywva 11yav eioepxovmt Kat cp6pov, V011l~OVT<; 1TA~8oc;
eLVat 1TOAU -roue; T~V emopo11~v notouvmc;.
27. IIp6aexe 0, OTl ou npenov ea-rl xwplc; avayK'lc; 6A.iyov a-rpa-rov npoc;
1TA~8oc; 1TOA11LWV VTUKTWV cpavepwc; npoc; 11UX'lV <JU111TAEKlV. ei Oi:: Kal avayK'l
TOUTOU YEV'lTal, 11~ navm cpavepwc; Kal Ota O'l'Wc; eyxetplv, KUV -raxa 1TAiovc;
172 Ota<pUAUTTOtHJlV MWA oua<pUAUTTOUOl BE I EOTlV MWA ~BE 174 e' MWE rrevre AB
I oeKa MWA l' BE 175 OWOEKU MWA tW BE I o' MWB -recrcrapwv AE I aHa MWAE a;\;\'
B I QUO MWA ~BE 176 Kall MW om. ABE I xwpiov MW OlaxwplOflU ABE I ~youv TOJtOV
MW om. ABE
177 e' MWBE rrev-re A
178 -rO.~tv MW rrapa-ra~tv ABE
179 -rpia MW A
I -recrcrapa MWAE o' B 181 acpopicrw; MW acpopicrm A a<pwpicrm BE I Ta~El~ MW

-ra~m ABE I eicrlv MW om. ABE I KwAl>ov-re~ MW KWAUWat ABE 182 i:va MWA om. BE
y' BE
183 EYKPUflflUTa MW eyKpUflU ABE
184 eicrlv MWA WOlV BE
om. ABE
186 ai MWAE om. B
ai A oi MW ai yap BE
ytv6flevm MWA yev6flEVat BE

em-r'loeiw Kmpw yivwv-rm ABE
UltOflEVoiimv WA
185 0'lflelWOUl ... OTl MW
Ka-ra ... arro MW om. ABE
187 yivwv-rm ... ei>Kaipw~ (yevwv-rm M) MW Kal tv

189 eimv MWA wmv BE
191 eimv MWA wmv BE
194 ea-rl MABE EOTlv
190 UJtOflEVoiim MBE
192 cr-rpa-rou ... crou MW crou cr-rpa-rou ABE
196 Ota 0\j!EW<; MW et~ rrp6crwrrov ABE
eimv MW rrAeiwv tcr-rlv A rrAeiwv ~ BE
196-197 JtAelOVE~
231
and so they keep that sector intact. This is what you should do if you have a
large army.
24. If you have an army of medium strength, that is, from five thousand to
ten or twelve thousand, you may no longer organize the second line into four
divisions but only into two. You will have only one clear space or location to
receive the men fleeing for protection. If you have an army of fewer than five
thousand, then you will post only one division in the second line.
25. In addition to all of the above, we order you to detail three or four banda,
referred to as ambush troops or ambushers, and station them on this side and
that side of the battle line. They are to prevent enemy attempts to ambush the
left of your battle line and they themselves can set up ambushes and assaults
against the right divisions of the enemy, if the terrain is favorable.
26. It should be noted that attacks against the flanks and the rear of the
enemy's battle line or behind, if they are well timed and well carried out, are
much more effective and decisive than limiting oneself to direct frontal attacks
and charges. If the enemy force is smaller, such attacks will catch them by
surprise, and by encircling them will subject them to great damage, since the
troops driven back will not easily reach safety. If the enemy army is equal to
yours or even superior, they will find themselves in a serious struggle and
become fearful in the belief that the attacking troops are very numerous.
27. Pay attention to this: unless forced to do so, it is not right for a small
army to engage a more numerous and disciplined enemy in open battle. If it
should become necessary, though, do not undertake frontal operations only,
Constitution
232
200
205
210
215
220
12
dow 6 ~flEU:po<; mpaT6<;, aHa Kal Ota TOU VWTOU ~youv alto 6mo8v TWV
exepwv ~ Ota TWV nA.ay[wv Efl~UAA<J8at i<; QlJTOU<;. Kal yap mocpaA<; on Kal
EltlKLVOUVOV ~ ot' 0\j!EW<; flOVOV flUXfJ Kalnpo<; oiovo~JtOT 8vo<; ytVOflEVf], KUV
Taxa Kal 6A.tyWTpov 1tA~86<; E<JTl TO avnKa8t<JTUflVOV.
28. Oihw<; ouv W<; v K<paA.a[q> KAU0f.1EV <JOl Yva navm Ta Ka~aHaptKa
TUYflUTa i<; 1tpWTJ1V Kal 0UTpav napam~LV v Katp4J JtOAEflOU KUTa<JT~<Jn<;, oT'
av flUAl<JTQ Kal JtOAUV mpmov xn<;, Kal OlUTa~n<; KUTa TOV A.exetvm <JOl Tp6nov ei<; Koupowpa<; ~youv npoKA<iom<;, Toil<; Ef.11tpoo8ev T~<; napaTa~ew<; npo
TWV at..Awv KUTa TWV x8pwv 1tp0Tpxovm<; Kal i<; Otcpevowpa<; ~youv TOU<;
UTUKTW<; LaTUflEVOU<; Kal unooexwem flEAAOVTa<; TOU<; npoopaflOVTa<; KaTa TWV
exepwv, av fl~ TALW<; OlW~W<JlV aUTOU<;, aU' aveunompe\j!OU<JlV, Ell oe Kal i<;
nA.aytocpuA.aKa<; Kal ei<; unepKepama<; ~youv Toil<; ETOLflOU<; i<JTaflvou<; i<;
KUKAW<JlV TWV x8pwv, n oe Kal i<; vopou<; ~youv yKpUflflUTa, aHa Kal i<;
~Of]80u<; ~youv TOU<; omo8ev TETaYflEVOU<; Kal avamA.A.ovm<; TOU<; O<JOl flEAAOU<Jl <pUYLV T~V io[av KUTaAlflltUVOVT<; TU~lV, ETl oe Kal i<; VWTO<pUAUKU<;
~youv Toil<; 6mo8ev i<; cpuA.aK~V TOU JtaVTo<; <JTpaTou TTUYflEVOU<;.
29. 'Eav oe JtOAUV xwm mpaTOV Kal ouva<Jat TOlUUTa<; OlltAU<; napaTa~l<;
note'iv lT ouo ein: Tpci<; ~ Kal nA.eiova<;, I woT f.1Ept(of.1VfJV T~v Twv x8pwv
OUVUfllV npo<; avTa<; 6A.tywTpwv OVTWV a<J8VL<; yivwem Ta<; EKlVWV ~ npoo~aAOVTWV OflOU npo<; fllUV TWV <JWV napaTa~WV uno TWV at..Awv ~ OLWK<J8at ~
KUKAOU<J8at. TOUT<) E<JTL TWV avayKaLWV.
30. To oe ~a8o<; ~youv TO naxo<; TWV napma~WV, Ka8w<; o[ apxa'ioL 0LTa~avTO, ~pKEL flEV Ka<JTq> TUYflUTL d<; Te<Joapa<; Kal flOVOU<; Ka~aAA.ap[ou<;
y1vw8at, E1tLO~ TO JtAEOV TOUTWV apyov Kal avw<pAE<; OELKVUTat nl TWV
Ka~aAA.ap[wv, OUT yap ouvavmL, w<; nl T~<; TIE(LK~<; TU~W<;, ano omoeev Ola
197
Ota ... cmo MW TWV oma8ev flEpwv ABE
UlJLOU<; MW UUTOL<; ABE

trnK[vouvo<; ABE
200
~youv EKOtKI]TCt<; ABE
198
Ejl~aA.Aecr8m MW bm[8ecr8m ABE I ei~
erna<paA.~ MW tma<paA.~~ ABE
tan MA taTiv W
~ BE
201
199
EltlKlVOUVOV MW
tv MWAE tv Tw B
204 ~youv
MW
206 npoopajlOVTa~
AE npoaopajlOVTa<; MWB 207 aA.A' MWBE

ana A
I av8unoaTpE\jiOUO"lV MW av8unoaTpE\jiWO"lV ABE I d<; AB om. MWE
208 ETOljlOU<; w ETOljlW<; MABE 210-211 oaot jlEAAOUO"l MW ~OUAOjlEVOU<; ABE
211
<peuyetv MW <peuyetv Kal ABE 1 KmaALflTiavoVTe<; Ta~Lv MW Ta~Lv KamALflTiavetv ABE
213
ouvaam MWA OUVT) BE
ABE
215
214
ouo MWA
6A.tyw<pwv OVTWV MW om. ABE
aa8ev~<; yeva8m BE
oma8e M
219
221-222
I aa8evl<; y1vecr8m MW aa8ev~
TU<; EKelVWV MW om. ABE
npoa~aAA.ouaav A npoa~aA.ouaav BE
avayKatov BE
wBE l<pet<; MWA y' BE I waTE MW wan;~
217
215-216
y1vecr8m A
npoa~aAOVTWV MW
tan MABE tanv W l<wv avayKa[wv MWA TO
KULjlOVOU<; MW om. ABE

<'lta ... naxou<; MW om. ABE
221
oi.\Te MW ou ABE
I oma8ev WABE
233
even if our army is larger, but carry on attacks against the rear of the enemy,
behind them, or against their flanks. For a purely frontal attack against any
nation whatsoever is dangerous and full of risk, even if those opposing you may
be less numerous.
28. Thus, to sum it up, we order you to form all your cavalry units in a first
md a second battle line when engaged in combat, particularly when you have a
large army. Organize them, in the manner explained to you, into assault troops
or proklastai, those men in front of the battle line who ride out ahead of the
otllers against the enemy, and into defenders, those who position themselves in
good order, ready to provide refuge for those troops charging against the enemy
In the event that they do not pursue them all the way but have to turn back. Also
divide them into flank guards and into outflmkers, that is, men lined up ready
to encircle the enemy; and further, into ambush troops or ambushers, as well as
support troops who are in formation to the rear and who restrain the men who
intend to flee and desert their own formation; and finally into rear guards, that
is, those stationed behind to protect the whole army.
29. If they have a large army md you are able to form double battle lines of
the sort mentioned, whether it be two or three or even more, so that when the
smaller enemy force is divided in proportion to these, their force will be weak
or, as they charge against one of your lines, they may be pursued or encircled by
the others. This is an essential point.
30. For the depth or the thickness of the battle lines, the ancient authorities
prescribed that four, all mounted, were sufficient for each tagma. For cavalry
greater depth has been shown to be inefficient and useless. Unlike a formation
-~----------
234
Constitution 12
Tou mixou<; rrpowtha!l<'lV rro1ei:v. TOT yap Kal 11~ ~ouA6!1evo1 ol l::!Jrrpoa8ev EK
niJv oma8ev rrpow80U!JVOI T~V Op!J~V trrlTa l::!Jrrpoa8ev TIOLOUCJL. TOUTO yap trrl
niiv rre(wv y[ve-rat. o[ o LTITIOI ou OUVUVTat rrpow8civ LOU<; l::!Jrrpoa8ev UUTWV, W<;
225 o[ rre(o[, ouo po~8wi n<; yivnat EK TWV rrepiCJCJOTEpwv ek TOU<; rrpWTOCJLC.lTU<;,
TOUT' anv TOU<; ETILTO !JETWTIOV LUCJGO!JEVOU<;, KliV T LO~OTat lCJL Kliv T KOVTUpaTOL.
31. 0[ !JEV yap KOVLapaTot, o[ orr[aw TOU TeLCtpTOU, OU OUVUVLUI <p8a(etv el<;
TO l::!Jrrpoa8ev, o[ o LO~OLat ei<; TO livw avayKa(OVLUI LO~U1V Ola TOU<; !1rrpoa8ev
auTwv Kal o1a LOULO lirrpaKLOI Kma Twv tx8pwv tv mi:<; au11PoA.ai:<; T~<;
230
!JUXTJ<; y[voVLUI ai aay(nat UUTWV, w<; ~ rre1pa OIOUCJK1 KULTOU<; Ct!J<pi~CtAAOVTU<;,
tav ~OUAWVLUI.
32."HpK1 ouv, Ka8w<; dTIO!JV, TO rraxo<; TWV TeCJaapwv Ka~aAA.apiwv, o.n:
OD!lPaiv1 TOU<; avope[ou<; mpanwTa<; OAIYWTEpou<; KaLa TUWU eup[GK235 ea8at, TOUT' an LOU<; l::!Jrrpoa8ev lGLU!JEVOU<;, TOU<; KULTa<; xcipa<; !JIYVUetV rrpo<;
rr6A.e11ov 6<peiA.ovTa<;, o1a TOUTo rrprrov taTl rrpo<; T~v ouva111V T<iiv my!JaTwv
oihw<; op[(etv KULTO rraxo<; T~<; rrapaTa~ew<; aU-rwv, oiov ei<; TU avope16Tepa, Ta
KUL !JEOOV LaCJCJ0!1VU TCtY!lUTa ei<; T~V TCt~IV T~V rrp6!Jaxov, arro (' Ka~aAA.ap[wv
TIOielV Kal EVO<; TratOO<; UTITJPETOU aUTWV, tv ot Tft ap1CJTP~ TCt~1, tv Kal tKl
240 OUTp01 KUTU T~V avop[av T~<; rrpO!JCtXOU TCt~W<; O<pelAOUat TUCJCJCJ8at, arro ('
avopwv EKUCJTT]V OeKapxiav, TICtAIV tv Oe~l~, tv Kal tKci iaoOUVU!101 livope<; T~<;
aplmepii<; 6<pe[A.ouatv elvat, arro avopwv T]', TU o A.oma Kal UTIOOECJTpa
Tawma arro T]' ~ OEKU avopwv y[vea8at rrpo<; Ta<; OKapxia<; LUOGO!JVU.
33 'Eav !JEVLOI CJU!1Pn 'lva I tK TWV urro0eempwv LOUTWV TUWUTWV ei<; T~V
245 rrpWTT]V rrapam~IV tKTa~n<;, ~ arro T]' ~ arro I' TIOI~an<; avopwv w<; aa8evempwv.
Ta o Tawam, TU tv OUTEP<;t TCt~1 LUGGO!JVU Kal trr[AKla OVLa, arro TIEVT
!JEV aTpanwTwv Kal ETepwv UTIT]pnwv ei<; Ta lip!Jma rroi~CJ1<;, waTe oeKa
trr10~
223 rrotoiim MA TtoLOii<JLV WBE 226 to~6tm dol

226-227 Kovtapatot MW
229 to 1 MWA TOU~ BE 231 yivovtat ABE yivovtul w~ MW I crayittal
222 Ef!TtpocrOev MWBE Ef!TtpocrOe A
M to~6tm Eicrlv W Kovtapatot dol AE KovtapatoL iilm B

to~6tat ABE
MW crayituL A crayite~ BE
231-232 Kal. .. ~ouA.wvtat MW om. ABE 235 i:crn MABE

i:ottv W 237 oihw~ ... autwv MWAE om. B 238 (' MW emu ABE 240 t6.crcrecr8at
MW Katata<J<JE08at ABE I (' MW f;ma ABE 241 KC!l tKEL MW om. ABE 242 dvat ABE
om. MW 1 r)' M 6Ktw W 11ta tacrcretv ABE 243 t6.Yf!ata W ABE 11pawum M I 11' MWE
OKTW AB 244 tav f!EVTOL MW 11UALV tav f!EV ABE 245 11' WE OKTW MAB I t' MWBE
oeKa A 246 ta2 MWA om. BE I tv MW tv t~ ABE I TtEVtE MWA E' BE 247 f!EV MWAE
om. B I oeKa MWAE 1' B
235
of foot, they are unable to apply pressure from the rear because of the thickness,
for the men pushing forward from the rear put pressure on those in front who
may not wish to go forward. This is what happens with infantry. But horses are
not able to push those in front of them forward, as are foot soldiers. The front
ranks, that is, those stationed in front, receive no support from additional
troops, whether archers or lancers.
31. The lancers behind the fourth rank are unable to reach beyond the front.
The archers are forced to shoot up high because of those in front of them, and
the result is that their arrows are ineffectual against the enemy in the press of
battle. If anyone doubts this, let experience teach him.
32. Therefore, a thickness of four was enough, as we said. Since, however, the
number of courageous soldiers, that is, the men stationed in the front ranks who
have to engage the enemy in hand-to-hand fighting, is rather limited, it is
necessary to regulate the depth of their battle line in accord with the strength of
the units. So it is that the more courageous units drawn up in the center of the
first line, the promachos, should be composed of seven cavalrymen and one
serving boy. In the formation to the left, in which there may be men less noted
for courage than those in the promachos line, they ought to be organized with
each dekarchy consisting of seven men. The division on the right, in which the
men ought to be of equal strength with those on the left, should consist of eight
men. The rest of the units, made up of weaker troops, should be formed of eight
or ten men to a dekarchy.
33. If it should happen that you station some of these weaker units in the
first line, then, because they are weaker, make it eight or ten men. Form the
units composed of picked troops drawn up in the second line five regular
soldiers <deep>, followed by additional men-at-arms, so that each dekarchy has
236
Constitution 12
avopa<; EKCtGTT]V OeKapxiav exetv. OUtOL o o[, W<; e'Lp!]TaL, TnayflEVOL Iva Kataata8wmv bmf]Odw<; d<; T Km'>pawpa<; Kat tyKpUflflata.
250
34 OuK EGTLV ouv 1tptrrov TWV T]' ~ TO 1tOAU TWV 0Ka avopwv 1tAiw TO
TIUXO<; 1tOLelV T~<; 1tapaTCt~W<;, KUV TO 1tCtVU eiatv aa8ev~ Ta TCtYf1ata, ouoe TWV
e' 6,\tywTepov, oaov av dmv tTtiAKTa,
WaT
1tpE1tOV tatt KaTa TOV dpf]flEVOV
Tp6nov Kat T~V TOLaUTT]V OLaipemv apKOUVTW<; Kat Ta ~6.81] ~youv Ta TICtXT] tWV
napaTa~WV yivwem Kat flf]OE TO fl~KO<; ~youv TOV apL8f10V TWV 1tpWTOGTa-
255 TOUVTWV 6,\tyouaem 1tOAU. tav yap uno OtKa avopwv TO TIUXO<; tWV TaYf1UTWV
OAWV tv '(a<.p flETp<.p Ta~n<;, UXPW<; Kat GUVtOf1W<; tJ1t0 TWV KaTaGK01tWV TWV
tx8pwv apt8f1dG8at 1tOL~GL<; OLa TWV 1tpWtoGtaTWV o,\ov aou TOV GTpaTOV,
01tp OU OEOV 11av86.vetv TOU<; tx8pou<;. T~<; Oe dpf]flEVT]<; ~fllV ava,\oyia<; ~youv
TOU f1ETpou cpu,\anof1vou tK Tou 7tptaaeuovTo<; aTpaTou T~v OUTpav Kata26o GT~OL<; TCt~LV.
35 KeAUOf1V 0 aOL Kal Ta KOVTou~tpvta Twv aTpaTLWTWV
a1to
Tta,\mwv
Kat vtwv yivw8aL avaA6yw<;, Iva fl~ o[ TtaAaLOt flOVOL TaGOOf1VOL Kae' EUUTOU<;
aa8evd<; eim flf]OE o[ VWTPOL QTaKTOL eupe8wmv W<; linetpOL.
36. DTIAian<;
T~v nap6.Ta~Lv oihw<; tov flEV 7tpwmaTUTT]V T~<; 1tpWTT]<;
265 TCt~t:W<; Kat TOV f1T' tKlvov LOTCtflVOV, TOUT'
ean
TOV OeUTpov,
en
of. Kat TOV
eatwTa <'miaw TIUVTWV ~youv TOV oupayov KOVTap6.TOU<; 1tOL~GL<; flTa T~<;
AOL1t~<; aU-rwv t~01tALGW<;, TOU<; o AOL1tOU<; 1tUVTa<;, TOU<; tv flEG<.p tKlVWV
TaGOOflEVOU<;, OGOL TO~ULV o'(oam, xwpt<; KOVTapiwv eLVaL 1tOL~GL<;. ouo yap
ouva-r6v
tan
00VTW<; 1tpt6.yLV nva TO~OV tTtavw ITITIOU, tav tv Tft apLGTP~
270 auTOU Kat TO GKOUTCtpLv KaTtxn Kal TO TO~OV. d of. YUf1Vaa8ft 6 GTpaTLWTT]<;
WGT, ~VLKa TO~Uf], <'miaw KUTU TOU VWTOU Uq>UW<; 1tEfl1tn TO GKOUT6.ptv, ouo
TOUTO axpTJGTOV l')flLV KaTacpatVTaL.
37 npo<; TOUTOL<; KAUOflEV OOL, d) GTpUTT]y, Iva acpopian<;, Kal flUALGTa i<;
T~V 1tp6f1axov 1tapa-ra~LV, tOU<; AYOf1EVOU<; 01tOTUTOU<;, TOUT'
ean
TOU<;
tm-
248 ol MW om. ABE 250 !]' MWBE oKTw A I -rwv MW om. ABE I nA.eiw MW nA.Lov BE
om. A 251 -roM om. WABE I eioiv MWA ii>mv BE 252 e' MWBE ntv-re A I oA.tyompov
Va oA.tyw-rtpou<; codd. I dmv MWA dev BE I EO'Tl MWBE EO'TtV A 255 oA.tyouoem ...
myf!UTWV MWAE om. B I TIOAU MW E1lLTIOAU AE I OeKa MWA L' E 256 euxepw<; MW
EUKOAW<; ABE I KUTUO'KOTIWV ABE KaTaO'KOTIWV Kal MW 258 oe MWAE om. B I ~f!lV ABE
Uf!lV MW 261 Kov-rou~tpvta WABE Kou-rou~tpvta M 263 dO'L MWA ii>m BE 265 EO'TL
MBE eonv WA 267 au-rwv MW au-r~<; BE om. A 268 o'iOaO'L MABE o'ioaO'Lv W
269 ton MBE EO'TLV WA 270 O'Kou-raptv MW O'Kou-raptov ABE I yuf!vaoe~ MWA
yeyuf!VU0'8!] E yeyl>f!vao8at B 271 on[ow ... vw-rou ABE om. MW I nef!TIIJ MW
napaTIBf!TIELV ABE I O'Kou-raptv Va O'Kou-raptov codd. 274 omo-ra-rou<; MW omo-ra-rou<; ABE
I EO'Tl MBE EO'TlV WA
2
237
ten men. As mentioned, these men should be drawn up so they may conveniently be assigned as assault troops and ambushers.
34 It is wrong, therefore, to make the thickness of the battle line more than
eight or at most ten, no matter how weak the units might be, nor should it be
less than five, even for the elite units. The depth, or the thickness, of the battle
lines made in the above manner and in the proper proportions are correct and
adequate. The width, that is, the number of men in the front rank, should not be
greatly reduced. If you form all the units in equal measure at ten thick, you will
make it easy and quick for enemy spies to estimate the numbers of your entire
army <simply by counting> the file leaders. The enemy must not learn this. As
we have remarked, maintaining due proportion and measure, you should
organize the second line from among the remaining troops.
3 5. We order you to have the squads made up of veterans and younger men
in proper proportion. Otherwise the older men, if formed by themselves, may
be weak, and the younger men may turn out to be undisciplined because they
lack experience.
36. Arm the battle line in this manner. In the first rank have the file leader
and the man standing behind him, that is, the second, and also the one standing
behind everyone, that is, the ouragos, all bear lances with the rest of their
armament. Have all the others, drawn up in their middle, who know how to
shoot, be without lances, for it is not possible to draw the bow effectively on
horseback while holding a shield as well as a bow in his left hand. But it seems
more useful to train the soldier, while shooting, to shift the shield smoothly
behind him, on his back.
37 In addition to the above, we order you, 0 commander, to assign, especially in the first battle line, men known as deputies, that is, those who take care
238
Constitution 12
1-u::A.rrrac; -rwv -rpaullanl~o11vwv mpanw-rwv. Kal Kama-r~aetc; 6K-rw ~ oKa

avopac; Ka9' Kamov ~avoov tK TOU au-rou -rawa-roc; tA.a<ppouc; Kal yopyouc;
aveu onA.wv, -roue; 6<pLA.ovmc; omaeev we; ano f:KaTOV noowv Tote; ioiotc; -rawa<JLV UKOAou9lv tva -roue; tv Tal<:; <JU!lnAOKal<:; TOU noAE!lOU, we; noAACtKtc; yive-rat,
-rpau!laTL~O!lEVOU<:; tmKtVOUvwc; ~ tKnimovmc; ano TWV tnnwv Kat ll~ ouva280 !lEVOU<:; !lCtXW9at ava.\ywvmt Kat neptnOLWVTat, tva ll~ KamnaTWVTat uno T~c;
oeu-rpac; napa-ra~ewc; oi UAT]9wc; yevva1ot a-rpanw-rat Kal tK T~c; 6A.tywpiac; TWV
-rpaU!lUTWV Ota<p9eipwv-rat. Kat '(va oi Ota<JW~OVT<:; aU-roue; Aa!l~CtVW<JLV uni::p
!lt<J9ou ano TOU Ta!llLOU T~c; ~aatA.lac; ~!lWV KaTa va Kamov a-rpanWTT]V
Ota<JW~O!lVOV nap' au-rwv VO!ll<Jila v.
285
38. Eha oi:: oi TOLOUTOL llla TO -rpan~vat -roue; txepouc; Kal napeA.9e1v T~V
oeu-rpav napam~tV TOT -ra (JKUAa -ra eupt<JKO!lVa tv <4> -romp T~c; npWTT]<:;
<JU!l~OA~<:; auTOt auvayouat Kat TOt<:; 0KCtpXOt<:; ~youv TOt<:; npWTOCHCtTat<:; TOU
io[ou -rawa-roc; !leTa TO A.ue~vat T~V !lCtXTJV napxouatv au-ra. Aa!l~CtVOU<Jl oi:: Kat
au-rol imi::p TOUTOU napa TWV 0Kapxwv eic; napallueiav au-rwv !lOtpav nva.
2 9 o -rou-ro yap -ro1c; npwwma-rmc; tv m1c; 11axmc; npov611tov O[Katov Kal ap116otov tv
Tal<:; tm-ruximc; xetv KAUO!lV, Ka96n nA.ov TWV AOLTCWV T~c; avayKTj<:; !llExouatv tv -rft npw-rn <JU!l~OAft TOU nOAE!lOU. ayaeov Oi:: Kal -repov yivemt, tva ll~
ota -ro aKuA.euam wuc; nimovmc; txepouc; nvec; tK -rwv tnnwv Ka-rpxwv-rm Kal
-r~v napam~tv OtaA.uoumv.
295
39"Iva oi:: UK6Awc; tnl-rwv tnnwv ava~a[vwatv OtT AYO!lVOL 0TIOTUTOL
Kat oi -rpaullall~O!lVOL mpanw-rat oi ano TWV tnnwv n[mov-rec;, npnov ta-rlv
Iva 6 oenonhoc; -rae; Mo <JKCtAac; eic; TO aptmepov llpoc; T~c; aUac; exn, Tou-r'
ea-rt -r~v 11iav npoc; -r4J tllnpoa9oKoup~[ 6ma9oKoup~(<p, Iva o-r' uv !lEAAW<JLV oi Mo tnl-rou tnnou avpxwem, 6 T oenma-roc; Kat 6
275
277 oJtA.wv ABE oJtA.ou MW I eKaTov MWAB
275 OKTW MWA 'l' BE I~ MWAE ~ Kal B

EKUOTOV
278 CtKOAouOEiv
avaAUfl~CtVWVTUl A
MW
avaAUfl~CtVOVTUl
EJtUKOAOuOEiv
BE
284 0Laaw<6f1eVOV MWA 0Laaw<6f1eVOL BE

285 eha ... TOLOUTOL MW ol
ABE
280 avaA.tywvmL
VOf1Laf1U WAE V0 MB (sic pro VOf1LOf1U)
oe miTol ABE I Kal MW AE om.
286 Ta aKuA.a MW om.
ABE scr. mg. TU TWV exOpwv OJtAQ Te Kal A.oma 7tp<iyf1UTQ auvayouatv
euptaKOflEVQ OJtAa ABE
lleK<ipxat~ BE
MW
KUTUJtUTWVTUl ABE KQTUJtQTOUVTUl MW
w I eUplaKOflEVU MW
I OeKapxol~ MWA
I A.af.L~<ivouat MW A.af.L~<ivwat ABE
287 QlJTOL auv<iyouat MW auvaywat ABE
288 Jtaptxouatv MW Jtaptxwmv ABE
293 aKuA.euam MW EKMam ABE
294 0LaA.uouatv MW 0LaA.Uwatv A lltaA.Uwat BE
295-296 tva ... Jt(moVTe~ MW om. ABE

297 lleJtOTCtTO~ MW llmoTCtTO~ ABE
296 o[l M om. W l1tpe1tov MW 1tp1tov 6i; ABE

Mo MWAE
298-299 Kal ... omaOoKoup~(w MWAE om. B
wB
298 ean MB eanv
299 Mo MWAB
WE
wAE
299-300 o ...
aTpanWTI]~ Va o Te Tpauf1UTt<6f1evo~ aTpanWTI]~ Kal 6 llmoT<iTo~ ABE om. MW
239
the wounded soldiers. You will station eight or ten men to each bandon, from
the same unit. They should be nimble, vigorous, and without weapons. Their
tll!ik is to follow about a hundred feet to the rear of their own units to pick up
~md give aid to those seriously wounded in the clash of battle, as frequently
hlppens, or who have fallen off their horses and are out of action, so that these
truly noble soldiers may not be trampled underfoot by the second line or die
tltrough neglect of their wounds. The corpsmen who rescue them should receive
one nomisma from Our Majesty's treasury as payment for each soldier rescued
them.
38. Then, when the enemy has been routed and the second line has passed
by, these deputies should gather up the spoils found on the site of the first battle
md, after the fighting has ceased, they should hand them over to the dekarchs,
that is, the file leaders of their own units. They should then receive a share of it
from the dekarchs in recompense for their work. We order that it is just and
fitting to grant this perquisite to the file leaders for their success in combat,
because, more than the rest, they must bear the brunt of fighting in the first
onslaught. There is also another good reason: to prevent them from dismounting from their horses and breaking rank!i in order to despoil the fallen enemy.
39. To make it easier for the corpsmen and the wounded soldiers who have
fallen off their horses to get up onto the rescue horses, the corpsman must put
both stirrups on the left side of the saddle, that is, one toward the pommel and
the other toward the cantle. Then, when the two of them, the corpsman and the
Constitution
240
300
12
TpaUI1aTl(OflVOt; <HpaTttlJTT]t;, 6 11EV 8tet Tfjc; <JKaAac; Tfjc; E11rrpocr8v, 6 8 8tet Tfjc.;
OOAOt; auTOlt; UTrO TWV tx8pwv yv~<JTat.
wounded soldier are ready to mount the horse, the first gets on with the front
11lirrup and the second with the other stirrup. It is also essential for those
assigned as corpsmen to carry flasks of water for the wounded who may well be
fainting.
40. The soldiers are not to carry pennons on their lances during combat. 2
Pennons are just as useless in combat as they are important in military demonstrations and displays. For if one should wish to throw properly or hurl or shoot,
the pennon will not allow him to hurl his weapon accurately, directly, or for a
distance. When the time comes for archery, the pennons interfere with the fire
of the archers to the rear. And when it comes to charging, turning movements,
and wheeling about, they are no small impediment and, for this reason, they
ought not to be used in combat.
41. However, to present a fine appearance of the battle line from a distance,
keep the pennons on the lances until the enemy are about a mile away and then
furl them and put them back into their cases.
42. In addition to the above, we order you, 0 general, from among the
strong and powerful units to assign spies, that is, scouts for each tagma, and
from the weaker units for each tourma, two for the tagma and eight or twelve
for the tourma. These men should be alert, wide awake, and vigorous. Both
before and during the battle and until its final outcome, in their own locations
and in the places in which they are stationed at intervals, their duty is to
observe, so the army will not suffer an attack from ambush or some other trick
of the enemy.
I avepxnm MW UVEPXI]TaL ABE I an MA anv w

EOTlV Kai BE I 01tOTUTOU~ MW Ol1tOTUTOU~ ABE 302 <pA.aaKia MW ayyda ABE I
Tpauf.laTia~ MW TWV Tpauf.laTl~Of.lEVWV aTpaTtWTWV ABE 303 <f>Aaf.lOUAa ABE <pAaf.lOUAUTa
MW 304 KOf.l1tOV MW <pavTaaiav ABE scr. mg. oiov ei~ KOf.l1tO<pavnav W 305 av MW
av Te ABE 1 yap MABE om. W 306-307 ~aA.A.eaem MW pimwem ABE 307 Katpo~
yv!]Tat MWA trsp. BE 308 Kai2 maTpo<pa~ MWA om. BE 309 notoiiat MBE
nowumv WA 311 TOY KOf.l1tOV MW T~v <pavTaaiav ABE I WaTe ... f.l~Ko6ev MW om. ABE
313-314 anon6oumv MW anoTi6evTat A anoTt6GJmv BE 317 ~tyA.euovm~ MW
~tyAaTwpa~ ABE 318 OKTW MWA !]'BE I OWOEKa MWA tW BE 320 ei~ ou~ MWA om.
BE 321 Tou ... K~aaew~ MW auf.l1tA!]pwaew~ Tou noA.f.lou ABE 321-322 mopof.l~
06.\o~ MW ~ MA.o~ ~ mopof.l~ ABE 322 miTol~ MWA Tol~ B Twv E I yev~aeTat MW
YEVJ]TatABE
(1973): 51-60.
Tpac; <JKaAac; avpxTm. avayKalOV 8 tan TOUt; AY011EVOUt; 8rtOTaTouc; de;

cpA.acrK[a uowp ~a<Ha(Lv 8tet TOUt; rroAAaKlt; A.mo8U110UVTat; Tpaul1m[ac;.
40. 'Ev 8 T0 Katp0 Tfjc; flaXT]t; <pAa110UAa Tet KOVTapta 11~ txTwcrav. oaov
yap dmv de; trr[8t~lV Kat K011Tt0V avayKa1a Tet <pAa110UAa, TO<JOUTOV l<JLV
305
Tate;
I 11axmc;
tv
axpTJGTa. tetv yap nc; ~OUAT]Tat UKa[pwc; p1\jfat ~ QKOVTL(Jat ~
TO~U<Jat, ou cruyxwp1 TO <pACt110UAOV U<JTOXWt; ic; 6p8ov ~ de; 11fiKoc.; ~aAA
cr8at TO ptrrTOI1VOV. tetv 8 Kat TO~[ac; Katpoc; YEVT]Tat, rrap11rt08t(l TOle; omcr8v TO~UOU<JLV, a\Aet Kat de; Tete; t~Aacr[ac; Kat lt; Tete; tm<Hpocpetc; Kat Lt; Tete;
avTtcrTpocpetc; ouK 6\[yov t11rro8tcr11ov rrotoum Kal 8tet TouTo
310
tv
m1c; 11axmc;
muTa XPTJflaTt(Lv ou rrprrt.

41. .AAA.et 8tet 11v Tov K611rrov Tfjc; rrapaTa~wc;, wcrT cpa[vwem 11~Ko8v,
EXlV 11EV Tet <j>Aa110UAa ic; Tet KOVTapta we; av oi txepol cp8acrwmv arro 11LALOU
ev6c;, arro TOT 8 '(va (JU<JTEAAW<JLV auTet Kal
tv TOLe; 8T]Kaptotc; aUT<DV arroTt8ou-
<JlV.
315
42. Tipoc; TOUTOlt; KAU011EV <JOt, '(va arro T<DV icrxupwv Kal8uvmwv TayflaTWV Ka8' tKa<JTOV Tayl1a, arro 8 TWV a\Awv imoOE<HEpwv Ka8' EKa<JTT]V
Toup11av <JKOUAKaTwpac; ~youv ~tyAUOVTat; acpop[crnc;, 8uo 11EV KaTet TaYfla,
OKTW 8 ~ 8w8Ka KaTet TOUpflaV, aypurrvouc; Kat 8tYfJYPflEVOUt; Kal yopyouc;,
OLTLVc; Kat rrpo TOU TtOAE110U Kat
320
241
tv auT{il T0 Tt0AEI14J, tv TOLe; i8[otc; ainwv 11EP-
<JlV de; ouc; Kat Ta<J<JOVTat T6rrouc; arro 8ta<HT]11aTWV <JKOUAKUlV 6cpd\oumv
ewe; Tfjc; TAiac; TOU TtOAEflOU
tK~aawc;, tva 11~ arro tyKpUfll1aToc; tm8pOfl~ ~
301 htpa~ OKUAa~ MW omaeev ABE
2.
See also Strat. 7.B.16-17. S. Dufrenne, "Aux sources des gonfanons:' Byzantion 43
242
Constitution
12
43 Kal -roue; f.UV<Jopcnwpac; 8 -roam)-rouc; dvm, -roue; 6<pdA.ovmc; npoA.afl-
43. There should be an appropriate number of surveyors who are assigned to
pavnv Kal -ra anALKTa flTpe'iv Kal -rae; 68ouc; npoyLvwaKt:Lv Kal npoc; -ra CinALKTa
go ahead and measure the camp sites, reconnoiter the roads and guide the army
to the camp. That is enough said about these matters.
44 It is incumbent on Your Excellency to organize the divisions of the first
battle line so that they march about close to one another and that the distance or
interval between one meros and another is not great, but enough to keep them
from crowding together while marching and not to have them appear separated
from each other.
45. The flank guards should remain close in until the enemy moves nearer.
As they approach, they should move out to the side about a bowshot from the
left meros but no further, especially if the battle line of the enemy is longer. In
like manner, form the outflankers, that is, those whose task it is to encircle the
enemy, on the right side.
46. Line up the divisions of the second battle line about a bowshot from one
another's side or flank, moving around to the rear or behind the first battle line.
While the enemy are still a good distance away, they are to follow along a mile
or more, depending on the terrain and, as much as possible without being
noticed, so that the enemy may not observe them from a distance and change
their tactics or their plans accordingly. But when the enemy gets close and the
second line indeed becomes visible, they have no time to adapt their tactics.
Then the second line should make itself seen and move up closely, four
bowshots from the first, and observe it and so regulate its moves. During battle,
the second line ought not to be so far from the first that it leaves it without
support, nor, on the other hand, so close that it gets mixed up with the first in
325 -rov mpa-rov OOT}ye'iv. Kal nepl flEV -rou-rwv -roaa\ha dp~a8w.
44 Xp~ 8 -r~v a~v v8o~6TTJTU -ra flEV -r~c; npw-rT}c; napma~ewc; flEPTJ napa<JKeua(eLV W<JT nAT}<JLOV UAA~AWV nepma-rdv Kal fl~ uno noAA.ou Ota<JT~flUToc;
~TOl 8LUAelflflUTOc; TO flTa~U
aimvv uno flEpouc; de; flEpoc;, ana 6aov
fl~ <JUV-
-rp!pwem v T{i> nepma-rdv flTJ8E 8LUKKplflEVU an' UAA~AWV <pa(vea8m.

330
45 Toile; 8 nA.ayw<puA.aKac; flEXPL flEV TOU yyl(t:LV -roue; x8pouc; yyuc; dvm,
6-r' av 8 yylawmv,
we; uno aayLnop6A.ou LOU apl<JTt:pou flEpouc; napeKpa!vt:LV
Kal fl~ nAtov, av flUAL<JTU uneptxn eic; fl~Koc; ~ n'ilv vav-r(wv napa-ra~Lc;. 6flolwc;
8 KUL -roue; unepKepaa-rac;
~youv
wile; KUKAOUV -roue; noAfllOUc; 6<pdA.ovmc;
-ra~etc; eic; -ro 8e~Lov flEpoc;.

335
46. Ta 8 flEPTJ -r~c; 8eu-rpac; napa-ra~ewc; Kma flEV nA.eupav aAA.~A.wv I ~-rm 317'
de; Ta nA.ayLa uno voc; aayLnop6A.ou TU~t:Lc;, KUTa oupav 8 ~youv KUT6ma8ev
-r~c; npw-rT}c; napa-ra~ewc; nepmme'iv wa-re, flEXPL flEV ol noAEflLOL flUKpav a<pea-r~Kamv, uno voc; ~ Kal nA.ov fllALOU npoc; T~V TOU -r6nou 8mv, 6aov 8uva-r6v
anv, a<pavwc; naKOAou8e'iv eic; TO fl~ Ka8opcw8m fl~Ko8ev TUUTTJV -ro'ic; noAEfll340
me; Kal fl8o8euw8m ~ mpouA.euw8m un' UUTWV. 6-r' av 8 o[ x8pol yyl(wmv

Kal A.omov <patVOflEVT}c; -r~c; 8eu-rpac; ou <p8a(wmv 6.pf16<Jaa8m, ToTe m<pa(vw8m UUT~V KUL EWe; T<J<JCtpWV aayLHOPOAWV yy((etV Tft npw-rn KUL KUVOVL(t:lV
~youv maKoneLV auT~V. ouo yap fl~Ko8ev noA.u 6<piAl dvm ~ 8eu-rpa T~c;
npwTT}c; v Katp{i> T~c; <JUflPoA.~c; tva fl~ apo~8TJTOV UUT~V KaTUAinn, ouo nUALV
345
243
noA.iJ yyuc;, tva fl~ <JUfl<pUpTJTUL Tft npw-rn v Tate; <JUflpoA.a'ic;, KOVLop-rou flUAL-
323 f1tvcrop6.twpa<;
MW
327 Kal AE om. MWB
ABE
f1tvcroup6.twpa<;
325 crtpatov
328 OtUAelf.lf.lUtO<; MW om. ABE
MW crtpatJ]yov ABE
I autwv MW autwv 1\taxwptOf.lU
ABE I f.lipo<; MW f.Lipo<; f.l~ ecrtw 1TOAU ABE I ana MW aU' ABE 329 OlUKKplf1iVa MW
330 f.lixpt. .. dvat MW EW<; ou 1TAI]crt6.crwcrtv ol txepol eyyu<;
OtUKEXWPtcrf.liVa ABE
rrepmatlv
ABE
331 rrapt:K~a(vetv
MW
333 ~youv ... 6cpei\ovta<; MW om. ABE
rrapEK~6.Uetv
autou<;
d<;
rrA<iytov
ABE
334 f.Lipo<; MW f.Lipo<; ~youv tou<; 6<petAovta<;
KUKAwcrm tou<; rroAf1iou<; ABE

rr\ay(ou ABE
I Kat6mcr8ev
335 Kata MW Kat' ABE 336 d<; ... rrA<iyta MW EK

MW omcreev ABE 337-338 acpecrt~KUOlV MW dcrlv ABE
338 ~ ... f.ltAiou MW f.llAtou ~(om. BE) Kalrr\tov ABE
339 f.l~Ko8ev taut!]V MW trsp.

ABE 339-340 toT<; rroAf.ltOt<; MW urro twv 1TOAf.ltWV ABE 340 tyyi(wcrtv MW tyyi(wcrt
A tyyicrwm BE 341 cp86.(wcrtv MW OUf1<p86.(oucrtv A cruf1cp86.crwmv BE 341-342 t6te
tmcpa(vecrSat MWA ~ avncrtpatl]y~crat rrpo<; BE 343 E1TlOK01TLV MW E1Tl~Ae1TElV ABE I
aut~V MW aut~V Kalrrpo<; EKelVI]V rrepmatdv ABE I OEUtipa MW Oeuttpa rrap6.ta~t<; ABE
344 EV MW EV tW ABE
Constitution 12
244
am Ktvouf.1vou Kat npo -rou otaA.ue~vm -roue; noA.f.iiouc; Ka-raotwKovm<; -rhv
npWTfJV up9ft.
the fighting, especially when dust is being kicked up and before the enemy has
broken ranks in pursuit of the first line.
47 TO. o TCtYflaTa TU oma9V ni>v ctKpwv T~<; 0UTpa<; EKaTpw9V maa6-
47. The units stationed behind the wings on both sides of the second line,
flVa ~youv EVTU9v Kat EKi9v Ot W<; ano vo<; aaytno~6A.ou au-rwv de;
that is, here and there, should be drawn up about a bowshot behind to guard the
rear and should follow at the same distance.
48. Each tourma must have its flags or standards.' Those of the tagmata
should be fairly small and light, while those of the moirarchs or the droungarioi
should be larger and of a different design. In like manner, those of the tourmarchs should differ from those of the droungarioi under their command. The
flag of the lieutenant general should differ from the flags of the tourmarchs.
Finally, that of Your Excellency should be clearly distinctive, more conspicuous
than all the others, and well known to all, so that in case of adverse fortune both
officers and soldiers may easily see it, as said, and rally and regroup themselves.
49. When all the flags have been set up along the length of the line, you must
detail fifteen or even twenty men from among the most courageous soldiers in
formation around them to guard and defend each flag.
so. Superior officers should be stationed in safe places so they do not dash
forward in battle and fall. This greatly weakens the soldiers' resolve. If one of the
subordinate officers should happen to fall, it will not easily become known except only to the men of his own unit. But if one of the more prominent officers
350 vw-rou <puA.aKhv my~vat Kat oihw<; aKoA.ou9iv.
48. TO. o ~6.voa ~youv TU aflflta au-rwv XPh Kae' EKCtaTfJV TOUpflUV, TU flEV
TWV TaYflCtTWV fllKp6Tpa dvat Kat A.a<pp6., TU o TWV flOtpapxwv ~TOl TWV
opouyyapiwv flYaAWTpa Kat E~fJAAaYflEVa OflOLW<; o Kat Ta TWV TOUpflapxwv
E~fJAAUYflEVa npo<; TU TWV un' au-roue; TaHOflEVWV opouyyapiwv. TOo unoa-rpa355 T~you ~6.voov Ola<popav EXlV napa TU TWV TOUpflapxwv ~6.voa, wanp ouv Kat
TO T~<; a~<; voo~6TfJTO<; EVfJAAaYflEVOV 6<pLAl LVUl Kat ota<pav<; napa TU ana
n6.vm Kat miatv uyvwa-rov e<p' {p, EV 0UTEp<(t TDXD' npo<; aUTO ~A.nov-ra<;
UKOAW<;, W<; dpfJTUl, auv6.ywem Kat auTOU<; avaKaAia9at TOU<; T apxovm<;
Kat -roue; a-rpanwmc;.
360
245
49 IT6.v-rwv o TWV ~6.vowv taOflTWnwv v TCt~l [aTaflEVWV oeov EK TWV
npl aU-ra -raaaoflvwv a-rpa-rtw-rwv -roue; yvvmo-rpouc;, Kuv nVTKaioKa ~

Kat dKOat avopa<;, a<popiaat nt Tft EKCtaTOU au-rwv <j)UAaKft Kat OlKOIK~al.
so. Tou<; o apxovm<; TOU<; flt(ova<; aa<paA.w<; 0t Taaawem l<; TO fl~
npmtTUOflEVOU<; v Tat<; flCtXat<; otanimLv Kat EvTU9v -rot<; a-rpanw-rat<;
i aUfl~ft napal H~
TOt<; TOU to(ou -r6.yflaTO<; flOVOl<;,
365 OAtywpiav yy(vw9at. EK flEV yap TWV fllKpo-rpwv apxovTWV,
nw1v nva, OUOVt UKOAW<; ytvwaKTal aA.A.' ~
346 KLVOUf.LEVOU
MW
naKoAou6oucra ABE
ow-repa~
yetp0f.LEVOU
ow-repa~
MW
AE
eyxetpOUf.LEVOU
346-347 T~v npWTIJV MW T~ npw<!] ABE

napa-ra~ew~
ABE
KaTUOtWKOVTU~
MW
348 -ra2 MWA om. BE
349 v-reu6ev
MW
v6ev
ABE
349-350 au-rwv ... my~vm MW my~vm auTa Ei~ <puAaK~v -rwv 6mcr6iwv f.LEpwv ABE
I Ta MWA om. BE 354 i:~IJAAUYf.LEVa MW

I TUHOf.LEVWV MW THUYf.LEVWV ABE I Oi; MW oe
353 i:~IJAAUYf.LEVa MW nap!]Haweva ABE

EVI]AAUYf.LEVU ABE lnpo~ MW napa ABE
Tou ABE
355 Twv ... pavoa MW trsp. ABE
I Ota<pavi:~
MW Ef.L<pUVEOTEpov ABE
356 i:viJAAUYf.Levov MWAB i:v!]Hawtvou E
357 mimv euyvwcrTOV MW ltUOLV eucStayvwcrTOV A
euouiyvwcrTOV ltUOLV B EUOL<iyvwcrm mimv E I i:<p'
wMW WOT ABE
361 Kiiv ABE Kal MW lnevTeKaioeKa MW OEKUTIEVT A te' BE

363 iipxona~ ... f.Ld(ova~ MW trsp. ABE
<poveuecr6m
(6Atywp[a~
MW
i:vTeu6ev MW A
BE) MWBE 6Atywpiav
i MW i:av ABE
366 ouoevl
358 w~ MWA om. BE

362 etKOOL MWA K' BE
364 Otan[metv MW KLvOuveuetv ABE scr. mg.
vnu6ev
Aomov
TOT~ crTpanwTat~
BE
364-365 ToT~ ... 6Atywpiav
365 yyivw6m ABE yyiyvecr6m
365-366 napanecrdv nva MW TLva Ktvouveucrm ABE
wABE oui5Ev M I YLVWOKETUL MW myLVWOKHUL ABE
3. Cf. Const. 6, n. 6.
246
Constitution 12
i 0 Tic; TWV tfl<pavwv Olanean ~ TOte; Triiatv ~ TOte; TrOAAOtc; Of]A01JflVOc; 6 eava-roc; au-rou 6A.1ywpiav -r4J oA.<.p a-rpm4J iaayL.
51. L:l1o npenov ta-riv, mpatT]y, -rov imomp<i<T]yov Kal-rouc; mupflapxac;
flEXPI flh ano evoc; ~ oeu-repou aaymo~o:\ou -r~c; TWV tx0pwv napa-ra~ewc;
iaofle-rwnouc; -raaawem flELa -rwv ~avowv Kal tm~Ane1v Kal 6.pflo~elv -r~v
TCt~IV. o-r' O.v 0 flEAAD GUfl~OA~ yivea0at, EK TWV iOtKWV au-rwv av0pwnwv -roue;
yevvato-repouc; de; TO TrACtYIOV au-rwv napa-raaaweat Kalnpoepxweat eic; O'!'IV
auLC.iJV Kal GKETr1V aumuc; Kal tKe[vouc; flCtAAOV xetpac; fliYVULV.
52. T~v o a~v tvoo~Otf]La KAUOflV, flEXPI flEV 6 Katpoc; T~c; CJUfl~OA~c;
YEVf]TaL, TCtGG1V Kat m~AETr1V Kat 6.pflO~ea0at Tfi TWV txepwv KIV~G1, TOT o
f:v <4J iOIK4J aou pxea8at TCtYflaTI, onep OU npoc; flCtXTJV, aA:\a npoc; GKOTIOV nva
Kal Kavova T~c; npWTTjc; Kat oeu-repac; TCt~ewc; TELaKTat, TOUt' eanv tv <4! flEG(fl
370
375
380
38 5
xwp[<.p T~c; 8eu-rpac; TCt~Wc;.

53 TioA:\a 8 ~OUKIVa :\a:\dv ~ KIVtV tv Katp4J flCtXT]c;, we; m~Aa~c; OV, OU
GUfl~OUAUOflV tva ~-~~ tK TOULOU eopu~oc; Tic; Kal auyxumc; YEVT]Tat Kat yap 81a
LOUTO ouo -ra napayyeAAOflEVa KaA.wc; t~aKouweat Mvatal. aU' ei flEV 6
-ronoc; 6flaA6c; eupe0fi, apKd TO ~OUKIVOV TOU flEGOU flEpouc; EKa-rept;t napa-ra~1,
i 8 aVWflaAOc; f:anv ~ liVEflOc;, we; TrOAACtKtc;, -rapaxw8Tjc; KlVtTat ~ ~xoc; Matoc;
napeflno8i~T] -rfi <pwvfi mu Ka0apwc; 81aKouw8at, ouK l:ilonov -ro-re Kat tv -roic;
A.omoic; flEpemv EV ~OUKlVOV tv EKCtGTlp flEPl A.aA.dv, wa-re -rp[a AaAtV ~OUKtva
tv OAD Tfi TrapaTCt~l. OGOV yap ~aux[a <j>UACtlTlat, TOGOUTOV Kat OL VWtp0l
a-rapaxot KalTa a:\oya amupta y[vOVLal Kat ~ TCt~lc; <j>O~epw-rpa TOic; x0potc;
<pa[vLat Kat-ra flav8a-ra UKOAwc; ytVWGKOVTat.
367 OtUJ!E<Yf} MW KlVOUVEUOEl ABE 368 6\tywp(av MW 6\tywp(av Kal a8UfllUV ABE I
eimiyet MW ef11!0lel ABE 370 -rwv MWAE -rwv -rwv B I napa-ra~EW<; MW napma~EW<;
oi\af}<; ABE 372 -ra~tv MW napa-ra~tv ABE I y1vw8m MWA yevea8at BE I i&Kwv MW
ioiwv ABE 373 yevvmo-repou<; MW toxupo-repou<; ABE I au-rwv MWAE om. B
374 au-rou<; ABE om. MW 375-376 flEXpt. .. Ktv~m:t MW npo -r~<; aufl~OA~<; -rou noAEflOU
TU<YOELV (aTamv B) Kal em~AEJ!ElV TOV a-rpaTOV Kalnpo<; -r~v KlVT}<YlV TWV exSpwv C!pf16~wem
~v1Ka 0t ~ crufl~OA~ Tof> TIOAEflOU yevf}-rat ABE 377 i:'pxeoem -rayflaTt MW trsp.
ABE(-rayfla-ra) I aKon6v MWAE aKon~v B 38o \a\eiv MWA \eym BE I~ Ktveiv MW
om. ABE 380-381 W<; ... <YUfl~OUAeUOflEV MW ou OUfl~OUAeUOfleV em~Aa~e<; yap ABE
381 Kall ... YEVT}Tal MW YEVT)Lal Kal auyxum<; ABE 382 KUAW<; e~aKouwem MWAB trsp.
E I Mva-rat MW Mvavml ABE 383 eKmpa napaTU~el MW Ctfl<pOTEpat<; Tal<; napa-ra~EOLV
ABE 384 eOTLV MW eanv 6 T01l0<; ABE I W<; JlOAAUKl<; MW om. ABE 385 napef11l00l~f}
MW napEf11lOOl~el AB KlVT)Tal E I OlQKOUW8at MW e~aKouwem ABE I TOTe MWAB TE E
388 iimupm MW iiaKuAm ABE I yivov-rm ABE yive-rm MW 389 flUVOUTa MW
napayy\flma ABE
~hould
247
fall, his death becomes known to all or most of the troops and causes the
whole army to lose heart.
51. Therefore, 0 general, the lieutenant general and the tourmarchs must
take their stand on the same line as the flags, there to supervise and regulate the
formation until the army is one or two bowshots from the enemy's battle line.
When the fighting is just about to begin, the most courageous of our own men
are drawn up to the sides <of the flag guards> and should move forward in front
of them as a screen and then engage in hand-to-hand combat.
52. We order Your Excellency, up to the moment of the charge, to organize
the formation, supervise, and adapt to the movements of the enemy. Then you
should join your own tagma that is drawn up, not for battle, but as a sort of
landmark and guide for the first and second lines, that is, in the center of the
second line.
53 We do not approve of many trumpets being sounded or blown in time of
battle, for it is harmful and leads to some disturbance and confusion. It also
makes it impossible to hear the commands properly. If the ground is level, one
trumpet in the middle meros of each battle line is enough. If the ground is
uneven or a violent wind is blowing, as frequently happens, or the noise of water
makes it difficult to hear a voice clearly, then it is not a bad idea to have one
trumpet sound in each of the other divisions, which means that three trumpets
will sound in the whole battle line. The better silence is observed, the less
disturbed will the younger men be and the less excited the horses; the line will
appear more fearsome to the enemy, and the commands will be more easily
understood.
248
390
Constitution 12
54- ~lO ouo T~V oiavouv <pWV~V aKaipw~ 01 UK01JW0at flHa TO KlV1a0at
T~V rrapaTU~lV errl JTOAf10V, ana UflU TOU e~A0LV arro TOU <pOO"O"CtTOU ~youv
TOU U1tALKTOU TOY GTpaTOV errl T~V f1Ctxr1V navTo(av ~auxiav iiyLv KUL flf]Ofv
aKaipw~ <p0yywem. TOUTO yap ou flOVOV TOY mpaTOV aT<ipaxov <pUACtTTl,

ana Kal TU TWV apxovTWV ~avoa flHa rrpoaox~~ U1tOO"K01telG0at JtOl1.
395
55 To 0 flETpov Kall T~v rrot6TTJTU T~~ aufl~oA.~~ auTo TO rrpawa OoKtf1<'t(L .l

Kal ~ a<piy~t~ ~ npnouaa Kal ~ T<DV exepwv napouaia Kat KlVOUVTU flEV npo~
T~v auflJTAOK~v T~v auv~eTJ XptaTtavo'l~ vtKT]T~ptov Tou amupou <pwv~v avaKp<i(t:tv 01. ()T' UV 0 L~ Xlpa~ f..0n 6 GTpaTO~, TOT CtAQACt(lV ~ wpuaa0at, KUL
flCtAlO"Ta TOU~ oma0V TQO"O"OflEVOU~, npo~ KUTCt1tAT]~lV TWV exepwv KUL Otava400 O"Taatv T<DV iO(wv OUK iiTOJtOV eanv.
56. Apf100lOV 0 ~fllV KUTU<paivnm v T(il T~~ CJUf11tAOK~~ Katp(il Kat TO TWV
A.t:yoflvwv KavmTwpwv pyov. oDTot 6 dmv ol TOY aTpaTov &a A6ywv napo-
TpuvovT~ Kat CJUfl~OUAUOVT~ Kat KUTJtq00VT~ Kat napaKUAOUVT~ 1tp0~

TOU~ aywva~ Kal Iva, i OuvaTOV, ~ QUTWV eKdvwv TWV mpaTlWTWV ~ TWV
405
apxovTWV TO TOLOUTOV pyov 7tOllTat. emf..yovTal 0 TOlOUTOU~ f..oy(ou~ iiv-
Opa~ ol apxovT~ Kal ouvaTou~ Ota A6ywv 6f1LAtv T(il aTpaT(il. ~ yap Kotvwvia
TOU Kafl<'tTou Kal TWV n6vwv U7tt0t:mpou~ not[ TOU~ aKouovTa~ TOt~ napaKoA.oueoum aumpanwmt~.
57 AyLv 6 Toil~ KavT<iTwpa~ npo~ Tov aTpaTov npoTpt:rrnKt:ov
rriaTW~ Kal Ta~ eK ~amAtwv t:ut:pywia~ Kai nvwv emTDXLWV rrpoyt:yVT]f1EVWV.
249
54 For these reasons, no improper sound of any kind should be heard after
battle line has started to move toward combat. 4 But as the army marches out
ot the entrenchments, or the camp, to combat, it should keep absolute silence
~t!ld not utter a word out of order. Not only does this keep the army undisturbed
but it also enables the flags of the officers to be observed more attentively.
55. The action itself, the necessary closing up of ranks, and the presence of
enemy dictates the measure and the quality of the charge. As it moves into
bli\ttle <the men> must loudly shout the victory cry of the cross, customary
~tmong Christians. 5 But when the army closes with the enemy, it is not a bad idea
<them> to shout war cries and cheer, especially those in the rear ranks, to
tnmerve the enemy and encourage our own troops.
56. The function of the so-called heralds in time of battle impresses us as
tuleful. They are the ones who address <the troops> urging them on, exhorting
them, stirring them by song, and encouraging them for the struggle. If possible,
this task should be performed by the soldiers or the officers themselves. The
t>lficers should select men who are eloquent and able to address the army with
fitting words. By sharing the toil and the labors, they make their hearers more
ready to obey their fellow soldiers who accompany them.
57 The heralds should speak to the army in words exhorting them on to
battle. First they should call to mind the reward for their faith in God and the
benefactions of the emperor, and some of their previous victories. The struggle
Is on behalf of God and his love for them and on behalf of the entire nation. It is,
Kal OTl 6 aywv imp E>wu ECJTl Kal T~~ d~ aUTOV ay<inT]~ Kal urrep OAOU TOU
397-398 6 omupoc; vtKi;t. vincit crux.
39o 6ET MWA om. BE 1 aKOum8m MWA 6taKouecr8m BE I Ktve1o8m MW Ktv~om ABE
391 aAA.a MW aAA.' ABE I TOU 1 MW TW AE TO B I TOU 2 . ~youv MW om. ABE 392 f!fJ6v
MWA f!fJ6va BE 394 arrooKorre1o8at MW arro~A.rrecr8at ABE 395 T~v TrOLOTfJTa MW
TOV <p6rrov ABE 397 xptonavo1c; ABE om. MW 397-398 avaKpa<Lv MWA avayKa<Lv
BE 398 wpuiio8at Va 6puiio8at MW wpum8at ABE 399-400 6tavaommv Va
avaoTa<JLV MW 6tyepmv ABE 400 i6iwv MWAB OLKelWV E 402 AYOf!EVWV MW om.
ABE 1 KavTmwpwv MW oTpaTOKfJpuKwv ABE 403 Kal KanmaoovTec; MW om. ABE
404 d MWAE de; B 405 rrotETTaL Va rrotouVTat MW TrOLWVTat ABE I A.oyiouc; MW
rrepiA.oyov A rrepl A.6yov BE 407-408 rrapaKoA.ou8oum MWE rrapaKoA.ou8oumv B
rrapaKaA.oum A (corr. ex rrapaKoA.ou8ouot) 409 6 MWBE 6 Kat A I KavTaTwpac; MW

oTpa<oK~puKac; ABE I Ttva MW nva Kal 6teyeipovm ABE 410-411 Twv ... rrioTewc; MW
Tijc; de; 8e6v rrionwc; TOV f!to86v ABE 411 ~amA.twv MW ~amA.Ewc; ABE I errtTUXLWV MW
euTUXLWV ABE 1 rrpoyeyVfJf!EVWV MWAE rrpooyeyVfJf!EVWV B 412 Kal' MWAB om. E I
ecrTt MWAB eonv E
4 See Dennis, "The Byzantines in Battle."

5. Stavros nika (the cross is victorious). On beginning their advance the soldiers were to
shout: Nobiscum Deus (God is with us): Strat. 2.18. Cf. also Vegetius, Epitoma rei militaris, 35
250
415
420
425
430
435
Constitution
12
8vou<;. TIAtov 8 imp nov CtOeA<pWV TWV O!lOTfLO"TWV, i TUXOl, Kat imp yuvmKWV Kal TBKVWV Kal TraTp[8o<; Kal on aiwv[a !lEVel ~ !lY~!lfl TWV apt<HUOVTWV
KaLa TfOAe!lOU<; imp T~<; TWV aOcA<pWV eA.U8epla<; Kal on KaTa TWV TOU ewu
exepwv 6 TO(JOUTO<; aywv Kal on ~!lel<; !lfY TOY 8eOV xo!lY <pLAOV TOY xovTa
e~oua[av T~<; poTI~<; TOU rrOAe!lOU, eK1VOl 8 evavr[ov mhov xoucn 8ta T~<; i<;
mhov amaT[a<; Kal c'( n -repov TOUTOl<; O!lOlOV emvoouvm<; Tf0t1a8at T~V
TrpOTpemtK~v vou8w[av. rroAA.a yap iaxun Towuw<; A.6yo<; uKaipw<; ytv6!lYo<;
Oteydpat \lfVXa<; !liiAAov ~ XP'l!l<:hwv TIA~So<;.
58."En 8 aot Kai TOUTO ou rrapaAl\lfW, erret8~ yap 8uvm6v e<Hl KaTa<JTOXCtaaa9at TOU<; evavTLOU<; T~<; rroa6T!]TO<; TOU ~llnepou aTpmou W<; errmoA.U 8ta
TOU apt9!lOU TWV ~av8wv, avayKaLOV dvat A.oyt(O!leea Mo O!lOla ~av8a Ka8'
eKamov TCtY!la, v flEV TO au9eVTlKOV, TO O<peLAOV err' OYO!lUTl dvat TOU KO!ll]To<;, i!Tepov 8 TO Tou KevTapxou Kal a!l<p6-repa Ta ~av8a ~aaTa(wSm flBXPt T~<;
~llepa<; TOU rrOAB!lOU. KaT' auT~V 8 I T~V ~!lepav T~<; CJUfl~OA~<; Ta au9VTtKa
Kal116va ~av8a il\lfouaem, wm ll~ TroAA.wv ~av8wv U\lfOD!levwv <pupetv O.rravTa
~ Kal avm[yvwcna yeveaem TOL<; i8[ot<; auTWV aTpaminat<;. evTU9ev yap
8uvm6v ean Kal rroA.uv TOY GTpaTOV <pa[vwem eK TOU apt9!lOU auTWV Kal Tfi
~!lBP<;t TOU rroAe!lOU Ta au9vnKa, w<; UTtyvwam, <pa[vw9at.
59. IIpo 8 nvwv ~flepwv Tou Katpou -r~<; aull~oA.~<;, oT !lCtAtam Kal rrpoyullvaa[av 81 yeva9at TWV T TrapayyeA!lCtTWV KUL TWV !lPlKWV KlV~CJWV, Oct
TOU<; EKCtaTI]<; TODp!la<; apxovm<; !lTaKaA.eaaa9at Kal 8taA.aA.~aat rrpo<; TOU<;
-rou i8[ou 11epou<; Ta apf168ta, oiov 6-rt "ou !lCtTI]Y ai yullvaa[m -rwv a-rpanwTwv
rrapa T -rwv rraA.mwv Kal ni>v vwv a-rpm!]ywv e~n9J]crav Kal ai Ka-ra -rexv'lv
Trapma~el<; Kal ai err' eu9ela<; Kal KUTa KUKAOU<; Kal Ta aHa ax~llaTa KlV~(Jt<;.
431-582 Strat., 3.11-16.
417 pon~<; ... 1tOAEf!OU MW
trsp. ABE 417-418 T~<; ama-rla<; MW T~V -- amo-r[av ABE 418 TOUTOL<; Of!OLOV MW
trsp. ABE 419 ytv6f!VO<; MWA AEYOf!EVO<; BE 420 n:\~Oo<; MWA om. BE
421-422 ht. .. Ka-raa-roxaaaaOat MW nw5~ oe c5uva-r6v i:a-rt (anv A) c5ta -rou aptOf!ou -rwv
~avowv a-roxaaaaem ABE 422-423 w<; ... ~avowv MW om. ABE 423 ouo MWA p- BE
424 TCtYf!U MW TCtYf!U lVUl ABE I au6VTLKOV MW KUptov ABE 426 au6VTLKCt MW
Kupta ABE 427 Kal MWA om. BE I ~avou MWAE ~avoa -rou no:\11ou B 428 ~ MW
om. ABE I yeveaem MW ylvwem ABE 430 au6VTLKCt MW KUpla ABE I U7tlyvwcr-ra
MW AB enlyvwcr-ra E 431 npo MW AE npo<; B I nvwv ~f!Epwv MW trsp. ABE
432 yevtaem MWA ylvwem BE 433 f!ETUKaMcraaem MW npocrKaAecraaem ABE
433-434 Kal... C!pf!6c5ta MW -roil<; -rou tolou f!Epou<; Kal c5ta:\a:\~crm npo<; au-roil<; -ra
Ctpf!6~ovm ABE 43 5 TIUAULWV ... vtwv MW vewv Kal TWV TIUAULWV ABE 436 KUP ...
KLV~Ol<; MW KLV~Ol<; Kal TCt iiA.Aa crx~f!UTU ABE
413 niiv 1 W om. MABE
2 51
furthermore, on behalf of their brothers and fellow believers and, if it applies,

for their wives and children and their fatherland. Eternal indeed remains the
memory of those who have valiantly striven against the foe on behalf of the
freedom of their brothers, and who have struggled so bravely against the
tmemies of God. We indeed hold God as our friend who bears the power of
b<\hmce in war. The foe are the very opposite because of their lack of faith in
hlm. If the heralds think of anything else along these lines, they should make
Ul!e of it in their exhortations and admonitions. Such words uttered at the right
time are very powerful in arousing spirits, more than a large amount of money.
58. Still <addressing> you, I will not omit this. Since it is generally possible
the enemy to estimate the numbers in our army by the number of standards,
we consider it necessary for each unit to have two standards, both very similar.
One is the authentic standard which ought to be in the name of the count and
the other that of the kentarch. Both standards should be carried aloft until the
day of battle, but on that day the authentic standard alone should be raised.
f1lying a large number of standards leads to confusion and they may not be
recognized by their own soldiers. In this way, then, it is possible for the army to
appear large from the number of standards and on the day of battle to fly the
authentic one only and it will be easily recognized.
59 Some days before the day of battle, especially when preparatory drilling
in the commands and the maneuvers of divisions is scheduled, the officers of
each tourma should be called together and should address appropriate words to
the men of their own divisions, along the following lines.6 It was not in vain that
the generals, both ancient and modern, regulated the drills and the skillfully
arranged battle lines, as well as maneuvers that are direct, those that are circular,
416 n)v 1 EXOf!V MW trsp. ABE
6. Sections 59-80 derive from Strat. 3.11-16.
252
440
445
450
Constitution
12
d yap aypta ({ila 0lWKOflVa, oiov i:A.acpot Kal A.aywol ~ UAAO n TWV etJTeAWV
(<.i>wv EV TOL<:; KUV'lYLOl<:; OU naVTW<:; ~w8ev ~w Kal n' eu8eta<:; T~V <puy~v notOUVTal, aU' ano~A.novTa npo<:; TOV TOVOV Kal T~V 6pf.L~V TWV E7tlTt8flEVWV
UUTOL<:; OUTW<:; Kal Ta<:; imoxwp~aet<:; nOLOUVTal, n6a<p Oe'i f.LClAAOV TOU<:; av8pwnou<:; v auvaet ovm<:; Kal imp f.LeyO.A.wv npayflO.Twv aywvt(oflvou<:; npoaexovTw<:; Kal Ta<:; OlW~et<:; Kal Ta<:; imoxwp~aet<:; nme1a8m v Tal<:; flCtXat<:;, Kal fl~ wanep
nl uomo<:; nl -ra l:f.Lnpoa8ev ~ nl -ra 6n[aw Kxea8m f.LLKpii<:;, w<:; eiK6<:;, Ttvo<:;
w8~aew<:; ~ TOt<:; x8po1<:; ytVOf.LEV'l<:; ~ nap' aUTWV nayOflEV'l<:;, Kal aflETpw<:;
OUTW<:; EAaUVOflEVOU<:; KlVOUVUlV, aHa navTa i>nOf.LEVetV, wa-re ~ oiouo~no-re
-rp6nou anouM(etv vtKav -rov x8p6v. ouo yap -ro npo<:; 6:\[yov Otw~m -rov
vavT[ov Kal acpe'lvm TAe[a VLK'l m(v, ouo TO npo<:; fllKpov i>noxwp~aat Kal
miAlV CtVTl<1Tpa<p~Vat ~TTa, ana ano TOU npaTO<:; TOU nOAEf.LOU EKUTepa Oe[KVUTal Kal npo<:; auT<) Oel aywv[(ea8m." TaUTa Kal TOUTOl<:; Of.LOla T{il mpaT{il
OtaA.aA.e'iv xpewmoumv oi Kaa-rou f.LEpou<:; -roupf.LO.pxat Kal io[w<:; -roT<:; io(m<:;
mpanwmt<:;.
6o. LV o fleTa T~V iOLa(ouaav TWV TOUpf.Lapxwv Kal YUflVaa[av Kal OLaAaALO.v, a-rpaTTJYE, TCt~l<:; ei<:; TO ana~ ~ Kal TO noA.u oeu-repov T~V OA'lV napaTa~LV
Kal Of.LOLW<:; KaTaa-r~aeL<:; aMou<:; Kal OLU A.6ywv Kal Ot' i:pywv ETOLf.LOU<:; e!vm Kal
Eflndpou<:; naVTOT npo<:; TOU<:; noAfllKOU<:; aywva<:;.
61. TiapayydA.n<:; O TOt<:; T* npWT'l<:; ~TOL T~<:; npOflUXOU TU~ew<:; apxoumv
wme -r{il I f.LE<1noa-rpa-r'ly6v aou aufl~a[vet Taaaw8m ~TOL TOV A.ey6flVOV vuv TOU 8f.laTO<:; flPUPX'lV Kal iaoua8m auT{il Kal
Uf.la T~v aufl~OA~v note'la8m. Kal muT'l<:; yevof.!EV'l<:;, av -rpanwmv ol x8po(,
TOU<:; f.lEV KOUpawpa<:; auv Aaa(<;t 6pf.!UV KaT' au-rwv ei<:; mo(w~LV ew<:; aUTOU TOU
cpoaaa-rou aMwv, -rou<:; 0 Otcpvawpa<:; naKoA.ou8e1v v -ra~eL Kal fl~ anof.!EVetv
Iva -rwv x8pwv, w<:; eiK6<:;, avnmpecpof.!vwv, av !l~ ouv118wmv ~aa-raam oi
455
460
om.
MWBE 439-440 aAA.' ... notofwrat
MWA
BE
439-440 tnm8q.uvwv m'>Tot~ MW emOtwK6vTwv mha A om. BE 440 oihw~ MW oihw A
437 (wa
(wwv
om. BE I od f.!CtAAOV MW trsp. ABE

on[aw MW omaeev ABE
E~OLO~JtOTe
TU BE
443 Ef.!1tpoaeev MW Ef.!1tpoaeev f.!OVOV ABE
I w~ ... TLVO~ MW TLVO<; w<; eLKO<; ABE
448 ana MWAE an' B lnpmo~ MW TfAOU<; ABE
450 xpewaTOUO"LV MW ocpetAOUO"L TW O"TpaTW ABE
otaft.aft.~am BE
452-453 f.!eTa ... napam~Lv MW
I en[3 ...
445 E~ o[ouo~JtOTe MABE

449 Ka\2 MWA Kal
I TOt<; iotOL<; MWA YUf.!VUO"at Kal
w aTpaTI]ye
f.!eTa To Toil<; Toupf.!apxa<;
io[w<; YUf.!VUO"at Kal OtaAaAijO"at TOt<; O"TpaTLWTULc; Ta~etc; (Ta~LV B) T~V OAI]V napaTa~LV ana~~
I ~TOL. ..
TO TIOAU oeuTepov ABE
456 napayyetA!]<; MA napayyeiAeL<; WE napayyeiAa<; B
npof.!axou MW om. ABE
I Ta~ew<; MWA napma~ew<; BE
457 netewem f.!pet MW trsp.
ABE I evea MWA WO"Te BE 458 TOU MWAE om. B 459

I tav MWA iiv BE 462 ouv'lewmv MWE ouv'lewm AB
yeVOf.!fVI]c; MW YLVOf.!fVI]<; ABE
253
und those that take other forms. For if wild animals, such as deer, rabbits, and
other small animals, when pursued during the hunt, do not utterly abandon
themselves to headlong flight, but look back to see the vigor and speed of their
!lttackers and regulate their own running away accordingly, how much more
llhould men possessing intelligence and struggling in the greatest of causes be
very attentive to how they conduct their pursuits and their withdrawals in
battle. They should not be like water which flows now forward, now backward.
With every little advance of the enemy or of their own forces, as likely, they
should not charge out without control and endanger themselves, but they ought
to be steadfast in everything and strive in every conceivable way to defeat the
enemy. To pursue the enemy a short distance and let them go is not a decisive
victory. Neither is it a defeat to fall back a little and turn back against them. But
It is after the conclusion of the war that both can be determined, and it is toward
that goal that one must continue to struggle. The tourmarchs of each division
have the obligation of conveying these and similar instructions to the army and
individually to their own soldiers.
6o. After dealing individually with the tourmarchs and after their drilling
and giving instructions, you, 0 general, will draw up the entire battle line once
or at the most twice and, in like manner, you will get them ever ready and
always experienced, both by word and deed, for the struggles of battle.
61. Give orders to the officers of the first or promachos line to conform <to
the movements of> the center meros, where your lieutenant general, who is now
referred to as the merarch of the theme, is usually stationed. They should keep
abreast of it and launch their charge at the same time. If the enemy are driven
back by the charge, then the assault troops should quickly chase after them,
pursuing them right up to the enemy camp. The defenders are to follow in
formation and without stopping. Then in case the enemy wheels about and the
254
470
475
Constitution 12
K01Jpowp<;, EK TOU TIAfl<JLOV t<; TOU<; Ot<pvowpa<; Ka-ra<pn)yov-r<; miAtV rau-rou<;

avaKaAE<JWVTal. av !1EVTOl v mJ-rft Tft <JD!l~OAft <JD!l~ft ~ EV 11po<; ~ TU OAa
-rpan~vat, imoxwplv TOU<; KOUpowpa<; W<; nl T~V ow-rpav TCt~lV btl EV il
OcUTcpov oaytn6~0AOV Kal TICtAlV avno-rp<pw8m KaTU TWV x8pwv, TWV
ouv~8wv Kct't ap11ooiwv <pwvwv !1-rot napayyA!1<'nwv AY0!1vwv.
62. Kai, d 11rv ouvfl8wmv l<; <puy~v -rp1j!m -rou<; x8pouc;, otwKtv Ka-r'
ctUTWV, fTtcl TOL Y imoxwpctV Kctl TtUAlV avno-rp<pw8m. i Of ana~ ~ 0UTpov
yxnpouv-r<; ~-~~ loxuowmv av-rw8~oat TOU<; x8pou<;, TOT T~<; ow-rpa<; TCt~W<;
m<p8ctVOU<Jfl<; KctTa<puytV npo<; aU-r~v, Kctl Ota TWV UKaipwv ctUT~<; xwpiwv
nappxw8m Kctl v Ttp !1Hct~U Ota<JT~IlctTl KaTU oupav T~<; ow-rpa<; Kal -rpLTfl<;
~Al<J00!1EVfl<; U!lct -rft ow-rpq Tcl~H opouyytml !lyouv 0!10U f<J<plY!lEVW<; TOt<;
x8pot<; npxw8at Kctl, av -rpam.iJ<JLV, fTtctKOAOU8tV ctUTOt<; O~EW<;.
63. ITapayydA.nc; o Kctl -rot<; nA.ayw<puA.a~tv wm, eav 11rv !1ctKp6-rpov
Upc8ft TO av-rl<; KEpct<;, <JTtOUOcl~HV nl KEpct<;, -rou-r' eonv nl <JKOUTCtptv, KALVOVTa<; <JUVKTivw8at au-r(il, LV(( ~-~~ un' au-rou KQTaKUKAW<JL<; Ttp jlEp1 YEVflTctl, i
Of KOVTOTpov Upc8ft TO av-r't<; KEpct<;, <JTtOUOcl~HV jlflVOlOW<; !lyouv KctTU
~jlLKUKALOV mKA.ivw8m Kctl f!111ptAct!1~avtv aU-ro ow8v, nplv il -ro jlEpo<;
<p8aon <JD!l~ctAclV, Tou-r' E<JTlV, 6-r' iiv 11A.An ~ <pWV~ T~<; <JD!l~OA~<; yivw8m T~<;
llclXfl<;, L Of 'loov ml TO av-ri<;, !1fVlV v -rft io[q Tcl~H w<; Ot<pvowpa<; Kctl
<JD!l~CtAAHV jlHU TOU jlEpou<;.
64. ITapayyciA.nc; or Kctl TOt<; U11pKcpct0Tctt<; on, !1EXPl<; oi> yvwv-rat oi
x8pol w<; ano ouo oaymo~6A.wv il -rptwv T~<; Ttctpa-ra~W<;, AAfl86-rw<; XP~
napctKOAou8tV -r(il &~t(il Kpan, -rou 11v rvo<; -rawa-ro<; nl 11-rwnov ilyouv
E!111poo8v exov-ro<; TOU<; 0Kapxa<; ~ TtVTapxac;-apKOU<Jl yap ano TtEVT
!10VWV TO ~a8o<; I av dm XP~<Jl!lOl-TOU Of f-rpou -rawa-ro<; opouyyw-rl ilyouv J
nvKvw<; Kctl OjlOU 6mo8v au-rou 6.KoA.ou8ouv-ro<;.
464 cru11~~ MWA om. BE 465 owrpav MW Mo A WBE 466 craym6~oA.ov MW
craytT6~oA.a ABE 468-469 KaT' aimiiv MW auTOu~ ABE 469 brei ... ye MW d o !l~
ABE 470 lcrxucrwatv MWBE lcrxucroumv A 471 euKaipwv ... xwpiwv MW TUUTfJ~
OtaxwptOj.l(lTWV ABE 472 oupav MW oupav ~youv omcr8ev ABE I Kal TPLTfJ~ MW
rrapaTCt~EW~ ABE 473 E~EAlOOOj.lEVfJ~ MW E~Ata00j.lEVOU~ ABE I opouyytcrTl. .. Oj.lOU MW
Oj.lOU Kal ABE 476 aVTl~ MW T<iiv tvavTiwv ABE I OKOUTCtptv MW crKouTaptov ABE
476-477 KAlVOVTa<; MWAB KAlVOVTat E 478 CtVTL<; MW TWV EVUVTlWV ABE
478-479 ~youv ... ~j.ltKuKA.tov MW ~Tot atyj.laToetow~ ABE 481 tcrTl E ecrTtv MWAB I
avTi~ MW T<iiv tvaVTiwv ABE 1 ioia TCt~et MWAB otan't~et E 483 yvwvTat ABE yivovTat
MW 48 4 Mo MWA W BE I A.eA.fJ86Tw<; XP~ MW Kpu<pa Kal A.eA.fJ86Tw~ ABE
486 exovTO~ ABE exovm~ MW I rrVT MWAE rr' B (sic) 487 dat MWA
BE
488 m.>KVW~ ABE rruKvou~ MW I CtKoA.ou8oiiVTo<; Va CtKoAou8oiivTa<; MW aKoAou8eiv ABE
wat
255
'*~~nult troops cannot handle the fighting at close quarters, they can take refuge
.mwng the defenders and rally themselves again. If it should happen that in the
h;ntle itself one meros, or all of them, are driven back, the assault troops should
withdraw a bowshot or two, as though heading for the second line, and again
wrn around to face the enemy. The usual, appropriate words or commands are
11houted out.
62. If they are able to turn the enemy into flight, they should pursue them,
withdraw and wheel about again. If after one or two attempts they do not
l!ucceed in pushing the enemy back, the second line should move up and the
seek refuge in it, passing through the clear spaces in it, and in the area
bttween the rear of the second line and the third line it should reform and,
tosether with the second line, attack the enemy in irregular formation, that is,
til tightly packed together. If they turn, pursue them sharply.
63. You should give these orders to the flank guards. If the opposite flank is
longer, make every effort, inclining to the flank, that is, the shield, to extend our
flank <in line with> theirs to prevent its encirclement of the meros. But if the
t1pposite flank is shorter, make every effort to advance in crescent formation,
that is, in a semicircle, and envelop it on the inside before the meros is there to
ttttack, that is, just before the signal for the battle charge is given. But if the
opposite line is the same length, they should remain in their own position as
defenders and join the meros in the charge.
64. You should give these orders to the outflankers. Until the enemy
advances to two or three bowshots from our battle line, they are to follow the
right wing closely, but under cover. One tagma should have its dekarchs and
pentarchs posted forward in the front rank, for a depth of only five is enough if
the men are suitable. The other tagma follows along behind the first in irregular
order, that is, thickly together.
256
Constitution 12
65. Ta 8 ~aY8a ~youy -rae; KE<paAi:tc; auTWY fl~ 6peac; KpaTELY, aAf..a bttK-
we; Katpoc; YEYI'jTal xplac; TOD cpa[ywem au-ra, Elc; TO ll~ npo<patYOflEVa Tote; exepoi:c; mytYWGK0'em Kal flCiAAOY m~OUAU0'em im' auTWY Touc;
490 KAlflEYac;
KpaTODVTac; auTa.
66. Kal ay flaKpOTEpOY TO UYTlc; KEpac; EUpEeft, np6TEpOY nl Kpac; KAlV-
aem, TOUT' EaTlY nl KOYTaptY, Kal 6\.[yoy TOD
Ot~lOD flEpouc; y T(il 11EpmaTlY
495 Efl~paOUYOVTOc; napEKTELYat flEXpt<c; ou> Kal ~fllGU aaytTTO~OAOU 8ta TO U11p~aAat TO UYTlc; KEpac; de'
oihwc; EKYEUOYTac; KaT' au-roil Kal KUKAODYTac; napay-
257
The standards, that is, their heads, should not be held straight up but
!ndlned down until the time is right to display them. Otherwise they may be
"''ognized by the enemy, who may then take action against the flag bearers.
66. If the opposite flank is longer, first incline to the flank, that is, the lance,
the right meros slackens its pace a bit, extending itself to about half a
bowshot in order to outflank the opposing wing. While they are turning to the
and encircling it, give the command: "Head out:' Immediately the condroungos should suddenly charge out from behind with great force and
yAAlY TO "~Ae" Kal uewc; E11l11Efl\f!aL KaLa TOD YWTOU aUTWY TOY AaYeaYOYTa 8poiJyyoy Q<j)YW KaTa Aa<J[ac; 6~lac;.
67. Tp110flEYWV 8 TWY exepwY ll~ m8tWKlY Touc; <pEUYOYTac;, aA.Aa uewc;
500 Ka-ra -roil Yw-rou -rwY ia-raflYwY pxwem lifla -r(il t-rpc.p -ray11an l
8 KoY-r6-r-
p6Y anY, uewc; ~pxwem Kal flTJYon8wc; flnEptAafl~aYtY mho l 8 '(aoY

EGTlY, 6\.[yoy napEKTlYlY Kal imp~aAAlV TO UYTtc;, Eha oihwc;, we; dpl'jTal,
OPflCiY KaT' au-roil. ay flY OUY, o-r' (iy napEKTElYWYTat oi U11EpKEpaa-ra[, ~OUAI'j
ewatY Kal oi UYTlc; OflOLWc; napEKTElv0'em, 81 Kal uewc; KaT' aUTWY 6pflUY, y
505
oac.p UKaTaaTaTOl EUpl<JKOYTat. aYayKI'j yap a-rpE<pOflEYWV auTWY nl KEpac; Kal

-ra 8~l<X au-rwY YUflYa EXELY Kal T~Y acp(y~tY 8taAAUflEYI'jV.
68. Tau-rae; 8 -rae; KuKA.wanc;
ll~ flOYOY 8oy -roue; unEpKEpaa-rac; KaYoYI(EtY
~youv -roue; -roil 8c:~wu flEpouc; npoflaxouc; de; -ro ll~ noA.u Efl~paouYELY, flTJ8
11UALY npo 110AAOU 110lELY, aA.Aa Kal TOY TOD flEpouc; apxoYTa, Eh TOUpflUPX'lc;
489 aHa MW aA.A' ABE 489-490

490 <paivw6m MWAB <ppaivwem E 493
bnKeKAlf!EVa~
avTl~
MW AB bnKeKAtaf!EVa~ E
MW Twv i:vaVTiwv ABE 494 KovTaptv
MW KOVTapwv ABE 495 f!EXPL~ ou Strat. f!EXPL codd. I ~f!LO'u MWA ~f.liaew~ BE
495-496 urrep~aAat MW rrept~aAeiv ABE 496 avTl~ MW i:~evavTia~ ABE 497 KUTa ...
VWTOU MW orr[aw ABE 498 KUTCt MW f.leTCt ABE 499 i:mOLWKeLV MW A OlWKeLV BE
499-500 ana ... pxw6at MW aAA.' LO'Taf!EVOU~ orriaw ltOAf!iV ABE 500 TWV iaTaf!EVWV
Va LO'Taf!EVOU~ codd. 501 EO'TlV MW EO'TlV (EO'Tl BE) TO e~evaVT[a~ Kepa~ ABE I f.li]VOl0W~
MW mwaToetow~ ABE I Ef!rreptAaf.l~avetv Va i:mAaf!~<'tvw6m MW rreptAaf.l~<'tvetv ABE I
auTo ABE auToii MW 501-502 ei ... aVTi<; MWA om. BE 502 To aVTi~ MW auTo A om.
BE 503 i:O.v ... ilv MW ih' ilv f!EV ouv ABE 503-504 ~oUA1]6wmv ... rrapeKTeivwem
MWA om. BE 503-504 ~OUA1]6wmv MW eav ~OUA1]6Wm A om. BE 504 aVTl~ MW
i:vavTLOL A om. BE I Kal2 MW om. ABE 505 oaw MWAB oaa E 506 a<piy~tv MW a~v
TU~Lv A avvTa~Lv BE I 8taAAUf!EVI]V MW 8taAAUf!EVI]V Kat f.l~ auvw<pLYf!EVI]V ABE
507 f.l~ ... 8eov MW XP~ f.l~ f16vov ABE
509 rraAtv MW AE om. B
508 ~youv ... rrpof!<'txou~ MW om. ABE
67. If the enemy are turned back in flight we should not pursue them, but
lltr<lightaway link up with the other tagma and attack the rear of the remaining
~,ttlits. If <the enemy line> is shorter, move out immediately and in crescent
ft:mnation envelop it. If <the lines> are of the same length, extend the ranks a
little to outflank the opposing wing. Then, as instructed, charge against it. If,
therefore, while the outflankers are extending their ranks, our opponents want
to extend theirs in like manner, then you must immediately charge against them
while they are still moving about. As they turn by the flank, they will necessarily
have to expose their right, and their tight formation will be broken up.
68. Not only must the outflankers, that is, those in the promachos line of the
right meros, regulate these encircling movements so that they are not too far
behind or, on the other hand, too much ahead; rather, the commander of the
258
510
Constitution
12
ECJTtV dn: n:p6~ Tt~, wan: yxetpouvrwv TWV imepKepaaTWV Kat apxoflEVWV
whether a tourmarch or of some other rank, should bring the entire

mems into action at the same time that the outflankers make their attack and
!lnemy are beginning to get confused.
n!!lfOS,
TWV CtVTt~ eopu~eiaem, TOT Kat a\m)v TO OAOV flEpo~ miyetv.

69. A6yo~ 0 T(iJ apxovTl yivwem 6cpetAl TOU, ei flEV an 8UVUTOV mh(iJ,
i:rnep~aAA.etv
515
TO CtVTL~ flEpo~, rre( TO( ye OU, KUV iaouaem auT(iJ, av Kat flaKpo-
69. That officer ought to be instructed to outflank the opposing meros if he
TEpa eupeen TWV vavT(wv ~ rrapaTa~l~, wme EVTeueev Ctpflo8(w~ 8Uvaa8at
do so, but if he cannot, he should extend his line to the same length. If the
battle line is longer, he should enable the outflankers to go about their
properly.
TOU~ urrepKepaaTa~
TO pyov aUTWV TrOlelV.
70. nvwaK 8, OTt oi urrepKepamal 8ta TOUTO eiatv avayKatOl, Kaeo Kal EV
YUflVOl~ TOTrOl~ TU~ m8pOflCt~ Tr0lLV aacpaA.eaTepw~ ouvavTm.
71. 'Ofloiw~ 8 Kal Tft 8eUTp<;t Ta~et rrapayydA.n~, I wme Tov flEaov T6rrov v
4> aufl~aivet Taaaeaem T~v a~v v8o~6T'lTa, rrdeweai aot Kat Kavovi(etv ~youv
520
aTOXCt(ea8at, WaT EV T(iJ Katp(iJ T~~ aUfl~OA~~ CtT0 TplWV ~ Teaaapwv aaytTTO~OAWV T~~ TrpWT'l~ rrapaTa~ew~ etJpe8~vat auT~V tva, av Tparrwatv o[ x8po(,
w~
8tcpevawp
auT~ ~youv EK8lK'lT~~ Kat ~o'leo~ EV TCt~l rraKoA.ouen Kal fl~
CtTrOflLVD. ei 8 Tparrft Tt TWV T~~ rrpWT'l~ TCt~W~ TaYflCtTWV, i:Jrro8xea8at TO

~apOUflVOV Kat EpXOflVOV flEpo~ e[~ Kamcpuy~v Kat Ufla TOt~ T~~ rrpWT'l~
525 Ta~ew~ rrpxwem auvTemwevw~ Kal fl~ 8taA.Uwem flEXPt TeA.eia~ K~aaew~
TOU TrOAEflOU Kal T~~ rrl TO cpoaaaTov urroaTpocp~~' ana Ct(j>lEVal oihw~ aUVTTaYflEVW~ q>UACtTTwem Kal fl~ m8twKlV CtTCtKTW~ TOU~ exepou~.
72. 'Eav 8 c'tflcp(~oA.o~ ~ flCtX'l T~~ rrpwT'l~ Ta~ew~ cpaiv'lTat Kal 8tw~et~ Kal
avn8tw~l~ yivovTat, XP~ CtVaflEVlV Kal eewpeiv T~V TOU rrpCtYflaTO~ EK~aatv
530
259
.1
70. Note that the outflankers are essential for the reason that they can launch
with impunity, even in open country.
71. In like manner give these orders to the second line. It is to obey you and
tit)tlform, that is, adjust, its movements to the center division in which Your
t\xcellency normally takes your stand. At the moment of engagement it should
three or four bowshots from the first battle line in order that, if the enemy
tttms back, it should follow along as a support line without any delay and in
tbnnation as defenders or ekdikoi. If one of the units of the first line turns back,
the second line should receive the division that is under pressure and heading
Into flight. Together with the soldiers of the first line, the second should advance
in good order and not break up until the final outcome of the battle and its
return to camp. They must always maintain their formation and not become
disordered in pursuing the enemy.
Kal m~CtAAlV 8euTepov ~ TPLTOV cpwva~ ~puww8et~ rrp6~ T 8tavaaTaatV TWV
72. If the battle seems to be in doubt as far as the first line is concerned, and
flaXOflEVWV Kat KaTCtTIA'l~lV TWV x8pwv, fl~ arrou8Ct(etv 8 rrpoxeipw~ aUflflLYVU-
there are pursuits and counter-pursuits, then it is necessary to wait and see how
things turn out. Let out two or three rousing cheers to encourage our fighters
and to frighten the enemy. Be careful not to get into action prematurely or to get
too close to the first line, which could result in confusion and a stupid defeat in
the heat of battle. But if, as often happens, the second line also turns back, it
a8m ~ yyi(etV TrOAU Tft rrpwTn rrapaTa~el tva fl~ Tl~ cpupat~ Kal UAAOKOTO~
Tporr~ EV Tft aUfl~OAft T~~ flCtX'l~ rrapaKOAou8~an. ei
8,
w~ TrOAAUKl~ aUfl~a(vet,
510-511 apxof!EVWV ... av-rlc:; MW
TWV tvav-r[wv apxoflEVWV ABE 511 au-rov Va au-rotc:;

MW au-roue:; ABE 1-ro ... trrayetv MW flHU TOU OAOU f!Epouc:; bmiElecrElat ABE 512 A.6yoc:;
MW q>pov-rlc:; ABE I yivecrElat Oq>eLAEl MW ea-rw ABE 1-rou Va tva MW om. ABE I ouva-rov
MWA ouva-r6v EOTlV BE I mhw MW om. ABE 513 TO av-rlc:; MW TWV tvav-r[wv AB TWV
evav E I f!Epoc:; MW Kepac:; AE om. B I brei. .. ou MW ei oe fl~ AE om. B 513-514 KUV ...
tvav-riwv MWAE om. B 516 KaElo MW 6-rt ABE 517 aacpaA.ea-ripwc:; MWA
aacpaA.ea-repov BE 520 -rptwv .. . -reaaapwv MWA y' ~ o' BE 521 auT~v Va au-r~ codd.
523 an:OfleLVIJ MW an:Of!EVIJ ABE I n -rwv MWA -ro BE I -rawa-rwv MWA -rawa BE I
un:ooexecrElat MWA un:ooexecrElw BE 524 f!Epoc:; MW om. ABE I lif!a MW lifla Oe ABE
525 EK~aaewc:; MW OUfllTA!]pWcrewc:; ABE 526 acptevat oi\-rwc:; MW om. ABE
530 ~PUYflWOel<; MW Kal wpuecrElat ABE 532-533 UAAOKOTO<; -rpon:~ MW -rpon:~
n:apaA.oyoc:; ABE
260
Constitution
12
Kai ~ 8wrpa rrapaTU~l<:; Tparrft flEXPL TWV VWTO(j>UACtKWV ~youv T~<:; TpLTfJ<:;
535 T<i~ew<:; tpxoflEVfJ, arrouM(nv avaA.afl~c'tvwem atn~v.
73- 'Eav 8 arro tv8pa<:; TLVO<:; 8ta VWTOU ~youv arro 6ma8ev cpo8o<:; flfJVU8ft
Kal rrA.eum<:; txepwv, tav flEV OALYOL eialv o[ flfJVUOfleVOl Kal apKOUaLV o[ T~<;
TplTfJ<; TCt~eW<;, TOT UUT~V KaT' fKelVWV fKTrEflTrelV ei o fl~ apKOUaLV, TOT,
Ka8w<; EGTLV ~ TCt~l<;, avnaTpeq>Of.LEVWV TWV npoawnwv, Of.LOLW<; 8 Kal TOU
540 ~avoou fleTa TOU apxovTo<; ei<; oupav ~youv on[aw tpxof.LEVOU, W<; Ctfl(j>laTOflO<:; ~
T<i~L<; -r~v auf.L~oA.~v apf.Loo[w<; rroteTTm, Kal Tpenoflvwv -rwv txepwv TOT Tou<:;
VWTO<jlUAaKa<:;, ehe ev ehe ouo ~av8a eUpe8wmv, W<; Koupawpa<; KaT' auTWV
rracptvm.
74.'Eav 8 rroAA.o[ eimv ol flfJVUOfleVOL T~v cpo8ov rrotdv, TOT rrapayyAA.et
545 TO "fleTUAAa~ov" Kal pxov-rm o[ OeKapxm trrl oupav ~youv aTpecpov-rm 6ma8ev
KaTa TUYf!U Wale fKelVO TO flEpo<; T~<; I oupii<:; flETWTrOV y[veaem.

75. Kal muTa<; f!EV -ra<; rrapayyeA.ta<; rrot~an<; rrpo 6:\[you Kmpou -r~<:; flUXfJ<:;
Kal n.ilv aywvwv, Iva ytvwaKWaLV o[ mpanWTUL Ta apf.LO(ovTa. 6 yap TWV
aywvwv Katpo<; Ta TOLaUTa 8tMaKelV TOU<; f.l~TrW TOUTWV Tre'lpav A.a~ovm<; OUK
550 tmTperrn, ei fl~ apa fle-r' O~UTTJTO<; Ta (JUVTOfla rrapayyA.flaTa flOVa.
76. ITUALV o,
tav rrpo rroUou xpovou rrapayydA.n<;, ei<:;
A.~8fJV y[ve-rm Ta
A.ex8evTa. Kal ota -rouTo XP~ a rrpo flLKpou Kmpou Tou rroA.Eflou -ra<; avaf.lv~an<:;
Tr0lLa8m. rrapayydA.n<; 8 Kal Ka8oA.ou 7tCtaLV WaLe flfJ8va eapp~aat T~V
OeuTepav TCt~lV 7tapeA.8eLV KUV, w<; eLKO<;, Tporr~ TL<; Tft rrpwTn TCt~el YEVfJTUL, Iva
555 fl~ rrpo<:; T~v (w~v Ktvouveuan, ehe napa Twv txepwv ehe Kal rrapa Twv i8[wv,
w<; a~LO<; <8avaTOU>, ei fl~ apa, W<; e'lpfJTUL, TOGUUTfJ arrapa[TfJTO<; avayKfJ
rrapaKoA.oue~an.
535 pxof1EVIJ ABE pxo!lVf]V MW I crrrouoa(LV MW arrouM(etv rrpoa~KEL ABE I au-r~v

MWBE i:auT~V A 536 vopa<; MW eyKpUfl!laTO<; ABE I oul... ~youv MW om. ABE I (mo 2
MW cmo nvv ABE 536-537 !l!]VU8~ ... x8pwv MW Kal ETCEAEUat<; tx8pwv !lf]VU8~ ABE
537 eav MWA ei BE I UpKOUatV WAB apKOUat ME 540 Ufi(j>LOT0!-10<; Va U!lCJ>lOTOflOU codd.
541 -r6-re MWA -rou -re BE 542 ouo MWA WBE 544 f.av MWA ei BE 545 oeKapxm
MWA aeKapxm Kal ol BE 546 yivw8at MWBE yeva8m A 547 Katpou ... !lCtXIJ<; MWAE
om. B 548 Kal... aywvwv MW aywvwv B om. AE 549 Katpo<; MW Katpo<; ou auyxwp1
ABE I -ra -rotau-ra MW -rau-ra ABE I -rou-rwv rrdpav MW rrdpav -rou-rwv A rreTpav -rou-rou BE
549-550 ouK m-rprret MW om. ABE 550 f16va MWBE 1-16vov A 552 filKpou MW
oAiyou ABE 554 TCt~El MW rrapa-ra~El ABE 555 rrpo<; MW Ei<; ABE I (w~v MW (w~v
au-rou ABE I Kal MW A om. BE 556 8ava-rou ci. De om. codd.
261
%lmuld go as far as the rear guard, that is, the third line, and set about recovering
lft>dL
73 What if you are informed of an enemy attack or assault from some
!!itnbush to the rear, that is, from behind? If it is only a small detachment that
have been warned about, then the troops of the third line can deal with it,
!lend them out against it. But if they cannot deal with it, then <the second>
stays as it is while the individuals turn around. In like manner, the
!iOfllmanding officer with the standard moves to the rear, that is, behind, so the
is facing both ways and easily makes its attack. As the enemy are turned
then the rear guard, whether one or two banda, should attack them in
order.
74. If the enemy force making the attack is reported to be numerous, give
command: "Countermarch:' In each tagma the dekarchs march to the rear,
that is, they turn backwards, and that section of the rear becomes the front.
75. You will give these commands a short time before the struggles of battle
110 that the soldiers may know their duties. The actual moment of combat does
not permit those who have not yet had experience of these matters to learn
them, except perhaps only those commands which are given rapidly and concisely.
76. Moreover, if you give the commands a long time before <combat>, what
you have said will be forgotten. For this reason, you must recall them to mind a
11hort time before actual combat. Issue a standing order to all the troops that
nobody should dare to pass beyond the second line even if, as might happen, the
llrst line should be routed, so that they do not put their lives at risk, whether at
the hands of the enemy or of their own men, as deserving <of death>, except, as
noted, when they encounter a pressing and unavoidable necessity.
262
Constitution
12
77 'Ermo~ o Kai ano vopac; OEOV mra T~<.; napa-ra~W<.; niJv txepwv
auflP<iA.ALV, XP~ -roue; de; -r~v vopav ~youv yKpUflfla maaoflvouc; napayyAnpo TIUVTWV piyAa<.; npoTIEfl1tlV 'iva fl~ (mavT'lfla, we; dK6<.;, uno TWV
txepwv a8p6wc; UTIOfllVWatV ~ vopav EK TIAayiou ~ Kai ano VWTOU ~youv ano
oma8V T~<.; TWV txepwv napma~W<.;.
7S. IIoA.AaKt<.; yap Kai ol tx8poi de; ouo -raaaovmt -ra~tc; Kal, av fl~ npoaX6v-rwc; y(vwv-rat a[ KaLa T~<.; 1tpWT'l<.; aUTWV napma~W<.; Ot' yKpUflf.!CtTWV
565 ETIAU()'t<.;, EV0pUOVT(ll f.!CtAAOV EK TOU vav-r(ou un' EKElVWV. av ouv ol
txepoi Of.!OlW<.; de; ouo TCt~1<.; -raaawv-rat, OUK a-rt npnov T<fl vwnp ~youv T<fl
6ma8(tp f.!Ept T~<.; npWT'l<.; au-rwv TU~W<.; E<p0putV, a:\Aa T<fl aKp(fl auT~<.;
~youv T<fl KEpan, d-r ~ evoc; f.!Epouc; ~ <poooc; yivTat d-r EK TWV ouo, we;
dpfJTUl.
570
79 Tov o Katpov T~<.; KaT' au-r~c; EYXtp~aW<.; Kavovi(tv ()' XP~ Kai a-roxa(wem, wa-r fl~T npoAaflP<ivtv noAu -r~c; ~flTEpac; napa-ra~w<.; fl~T ua-rp1v,
aA.A' o-r' av we; ano ouo ~ -rptwv aaymop6AWV a[ napa-ra~1<.; aAA~AWV yvwvTm, -r6-r yxtp1v Kma -rwv txepwv -roue; nl -ro yKpUflfla ~youv -r~v vopav
aTIPXOflEVOU<.;. -raum o navm OUK nl YUflVaa(ac;, aA.A' nl TWV npawa-rwv
575 au-rwv napaAaflP<ivovmt.
So. Taum flEV ouv <ou f.!6vov> -r~v a~v voo~6-r'lm Kai napayyA.Atv Kai
rrapaGKUCt(LV KAUOflV, a;\Aa Kat EKCtaT(fl TOUpflapxn rrpoa-ra~m ~ Kat yypa<pW<.; I arrooouvm, arrp Ka( ()'Ol rrpoLp~KaflV, 'iva ytvwaKn Kal au-roc; TOU ioiou
flEpouc; T~V Ka-raammv. WGT EKaa-rov TOUpf.!CtPXTJV TO -rpi-rov rroaov TOU un'
580 au-rov OAOU a-rpmou TIOl~()'(ll KOupawpac; ~youv npOKAQ()'TU<.; Kal v8v Kai
Kd8v TOU f.!Epouc; TQ()'()'lV au-roue;, TO o Olf.!Otpov TOU a-rpa-rou, TO v flEG(fl,
-ra~m de; Ot<pvawpac; ~youv EKOtKouvmc;.
77. Since it is necessary to lay ambushes against the enemy's battle line, you
must issue orders to the men assigned to the ambush or hidden attack that,
~hove all, they should send patrols ahead so that, as is likely, they will not
tncounter an enemy force unexpectedly and be subjected to an ambush from
flank or from the rear, that is, from the rear of the enemy's battle line.
7S. Frequently the enemy draws up in two lines and, unless carefully done,
our attacks from ambush against their first battle line may have a very opposite
result as our forces are ambushed by theirs. Therefore, if the enemy should also
tt\ake their formation in two lines, it is not right to launch a raid against their
renr, that is, the rear section of their first line, but against a flank or a wing,
whether, as noted, the attack takes place from one side or from two.
79 You must regulate, that is, estimate, the time of this attack against their
llne so that it does not occur too much in advance of our own battle line or too
much after. But when the two lines are about two or three bowshots apart, then
the detachments sent out on ambuscade, that is, ambush, should assault the
enemy. All these things <are not taught> in training, but they are learned from
actual practice.
56o e~vat WaT
558 E1tl0~ MWA Eltl o B E1tl0~ o E I veopa<; oeov MW EYKPUflflaTO<; ABE I

napaT6.~ewc; ... xBpwv MW TWV txepwv napm6.~ew<; oeov ABE 559 T~v ... eyKpUflflU MW
TO eyKpUflflU ABE 561 Kal MWA om. BE I cm6 1 ~youv MW om. ABE 563 DUO MWA
WBE 565 im' EKivwv ABE om. MW 566 Of!Otw<; MW om. ABE I DUo MWA WBE I ouK
tan MW ouKen ABE lnpenov MW npenov aTlv A npenov aTl BE I nii 1 ~youv MW om.
ABE 567 npwu1c; MW om. ABE I Ta~ewc; MW napaT6.~ewc; ABE I <peopeum MWE
veopeuetv AB 568 Mo MWA WBE 570 XP~ MW M ABE 572 Mo MWAB WE
573 ~youv ... veopav MWA om. BE 576 ou f16vov Va om. codd. 577 napacrKwa~nv
ABE otacrKeua~etv MW 578 6.noooiivm MW mooiivm ABE 579 noaov MW f1po<;
ABE 581 o MWA Te BE I tv MW tv Tw ABE 582 EKOLKoiivTa<; MW EKOLKijTU<; ABE
post EKDLKoiiVTa<; scr. tit. const. xiii, i.e. 7tOAfllKWV napaaKeuwv OL6.Ta~L<; ty' M
263
Jl
So. We order Your Excellency not only to issue these commands that we
have already given to you and to put them into practice, but you should also
pass these orders on to each tourmarch or even hand them on in writing, so that
he himself will know the situation of his own meros. Each tourmarch should
designate one third of the entire army under his command as assault troops,
that is, proklastai, and post them here and there about the meros; the other two
thirds of the army, those in the center, should be formed as defenders, that is,
ekdikoi.
262
56o
565
570
575
Constitution
12
77. 'Em: tO~ 0 Kal curo EVEOpw:; oov KaT a T~c; rrapa-ra~ewc; ni!v txElpwv
GU!J~6.Uav, XP~ Toile; de; T~v vopav ~youv yKpU!J!Ja Taaaollvouc; rrapayyeA.El~vat WCJT rrpo naVTWV ~tyA.ac; nponE!JnlV tva ll~ cm6.vnwa, we; iK6c;, uno TWV
txElpwv aElp6wc; unO!Jdvwmv ~ EVEOpav EK nA.aytou ~ Kal uno VWTOU ~youv uno
omaElev T~c; TWV txElpwv napaTa~ewc;.
78. IToAA.6.Ktc; yap Kal oi txElpol eic; ouo TaaaovTat Ta~etc; Kat, tav ll~ npoaex6VTwc; ytVWVTal ai KaLa T~c; npWTT]c; mhwv napaTa~ewc; Ot' EYKPU!J!JUTWV
EnAU(Jtc;, EV0pUOVTal !JUAAOV EK TOU EVaVTtOU un' EKdvwv. tav ouv oi
txElpol O!JOtwc; de; ouo TU~Lc; TCt(JCJWVTat, OUK E(JTL npnov T{il vwnp ~youv T{il
6maEltqJ !JEPL T~c; npWTT]c; a1.rrwv Ta~ewc; E<p0pUlV, ana T{il UKp4J mh~c;
~youv T{il KEpaTt, dT E~ evoc; !JEpouc; ~ cpoooc; ytvTat h EK TWV ouo, we;
lpf]Tal.
79 Tov 8 Katpov T~c; KaT' auT~c; tyxap~aewc; Kavovt(1V (J XP~ Kal CJToxa(wElm, waT !J~T npoA.a!J~6.vav noA.u T~c; ~llnpac; napma~ewc; ll~T uaTepeiv,
aU' ()T' av we; uno Mo ~ Tptwv aaymo~6A.wv ai napaTa~Lc; aAA.~A.wv yvwvTat, ToTe tyxapLv Kma Twv txElpwv Toile; tnl To yKpU!J!Ja ~youv T~v vopav
anepxo!JEVOUc;. Taum 8 navm OUK tnl YU!JVaatac;, aU' Enl TWV npaY!JCtTWV
aUTWV napaAa!J~UVOVTal.
8o. Taum !JEV ouv <ou !J6vov> T~v a~v voo~6Tf]Ta Kal napayyAA.etv Kal
napaaKUa(lV KAUO!JV, aHa Kal EKUGT4J TOUp!Japxn npoaTa~at ~ Kal tyypa<pwc; I anooouvat, anep Kat aotnpoap~Ka!JEV, va ytvwaKn Kal auToc; TOU iotou 331'
!JEpouc; T~V KaTaammv. W(JT EKaCJTOV TOUp!JUPXTJV TO TptTOV noaov TOU un'
580 auTOV OAOU GTpaTOU not~(Jat Koupawpac; ~youv npoKAaamc; Kal vElev Kal
EKiElev TOU !JEpouc; TQ(J(JlV auTouc;, TO o Ot!JOtpov TOU GTpaTOU, TO EV !JEG4J,
Ta~m de; 8tcpvawpac; ~youv EKOtKouvmc;.
558 en:euS~ MWA en:l 8 B em:t8~ 8 E I ev8pa~ Otov MW EYKPDflf!UtO~ ABE I

n:apcmi~eW~ ... exepwv MW tWV exepwv n:apata~eW~ Otov ABE 559 t~V ... eyKpUflflU MW
tO eyKpUflflU ABE 561 Kal MWA om. BE I an:o 1 ~youv MW om. ABE 563 SUo MW A
WBE 565 im' eKeivwv ABE om. MW 566 Of!Oiw~ MW om. ABE 1 SUo MWA WBE 1 ouK
tan MW OUKEtl ABE I n:pn:ov MW n:pn:ov eatlv A n:pn:ov eatl BE I tw 1 ~youv MW om.
ABE 567 n:pwtT]~ MW om. ABE I ta~ew~ MW n:apata~ew~ ABE 1 q>e8peunv MWE
ve8peuetv AB 568 SUo MWA WBE 570 XP~ MW 8eT ABE 572 SUo MWAB W E
573 ~youv ... v8pav MWA om. BE 576 ou f16vov Va om. codd. 577 n:apaaKEUa~etv
ABE 8taaKEUCt~elV MW 578 an:o8ouvm MW em8ouvat ABE 579 n:oaov MW f!Epo~
ABE 581 8 MWA te BE I tv MW tv tw ABE 582 K8tKouvta~ MW eK8LKT]tCt~ ABE
post EK8tKouvta~ scr. tit. const. xiii, i.e. n:oAeflLKWV n:apaaKwwv 8tata~t~ ty' M
263
77. Since it is necessary to lay ambushes against the enemy's battle line, you
must issue orders to the men assigned to the ambush or hidden attack that,
above all, they should send patrols ahead so that, as is likely, they will not
encounter an enemy force unexpectedly and be subjected to an ambush from
the flank or from the rear, that is, from the rear of the enemy's battle line.
78. Frequently the enemy draws up in two lines and, unless carefully done,
our attacks from ambush against their first battle line may have a very opposite
result as our forces are ambushed by theirs. Therefore, if the enemy should also
make their formation in two lines, it is not right to launch a raid against their
rear, that is, the rear section of their first line, but against a flank or a wing,
whether, as noted, the attack takes place from one side or from two.
79 You must regulate, that is, estimate, the time of this attack against their
line so that it does not occur too much in advance of our own battle line or too
much after. But when the two lines are about two or three bowshots apart, then
the detachments sent out on ambuscade, that is, ambush, should assault the
enemy. All these things <are not taught> in training, but they are learned from
actual practice.
8o. We order Your Excellency not only to issue these commands that we
have already given to you and to put them into practice, but you should also
pass these orders on to each tourmarch or even hand them on in writing, so that
he himself will know the situation of his own meros. Each tourmarch should
designate one third of the entire army under his command as assault troops,
that is, proklastai, and post them here and there about the meros; the other two
thirds of the army, those in the center, should be formed as defenders, that is,
ekdikoi.
264
Constitution 12
81. l1pt nov tv KOVTap(ot<; q>AaflOUAWV.
Kat nx KOVT<ipta Of: mhwv fl~ EXLV <pA<iflOUAa

585
81. About the pennons on the lances.?
tv np Katp<iJ T~<; TOU 1tOAEflOU
GUfl~OA~c;, an' '(va trraipwat Kat ~anwmv atha d<; TU Eh]K<ipta mhwv, (h' &v
q>Sa<wmv o[ txSpot am) evo<; fllALOU. rrp6Tpov o TOU Katpou TOUTOU EXLV a1JTa
rravTw<; d<; Ta KOVT<ipta.
82. l1pt 8ta<popii<; ~avowv.
Ta o ~avoa TWV TaYflUTWV fllKp6Tpa dvm ~TOL TWV KOfl~TWV, TU o TWV
590
opouyyap(wv TALOTpa Kat anoia, OflOLW<; o Kat TO TOU TOUpflO.pxou tVT)AA.ayflEVOV rrpoc; TU ana yivw8m, W<; flOl E'LpT)Tat.
83. l1pl Tfj<; wpa<; TOU 1tOAEflOU.

'Ev OE T<iJ Katp<iJ Tfj<; GUfl~OA~<; TOU 1tOAEflOU flTU T~V q>WV~V Tfj<; TOU maupou VLKT)<; aA.aM<Lv oci Kal wpuiia8m flUAl<JTa TOU<; om<J8v Kalrrpo8Uf101t0lLV
595
Kat an~A.ou<; Kat TOU<; EflTipoa8v. Kat TO fl~ A.aA.civ
tv
Katp<iJ flUX'l<; rrona
~OUKLVa apKci yap Kal TO TOU TOUpflO.pxou flOVOV.
84. <l1pl maaw<; apxovTwv tv flO.xn.>
Tov OE TOUpfl<ipX'lV flE<JOV TOU flEpou<; TQ<J<Ja8m T~c; urr' mhov T<i~W<;,
TOUT' E<JTL flE<JOV TWV OL<pvawpwv, TOU<; Of: opouyyap(ou<; i<; TU EKaTtpw8v
6oo flEP'l flltaov Twv ~avowv Twv Koupawpwv.
85. l1pl Toii tpwviiv Tou<; T6rrou<; rrpo Tou rroAtflou.

'Ev o T<!i Katp<iJ Tfj<; rrapaT<i~W<; rrpopwviiv Otov Ota flaVOaTwpwv TOU<;
T~<; <JUfl~OA~<; T01tOU<;, TOuT'
an TOU<; flE<JOV T~<; io(a<; rrapaTa~W<; Kat Tfj<; TWV
exSpwv, fl~1tOT AaKKOL iaiv ~ opuwam ~ TEAflaTa, lirrp Atynm rr<iAflaTa, ~

605
o6A.ot nvt<;,
265
w<; iK6<;, rrapa Twv tx8pwv flATWflVot Kai, t<iv TL TotoiiTov Up-
8ft, avaflEVLV T~v ~flTtpav Ta~tv tva oi tx8pol avmu<; rraptA.Swm, Kal TOT ~
~flntpa rrapam~t<; tv T<!i Ka8ap<iJ K<iflrrc.p arravT~an.
86. l1pl ~avoou Toii ToupflO.pxou.
332
Their lances should not have pennons attached when the time comes for
actual fighting in battle. Rather they should be removed and put in their cases
when the enemy has come to about a mile away. Before that time they may
certainly carry them on their lances.
82. About the difference in standards.
The standards of the tagmata, that is, of the counts, should be rather small,
those of the droungarioi larger and of a different pattern and, in like manner,
that of the tourmarch should stand out among the others, as I have said.
83. About the moment of battle.
At the moment of contact in battle, after shouting the victory cry of the
cross, they should shout the war cry and cheer, especially those in the rear, to
encourage one another and the men in front of them. At the moment of combat
a number of trumpets should not be sounded; that of the tourmarch is enough
by itself.
84. About the post of the officers in battle.
The tourmarch should station himself in the middle of the meros of the line
under his command, that is, in the middle of the defenders, whereas the droungarioi should be in the middle of the meros on either side, among the banda of
assault troops.
85. About reconnoitering the area before the battle.
When the battle line is being formed, the heralds must reconnoiter the site
of the battle, that is, the ground between our own battle line and that of the
enemy, in case there are ponds, ditches, swamps, called palmata, or any traps
that the enemy may be likely to have planned. If any such are found, our line
should stay put, so the enemy may move past them, and then our battle line
should encounter them on unobstructed ground.
86. About the standard of the tourmarch.
583-690 Strat., 7.B.16-17.
tnaipouat W tnaipwatv E I ~aHwatv MWBE ~aA.watv A

588 nEpi. .. ~avowv MWA om. BE 589 ta ... niiv' Va niiv
o codd. 590 aHota MWBE nap!]AAUYf!EVU A I TOU AE om. MWB 591 W<; MW Ka6w<;
ABE 594 wpuaa6at Va opuO.a6at MW wpuca6at ABE 595 Ef!7Ipoa6Ev Va Ef!7Ipoa6Ev
7IEpl OtllOEW<; apx6VTWV EV f!CtXIJ codd. quod ad 597 trsp. De 596 ~OUKLVU MW ~OUKLVa
KaAov ABE I tou ABE om. MW 597 nEpl. .. f!CtXIJ De om. codd. 599 tout' ean M tout'
eattv WABE 603 tout' eatt M tout' eat tv W ABE 6o4 tEAf!ata ... AiyETat MW om. ABE
6os nve<; MW tlVE<; EtEpot ABE 6o6 tCt~LV MW napata~LV ABE I napeA.6wat MA
naptA.6watv WBE 607 KCtf!7IW MW t6nw ABE
585 braipwat MAB
586 npotEpov MW npo ABE
7 Sections 81-105 derive from Strat. 7.B.16-17.
266
Constitution 12
To 0 ~avoov TOU TOUpllapxou, we; dpflTal, i-!OVOV E~f1AAawvov TO dooc;

napa Ta ii:\Aa Ta i.m' al.JTOV ~avoa not~crat Iva EGTtV eumiyvwmov niiat Tole; i.m'
auTov ~avOo<p6potc;.
87. Tiept Gfl!lLWV Kat KlV~GWc; ~CtVOOU.
1\A:\.a Kat ota Ktv~aewc; nvoc; ~v11c; Kat otmp6pou xwpi(w8m auTo ~ tv np
IaTaaem ~ avw ~ KCtTW ~ Oe~l~ ~ O.ptGTp~, ~ auvexwc; tmKAivwem ~ tyeipetv
61 5 T~v K<paA.~v ToiJ ~avoou ~ nuKvwc; nvaaaetv auTo 6p8ov waT Kat de; T~v
auyxumv UKOAWc; uno TWV AOl11WV ~avowv yvwpi(w8at.
88. Tiept Tou 8tw:ppnv Ta ~avoa n1lv Touwapxwv O.AA.~A.wv.
Ou 01 of. OAWV TWV TOUpllapxwv Ta ~avoa v Gfli-!dov xnv, O.AA.a tVflAAayllEVa aull~oA.a eKaGTflV Toup11av, aTtva Kat 6<piA.ouatv t8i(etv Touc; aTpanwmc;
620 <oi TOUpllapxw> Ota npoyullvaa(ac; yvwpi(tV. ou i-!OVOV yap tK TOUTOU TQ uno
Tov TOupll<iPXTJV eKaaTov ~avoa w<peA.ouvTm To 11poc; auTwv auvT611wc; GTflpi(ovTa, O.AA.a Kat oi tv auT01c; Tnawvot TO TOU TOUpllapxou ~avoov tmytvwGKOVTc; Ot' al.JTOU UKOAWc; Kat Ta 'iota <oi>, we; iK6c;, nA.avWi-!VOl eupiaKOUatV.
89. Tiept TOU ~A.netv TOV mpanWTflV TO ~avoov TOU apxovToc;.
625
t.1 yap Ctt tv EKCtGTD llaxn, tav Kai Tl GU!l~ft TOV mpanWTflV WGT anoxwptcr8~vat !laKpav TOU ~avoou TOU [O(ou TCtY!laTOc;, naVTt Tpomp anouoa(etv
evouaem aunp, Iva ~ TCt~tc; a<pupTOc; Olallvouaa T~V GWTflpiav Gfl!laivn TOU
GTpaTOU.
90. Tiept ToiJ Otaxwpi(etv Touc; O.AA.o<puA.ouc; T~c; napaTa~ewc;.
630
'Eav of. GU!l~ft dvat tv Tq> GTpaTq> nvac; O!lO<pUAouc; TWV nOA1-llWV, oeov npo
T~c; ~11pac; TOU noAEi-!OU xwpi(etv al>Touc; Kat tv Tpotc; Tonotc; !lTa eu.\6you
npo<paaewc; n11netv.
91. Tiept Tou Katopouyyapiouc; Kat KO!lflTac; Tov mpaTov napop11av.
610
Tou MWBE om. A I e~fJAAUYf!Evov MW rrapfJUawtvov ABE I To doO<; MW txtTw T~v

xpoav ABE 610 TtOL~<Jat MW om. ABE I f<JTLV MWA ~ BE 612 Kal MABE om. w I
KlV~<JeW<; MWAE KlY~<JeWV B I ~avoou MWA ~avowv BE 614 eyeipelY Va tyxetpeTv codd.
615 nvaaanv MABE nvaaanv a1JTo W 616 A.omwv MWAB om. E 617 ota<pepetv MW
OlU<j>EpetV aU~A.wv ABE I aU~A.wv MW om. ABE 618 aHa MWA aU' BE 619 Kal
MWBE om. A 620 oi Toup!J.apxm Va om. codd. 621 Tov ... KaaTov MWBE KaaTov
Toup!J.UPX'lV A 622-623 i:mytvwaKovTc<; MWA &taytvwaKovTe<; BE 623 &' m!Tou
MW AE ota TOU B I oi Strat. om. codd. I eupiaKouatv MB om. WAE 625 ad ... !J.UXfJ MW A
i;y EKU<JTfj !J.UXfJ ad BE I Ka[ Tl MWBE om. A I TOY <JTpanwTfJY MWA TW <JTpanwT'l BE I
waTe MWBE om. A 630 dvm ... aTpmw MW A i;v TW aTpmw dvm BE I rrpo MW A rr~::pl BE
632 TtE!J.Ttetv ABE rrportE!J.Ttetv MW 633 Ka\2 MW Kal TOU<; ABE I rrapop!J.iiY MABE om. W
609
267
The standard of the tourmarch, as noted, should be different in appearance

from the other standards in his command, so as to be easily recognized by all
the standard-bearers under him.
87. About signals and movement of the standard.
But it must be set apart by some unusual and distinctive motion, either by
remaining in place or held high or low or to the right or the left, or by keeping
the head of the standard lowered or raised on high or holding it upright and
waving it frequently. In this way, even in the confusion, it will be easily recognized by the rest of the standards.
88. About the standards of the tourmarchs differing from one another.
The standards of all the tourmarchs must not have only one way of signaling
but each tourma must have its own distinctive way of signaling. It is the duty of
the tourmarchs to see that the soldiers become familiar with these signals and
get to know them during preparatory training. By this means the standards
identifying each tourmarch not only ought to enable them to locate their own
meros quickly, but it also makes it easier for any likely stragglers, recognizing
the standard of the meros to which they belong, to find their own unit.
89. About the soldier keeping the standard of the commanding officer in
sight.
In every action it is always necessary that if something causes a soldier to be
separated some distance from the standard of his own unit, he must take every
step to join it again, so that the formation will remain free of confusion, <for
this> may well signify the salvation of the army.
90. About keeping foreigners away from the battle line.
If it should happen that there are some men of the same race as the enemy in
the army, they must be segregated the day before the battle and sent elsewhere
on some plausible pretext.
91. About the droungarioi and the counts urging the army on.
268
635
640
645
65o
655
Constitution 12
Kai TOLe; !lEV TOUP!lCtPXatC: mum rrpanav 1tp001"Ct~l<;. aAAa Kai fKCt0Hfl
opouyyapi(!J Kai KO!lf]ll Ci!la athoTc; rrapaKAUOU Kai rrp60Ta00, W0T m(f]Tdv
mhouc; EK rraVToc; Ta otovm E1TlTATv TOV mpm6v.
92. I1piTOU rravTwc; rrpwT Kai i::arrtpac; \jiaAAlV TOV mpaTOV TOV TptaaytOv
D!lVOV.
Xpeov yap, 'iT i::v <poaaaT4J otaya KaaTov Tawa ~Tot To ~avoov 'iT Kai 1
Ka8' auTO 01TOU0~1TOT Ct1TAlKUl, rrpwtac; de; a1rrov TOV op8pov rrpo rravToc;
rrpawaToc; ml de; i::arrtpav 611oiwc; !11"0. To &Trrvov Kai Tac; 11iaaac; TO TptaaytOv
\jiaA.A.w8m Kai Ta A.oma KaLa T~v auv~8aav.
93 IJepi KaTa0la0W<; KOVTOU~pVtWV.
TO. oi:: KOVTOU~tpvta ~TOl TU olov !llKpa ~avoa n:Vv UKlWV, Ka8wc; Kat 00l
aUTtlJ rrpWf]V wp[aa!lV, rrpoma~m arro rraA.mwv Kai vtwv a1nouc; rrotdv.
94. Tiepi 611Aiaewc; Twv aKtwv.
Tov oi:: 11pWTOV Kai OUTpov T~c; UK[ac; Kai TOV oupayov ~youv TOV oma8ev
Kai TOV 11po aUTOU Kovmpa-rouc; dvat, TOV oi:: -rp[-rov Kai -rtmpmv 1"0~6-rac; Kai
couc; v 11ta(J> we; ~ xpda a11m-rd.
95. 'On ~A<i11m -ra <pAa!lOUAa v GU!l~o,\ft !lCtXflC:
Th OE <pACt!lOUAa TWV KOVTapiwv EV TtlJ Katpt\J TOU 110Af!10U !1~ U<ptLV, we;
dpf]Tat, de; -ra KOVTapta tva !1~ TOTe; oma8ev Kai au-roTc; exoum KOVTapta E!11100[(wmv OU !10VOV Of, a,\,\a Kai Tate; ~aAAO!lfVat<; 11apa TWV TO~OTWV aayinatc;.
96. Tiepl -rwv A.eyo11tvwv OTIOT<ilwv.
Touc; oi:: A.eyo11tvouc; omo-ramuc;, Ka8wc; aot Kai E!111poa8ev otna~a!l8a,
ouc; de; 8epa11tav KaiTipoc; TO avaaw(tV LOU<; 11AT)yamuc; a-rpa-rtwmc; wpi0a!lV,
11poma~Lc;, tva Ka8' eKamov au-rwv -rawa e~ ~ OKTW EK TWV imooew-rtpwv
U<pOpl0W0lV, tVa EV Katpt\J <TIOAf!lOU> 11pL11otWVTat TOU<; Tpau!lan(O!lfVOU<;.
97. Tiepi ~iyA.ac; Kai <puAaK* ~avoou i::v Katpt\J !lCtXflC:
You will command the tourmarchs to do these things. Together with them
you will also command and give orders to each droungarios and count to strive
in every way so the army may accomplish its objectives.
92. About having the army chant the Trisagion hymn every morning and
evening.
33 2'
Whether each tagma or bandon remains in the main camp or is camping

someplace else by itself, early, at the crack of dawn before any other task, and
likewise in the evening after supper and the dismissal, the Trisagion must be
chanted and the rest of the customary practices observed. s
93 About organizing the squads.
You should order the squads, that is, like small banda of the files, as we have
prescribed for you earlier, to be composed of both young and older men.
94. About the armament of the files.
The first and second man of the file and the file closer in the rear and the
man in front of him should bear lances, while the third and fourth carry bows,
and the men in the middle whatever is needed at the time.
95 That pennons are harmful in actual combat.
Lance pennons should not, as noted, be carried on the lances at the time of
battle since they get in the way of those in the rear who also carry lances; not
only that, but they interfere with the shooting of arrows by the archers.
96. About the so-called deputies.
The so-called deputies, as we prescribed for you earlier, are the men who
have been designated by us to take care of and to rescue wounded soldiers. You
shall give orders that among the less-qualified men in each tagma six or eight
must be set apart to take care of the wounded during combat.
97. About scouts and guarding the standard during battle.
635 rrp6amaae MWA om. BE I tm(fJTE1v MWBE avayK6.(av A 637 rr6.vTw<; MWA om.
BE I1J16.AA.etv MWA om. BE I TOV aTpaTov MW om. ABE 638 UflVOV MWA UflVOV EKTEAE1v
BE 639 xpeov MW XP~ A XPEWV BE I yap MW of: A yap 'tva BE I TO MWBE om. A
640 UTIAlKEUEl MW UTIAfJKEUEl A UTIAlKEU<JEl BE I opSpov MW AB opSov E 641 fll<J<Ja<; w
flLVaa<; MABE I To2 MW Tov ABE 642 1j16.AA.m8at MW A 1JIUAAfJTat BE
643 KOVTO\l~epviwv ABE KOUTOU~epviwv MW 644 KOVTou~epvta ABE KOUTou~epvta MW
I Ta ... aKtwv (o1ov om BE) MWBE Ta<; aKia<; A 647 aKia<; MWBE aKia<; ~Tot Toii A.Oxou A
650 <JUfl~OA~ flUXfJ<; MWA T~ flUXfJ B flUXfJ E 651 acpietv MW exetv A acptevat BE
652 exou<Jt AE exwat MWB 653 aayiTTat<; MW aaytTUl<; AE aayiTa<; B 654 OETIOTUTWV
MW OlTIOTUTWV ABE 655 OeTIOTUTOU<; MWB OlTIOTUTOU<; AE 656 TIAf)Y<XTOU<; MW
TIAfJTTOflEVO\l~ A TIAf)<J<JOflEVOU~ BE
ABE
658 TIOAEflOU ci. Va om. codd.
269
659 Katpw MW wpa

8. Cf. Const. 11 19.
Constitution
270
12
L'.uo oi:: GKOUAKcrrwpa<; ~youv KaTaaKorrouc; ~ ~tyA.crrwpac; XPTJGl!lOU<:; Kal
66o
aypurrvouc; Kal avOpt:[ouc; mA.eywem Kat Mo llavocrrwpac;. a<popi(t:lV Oi:: Kat EK

niJv de; TCt<:; CtKtac; Taaaollevwv Mo avopac;, XPTJGl!lOU<:; t:ic; <pUAaK~V TOU ~avoou
v Katp(\) rroA.e11ou.
98. Tit:pl Tou A.t:yo11evou KavTaTwpoc;.
TiaVTW<:; oi:: Kal n)v AYO!lVOV KavTaTwpa mAywem mT~0elOV Kal
665
A6ywv eva mpanWTf]V Kat a<pop[am, WaT v QlJTOL<:; TOt<:; aywm rrt:ptTpexovTa
KaTmqot:tv Tole; aTpaTtwmtc; Tou Tawmoc; Kal Ott:ydpt:tv t:ic; rrpoeu11iav 8ta
rrpoTpt:rrnKwv A6ywv Kma Tov n)rrov, ovrrt:p aot rrpootwptaallt:ea.
99 TioT XP~ Mo ~avoa exnv Kat TrOT v;
TiotdTwaav 6 v Tole; llfYUAOL<:; Tawam Kal omA.a ~avoa Kal rrpo Tou
67o
TCOAe!lOV I TO !lEV ev TOY apxovTa xnv TOU TUY!laTO<:;, TO 8 &.Uo TOY rrpwTOV 333
EKaTOVTUpXfJV. v Of: Tft ~11p<;t TOU TrOAe!iOU 11~ TCt OUO ~aaTa(t:a0at ~TOl 6p0oua0at, aHa TO TOU apxovTO<:; llOVOV.
100.
Ti Ot:i m<pepwem Touc; mpanwmc; de; Tpo<p~v v Katp{\} llUXfJ<:;;
Xp~ ouv Kal v Tft ~llP<;t TOU rroAe!lOU EKaaTOV mpanWTT]V v Tal<:;
675
aeUatc;
QlJTWV m<pept:a0at uowp t:ic; Ta AfYO!lVa <pA.aaK[a Kat rra~allUTT]V v T(\)

at:Uorrouyy[qJ Kat &.A.eupov !liav ~ Kal Mo AlTpac;, WGT xnv v avayKf]<:; Katp{\}
Kat aUTOL<:; t:i<:; lJ\jtUXtav Kat rrapa11u0iav Kat ETepOL<:;, W<:; iKO<:;, t:i<:; T~V cmo
OAtywp[ac; CtVUKTf]atV.
101. Tit:pl Tou 11~ aKuA.t:unv Touc; <poveuo11evouc; rrpo T~c; K~aat:wc; Tou
6So
1t0Ae!l0V.
Select two scouts, that is, spies or watchmen, efficient, alert, and brave, and
two heralds. And from the troops formed in files pick out two men to serve as
guards for the standard in time of battle.
98. About the so-called cantor.
Be sure to select one soldier, competent and educated, for the position
referred to as cantor. Assign him to move about quickly in the midst of the
fighting to encourage the troops in the unit and to arouse them to enthusiasm
by hortatory words according to the model that we have prescribed for you.
99. When is it necessary to have two standards and when just one?
In the large tagmata let two standards be prepared before the battle; one
should be kept by the commander of the tagma, the other by the first hekatontarch. On the day of battle, however, do not carry or raise the two standards but
only that of the commander.
100. What must the soldiers carry for nourishment in time of battle?
On the day of battle, then, each soldier must carry on his saddle, in his
saddle bags, a flask, as it is called, of water and hardtack and one or two measures of barley meal. 9 In an emergency, then, he can lift up his own spirits and
offer comfort to himself and others who are likely to have become downcast.
101. About not plundering the dead before the conclusion of the battle.
They should know that before the end of the battle, while the fighting is still
going on, the soldier must not plunder the enemy. Repeat this order to the men
frequently.
'Ev oi:: Katp(\) !lCtXfJ<:; Iva ytvWGKWatV OTl ou 01 mpaTlWTf]V rrpo T~<:; EK~aat:wc;
Tou rroA.11ou aKuA.t:unv x0pov Kal TouTo rroUaKt<:; ainoic; rrapayyeA.A.nv.
661 acpopi<m ABE acpopiawat MW 662 UKta<; MWAE UKOU<; B 664 Kavn'nwpo<; MW
~youv aTpaToK~puKo<; ABE 665 KUVT<iTwpa A KavTaTopa MW Kavocnwpa
KavT<'rrwpo<;
BE
666 rrepnpexovm ABE rreptTpexovm<; MW
667 KaTerraoetv MW bnA.eym ABE
Tot<; aTpmtwTat<; De TW aTpmw codd. I TUYflaTO<; MW T6.Yf!aTo<; Ta rrpoTpbroVTa A TUYflaTO<;

Ta rrperrovm BE I Oteydpetv MWBE OteydpovTa A 667-668 Ota ... A6ywv MW om. ABE
668 rrpol5twptcr6.f!e8a MWA 15topl0'6.f!e8a BE 669 exetv ABE om. MW 670 15 MWBE
15 Kal A I T6.yf!acrt MABE Tawamv W 672 KaTovT6.PXlJV MW A i:KaT6vmpxov BE I Mo

MWA
WBE
67 4 d<; MW rrpo<; AB rrpo E
67 5 T~ ~f!Epa MW A Tw Katpw BE
cpA.acrKia MW Ta<; A.eyof!ltva<; acrKOOauA.a<; (acrKoM~A.a<; BE) ABE

rra~af!O.nov ABE
677 Mo MWA
WBE
676 Ta ...
MW
rra~af!6.Tl)V
678-679 Kall ... avaKTT)O'lV MW d<; rrapaf!u8iav

68o TOU<;
EQUTWV Kal (Kal EUUTWV BE) hepwv UVUKTT)O'lV TWV W<; elKO<; oA.tyopoUVTWV ABE
I EK~acrew<; MW O'Uf!ITA!]pwcrew<; ABE 682 EK~acrew<; MW

683 ToiJTo MWAE mu B I rrapayyeAA.etv MWA rrporrapayyeAA.et<; BE
<povEUOf!EVOU<; ABE om. MW

cruf!ITA!]pwcrew<; ABE
271
9 Cf. Const. 6, n. 14-
Constitution
272
12
102. Where should the baggage train be situated?
102. ITou od TOV TOUAOOV Taaaw8at;

685
Et<; o T<l<; 60omop(a<; 11~ auyKmai1LYVUlV 11la TOU TOUAOOU TO"U<;

<JTpaTtWm<; Kal 11CtAtam x8pwv npoaOOKW11EVWV, ana TO 11fV ~avoov E11npoa8v io(w<;, TO 8 TOUAOOV 6ma8v ~ Kal w<; ~ xpLa KaAe<JOl, Ka8w<; Kal v T{il
nepl TOU TOUAOOU ~11tV Ke<paAa(q> e'ipT]ml. mum, anep <JOl npo8tm~al18a, Kal
mho<; EKCt<JT(J) K011T]ll Kal 8pouyyap(q>, ana Kal TOUP11CtPXn io(w<; Kal npoytvw-
690
<JKlV Kat fT([TAtV Kat napayyt:Ad<; Kat napa<JKUCt<Jl<;.

103. 'On ~
wv
ovvam( Tl<; VlKUV TOU<; x8pou<;, Taum Oet <puAanw8at
aUTOV.
LOL 8 KAU011V,
w<JTpaTT]y, W<JT api100LW<; KXP~<J8at TOt<; Katpot<; v
-rat<; 11axm<; Kal np6Tt:pov 11v cpuA<inea8a[ a Ta<; acpop11a<;, Ot' wv ai ~Aa~m
695
napa TWV x8pwv <JU11~a[vouat y(vwem, Kal TOT 8ta TWV TOlOUTWV a<pOPI1WV
KaTa Twv x8pwv tyxetpdv.
104. ITt:pl Tou 11 ~ otwKetv tx8pou<; aTaKTw<;.
Kal npo navTWV oov (J Ta<; napa TWV vavT(wv flATWI1EVa<; v8pa<;
peuvav Ota ~tyAwv nUKVWV KaLa TWV Teaaapwv 11PWV TOU T6nou, evea ~
700 napam~t<;
y[vTat, Kal anxea8at TWV aTCtKTWV Kat f<JKopm<J11EVWV OtW~WV.
105. ITt:pl TOU 11~ TOV mpaTT]YOV Ta<; nponTet<; yxetp~<Jl<; notdv ana 8ta
TWV apxovTWV.
Koupaa 8 ~ npont:T1<; yxetp~at<; ota aeauTou nott:tv oi>K mTpno11v aot,
aHa 8ta I TWV api100LWV apxovTWV mum y(vwem. av 11fV yap fK TWV a:\Awv
705
apxovTWV napcmTWfla ~ amoxla YEVT]TUl, eanv Ani<; <JUVTOI10<; navop8w<JW<;,

i 0 6 npwm<; LOU <JTpaTOU 1tTaL<Jl, avapx[a<; np6<paat<; ~ TOUTOU OlCtrrTW<Jl<;
y[vt:mt.
106. LO<pO<; 0 <JTpanwo<; Kal apt<JTO<; 6 npo TOU noAE110U TQ TWV x8pwv
noAunpaYf.lOVWV Kat npo<; 11fV TU nAOVKT~11am aUTWV <pUAaHOflVO<;, npo<; OE
710 Ta U<JTP~I1aTa m~aAAOI1VO<;, oiov, W<;
tv Ke<paAa[q>
intV. unep (J Ka~aAAa-
333'
On the march the soldiers should not get mixed in with the baggage train,
especially if the enemy are expected. The bandon goes ahead by itself and the
baggage train to the rear or as the situation requires, as we have noted in our
chapter about the baggage train. These matters that we have prescribed for you
are those about which you will give orders and you will see that each individual
count and droungarios, as well as the tourmarch, will know them and carry
them out.
103. That a person must observe those things that enable him to defeat the
enemy. 10
We order you, 0 general, to take advantage of favorable times in engaging
the enemy in battle. First, you must be on your guard against enemy assaults
that inflict harm <on your troops>, and then you must launch the same sort of
assaults against the enemy.
104. About not pursuing the enemy in a disorderly manner.
Above all, you must be on the lookout for ambushes being planned by your
opponents, sending out frequent patrols to the four quarters of the area where
the battle line is deployed. And refrain from disordered and uncoordinated
pursuits.
105. About the general not engaging in headlong attacks but <leaving such>
to his subordinate officers.
We do not permit you to take part personally in raids or headlong attacks.
These should be carried out by suitable officers. For if one of the subordinate
officers blunders or fails, we can hope to straighten out the situation quickly. But
if the first in the army fails, his failure can open the way to complete disorder.
106. The best and wisest general is he who, before waging war, carefully
studies the enemy and is on his guard against those areas in which <the enemy>
is stronger and who takes advantage of those in which he is weaker. To sum it
691-733 Strat., 7.A.praef.

684 tov ABE to MW 685-686 tou ... crtpanwta; MW twv crtpattwtwv tov touMov ABE
686 Kal MWA om. BE
rrepl BE
687 io1w; MW io1w; rrepmate1v ABE
687-688 tw ... toii MWA
688 ~f.!lV MWAE ~fllV ~fllV B I mum MW taiita f.!EV ABE I rrpooteta~Uf.!E6a ABE
Oteta~af.!e6a MW
689-690 Kal3 . rrapaaKeuacret; MW rrapayydAet; rrpoytvwaKetv Kal
rrapaOKEUUOEl; emTEAelV ABE

MWA t':ydpetv BE
Km)pawpa;
695 OUfl~UlVOUOL MWAE OVf.!~UlVOt>OlV B
702 apxovtwv MW apxovtwv TUUTU y1ve6at BE
oe ~ BE om. MW I crot MWA om. BE
696 eyxetpdv
703 Koiipaa ... ~ A
705 rrapamw11a ... yevfjtat MW Ot>fl~~
TLVU aa-rox~aat ~ KlVOUVEUOat ABE I aUVTOf.!O; erravop6waEW; MW trsp. ABE

MWA y1vetat rrepl ao<poii crtpatfjyou BE
273
707 y1vetat
10.
Sections 103-108 derive from Strat. praef.7.A.
2 74
715
720
Constitution
12
piou<; xn 6 txepo<; rr:\dova<;, oeov (J TU<; poaKa<; a<pavi<nv Ota TO TOU<; 'lrrrrou<;
oarrCtVf]<; U<JtEpEtV. tav o Ei<; rr:\~6o<; avopwv TrAEOVEKtft, TU<; tOUTWV oarrava<;
rrepl<JTEAAE ft a<p<ivt<e. tav 0 arro Ota<p6pwv tevwv <JUVE<Jtf]KEV, owpot<; KUL
xapl<Jf.la<Jl Kal trrayye:\[at<; i>rrov66eue TOU<; (JUV aut4J. tav 0 f.L<'t6n<; on tvavt[a<;
ta<; YVWf.la<; rrpo<; aAA~AOU<; xou<JLV oi tx6po[, tOU<; rrpwtou<; autwv f.lETUXLPL<ou. KOVtapiot<; f.lCtXETat TO 6vo<;, Ei<; ouaxwp[a<; auto rrpo<JKaAOU trrl f.lCtXfJV. tav
o to~6tat eia[v, ei<; KCtf.lTrOU<; TCt<J<JE<J6at autou<; KUL T~V tK XEtpo<; f.lCtXfJV rrotd<J6at. tav o a<pUACtKtW<; 60otrropoiJ<JLV ft arrAtKEUOU<JlV, tv VUKTL ft tv ~f.lEp<;t,
tOUTOl<; UOOK~TW<; tvopeue. tav o 6paaw<; Kal atCtKTW<; ta<; f.lCtXU<; TrOlOUVtat
KUL TOU KaKorra6e1v iirretpo[ d<JLV, <JXf]f.lati<ou f.lEV autou<; w<; rrpo<; <JUf.lPOA~V,
avapa:\Aou OE Kal rrapaaupe f.ltXpt<; ou to <ov toiJ 6Uf.lOU tvowan Ka[, ot' iiv
arrOKV~<JW<JlV, TOTE T~V <JUf.lPOA~V Kat' autwv TrOlf]<JOV. tav o tv rr:\~6Et rre<wv
rrpotepeun, d<; Of.laAou<; t6rrou<; TOUTOU<; rrpotptrrou Kal f.l~ auveyyu<;, ana
f.l~K06Ev Ot' aKOVtlWV ta<; f.lCtXU<; TrOlEL<J6at.
725
73 o
107. Ta yap TWV TrOAEf.lWV KUVf]yiot<; eialv Of.lOlU. warrep yap tKEl Ola KataCfKOTrWV Kal tyKpUf.lf.lCtTwv Kal KataKUKAwcrewv Kal totou-rwv ao<ptcrf.l<'ttwv
f.lUAAOV ft OUVCtf.l1 ~ tOUtWV 6~pa yivEtat, OUTW<; OEL Kat trrl TWV TrOAEf.lWV
6.pf.l6<w6at, e'Lte rrpo<; rr:\eiova<; dte rrpo<; 6:\iyou<; yivovtat.
108. To yap <pavepw<; Kal xetpl ot' 0\j!EW<; f.LOVOV Pta<w6at TOU<; tvavtiou<;,
ott: Kal 06~e1 n<; toutou<; vtKiiv f.lETU KtvMvou Kal <TJf.lia<; ou t~<; -ruxou<Jf]<; ~ tof>
rrpawato<; arr6pam<; aut4J <JUf.lPUtVEl orrep TWV a:\oyiatwv tcrtlv avayKf]<;
f.lfYl<JTf]<; xwpl<; I f.lETU <TJf.lla<; VlKf]V Ktiicr6at, KEV~V KUL f.lataiav UTrOAf]\jllV f.lOVf]V
<ppouaav.
711 TO MWAE om. B
KUL ABE <JUVE<JT!]KEV
B xapt<Jf.LU~ E
712 To{JTwv ABE To{rrou MW
w <JUVE<JT!]KE MA <JUVE<JT~KOL BE
I urrov66EUE MW UTIOKAETITE A
714-716 eaV ... f.LETUXELPt(ou MWA om. BE
om. BE
713 nep[crn:A.AE MW neptKorrTE

714 xapt<Jf.LU<Jl MWA xapt<Jf.LU<JLV
I UUTW
MWA UUTW UTIOKAETITE BE
715 UAA~AOU~ Va UAA~AU~ MW UAA~AOU<JLV
tav KOVTap[w~ B d KOVTap[w~ E I oucrxwp[a~ MW

MWA Ei BE 718 MomopoiJ<JLV MW MomopW<JLV ABE I
UTIALKEUOU<JLV MW UTIALKEUW<JLV ABE 719 epacrew~ MWA eapcrew~ BE I TIOLOUVTUL MW
TIOLWVTUL ABE 720 iiTIELpo[ EL<JLV MWAB W<JLV iiTIELpOL E I UUTOU~ MW auTO~ ABE
A om. BE
716 KOYraptoL~ MWA
OU<JKOAOU~ TOTIOU~ ABE
I eav
721 nap6.crupe MW nap6.crupe TOV n6Af.LOV ABE
MBE
724 &' MWBE &a A
MWAE KOTITWV B
725-726 KaTa<JK6nwv
727 ~ ... e~pa MW ~ e~pa TOUTWV ABE TIOAEf.LWV
729 ot' o\jlew~ MW Ei~ rrp6crwnov ABE
ABE
722 anoKv~<JW<JLV WA anoKLv~crw<JL
725 TIOAEf.LWV Va TIOAEflLWV codd.

731 auTw MWAE auToii B
w TIOAEf.LlWV MABE
732 f.LOV!]V MW om.
334
275
up: if the enemy has more cavalry than you, you must destroy their pasturage so
as to reduce the fodder for their horses. If the enemy has more men than you,
cut off and destroy their provisions. If the men in his army come from diverse
nations, corrupt them with gifts, favors, and promises. If you learn that there is
much dissension among the enemy, deal with their leading men. This people
relies on the lance, summon them into battle on difficult terrain. If they are
archers, have them take their stand in the open and engage them in hand-tohand combat. If they march or make camp without taking precautions, either at
night or during the day, catch them by surprise in an ambush. If they are
reckless and undisciplined in combat and are not inured to hardship, make
believe you are going to attack but delay and drag things out until their ardor
cools and when they begin to hesitate, then launch your attack against them. If
the enemy is superior in numbers of infantry, entice them into level areas and,
not too close but at a safe distance, fight them with javelins.
107. Warfare is like hunting. Wild animals are taken by scouting, by lying in
wait, by circling around, and by other such stratagems rather than by force. And
so we must accommodate ourselves to warfare in the same way, whether the
enemy be many or few.
108. To try to simply overpower our adversaries in the open, hand-to-hand
and face-to-face, even though you might appear to win, is an enterprise fraught
with danger and can result in serious harm. Apart from an extreme emergency,
it is absolutely ridiculous to try to gain a victory that is so costly and brings only
empty and vain glory.
276
Constitution 12
109. 'Err[ TOllTOl<; napaKAUOf18a GOt, wmpa-rqy, Kat oaa XP~ (J JtOlelV
735 rrpo T~<; TOU JtOAEflOU ~flpa<;, OT Kat avayKq <J KaTJteLYL npo<; flUXllV E~t:A.8e'lv
KaTa T(OV ex8pwv.
736
KUTa Twv
ABE KaT' MW
277
109. These are the orders we issue to you, 0 general, that you are obliged to
carry out before the day of battle, when you are forced to go out and do battle
against the foe.
IIOAEMIKDN IIAPAIKEYDN f..IATASII If'
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION XIII

About the Day before Battle
1.
'Dan: napaaKEUU~ElV TO"Ut; TOUpf.lapxat; npo f.LlUt; ~ OEUTEpat; ~f.lpat; TOU
noAEf.LOU TU ~avoa ayta~ElV Ola nvv ieptwv Kal oihwt; mot06vat TOlt; ~avoocp65
pott; -rwv -rayf.laTwv.

2. Tov o EKUO'TOU TCtyf.laTOt; KOf.LT]Ta npoKa8taTUV n't KOVTOU~pvta Kal
O.vanAT]pouv -ra A.drrovm GWf.LUTa.
3. L:nouoaaet~:; o -ra Ka-ra -rout; txepou~:; noA.unpawov~am ota ~tyA.wv
b.Kpl~Wt; Kal Ola KaTUO"K6nwv T~V TE KLVT]aLV m'nwv Kal TO noaov TOU nA.~eout;
10 au-rwv Kal -r~v m)vm~tv Kal oihwt; <.lpf.L6~w8m eit; -ro f.l~ aicpvtOtacr8~vat nap'
au-rwv.
4 LUVTU~Elt; o nl axoA.~t; TOV mpmov KaTa opouyyou<; Kal KaTa TOUpf.lat;
Kal f.l~ navm Of.LOD dt; v tv vl -romp Kal OtaA.aA.~crELt; au-roit; -ra nptnovm ~ ot'
auTOU ~ Ola TWV io(wv apxovTWV, naA.atO.t; TE O.vaf.Llf.LV~O'KWV VLKT]t; Kal npo-r15 pwv E1tlTUXLWV Kal ota TOLOUTWV npo8Uf.LOnotELV auTOUt; nayydA.acr8a( TE T~V EK
T~t; ~aatAELat; ~f.LWV Ctf.LOl~~V Kat EUEpyecr(av Kat TOV imp T~t; EUVOtat; T~t;
noAm(at; f.LL086v, Ell o npocrunOf.Llf.LV~O"KELV Kal TU OLOOf.LEVa f.laVOUTU Kal T~V
an11v napayyeA.iav, ~v napa ; aou au-rou Kalnapa -rwv iOtKwv aU-rwv apxov-rwv EA.a~ov Ka8' EKacrTov -rayf.la.
M (mut.) W ABE
1. A day or two before combat, the tourmarchs should see that the standards
are blessed by the priests and then present them to the standard-bearers of the
tagmata.'
2. The commanding officer of each tagma should organize it into squads and
bring them up to full strength.
3 You will make every effort, employing scouts and spies, to obtain accurate
intelligence about the enemy's movements and the number and disposition of
their troops. This will allow you to make proper adjustments and not be caught
off guard by them.
4 When you are not otherwise occupied, you shall assemble the army by
droungoi and by tourmai, but not all at once in one place. Appropriate speeches
should be addressed to them, either by yourself or their individual officers.
Recall their past victories and their earlier successes to encourage them. Promise rewards and benefactions from Our Majesty and recompense for their
loyalty to the state. Remind them, furthermore, of the commands given them
and the other orders that they have received from you personally and from their
own officers in each unit.
Va PG 107:844
1-102 Strat., 7.A.1-14.

1 noAefHKwv napacrKevwv MW A om. BE 2 npo MWA om. BE 3 Toupf1apxa<; MWAE
TOUpflapxou<; B I ~flepa<; MWAE om. B 6 KOfll]TU MW apxovTa ABE I KOVTOU~epvta AB
KOUTou~epvta MW KOVTof> ~epvta E 7 crwf1a-ra MW om. ABE 8 -ra MW A om. BE I -roil<;
exSpoil<; ABE TWV exSpwv MW 9 TO nocrov MW T~V 1!0<YOTT)Ta ABE 12 tnl crxo>.ij<; MW
tv apyia ABE 13 nav-ra MW OAOV ABE I Of10U MWAE Ef10U B I d<; ev MW om AB EV E
13-14 <'it' eau-roii MW <'ita creau-roii ABE 14 ioiwv MWA om. BE 15 em-ruxtwv MW
eil-ruxtwv ABE I -re MWA -re Kal BE 16 -rov MW -rov f1tcr8ov -rov ABE 16-17 -rij<;
rro>.mia<; MW -r~v npo<; -r~v no>.t-rdav ABE 17 f1tcr86v MW om. ABE 18 napa -re MW
Kalnapa ABE I i<'itKwv MW i<'iiwv ABE
1. Sections 1-17 derive from Strat. 7.A.1-14.
280
20
25
30
35
Constitution
13
The Day before the Battle
s.'Eav 0 nv<; ni>v txepwv auflPfl KpaTfl8f]vm ~ npoapuf]vm, i fl!::v y~::vvato( dat TOt<; GWflaal Kal dJOTtAOL, TOUTOU<; fl~ Oflf.10GlULV <4> a-rpaT4J aAA.' tv
-rep<.p TOTt<.p a<pavw<; tKTteflTtELV mhou<;, d oi:: tJTAEl<; tat, TOU<; fl!::V npoapUOflVOU<; tm-r118uat<; tm8t~m <4> a-rpa-r<-9 nav-ri, -rou<; oi:: Kpmouf.1vou<; yuflvou<;
nt:ptayt<; Kal imoe~aL<; au-rou<; napaKaA.dv -rou<; a-rpanwm<; fl~ <povcu8f]vm,
Ei<; -ro navm<; -rou<; txepou<; tA.~::ELvou<; dvm vofll(wem napa -rwv a-rpanw-rwv.
6. 'Exepwv 8 tyyt(6v-rwv KalOflflOaiou npoa8oKwf.1vou noMf.!ou napayy~::i
A.n<; TOt<; apxouat TWV I TaYf.!UTWV WGT fl~ TtOLtV tv tKlVat<; Tat<; ~flltpm<; GUV~
AUGL<; KaTCt TWV UTaKTOUVTWV mpaTLWTWV, <pUAanwem oi:: TtaVTOLW<; fl~
KaKWGUL TOV a-rpanWTflV, UAAU Kal TOU<; tv lJTtO'!'L<;t ovm<; AUTtfl<; nvo<; EVKa
flETaXELPi(wem d<; U8Ufl(av, d oi:: UflETaxdptaTOl o[ TOLOtJTOL flltVOUatV, xwpiat<;
aU-ro~<; npo<; flLKpov Kal -rep<.p napanltfl'!'EL<; -r6n<.p flTa npo<paa~::w<; ~::uA6you
flXpt -rf]<; -rov TtOAeflOU tKpaa~::w<;, Iva fl~ -roi<; txepoi<; npoa<puy6v-r<; ~::'(nwa(v TL
wv ou XP~ YLVWGKELV au-rou<;. TOU<; oi:: OflOYVi<; TWV txepwv, W<; ~Ofl npot:(TtoflEV, npo TtOAAOV XWpt(ELV Kal tv TtOAefl<.p TOUTOU<; fl~ <pepELV KaTCt TWV io(wv flUXwem.
7 'D-r' liv oi:: flHn<; GUflPaA.lv d<; flUXflV, mpaTfly, XP~ a Kal Ta d<;
ocu-repav TUXflV UTtOGKOTtiV Kat Ta<; tKi8V tvavnWG1<; npoaa<paA((wem Kal
20 CJVfl~~ MW CJVfl~~ etc; ~(yAav ABE lnpocrpv~vat MW npocro:pvydv ABE 21 euonAot De

fVOTIAOl codd. 22 oe MWAE oe KUl B I eicrt MBE ELCJlV WA 22-23 npocrpVOflEVOV<; MW
npocro:peuyovmc; ABE 23 emod~at MW E1tl0El~Elc; ABE I Tlll ... 1tUVTl MW OAW nil crTpm:w
ABE 24 neptayetc; MW neptayayELc; de; oAov To crTpaTEVfla ABE I imo8~<mc; mhoilc; MW
napayyetAI'jc; mhoic; wcrTE ABE 25 eic; ... crTpanwT<ilv MW aHa Kai Tepa p~flaTa Atyetv
ii~LU eAovc; Kal CJVfl1tU8dac; we; iiv TOlOUTOV; EAWvoilc; auTOilc; ~AETIWV 6 crTpm:oc; KUi TOile;
iiAAovc; iinavmc; tx8poilc; TotouTovc;, dvm imovo~cr!J ABE 27 Tote; ... myflO.Twv MW micrt
Tote; im6 cre iipxovcrt ABE 27-35 wcrTe ... flO.xw8m MW fl!]&tva T<ilv imoxwp(wv auT<ilv
ETIE~epxwem (tntpxwem BE) tav TlVU am~(av 1t0l~CJT] Kalnav-rl Tp6nw o:pvAo.nwem W(JTE
fl~ AV1t~(JCll T01J; crTpUTlWTUc; ana Kai Toile; (TOte; B) f.v lJTIO'!'LU ovmc; AU1tl'j; nvoc; Kal EKELVOV;
napaflv8eicr8m Kal eu8vflOTepovc; napacrKwa<ELv et oe Kal (Kal om. BE) ou flETU~aHovmt EK
T~c; 8Alljiewc; a>-A' E1tlflEVOVCJt (E1tlflEVovcrtv A) crnovoacretc; Toii flETCt euA6yov (flETCt A6yov BE)
npoo:pacrewc; anoxwp(crm UUToilc; EK TOU crTpUTOU flEXptc; iiv 6 1tOAEflO<; TEAELW8~ 1tOAAUKl; yap
ol ToLOuTot AvTIODflEVOL npocro:peuyovcrt ToT<; noAEfltOtc; Kal npO.yflaTa nva auToi<;
aTIOKUAUTITOVCJlV a OUK E(JTl (ECJTlV BE) OEOV flU8dv auToilc; Toile; oi:: OflOYEVEtc; KUL OflO<puAovc;
TWV 1tOAEfllWV 1tp6 TIOAAWV ~flEp<ilv anoxwpt<ElV KUi fl~ enaywem UUToilc; EV T~ ~flEpa TOU
1tOAEflOV ABE 30 flEVOVCJlV WA flEVOV(Jl MBE 36 CJVfl~UAELV MW CJVfl~6.AAElV ABE I KCli
MW Kai Ta evav-r(a Aoyi<wem Kai ABE I Ta MW om. ABE 37 anocrKondv MW
ano~AETIElV ABE I EKEL8ev MW EK TClUTI'jc; ABE
334'
281
5 If some of the enemy happen to be captured or desert <to us>, then, if

they are impressive in bodily appearance and in their armament, do not show
them to the army but secretly send them off to some other place. But if they
look wretched, make sure to exhibit the deserters to the whole army; strip the
prisoners and parade them about and force them to entreat the soldiers not to
kill them, so that our soldiers will think that all the enemy are that miserable.
6. When the enemy are approaching and a pitched battle is imminent, you
should order the commanders of the tagmata not to pass judgment in those days
against soldiers who are disorderly, and not to deal harshly with the soldiers at
all. They should, rather, deal with those who are suspected of having some
grievance in such a manner as to render them benevolent. But if these men
remain intractable, separate them and send them off to some other place for a
while, on some plausible pretext, until the battle is over. Otherwise they may go
over to the enemy and provide them with information they must not have. Men
of the same race as the enemy should, as we have already prescribed, be sent
away long before. You should not allow them to fight against their own people.
7 When you are about to engage in battle, 0 general, you must keep in
mind the possibility of second fortune and take steps to guard against its
Constitution 13
282
flCtAtoTa, W<; 110AACtKL<; ~fllV dpf]TUL, Ta<; Ct110Tpo<pa<; ~flpwv 6A.[ywv TWV T
aTpanwTwv Kal TWV t1111WV auvayLv Kal <poaaa-ra oxupwTpa J10LLV Kal EV
40 E11LTf]8eLOL<; TOJ10L<;, ev8a 8uvaTOV TO Mwp J1CtVTW<; EK8LKia8aL EV Katp<}J avay-
KTJ<;.
8. M~ aflA~an<; 8 T~<; apLaTOJ10Lla<; TOU aTpaTOU. i flEV yap, em auflpouA.eu8ft<;, ~ auflpoA.~ y[vTCll J1CtVTW<; EV 4> av 8oKLflCtan<; Kmp<}J, TO aptaTOV TOU
a-rpaTou ytva8w. et 8 Toiho fl~ eanv, flEAAovm<; Toii noAEflOU, navTw<; TO rrpwt
45 y[vw8m TO liptaTOV tva,
i TIJXOL, Kal eupwaTOL elaL Kal 8t' OAf]<; J10AACtKL<; T~<;
~flpa<; Toii noAEflOU KpoTOUflEVou fl~ KA.u8wmv.
9 Xp~ 8 a J1CtVTW<;, ib a-rpa-rfjy, fl~ flOVOV EV TOL<; UAAOL<; Kmpo1<;, ana Kal
EV T<fl TOLOlmp yyu<; TOU 110AEflOU Kmp<}J fl~ af1A1v TOU auflpouA.euw8m, aA.Aa
Kal TOT flUALma auyKaA.aL<; Tou<; un6 ae ToUpflc'tpxa<; Kal d nva Tepov
50 80KLflc'tan<; ayx[vouv Kal <pp6VLflOV ei<; T~V KaTa TOY Kmpov O<pLAOflEVf]V yev-
a8m auflPOuA~V, Kal oihw<; pouA.euaaa8a[ a 8ov Ta 11pl TOU J10AEflOU.

Ka-ravo1v 8 aKplpw<; Kal TOY TOJ10V v8a ~ auflPOA~ TOU J10AEflOU
10.
flEAAL y(vw8m.
IIporrapayye[A.n<; 8 TOt<; apxoumv tva KaTa T~V 11pWTf]V <pWV~V TOU
11.
55
pouK[vou v Tft vuKTl T~<; Tou noAEflOU ~flpa<; Tou<; tnnou<; nl TOY no-rov
napaaKeuaawmv ~ayayelv tva fl~, w<; eiK6<;, af1AOUVT<; TODTOU v T<fl Kmp<}J
T~<; rrapaTa~ew<; arroA.lrrwvTm.
IIporrapayyLA.n<; 0, Ka8w<; avwTpw ~fllV dpf]TUL, tva Kal d<; EKaaTo<;
12.
a-rpaTLWTfj<; EV T<}J KLV1V 11p0<; rrapa-ra~LV exn EV T<fl aeHonouyyi<p aUTOU flLaV ~
WuJ
negative effects. 2 In particular, as we have frequently said, collect food for a few
days for both soldiers and horses. Construct strongly fortified camps in suitable
locations in which, above all, water may be safely stored for emergencies.
8. Do not neglect the preparation of meals for the army. If, after consultation, fighting is to take place, be sure to schedule the meal for the army at
whatever time you think best. If no fighting is anticipated, then by all means, the
army should plan to take its main meal very early so that, in case <battle> does
take place, the men may be in good physical condition and, while the battle is
being waged throughout the day, may not fall apart.
9. By all means, 0 general, you must, not only at other times, but also in that
hour when combat is imminent, not neglect to enter into consultation. Especially at that time, call together the tourmarchs under your command and anyone
else you regard as shrewd and thoughtful to seek their advice on what ought to
be done at that time. In this way you must make your plans regarding the battle.
10. Make accurate observations about the location in which the battle is to
be fought.
11. Issue orders ahead of time to the officers that, at the first sound of the
trumpet on the night before battle, they should make sure to lead the horses out
to water. If they should neglect this, their horses may fail <them> when it is
time to form the battle line.
12. Issue orders ahead of time, as we have previously prescribed, that each
soldier, as he moves up to tlle battle line, should carry in his saddle bags a
59 ad auToii des. M
38 Ct1!0Tpocpa~ WABE CtTIO<Hpocpa~ M
38-39 ~J.IEPWV ... auvayetv MW auvayetv TWV TE
l1!1!WV Kal TWV avopwv KUV OAiywv ~J.lepwv ABE

42 T~~ aptOT01!0llU~ MW TOU YEUJ.IUTO~ ABE
~OUAI]S~~
BE
43 OUJ.l~OA~
40 f1llTI]OelOl~ T01!0l~ MW trsp. ABE
42-43 OUJ.l~OUAEU8~~ MW OUJ.l~OUAI]S~~ A
MW OUJ.l~OA~ TOU 1!0AEJ.IOU ABE
44-46 J.IEAAOVTO~ ...
EKAu8watv MW EV T~ a~ e~ouaia aU' UO!]AO~ eanv ~ TOU 1!0AEJ.IOU OUJ.l~OA~ OUJ.lq>Epov EOTLV
'tva TO npwl aptoTWotv ol oTpaTtWTat ouJ.l~aiv!] yap .St' OAT]~ T~~ ~J.!Epa~ auyKpoTLo8at Tov
1!0AEJ.IOV Kal
uTIOJ.IEVetv
eav
ABE
TVXWOl yeuOUJ.IEVOl ioxup6Tepoi eiat Kal OUVUVTat .St' OAT]~ T~~ ~J.!Epa~
44 TIOAEJ.IOU
De
46 KpOTOUJ.IEVOU Va KpOTOUVTO~ MW
ToTe A om. BE
oe ABE
48
MW
om.
ABE
45 T~~
om.
ev ... TOlOUTW MW om. ABE I Jl~ ... TOU 2 MW Kal
48-49 0.\Aa ... J.IUAtata MW om. ABE
49 ouyKaAeoet~ MW auyKaAEOet~
50 OOKlJ.IUOI]~ ... q>pOVlJ.IOV MW oloa~ elvat q>pOVlJ.IOV Kal emT~OElOV ABE I Katpov
MW Katpov Keivov ABE

55 T~~ MW AB om. E
ABE
oTpaTou
51 OUJ.l~OuA~v MW ~ouA~v ABE
I oi!tw~
MWA oi!tw BE
58 nponapayydATJ~ BE napayyeiAet~ MW A I Ka8w~ MW Ka8w~ Kal
59 ex'l MWAE exetv B
283
2.
"Second fortune:' a frequent euphemism for ill fortune, i.e., defeat.
284
60
70
75
So
Constitution 13
Kal QUO A.hpac; apTOU ~ aA.upou ~ Tfl<HOU E'\'fjTOU ~ rra~aflCtOac; ~ Kpac; EXLV o
Kal <pAa<JKLV fllKpov tv Tft apya~i<;t UOatoc; YEflOV Kal flh o'ivou Ota T Tac; TUXfjpac; rrptaTCt<JLc; Kal Tac; arravTwaac; xpiac;. TCOAACtKtc; yap TpTCOflEVWY tx8pwv
Kal oxupwflaTt rrpoGTPXOVTWV xpia rrapaKa8(aat mhoic; Ota VUKTO<:; Kal
~flpac; ~ rraA.tv Thv GDfl~oA.hv flEXPL T~c; i::arrepac; rrapaTivw8at. Kal avayKai6v
tanv tmc:ppw8at oarr<ivfjV 'iva flh Tft tAA.i'!'L T~c; oarr<ivfjc; TO rrpaKTov tflTCOoi(TjTat.
13.'Eav 8 rrpoc; ouvmov 8voc; tmlv 6 rr6AflO<:; Kal tK rrpoA.~'!'wc; nvoc; tv
&tA.i<;t taTlv 6 aTpaT6c;, flh arrouManc; cruf.trrA.Kw8m OfjflOaiwc; u8uc;, aAA.a
rrp6Tpov a<J<paAwc; tmT~0D rrpo T~c; ~flpac; TOU TCOAeflOD flHCt t~rrA~KTWV Kal
XPTj<JlflWV avopwv AATj86twc; Kal flh c:pavpwc; I trrpxw8a[ nvt flEPl a\nwv. tav
yap c:pavpwc; c:povu8wai nvc; Twv tvavTiwv ~ (wvTc; auAA.fJc:p8wm, VOflt<JL To
rrA.f)8oc; TWV aTpaTLWTWV, on 0DVCtfll tyvno TO <JDfl~CtV, Kal rrpo8Dfl0Tp0l
yivovtal ThY 0LALUV arro~aAAOflYOL Kal oihwc; KaTa fllKpov t8i(ovTat TOAflUV
Kal KaT' ainwv tyxnpciv.
14. 'Eav of: aic:pvtOLa<JflO<:; YEVfJTaL imo TWV tx8pwv KUL flh <JDfl~aivn Tft TOU
TCOAEflOD xpL<;t ~ 6 T6rroc; we; oaauc; Kal 0D<JXPhc; ~ 6 Katpoc; arrp6ac:pop6c; tanv,
o1ov rroAA.ou XLflwvoc; ~ 6floiwc; KaUflaToc;, flh mTfjOuanc; <JDfl~aA.iv auTolc; ~
TOT ~ tKi<J, aA.A.a anouoa( flUAAOV auvaytV <JTpatov Kal TOTCOV 'iOtOV KpUTlv de; arrALKTOV Kal impTL8ou, flEXptc; av Kal TOTIOD ETCLTTJ&iou Kal Katpou
6f10LW<:; UTCop~anc;, KUL flh UKOD<JLW<:; <JDfl~CtAAnc;. TOUTO yap TCOLWV OUXL TOY
tx8pov <pu~n aAA.a TOY avmtT~OflOV Kat ai<JDfl<pOpov TOTCOV <pDAUTTOflVO<:; an.
6o ouo WAE WB 1 hJ!!]<Ou WA hJ!!]f.U~You BE I rra~aJ.laoa~ WA rra~af.l<ha~ BE
fllKpoY W O.aKooapA.aY J.llKpaY ABE
61-62 TUXIJPCt~ Va (JTUXTJPa~
O.pyapia W pyapia ABE
CJUflPatYOUCJa~ ABE 62 TCt~
63 rrapaKa8iam mhot~ W A rreptKa8iaat au<ou~ BE
w AEiiJ!El
ABE
oarrCtYl]~
61 cpA.aaKlY
yef.IOY W yflouaaY ABE
TCt~ w~ elKO~ ABE
64 napa<EiYw8at W Kpa<E1Y ABE
<GUT!]~ BE I npaKTEOY Va npaKmioY w

65-66 EJ.ITCooi~l]<at W EJ.ITCootaS~ ABE
67 ta<lY ... rroA.eJ.lo~ WA 6 noA.eJ.lo~ ~ BE 68 a<lY WA imapxTJ BE 69 e~nA.~K<wY w
A.acppwY ABE 7 1 yap cpaYepw~ W yap ABE I auAA.l]cpSwm W Kpa<l]SmY A Kpa<l]Sat
6s EAAEiiJ!El
I '~~
Wufi
wA
flEAAOY npaxS~Ym A J.IEAAOY napexS~Ym BE
BE
w CtTCO OUYCtf.lEW~ ABE 73

w OUJ.IPCtAl]Tal ABE 76
ABE I eanv w {mapxTJ ABE
72 OUYCtJ.IEl
anopaAAOJ.IEYOl A anopaAOJ.IEYOl
w paAOJ.IEYOl
ouaxep~~ w OU(JKOAO~ ABE I anpoacpop6~ w

CtCJUf.l<pEpO~
77 OflOtW~ w om. ABE I ETClTl]OEUCJl]~ w
E1tlTl]OEUOI]~ WCJTE ABE 77-78 ~ 2 EKEl(JE w ~ EY EKELYW TW KatpW ~ ei~ EKElYOY TOY TOTCOY
BE
ABE
75 OUJ.IPaiYl]
78 a<pa<OY De aeamoY codd.
79-80 TOTCOU ... eunop~Ol]~
A <WY txepwY W om. BE
79 imep<iSou W imep<i8ou <o noAEJ.IOY ABE
w TOTCOY Kal KatpOY EJtlT~OElOY eilpl]~ ABE

81
80-81 TOY txepoY
cpeu~TJ W cpeuyet~ ABE I aYem<~aetoY WAE m<~oetov B
cpuAaHOJ.IEYO~ ECJl] W napacpuACtnl] ABE
28 5
measure or two of bread or barley meal or boiled meal or hardtack or meat. He

should also carry a little sack containing a small flask of water but not wine.
These may be needed in fortunate circumstances as well as in <other> needs
that may occur. For a defeated enemy will often race back to a fortified position,
and our men may have to spend the night as well as the day there or even
continue the fighting until <the next> evening. It is essential that they carry
provisions with them so that the lack of them may not interfere with operations.
13. If we are waging war against a powerful nation, and the army, not
knowing what to expect, becomes nervous, do not try to engage in a pitched
battle right away. First, before the day of battle, carefully arrange for some
lightly armed, capable soldiers to go secretly, without being observed, and attack
some detachment of the enemy. If, out in the open, they kill some of our
adversaries or take some alive, then most of our soldiers will regard this as
evidence of our strength. Their morale will pick up, they will get over their
nervousness, and they will gradually become bolder and bolder in fighting
against them.
14. If the enemy should launch a surprise attack and conditions are not
favorable for battle, either because the area is rugged or thickly wooded or the
time is not to our advantage because of heavy storms, say, or scorching heat, do
not prepare for combat at that time or in that place. Instead, you should take
steps to assemble your army, occupy a place suitable for camp, and delay until
you have the luck <to find> a suitable place and time. Do not engage in battle
unwillingly. Acting in this manner does not mean you are running away from
the enemy, but that you are avoiding an unsuitable and disadvantageous
location.
286
Constitution 13
15. If God grants us the victory and the enemy are routed, order the soldiers
15. ewu 8 VlKf]V napexovTO~, av o[ nOAE!llOl -rpanwmv, cmexw8at TO[~

mpanwTat~
85
90
95
100
105
napayyeHe -rou aKuA.euELv -rou~ veKpou~ Twv x8pwv To yap ~

VEKpou~ <JKUAEUELV ~ TOUAOqJ ~ Cj>O<J<JUT(!J nOAE!llWV nepxw8at npo TEAELa~
EK~aaew~ Tou noA11ou npawa 6A8ptov Kal mKivouv6v tan. oto XP~ ae
nponapayyeHetV TO nav-ro[w~ cmexw8at TOUTWV. noHaKt~ yap o[ VlK~<JaVTE~
OUl TOLOUTWV -rp6nwv OU !lOVOV ~H~8f]<Jav, CtAAa Kai CtnWAOVTO <JKopn[<JaVTE~
eaUTOU~ Kal uno TWV txepwv atcpvtOtaa8evTE~ Kal oihw~ KLVOUVEU<JaVTE~.
16. 'Dnep 8 ~IllY Kalnp6-repov e'ipf]Tat, od llUAL<JTa TWV noAE!llWV yyt(6v-rwv Kal npoaooKwllevou noA11ou tva, av tv cpoaaaT4J 8tayEL 6 mpa-ro~ Kal
TOU~ txepou~ avallEVEL EKEl<JE, ll~ !lOVOV EUTpen[(etV Kal ano-rt8evat xop-rov ~
axupov llltCt~ ~ OEUTepa~ ~11pa~ TWV a:\6ywv, CtAAa Kat, av KLV~<JTI 6 a-rpaTO~
Kai ~OUAHat Kai EV ETEpqJ an:\[KT(!J cme:\8dv KCtKd8ev napa-ra~aa8at, avayKa[6v E<JTLV W<JTE xop-rov ~ axupov KUV !llCt~ ~llepa~ ~a<JTa(etV Kai OUTW~ ev Tqi
ytVO!lEVqJ Cj>O<J<JUTqJ anm[8w8at TOUTOV. '(aw~ yap ou auyxwpouVTat uno TWV
ex8pwv o[ Unf]pHOUVTE~ na10E~ aU-rfi Tfi ~11p~ ~e:\8dv Kai XOpTo:\oy~aat ODTE
8 Ta liA.oya et~ ~o<JK~v K~aA.dv.
17. Ei 8 o[ x8pol noA.u yyi(ou<Jtv, OUK li-ronov tv Tqi nepma-rdv, w~ Kal
aHaxou ~IllY e'ipf]Tat, EKa<JTOV auvayetV TOY xopmv, TOY 6cpetAOVTa anoTee~vat. ouo yap !lETa TO anALKEU(Jat noHaKt~ auyxwpouvTat oi na[Oe~ ~eA.8e1v
Kal xop-roA.oy~aat, nA.et6vwv llUAL<JTa TWV Ka~aHapiwv TWV ex8pwv eupt<JKOIlEVWV.
18. Taum 11ev aotnpo -r~~ -rou noA.11ou au11~oA.~~ Ta 11v 8taTaaaw8m, -ra
8 Otanpanea8at I ei~ EVTEAEaLepav !1U8f]<JLV TWV Te un6 <JE apxov-rwv Kal TWV
<JTpanw-rwv napaKEAEUO!leea, e~f]~ 8 Kai, oaa XP~ ehe notelV (Je ehe napa-
82 Tpanwmv W Tpanwm ABE

cmoOUElV ~ ABE
82-83 <'mtxw8at. .. Tou W rrapayyeUe Tou~ aTpanwm~ f.l~
w TOU~
83 VEKpou~ ... ex8pwv
aKuAeuetv WE om. AB
84 rrpo W npo T~<; ABE
rroAEf.!OU W noAtf.!ou TOiJTo yap ABE
JllJlTOVTa~ ex8pou~
91 6.rroTt8evat W anoTi8w8at ABE
83-84 TO ...
Kal... i:an W i:an Kal i:mKivouvov ABE
86 rrponapayytUEtv W napayytUetv ABE I TO W Tou ABE
W A Ota Twv BE I Kal W Kal TeAdw~ ABE
ABE
85 eK~aaew~ W auf.!JtArJPwaew~ ABE 1

1 yap
89 Twv W om. ABE
W AB yap Kal E
87 ota
90 tva i:av W Ei f.!EV ABE
92 ~f.!Epa<; W ~f.!Epa~ J.6you ABE
93 ~ouAETat W
I Kai2 WA om. BE I KCtKl8Ev w Kai an' fKEl8v ABE 94 KUV ABE om. w
OUT o w ouo ABE 98 OUK w OUK EOTLV ABE 98-99 w~ ... e'ipT)Tal w om. ABE
~OUAT)TUl ABE
96-97
99 TOV 1 W om. ABE
101 Twv 1 W om. ABE
104 eVTEAEOTEpav W TEAElOTEpav ABE
ABE
I 8 w OE
rra8dv ABE
epOUf.!EV ABE
I TE
103
am W aot napaKEAUOf.lE8a ABE
W A om. BE
105-106 rrapaq>UAUTT08at
105 rrapaKAEUOf.!E8a W om.
w rrapaq>UAUTT08at
TOU f.l~
287
Wuft'
Wug
to refrain from plundering the enemy dead. Plundering the dead or attacking
their baggage train or their camp before the battle is completely finished is
fraught with danger and can be disastrous. You must order the soldiers ahead of
time, without exception, to refrain from such actions. Often enough, by acting
in this fashion, victorious troops have not only suffered defeat but, scattered
about and caught by surprise, they have fallen into great danger and have been
completely wiped out.
16. We have previously written about the following. Especially as the enemy
are approaching and battle is expected and, if the army is to stay within the
fortifications and there await the enemy, you must get ready and store enough
hay or grass for the horses for one or two days. Not only that, but if the army is
to march out with the intention of moving off to another camp and there form
its battle line, then it is necessary for it to carry along one day's supply of hay
and grass and store it in the new fortification. It is not likely that the enemy will
allow the servants who do this work to go out foraging on that day or send out
the horses to graze.
17. But if the enemy come very close, it is not a bad idea, as we have
remarked somewhere else, while marching along, for each man to gather the
fodder he needs to store. Frequently, after they have set up camp, the boys are
not allowed to go out and forage, especially if the enemy cavalry is found to outnumber ours.
18. Before engaging in battle, we order you to make the above arrangements
and to make sure that the officers and soldiers under your command are more
fully instructed in them. Next in order, we will address ourselves, to the best of
288
Constitution 13
cpu.Acrnw6at f.!HU T~c; {m6 0" OUVCtf.!EWc; EV ClUTft Tft ~f.!Ep<;t T~c; O"Uf.l~OA~c; TOU
TIOAEf.!OU, KClTCt OUVClf.!LV ~Ofj p0Uf.lV.
107 Ka-ru ... pouf.!ev W om. ABE
289
our ability, to the steps you and the force under your command must take and,
on the very day of battle, what you must be on your guard against.
ITOAEMIKDN ITAPAIKEYON iliATASII Iil'
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION XIV

About the Day of Battle
10
15
20
ouv crot, a-rpmfly, rrp6 ye miv-rwv tv -rft ~!lpq. -rou rroA.!lOU KaOapov elvat TOV mpmov Kal eux~v yevcr0at Ola T~<; VUKTO<; tKTV~ ota
niiv iepwv Kal aytaae~vat JtCtVTU<; Kal o{\Tw<; Kal pyot<; Kal A6yot<; rraae~vat
on TOV E>eov xouat ~Ofl06v, Kal trrl TOtJT(JJ KlV~aat rrpo<; TOV 1tOA!lOV Aa!lrrpou<;
KalrrpoOullou<;.
2. LE 0 ll~ rroAA.a rrove1v tv -rft ~11pq. T~<; au!l~OA~<; 'tva ll~ T{il rroAA.(il K6rrq>
Kal Tft auv-rpt~ft niiv avayKa(wv tmA.aveavn, !lflOE KaTOAtywpe1v ae arro T~<;
cppov-r(Oo<;, I aHa avOflpW<; Kal eueapaw<; rrappxecr0at T~V rrapa-ra~LV Kal Wu~!
rrpoeu!l01tOleLV rravm<; Ota A.6ywv. I
3 Kalil~ GU!l1tAEKW0at TOL<; 1t0A!ll0l<; Ota xetp6<;. aTpaTLWTOU yap !lUAAOV ~ 335
aTpaTflYOU TOUTO tmtv. ana 1t0lLV ae !lEV Ta ap!l6(ovm rravm, tv t1tlTflOel4J
OE lamaOat TOTI(JJ, oOev opav ouvaaat TOU<; T aywvt(O!lEVOU<; Kal TOU<;, W<;
eLKO<;, a!lAOUVTa<;, Kal trreuxecrOat Ta OEOVTU Kal arrouoa(etv Ota TWV tv tJTIO~O
flOdq. ovTwv auva(pecrOm T{il oeo1-1vq> llEpet, TouT' anv Ota -rwv rrA.ayLOcpuA<'tKwv Kal VWTO<jlUACtKWV.
4 'Eav !lEv ouv tv m1<; rrapma~ecr( aou rrpo<; -ro~6-ra<; tmlv 6 rr6A.e1-1o<;, Toil<;
ouaxepe'i<; T01tOU<; Kal TOU<; rrp6rroOa<; TWV 6pwv ~youv Ta<; rrpwTa<; ava~aaet<;
trrl Ta Opfl TICtVTW<; TOUTOU<; CjlUAaTTOU Kal ll~ tv auTO[<; avll~ane T~V !lCtXflV.
e'Lye ouva-r6v ao( tanv, Kal ~ tv -r{il ihjtet -r~v rrapam~tv Kmaae ~ TAe(w<;
1. 'Yrron01-leOa
Now then, 0 general, before all else, we enjoin upon you that on the day
of battle your army should be free from sin. The night before, the priests are to
offer fervent prayers of intercession. Everyone should be sanctified and so, by
words and deeds, they should be convinced that they have the help of God. On
this note they are to advance into battle bright and enthusiastic.'
2. On the day of battle you should not take on too many tasks.2 You might
exert yourself too much, wear yourself out, and overlook essential matters. Anxiety should not make you <appear> downcast, but ride jauntily and confidently
along the battle line, encouraging all by your words.
1.
3 Do not join in hand-to-hand fighting with the enemy; that is the role of
the soldier, not of the general. But you are to make all the proper arrangements
and then station yourself in a suitable location from which you can observe the
troops fighting hard and others, quite possibly, not so hard. You should see to
their needs and take steps to call up your reserves, that is, the flank and rear
guards, to go to the assistance of a unit in trouble.
4 When you are in formation and have to fight against archers, avoid
difficult terrain and, by all means, the lower slopes of mountains, that is, where
the mountains first begin to ascend. Do not initiate hostilities there. If you can
do so, form your battle line on the heights or else come all the way down the
M (rout.) W A V (part.) BE Va (part.) PG 107:848 12 ad Kal de novo inc. M

3-7 Strat., 2.18.
8-196 Strat., 7.B.1-14.
1 1tOAJllKWV rrapacrKeuwv WA om. BE 3 ye W om. ABE

5 pyote; ... A6yotc; WA trsp. BE
8 rrovetv W Korroucr6m ABE 9 <wv ... emft.av6<iv!] W trsp. ABE(mft.av6avetv) 10 aHa
WA aU' BE 12 Jl~ MWA om. BE 12-13 <JTpanWTOU ... ecrnv MW LOULO yap
<JTpanwTOU JlUAAOV emlv ou (TOU BE) <JTpUT!]yOu ABE 14 ouvacrat MW 8uv~<Jl] ABE
14-15 we;
eiK6c; MW om. ABE 15-16 urro~o!]6e1a MWBE em~o!]6e1a A
16 cruva1pecr6at. .. 8eoJlEVW MW tm~o!]6etv TW KULU1tOVOUJlEVW ABE 18 eav MWA et BE I
JleV MW om. ABE I rrapa<a~ecri MABE rrapa<a~eatv W 19 8ucrxepetc; 1:6rrouc; MW
8ucrK6Aouc; -r6rrouc; arr6<peuye ABE 19-20 -rae; ... -roumuc; MW TU KUTwn:pa JlEP!] ABE
20 rrav-rwc; Mom. WABE I <puA<inou WABE <puA<ine M 21 e!ye ... ecr-rtv MW om. ABE
1.
Cf. Strat. 2.18.
2.
Sections 2-29 derive from Strat. 7.B.1-14.
292
The Day of Battle
Constitution 14
cm6~atV TOU opou<; Kal fV OflaAWTEpq> Kal YUflVtP -r6nq> napa-rcwaou, Yva fl~
TWV
ex8pwv, W<; ElKO<;, fK18v fV0pUOVTWV cmo TOU U\j!OU<; ~ napaTa~l<;
0.8p6w<; ~tc't(f]Tat.
25
5 1\A:\.a flTJOE auflnAKou napa-ra~t noAflLWv, flTJOt -r~v io[av aou npoolK-
vu mho1<; nplv av T~V TCt~lV a\nwv KaTavo~an<; Kal Ta<;, W<; ElKO<;, flATWflEVa<;
nap' ainwv vopa<; ~-rot f:yKpDflflaTa no:\unpawov~an<;.
6. 'Eav 81:: ol -r6not v ol<; flEAAL<; auf.i~c't:\Am yuf.ivo( eim Kaln8tvol Kal ouK
eanv UKOAW<; T~V 0UTpav aou TCt~lV Kpunmv fV mho1<;, Ei<; TO fl~ TOU<;
ex-
30 8pou<; npoytvwaKtv v -r4J Ktv1v -rov a-rpa-rov Ei<; -r~v flCtXfJV, v-reu8v ~OTJ -r~v
owtpav -rci~tv Km6ma8v t~<; npWTTJ<; n:\Tja[ov auvaKoA.ou8e1v no[f]GOV, wa-r

ta<; ouo W<; fllaV TOt<; evav-r[ot<; <pa(vw8at, o-r' av 8 O.no evo<; fllALOU T~<; TWV
noAflLWV yvT]Tat napmci~ew<;, TOT t~v &utpav xpeov Ka-r' 6:\(yov Efl~pa
ouvouaav xwpt(lV aUT~V ano T~<; npWTTj<; TO eipfjflEVOV OlCtGTTjfla Kal i<; TO
35 'Lotov ax~fla Ka8tmav WGT LVat 0Utpav napa-ra~LV EVTU8v yap TOL<; noA-
fllOl<; ouK d\yvwa-ro<; npo no:\Aou ~ -ra~t<; y(vTm.

7 Ta<; OE \.moxwp~aL<; Kal <puya<; TWV x8pwv GKETITOU Kal fl~ aKpaTW<;
n(-rpex Ola TCt GO<jllGflaTa TCt, W<; ElKO<;, ytVOf1Va, ana f1Ta GUVTCt~W<; 8[WK,
ew<; ou M~n<; nAfjpO<pop(av T~<; aa<paALa<; T~<; VLKTJ<;.
40
8. 'Eav 8 ano TWV x8pwv nAUat<; flTjVU8fi KaTa T~<; npWTTj<; napa-ra~W<;
Kal OUK ean nw<; ~ OlCt TWV nAayto<pUACtKWV ~ 8ta TWV
I d<; vopav KaTa TWV
x8pwv nflnOflvwv ~ofJ81v, TOT Oov K -rwv ei<; -ra iiKpa -r~<; 8w-rpa<; napa-ra~w<; TaGGOflEVWV ~av8wv flTa-rtewem d<; aUTOU<;. d flEV ~ evo<; nAay(ou
epxovTat, ~ EKElVOU TOU flEpou<;, i 8 fK TWV OUO, ~ fKaTpw8v. OflOLW<; 8 Kal

45 TOL<; KaTa VWTOU T~<; OUTpa<; Ta~W<; EPXOflEVOl<;, av fl~ apKWGlV ol VWTO<pU-
22 (m6~atVE MW cm6~ULVE arro ABE I rrapanicrcrou MW rrapamcrcrE ABE 25 !lfJOi:: T~V

WABE T~v of: M I crou MWA am BE 26 ni~ MW ta AE mum B I !lEAETw!lva~ MW
ytv6!lcva ABE 27 tvopa~ ~Tot MW om. ABE 30 rrpoytvwcrKEtv MW rrpoylV<.iJcrKEtv
U1JT~V ABE I EVTEU8EV ~OfJ MW JtOtfJcrOv ABE 31 ocun\pav MWAE
B I TU~lV MW
rrapata~tv ABE I rrpWTfJ~ MW rrpwtfJ~ Kal ABE I rro(fJcrov MW om. ABE 32 Mo MWAE W
B I w~ ABE d~ MW 33 YEVfJTUL MW yvwvTm ABE I t~V ... XPEOV MW XP~ t~V Ocutpav
ABE 34 xwp(~Etv aut~v MW xwp[~w8m arro ABE 3 5 Ka8tcrtav ... rrapata~tv MW
arroKa8icrmcr8m ABE 35-36 tot~ ... rroUou MW ouK dlyvwcrto~ rrpo rroUou tot~
rroAE!liot~ ABE 37 aKpaTw~ MW aKpatw~ Kal a<puA<iKtw~ A aKpatw~ Kal ataKtw~ BE
38 cro<p[cr!lata MW rravoupycu!lata ABE 39 ou ABE om. MW 41 an MABE i:crttv W I
vopav MW eyKpu!llla ABE 44 ouo MWA WBE I ~ eKatpw8Ev MW ~ Ct!l<potepwv ABE
45 tot~ ... vwtou MW rrpo~ tou~ omcr8cv ABE I t<i~Ew~ MW rrapata~Ew~ ABE I tpxo1-1vot~
MWBE epxollvou~ A
335'
293
mountain and draw up on level, open ground. Otherwise there is a chance that
your formation may be suddenly overcome by the enemy lying in ambush under
cover of the high ground.
5 Do not come to grips with the enemy formation and do not give them a
good look at your own before you reconnoiter their lines and take steps to
forestall the traps or ambushes they are likely to be setting against us.
6. If the site of the projected battle is in open and flat country, such that you
cannot easily hide your second line there, then, to keep the enemy from getting
a good idea of the army as it advances to combat, then and there, have the
second line follow very closely behind the first so that the two lines will appear
to them as one. About a mile away from the enemy battle formation, the second
line must slow down a little, separate itself the prescribed distance from the first,
and then assume its normal formation as a second battle line. This will prevent
the enemy from forming a clear picture, much ahead of time, of the disposition
of <our troops>.
7. Be very cautious when you see the enemy withdraw and take flight. Do
not race after them intemperately, because they are likely to set traps for you.
Rather, pursue them in good order until you receive definitive information that
your victory is assured.
8. If it is reported to you that the enemy has attacked the first battle line and
there is no way for you to send in their support either the flank guards or the
troops assigned to ambush the enemy, then have some of the banda stationed on
the wings of the second line move up to join it. If they are attacking from one
side, <the support should come> from that sector, if from two sides, then from
both sectors. In like manner, if they attack the rear of the second line and its rear
294
The Day of Battle
Constitution 14
AUKE<; m'n~c; ot' auni>v O.pf.!6(w8at, TCt UlJTCt Tiot~crnc; Yva o[ AOLTIOL (:mep[ana-
guard is not strong enough to deal with it by itself, take the same action. The rest
of the troops can continue to concentrate on supporting the first line.
9. If the enemy's army is large and the multitude of horses and of men makes
it appear enormous and formidable, be sure not to draw up your own army on
high ground immediately, while the enemy are still at a distance. 3 Apprehensive
at the sight of such a multitude, our men may easily become discouraged.
Instead, form them on lower ground where they will not see the enemy or be
seen by them. When your foe advances within about a mile or half a mile, then
bring your army to high ground so that the fighting will begin before your men
lose courage. But if such terrain is not found and the enemy can be seen from a
distance, then, as the army is drawn up for battle, spread the report that what
they are looking at is not just soldiers but a multitude of horses or pack animals.
10. If you are able to do so, launch your attack against the enemy before they
form their line for battle, while they are still milling about, and you will be able
to inflict serious harm.
11. Always keep one or two banda about a mile or two in front of the main
body before combat while the army is moving into formation. In this way the
enemy will not have the opportunity to observe our formation before the battle
and outmaneuver us.
12. If the army is not composed of infantry, leave the boys, the servants of
the soldiers, behind so they may be stationed along the fortifications of the
<JTOL f.lEVWat npoc; ~o~8etav T~c; npwt'lc; napani~ewc;.

9 'Eav o TIOAU<; tanv 6 ni>v tx8pwv <Jtpatoc; Kal OtCt TIA~8oc; O.A6ywv ~
avopwv KOf.!TIO<; ~youv t~wyKWf.!EVO<; cpaiV'lTat, f.l~ tmT~OEUe eu8uc; eic; D\jl'lAOV
f.l~Ko8ev Twv tx8pwv ovTwv, 'lva f.l~ Tfi 8<;t Tou

nA~8ouc; npoKaTaAaf.l~av6f.!Evoc; oetAtcwn npoxeipwc;, O.H' tv KotAOTep<p t6n u\jiEL cppetv Tov crtpatov 'lva nptv oetAtaan ~ auf.!~OA~ yv'lmt. Ei 0 f.l~
55
eup[aKeTat t6noc; Totof>Toc;, a.na f.l~Ko8ev ol tx8pol t4J atpat4J cpaivovTat,

np6Aeye t4> mpaT4> tv auTfi Tfi napata~Et on 6.A6ywv ~ m6Aoou TIA~86c; tan TO
cpmv6f.!evov Kat ouK av8pwnwv f.!6vwv.
10. 'Eav 0 <JOt ouvaTOV tan Kat npo TOU napata~aa8at TOU<; TIOAEf.llOU<;
6o
<JUf.l~aAELV a\noic; iht Ct<JU<JTUTOtc; ouatv, f.!UAAOV UUTOU<; ~Aa\jlat iaxuaetc;.

11. IlaVTwc; o EV ~ Kat OEtmpov ~avoov EXE we; CtTIO voc; ~ OEUTepou f.!tAlOU
T~c; napaTa~ewc; npo Tof> noAEf.!OU, tv oa<p TU<J<JETat 6 crtpaToc; Yva f.l~ Metav
exwatv ol TIOAEf.ltOt npo T~c; f.!UX'lc; KaTa<JKOTIELV T~V TU~tv Kat ao<pi(w8at Kat'
auT~<;.
tav ne(tKoc; ouK ean crtpat6c;, Touc; na1oac; Twv atpaTtwTwv ~Tot
Toile; OOUAeUOVTac; auToic; KaTaA[f.!TiaVE, W<JTE Otaf.!ep[(ea8at ot' OAOU TOU tv T4>
12.
65
Kai,
48-50 Cf. Schol. in Eurip. Phoen., 6oo.

6 aut~<; Va autou<; MW om. ABE 1 &t' ... ap116<ea8m MW om. ABE 46-47 cmepiarcaatot
4
MW A arrepiatatot BE 48 av MWA ei BE 49 KO!!rro<; ~youv MW om. ABE I
~wyKW!!EVO<; MWBE urrtpoyKo<; A I cpaiV!lTUl MW A cpaivetal BE 50 !!~Ko8ev ... OVtWV
MW om. ABE 51 rrpoxdpw<; MW om. ABE I KOtAottpw MW ~a8utpw Kal xa!!llAottpw
ABE 52 o8ev ABE 6rr68ev MW 52-53 Katomeuet. .. x8pwv MW tOU<; exSpou<;
Ka8opav ouvavtat ouoe urro tWV x8pwv Ka8opaa8m ABE 53 ~ MWA om. BE I all!!elOU
MW !!LAiou ABE 55 eupiaKeTUt MW eupiaKeTUt 6 ABE 56 an MA attv WBE
57 av8pwrrwv MWA avopwv BE 58 tav MWAE ei B I tan M eatLV WABE I
rrapata~aa8m MWA ta~aa8m B rrpota~aa8m E 59 au!!~aAe'iv MW au11~aHetv ABE
oumv MW A oum BE 6o oemepov MW ouo AE WB I ~avoov Va ~avoa ABE om. MW

6o-6t exe ... rrapata~ew<; MW xe !!rrpoa8ev t~<; rrapata~ew<; w<; arro evo<; ~ ouo !!LAiwv rrpo
tot\ rroAE!!OU AE exn arro evo<; ~ W!!LAiwv E!!rrpoa8ev t~<; rrapata~ew<; B 61 taaaetat MW
rrapataaaetm ABE 62 exwmv MWAB exetv E I aocpi~eaem MWA KaTUaocp[~eaSm BE
62-63 Kat' aut~<; MWA TUUtll BE 64 av MWA d BE 65 KataAi!!rrave MW A
KataAL!!rravetv BE I tot\ MW A om. BE
295
3 Cf. Scholia on Euripides' Phoenissae, 6oo.
296
The Day of Battle
Constitution 14
<poaacm.p UTIALKTOU EKaGTOV m:pi T~V aw Tpa<pov flTU OTIAWV, eh TO~ULV
ouvavTUL dTe UKOVTL~LV dTe 0<pevOoviiv, O.AA.O. Kai v ~avoov flH' aUTWV, TO
6<pei:A.ov ~tyA.euLv Kai Ta~ nopTa~ Tou <poaaaTou <puA.anLV ~youv Tou nepL<ppayf1vou QT(ALKTOU, Kai apxov-ra 0 XP~aLflOV TOU OAOU TOLOUTOU <poaaaTOU.
70
13. MfJOfTIOT TOUAOOV tnl napma~eW~ nept<pepe, I ei ouvmov f(JTL, Kai yap
fTOLflOV TOL~ tx8poi:~ ~pWfla y[vnm f:av tv flUXn eupe8fi. tav flEVTOL, w~ elKO~,
60omopouvTo~ aou, MoK~Tw~ tnA.eum~ napa Twv txepwv yvfJTUL Kai ou
<p8a~n~ QT(ALKU(JaL Kai O.a<paf..[aaaem TO TOUAOOV, TOT <ppe auTO KaTa TOU
Oe~Lou flpou~ tK nA.ay[ou T~~ 8euTpa~ napaTa~ew~ Kai tKd n'wa Kai v ~
75 0Utepov ~avoov tK TWV nepl00WV ek napa<puAaK~V UUTOU a<popl~.
14. 'Eav Of fl~ ETUXOV, W~ dpfJTaL, npoano8f1VOL XOPTOV, Kai tv auTfi Tfi TOU
TfOAEflOU ~flpq, TWV aAA.wv QT(ALTWV tnl T~V napaTa~LV KLVOUVTWV, Ta naAALKCtpta TWV 0TpaTLWTWV Kai TWV apxovTWV Iva t~tpxwvTm ei~ TO flEpO~ TO 6n(aw
T~~ napaTa~ew~ Tou 6A.ou aTpmou fld 6A.iywv ~tyA.mwpwv tK TouT~~ napaTaso ~W~ flEpou~ KaTaALflTraVOflEVWV Kai auvayoum TOV apKOUVTa xopTOV, tv 00(!) 6
T(OAeflO~ y[vnm. TOL~ o xopToA.oyoumv 6pt0l~ ooe~vm ~avoa Kai 0fJf1elW0l~
tv U\j!TJAOTpot~ Tonm~ Kal Ota<popm~, WGT tvavT[ou nvo~ GUfl~a[vovTo~ TO
O.vaKAfJTLKOV ~xLv npo~ auv~eLav, TOT O.vaxwpelV auTOU~ opofla[w~ Kai tnl TO
<poaaaTOV aw~wem Iva fl~ ~w QT(OKALG8wmv. TOUTO o O.vayKai:ov taTL
s 5 yivwem ota To MfJA.ov T~~ tK~aaw~. tav yap tvavTiw~ t~tA.en To npawa,
OanaVT}V EXOVT~ Kai aUTWV Kai TWV af..oywv o[ GTpanWTaL, TaXfW~ auTOU~
npo~ TO aVaflaxwem O.vaKaAOUVTaL ~youv Kai naALV TIOAfl~0Ql Kai VLK~(JQL ~,
ei fl~ TOUTO, euetw~ O.vaxwp~aoumv flHa TQ~W~ ETL tv OUVCtflel TWV lnnwv
66 cpoaacrrw ... f.lETU MW arrA.TjK-rou cpoaac'nw (arrA.TjKTw cpoaacrrou BE) rrpl TO aw6v
67 MvaVTal MW MvaTat ABE I TO
MW om. ABE 68-69 rrEpt<ppawtvou M
f.!Epo~ T~~ aou.Sa~ fKUOTOV f.lETU TWV ElTlTTjOdwv ABE
MWA om. BE
68-69
~youv ... arrA.iKTou
mpme<ppawtvou W om. ABE
8 ABE 72
69 TotouTou MW A TOilTo BE 70 f.lT]OirroT MW f.!TJOEJTOT

73 TO MWBE TOY A I mho MW UUTOV
CtOoKTjTW~ MW cmpoaOoKTjTW~ ABE
76 ETUXOV ... dpTjTat MW om. ABE I rrpoarro6Ef.!EVOt MW rrpoarr6vTo A

B rrpoarreu6VTa E 77-78 Ta rraAA.tKapta MW ol UlTTJPETat ABE 78 Kal
TWV MW AB Kal TWV Kal TWV E I f.!Epo~ ... oniaw MW orriaw f.!EpO~ ABE 79 TOU 1 aTpaTOU
ABE
rrpoarru6vT~
MW om. ABE
I f.ld
MW f.lET<l ABE
rrapaTCt~EW<; OTTjOOVTat
79-80 K ... Kal MW o'(nv<; rrpo<; TO f.!Epo~ T~<;
8 ABE So auvayouat MW auva~ouat AE

83 rrpo<; auv!j6tav MW Kal ABE I
8pof.taiw~ MWAE .Spof.taiou<; B 84 arroKAta6watv MWA arroKAta6wat BE I tan MABE
aTtv W 85 K~aaw~ MW EK~aaw<; TOil rroA.f.tou ABE 86 tauTou<; ABE auTou<; MW
87 UVUf.!CtXW6at MW UVUf.laxaaa6at A avaKaHaca6at BE 88 d MWA Kal BE I
avaxwpljaouatv MW avaxwpljaouat ABE
auvau~ouat B
~lYAUOVT<; ol
81 OTJf.!Etwat<; MW OTJf.lda nva ABE
3\f'
297
camp, each one along the inner ditch and provided with weapons he can handle:
bow, javelin, or sling. One bandon should stay with them under orders to patrol
and to guard the gates of the entrenchment, that is, the fortified camp, and place
a competent officer over this entire fortification.
13. Never bring the baggage train up to the front line, if it is possible. If
discovered in battle, it is an easy prey for the enemy. Now, if it happens that the
enemy launches a surprise attack as you are marching along and you do not
have time to set up camp and secure the baggage train, then bring it over to the
right sector, on the flank of the second battle line, and detail one or two banda
from whatever troops are available to guard it.
14. If it has not been possible to gather a supply of fodder ahead of time, as
recommended, then, on the very day of battle, as the other heavy-armed troops
are moving into formation, the servants of the soldiers should go out to gather it
in the area to the rear of the battle line of the whole army. They should be
accompanied by a few scouts taken from the men left behind in the area of the
battle line. While the battle is in progress, they should gather a sufficient supply
of fodder. Instruct those who are out gathering fodder that they will be given
signals, <such as by> flags from high, conspicuous places to let them know that
a hostile force is approaching and the customary signal for recall is sounded.
They are then to return as fast as they can and take refuge in the camp, so they
may not be cut off outside. This is essential because the outcome is uncertain. If
things turn out adversely, the soldiers will have provisions for themselves and
their horses; they can quickly rouse themselves to fight once more, that is, again
The Day of Battle
Constitution 14
298
a\milv Upl<JKOf1EVWV, rcplv ~ Ta T TWV avepwrcwv <ppoV~f.laTa ercl TCAEOV KaTa90
rceawm Kal al TWV LTCTCWV 6UVCtf1W;, Ortp yt:veaem MvaTat, eav
f.l~
f(JTlV
tv
ETOL!l(Jl ~ 6arc6.Vf1. f.lt:Ta yap ~rrav ouod~ eappt:l e~epxwem i~ aunoy~v xopTOU Kal oi Yrcrcot Alf!WTTOVT~ aeuf![av -ro1~ a-rpanwmt~ rcapexoum Kal ~ouA.~v
rtpo<; GUf.l<j>Epov OUK f<JTl yt:veaem T~~ y6[a~ Kal TOU <j>O~OU ~ta(Of!EVWV aUT~V.
ana XP~ TCUVTW~ Kal T~V TWV aA6ywv arco-rpocp~v rcapa-rtewem f.llCt~ ~ Kal
eav Kal TCAf!GLOV TOU <j>O<J(JQTOU
95 Ot:u-repa~ ~f.lpa~, i 6uvmov Kal TCAEOV, f.lUAl<JTa

icrlv ai ~ocrKaL
15. Ei 6 KaTa T~V rtpWTllV ~f.lpav T~~ <JUf.l~OA~~ TOU TCOAef!OU evav-r[a
eK~aat~ rtapaKOAOue~an-o f.l~ yvotTO-~f.llV
aGUf.l<j>Opov <pa[vnat TO KaTa

100
TCUAlV
f.lV rtaVTOLWc; artpoacpopov Kal
Ta~ au-ra~ ~f.lpa~ ~youv
KaLa TOY alJTOV Katpov
I rcpo~ 6f1f10UlOV TCOAf10V eyxnp~aat TOU~ fK T~~ rcapa-ra~W~ ~rrlleev-
m~. 6to oM cruf1~ouA.t:uaof1v aot,
wmpa-r11y, rcpo~ -rou-ro m-r116t:ut:tv. ream
yap T(QVTOT 6uaxt:p~ f(JTl TOUTO Kal ouod~ t:'lwet:v veew~ arco Ta~ ~rra~
avaf!O.xwem crrcavtov yap -rou-ro Kal 'Pwf!a[ot~ avo[Kt:tov. wa-r, t:i Kal acpO.A.f!a
rcapaKoA.oue~an Kal /..rc[at
105
mpaTfiYO~ -rou-ro 6ta T~~ 6w-rpa~ f!UXfl~
6wpeouaem, OUK e<JTlV iKavov TO rct..~eo~ T~V ai-r[av 8taytvwcrKOV <TOU> rcpoatpe<Jl i~ 6f1f!OG[av f.lUXfiV t:ueew~ eA.et:1v. w~ yap fK et:La~ \j!~<j>OU oihw~ TO
aTCOTEAWf.la 6q6f1VOV ev rcaan 6tAL\l y[vnat. 6to XP~ (J avayKfl~ Kal rtptaTa(JW<;
xwpl~ f.l~ fTCITf16UlV <KaLa Ta~ au-ra~ ~f!Epa~> cpavt:pw~ <JU!l~anlv
f.lUXfiV f!Ha 6f1f!OU[av ~rrav 6ta rcapa-ra~W~, ana OOA(Jl Kal arca-rn arcou6a(
110
KatpocrKorcwv, orcw~ aicpvt6taan~ Kal To 6~ A.t:y6f1Vov cpuyof.lax~crn~, w~ iiv t:i~

A~eflv T~~ 6tf..[a~ fKlVfl~ YVOf1VO~
101-103
6 UTpaTO~
3,16'
enter into combat and be victorious. Or else, if this is not <possible>, they may
immediately retreat in an orderly fashion, while their horses are still in good
condition, before the men become more dejected and the horses grow weak.
This is what can happen if provisions are not available. For after a defeat nobody
dares to go out to gather fodder. The horses lose their strength and this destroys
the morale of the soldiers. Lack of necessities and fear crush any desire to
improve things. Always make sure to keep on hand food for the horses for one
or two days, more if possible, especially if there is good grazing near the camp.
15. If the clash of battle on the first day results in an adverse outcome-may
such not happen-it is, in our opinion, absolutely undesirable and useless for
those troops who have been defeated in the field to undertake actual combat
again about the same time or even within a few days. Therefore, 0 general, we
do not advise you to try this. It is always a difficult task for everyone. Nobody
makes a habit of immediately retrieving a defeat. 4 This is very rare and foreign to
the Romans. Even though the general may understand his mistake and hope to
remedy it by means of a second battle, most of the soldiers will be unable to
understand his reasons for choosing to go right back into combat. They tend to
accept what happened as God's will and completely lose heart. Apart, then, from
necessity and special circumstances you must not attempt to fight a pitched
battle during those same days after an open, public defeat in the field. Instead,
employ tricks and deception, carefully timed surprise moves, and the so-called
fighting while fleeing, until the army comes to forget its discouragement and
eapp~an TOU TCUAlV TCOl~<Jaaem
Cf. Thuc. 7.61.7
90 YEYeoem OUYUTat MW EtJKOAW~ OUYUTUl yivwem ABE I EUY MW A d BE

93 an MAE EOTtY W en B
MBE napxoumY WA
I T~~ y/5ia~
MW Toii
92 rrapexoum
><q.wu
AB Toii
95 oeuTpa~ MWA BE I EUY MWA Ei BE 97-98 EYUVTia ... rrapaKOAOU8~0T]

MW EYUYTlOV Tl OUfl~~ ABE 98 o... yeYOlTO MW om. ABE I f!eV MWA oe BE I
rraYToiw~ ... Kat MW rravTEAW~ ABE 100 T~~ MW om. ABE 101 OUf!~OUAEUOOf!eY MBE
OUf!~OuAEUOf!EY WA 102 miYTOTE MWBE om. A I on MABE i:onY W 103 omiYtoY ...
AOlT0U E
PWf!UlOl~ MW TOUTO
105
oe
PWf!UlOl~ w~ rrl TO JtAELOTOY ABE
I O<pUAf!U MA O<pUAf!UTU WBE
l'itaytYWOKOY Toii Va l'itaytyvwoKOv MW ytvwoKov ioia ABE
ABE
~flpa~
107 EV MWA om. BE
Va om. codd.
BE 115~ MWAB om. E
110
I OE MW Oe xwpl~ ABE
108 xwpl~
106
A8dv MW aT~vm
MW om. ABE I KUTU ...
KatpooKorrwY MW emTT]p<iiv TOY Katpov A i:mTT]peiv TOY KatpoY
111 6etAia~ MW AB oou;\da~ E
299
4. Cf. Thucydides 7.61.
300
115
120
125
Constitution 14
The Day of Battle
UUj.l~OA~V &' eu\6you<; ah[a<; noAACtKL<; ETrl<JUj.l~atvouaa<;, U<; apn ypaqmv OUK
eanv UKOAOV.
16. 'Eav 6 Kal ana~ 8app~an<; UUj.l~aALV j.lTU T~V ano~oA~V T~<; 6et\[a<;,
6L T~V np6j.laxov TCt~LV W<; KaTaKpoua8iaav el<; 6UTEpav TCt~LV nOLLV Kat T~V
6euTepav d<; np611axov lle-ra Twv tmA.eKTwv -rawaTwv Twv tv Tfi npwTn fHKpoTepa yap ouaa T~<; npWTTJ<; Ka8' i:auT~V OUK napKi.
17. AU' oM Ej.l~pa6Uvetv 6d aaK6nw<; nl -rai<; vavTiat<; eK~aaem Tof>
nOAEj.lOU, d 11~ nou \nl<; UUj.l!laxia<; ~ ihepo<; Tp6no<; ~o118ia<; npoa6oKii-rat ~'
w<; LKO<;, cm6Kptat<; napa niiv x8pwv yive-rat, ~vnep avayKaiov j.l~ nou~ALKL<LV
npoxeipw<;, aHa 6~ i6i<t TaUTflV !laveavLV. Ka[, av TO npOTLVOj.lVOV napeueu
yivw8at MvaTat, 11~ ava~aHw8at, aHa npaTmv auTo aacpa\w<; 6t' 6\jfi6wv ~
opKWV. eL 6 m~Aa~e<; E<JTLV Kal 6t' unp8ea[v TLVO<; Kat xauvwatv TOU OXAOU
\eye-rat, Ta vavTia 6d q>TJ!li<etv, aKAf1p6Tepa Twv npoTetvo11evwv, tva <Tfi
anayopeu<JL niiv npoTLVO!lEVWV> !lUAAOV 6 a-rpaTO<; npo<; opy~v 6taVLUTCt!lVO<; Tfi aVCtYKn l<JXUPOTEpW<; TOt<; x8pot<; aVTLKaTaUTfi Kat ETL net8~VLO<; TtP
apxovn YEVflTat. oaov yap ~pa6uT~<; yivTat, TO<JOUTOV o[ ~TTTJ8EVT<; 6etA6Tpot yivovTat Kal oi VLK~aavTe<; TOA!lTJPOTepot.
18. Tiplv ~ ouv et<; TEAtov Ta cppov~!laTa Ka-raneawm, XPTJ ae,
aTpaTTJy,
6ta T TWV apxovTWV TWV -rawaTWV Kal TWV 6eKapxwv Kal nevTapxwv npoTpE\jfaaeat TOV UTpaTOV Kal etneiv, W<; OUK ean Katpo<; I 6etALCt<Jat, aU' OP!llle~Vat !lUAAOV KaTa TWV txepwv Kal TO yev6!lVOV napa TLVWV U<j>CtA!la av6pdw<;
avaKaAeaaaeat. Taf>-ra Kal Ta O!lOLa 61 (J 6taA.aA.~aat.
19. Kal ei !lEV anv \nl<; Tou 6ta napa-ra~ew<; 6f1!lOa[a<; T~v !lCtXflV avaKaA.aaa8at, Tfi npOLPTJ!lEvn !l800<p T~<; TCt~W<; XP~an. l 6 TOUTO OU npo~a[vet,
6ei au11cpep6vTw<; Twv Ktv6uvwv Ka-raTOA!liiv.
20. Kal ei 11ev ne<oi eimv oi vtKI'JaavTe<; txepoi, anou6a<etv !leTa Twv l:nnwv
UTCtKTW<; Ta<; avaxwp~aet<; ~TOL !lla<JTCt<JL<; TOU <jlOU<JCtTOU EKelVOU aacpa\w<;
noteia8at Kal 11~ ava!levetv. ei 6 Ka~aHaptot wmv, !lCtAta-ra Twv neptaawv Kal
~apUTEpWV a\6ywv Kat npay!lCtTWV 6[ nept<j>pOVLV Kat ne(fi Ka8ia-raa8at Kat
130
135
140
ABE cruAA.oy~v MW I apn ypa<pnv ABE avnypa<peLV MW 114 T~V

MW arro~oMcrOm T~V OELAiav ABE 119 Tp6rro<; MWA T01t0<; BE
120 1tOU~ALKi<eLV MW OT)f!OOLEUELV ABE 121 rrpoxeipw<; MW eu0w<; A euOu<; BE I aAA.a ...
Kai MW aAA.' ABE I eav MWA et BE l11apeuOu MW 11apeuOi><; ABE 124 Oet MW om. ABE
124-125 T~ ... TipoTELVOf!EVWV Va om. codd. 129 ~ MW om. ABE I ei<; TEAELOV MW
TeAeiw<; ABE I KUTUTIEOWOL MBE KaTaJtecrwmv WA 131 W<; MW OTl ABE I ecrn MABE
ecrTLV W 131-132 6pf!T)O~vm MWA 6pf!~OaL BE 132 f!UAAov MWAE om. B
138 EKeivou MWE EKelVOU KalAB 139 wmv MWA etm BE
112 OUf!~OA~V
arro~OA~V
337
301
regains the confidence to engage in battle once more. Good reasons for this may
readily be adduced, but it is not convenient to list them here.
16. Provided that you succeed in encouraging <the army> to enter into
battle after it has cast aside its discouragement, you must make the shattered
promachos line into the second line and make the second into the promachos,
retaining selected tagmata of the first line, since the second by itself is smaller
than the first and will be too weak.
17 In the event of an adverse outcome in battle, there must be no indecision
or delay, unless of course there is reason to expect the arrival of allies or some
other form of assistance or, as may well be the case, overtures are made by the
enemy. These must not be made public right away, but study them privately. If
what is proposed can be done immediately, do not put it off but go along with it,
confirming it with hostages or by oath. But if the terms are harsh and proposed
for the purpose of delaying and getting the men to drop their guard, you must
counter this by spreading rumors making them more unfavorable than the
actual proposals, so that in rejecting the actual proposals, the army will rather
be moved to anger and feel compelled to resist the enemy more forcefully, and it
will be more obedient to its commander. The longer the delay, the more demoralized do the vanquished become and the more confident the victors.
18. Therefore, before the men become utterly depressed, you must, 0 general, have the tagmatic commanders, including the dekarchs and pentarchs,
exhort the army and point out that this is no time for despondency; rather, they
should be aroused against the enemy and valiantly make up for the failure of a
few. You should address them in these and similar words.
19. If there is some hope that the defeat may be retrieved in the open field,
employ the prescribed method of formation. But if this is not the case, it is
important to show a bold front in the face of dangers.
20. If the victorious foe consists mostly of infantry, do not remain there but
make haste to withdraw in good order with your horses or safely move your
camp elsewhere. But if they are horsemen, you must disregard superfluous and
cumbersome property and horses. Except for a small mounted force, all should
The Day of Battle
Constitution 14
302
aveu 6f.(ywv Ka~aHap(wv ncwra<:; i<:; ouo <paf.ayya<:; ~TOL TU~fl<:; ~ Kal ei<:;
v Tnpaywvov 1tALV8(ou
OX~fla napaTa~aa8m. Kat flEOOV flEv Ta af.oya ~
TOV TOUA8ov <ppeLV, ~w8ev 8 exnv TOU<:; a-rpanwm<:;, W<:; dpf]TaL, v TU~fl Kal
TOU<:; TO~OTa<:; ~w-rpw Kat o{hw<:; Ta<:; fleTaOTaOfl<:; Kat avaxwp~OL<:; 1tOLt08aL
145 aa<paf.w<:;.
21. ITaf.Lv 0, av aiaiw<:; -ra -rou nof.flou ~f.8n Kal E>eoii ~o118oiiv-ro<:;
ap~f]Tal ~ VlKf], ou 81 Tfi we~aL Kat flOVn apKeta8m W<:; aneLpOKUAOU<:;, fl~
eiMm<:; xp~aaaem Tip Katpip. aHa aKa(pw<:; aKOlJLV <pLAOUVTa<:; TO "v(Ka Kal fl~
unepv(Ka," Kat v8LOOVTa<:; O<paf.epw<:; Kat flt(ova 8La T~<:; v86aew<:; TOU Katpou
150 KUflaTOV mawpeuovm<:; Kal 0.8f]AOV -r~v flEAAouaav eK~amv au-rot<:; KaTaOKeu-
a(ovm<:;, aHa 81 Tfi TOU x8pou TAel<;l KaTaAUO'L E1tlflEVLV.

22. Ei 8 v oxupwflaTL Kam<peuyeL, anouoa(etv ~ xnpt ~ 8La TWV ALTIOVTWV
ei8wv TOt<:; av8pw1tOL<:; ~ TOt<:; af.oyoL<:; 8La napa<pUAaK~<:; O'Tevoxwpeiv au-rov
flEXPL -ref.e(a<:; au-rou Ka-raf.uaew<:; ~ nw<pef.wv ~fltV YLVOflvwv OUfl<pwvwv Kat
155 flf]OE EKAuea8aL Tfi 6f.iyn we~afl, fl'l8 aflALV T~<:; TOU npayflaTO<:; EK~aaew<:; 8t'
OALYfJV Kap-rep(av fleTa TOOOUTOV novov Kat KUflaTOV Kat fleTa TOO'OUTOV EK TOU
noAEflOU Kiv8uvov, net Kat f:nt -roii Kuv'lyiou -ro napa flLKpov av-rt -rou flfJ8evo<:;
o-raL.
23. M~T fl~V nepL<ppovdv T~<:; TWV a-rpanw-rwv eum~(a<:; ano T~<:; VlK'l<:;
16o flUALO'Ta, aAAa OUVTTayflEVOU<:; 8LWKLV Kat flTa ETILOT~fl'l<:; Kat vouvex(a<:;
E1tlOK01tOUVTa TOV O'TpaTfJYOV Ta Oov-ra. OUK apKet yap OUVaflL<:; flOVf] ei<:;
aa<paAt:Lav i8iav ~ ~AU~f]V TWV x8pwv, aHa flTa T~V TOU @eou ~o~J8eLav Kat~ H
TOU OTPaT'lYOU OLOLKf]Ol<:; avayKa[a KatnpWT'l -ruyxaveL.
24. I1pnov ()' OUV,
wOTpaTf]y, TOt<:; T Katpo1<:; Kat TOt<:; TOTIOL<:; apfl08(w<:;
165 Kexp~aem Kat, av OOKlflUOn<:; TOU TIUVTW<:; yeva8m 1tOAflOV 8f]flOOLOV, nav-ra
148-149 Men. Sent., 419; Strat., 1.B.12.4.
303
take their stand on foot in two phalanxes or formations or in one four-sided,

rectangular formation. Place the horses and the baggage train in the middle
with the soldiers lined up on the outside, as described, and the archers in front
of them. In this way the army can safely change location.
21. Again, if the outcome of the battle is favorable and, with the help of God,
victory is ours, we must not be satisfied with merely driving the enemy back,
like inexperienced leaders who do not know how to take advantage of an opportunity. Instead, they have an inordinate love of the saying: "Be victorious but do
not press your victory too hard:'s To their own peril they make concessions and,
by surrendering the opportunity, they only heap up more trouble for themselves
and place the ultimate results in doubt. You must keep at it until the enemy is
utterly destroyed.
22. If they seek refuge behind fortifications, be sure to apply pressure directly or else prevent them from getting more supplies for men and horses until
they are completely wiped out or agree to terms advantageous to us. Do not let
up after driving them back a short distance. After so much labor and hard work
and after so many dangers in battle, do not jeopardize the outcome of the affair
because of a lack of persistence. As in hunting, a near miss is still a complete
miss. 6
23. Especially after a victory, do not disregard the good order of the soldiers.
They are to maintain formation in pursuit and the general is to use his knowledge and good sense in supervising what has to be done. Strength alone is not
sufficient to safeguard oneself and to inflict damage on the enemy but, after the
assistance of God, the primary and essential factor is the general's leadership.
24. Therefore, it is incumbent on you, 0 general, to take advantage of times
and places. If you make a definite decision to get into a pitched battle, you must
157-158 Arist. Phys., 197a30.
141 mivm~ MW iinavTa~ ABE I d~ MWA om. BE I ~ MW ~ Kal ABE

1
143 Tov ABE To
MW 146 aiaiw~ MW npm6vTw~ ABE 147 T~ MWAE om. B I am:tpoKaA.ou~ MW om.

ABE 148 doom~ MW ytvwaKovm~ ABE 149 Kmpou MW Kmpou K6nov Kai ABE
150 tmawp~:uovm~
MW
imof!vovm~
ABE 150-151 KaTaaKeua(ovm~
MWA
KUTaaKeua(ovT~ BE 152 anouM(ELv MW anouM(t:tv XP~ ABE I XEtpi ... A.m6vTwv MW
ota ouvaf!Ew~ ~ ota Twv A.~:m6vTwv ABE 155 w1ot 1 MWA f!~ BE 155-156 T~ ... oA.iyTJv
MWAE om. B 155 T~~ ... EK~aa~:w~ MW Toii TtA.ou~ Toii npawmo~ AE 159 f!~T f!~V
MW f!~T 8 A f!TJOE BE I 1!Ept<ppovlv MW A KUTa<ppovEiv BE 160 vouv~:xia~ MW
<ppov~a~:w~ ABE 161 tmaKonouvm MW maKonlv ABE 162 T~v MW T~~ ABE I
~o~6tav MW ~0!]6da~ ABE
164 ae MW om. ABE
ouv MWAE ouv aTtv B
165 KEXP~crem MW KEXp~aem a ABE lnavTw<; MW naA.tv ABE
5 Menander, Sententiae, 419; Strat. 7.B.12.4; see Attaleiates, Historia, ed. I. Bekker (Bonn,
1853), 26.17.
6. Aristotle, Physics, 197a30.
304
Constitution 14
The Day of Battle
crKon~crn~
170
175
180
185
KalT6nov mT~0LOv yuflv6v n: Kal 6flaAov ota Tou~ Kovmpcnou~

Kal fl~ flOVOV Ta Of~ta Kal aptcrn:pa Kal 6n(cr8ta flEpfl npoepeuvav 01 Kal ano
Mo Kal Tptwv ~flepwv T~~ napani~W~ flEXPL lOU npam~ lOU nOAEflOU, ana
Kal mu~ npoKtflvou~ T6nou~ \jfflAa<pav, fl~noT AaKKot eicrlv ~ aMo<pu1~ ~
wpUYf.lEVOl ~ OOAO~ ll~ ano~ np6KelTal.
25. Kma o T~V TOU nOAEflOU ~flpav, w~ avw e'lnOfleV, TWV ~LYAWV npoe~ep
XOflEVWV Ufla npw1 ei~ Tcrcrapa flEPfl lOU T6nou, evea i) O'Ufl~OA~ y(vnat, ano
Mo KalTptwv flLAtwv tv om:\ai:~ ~(y:\m~ napayyHetv a\nou~ fl~ fl6vov npo~
T~V TWV txepwv KLVflO'lV ano~Anetv Kal flflVUlV, ana Kalnpo~ TOU~ 8AoVTa~
npocrpu~vat, w~ eLKO~, TOL~ txepoi:~ anocrKoniv Kal cruvtxnv aUTOU~. EVTeU8v
yap KalTou~ ano<peuyovm~ K Tou mpmou p<;tolw~ KwAuoum KalTou~ K Twv
x8pwv ~OUAOflEVOU~ npocrpu~vat Kat m<pepOflEVOU~, W~ iK6~, e'lOfl TLVa fleTa
acrcpa:\da~ imooxovmt i~ TO fl~ Enflpea(wem aUTOU~ napa llVWV KaKWV
avepwnwv, onep Kal ae( ae XP~ napa<puAanetv ei~ TOU~ npocr<peuyovm~ fleTCt
nvwv npayflCtTWV Tft ~fleTEp<;t noALTel<(t, w~ avayKaiov Kal OLKULOV.
26. 0[ o KaTa Ta flnpocr8ev flEPflT~~ napaTa~eW~ ~lYAeUOVTe~ axpt vo~
craytno~6:\ou T~~ Twv txepwv napaTa~ew~ flnpocr8ev T~~ lola~ nepmaTeiTwcrav Kal OOflyehwcrav fl~nw~, w~ e'lpflTUl, <p6crcrat ~youv 6pUYflUTCt eimv ~ Tepo~
06:\o~ flefleAETflTat napa Twv txepwv Kal avamnetv Tou~ ioiou~ ei~ To fl~
aOOK~TW~ nepl1tl1tlelV.
27. 'Ev yap TOL~ avayKaLOl~ T6not~ Kal Katpoi~ fl~ flOVOV, w~ e'lpflTUl, anAa~
~(y:\a~ KaTa TWV aUTWV notlcr8at, ana Kal om:\a~ tva T~~ fll<'i~, w~ iK6~,
:\aveavOflEVfl~ T~v Tpav fl~ OtaAtten.
168 Mo MWAE
W B I TOu 7tepaTO~ MW
I eialv MWA wmv BE
7tapaKELf!eVOU~ codd.
auf17lAI]pwaew~ ABE
169 7tpoKELf!ivou~ Va
173 ouo MW A
172 7!pwT MW A om. BE
BE 175 7!poapu~VUL MW 7!poa<puyEiv ABE I auvexeLV MW KUTiXELV ABE 176 paoiw~

MW EUKOAW~ ABE I KwA.Uoum MBE KwA.Uoumv WA 177 7tpoapu~vm MW 7tpoacpuyEiv
ABE
I ELOI]
MW 7tpawa-ra ABE 179 ae XP~ MWBE XP~ ae A I 7tapacpuAit-rmv MW

183 cpoaam ~youv MW om. ABE I Eimv MWA wmv BE
7!apacpuA.anecr6m ABE
185 7!Epl7ll7!TELV
MWA
7!Epl7lt7!TELV
7!Epl
~LYAWV
BE
186 fl~
MWBE
186-187 e'ipl]tat. .. ~iyA.a~ MW cmA.a~ (cmA.w~ E) ~iyA.a~ w~ e'ipl]tat ABE

7!0Letcr6m MW TOV autov T07!0V 7!0LEL<16UL XP~ ABE
eav t~V fllUV we; elKOc; A.aewmv o[ exepol ABE
BE
ou
187 twv ...
187-188 T~~ ... A.aveavOf!iVI]~ MW
188 8LaAit61] MW 0LaAit6wmv A 8LaAit6wm
305
investigate every open and level location suitable for lancers. You must reconnoiter not only the sectors to the right and left and rear for two or three days
before forming the line and until the conclusion of the battle, but also closely
examine the ground in front in case pools of water, either natural or excavated,
or some other trap lies before you.
25. On the day of battle, as we remarked above, patrols, twice the usual
number, are to head out early in the morning for two or three miles in the four
directions of the area where the battle is to take place. Order them not only to
observe and report the movements of the enemy but also to discover and to
detain any of our men who, as may happen, want to go over to the enemy. Out
there they can easily intercept deserters from our army. Also, in case enemy
soldiers want to come over to us bringing with them, as is likely, their equipment, the patrols may receive them in safety so they will not be waylaid by evil
men. It is essential and just that you always be protective of those seeking refuge
in our nation along with their possessions.
26. The patrols covering the area in front of our battle line should work their
way to about a bowshot from the enemy line in front of their own to make sure,
as mentioned, that the enemy are not digging any ditches or planning some
other trap. This will keep their own men from falling into unexpected trouble.
27. When under pressure because of the terrain and the time, do not send, as
prescribed, only one patrol into the area against them but send two, so that if
the first one, as can happen, fails to notice <enemy activity>, the second one will
be sure to detect it.
306
190
195
2oo
Constitution 14
The Day of Battle
28. Ka[, tav hotf16c; tanv ~ Ta~tc; Kal 6 T6n:oc; mT~Onoc;, fl~ avaf.LEVLv Touc;
xEJpouc; EV Tfi <1Uf.L~OAfi, Iva f.L~ KaVOVL(W<1L Kal f.L800eUW<1l T~V TU~LV, a.\Aa
aacpa.\wc; 6pf.LCtV Kal EmT[Elmem TOte; txepo1c;.
29. 'Eav of: un:p8emv exn, we; iK6c;, Ta T~c; <1Uf.L~OA~c; Ota nvac; euMyouc;
ah[ac;, avayKm6v E<1TLV T~V owiTpav f.LUAL<1Ta TU~LV EV Tate; eupl<1KOf.LEVatc;
u.\mc; ~ Tote; KOLAOTEpOLc; TOn:OLc; omaeev KpumLV, Iva fl~ n:po n:o.\Aou Tote;
txElpotc; UKa[pwc; n:poq>atVOf.LEVT] aUT~ f.LEl00UTaL Kal E1tl~OUAUTat un:o tyKpUf.Lf.LUTWV ~ Kat un:o UAAWV EYXLp~<1WV KaTa<10q:>L(TaL.
30. 'En:el of: n:epl ~ty.\wv Ef.LVT]f.LOVU<JaflV, Od <1 aun\c; <'>xupac; 1tOLtV Kal
Olatpdv Touc; ~LYAUOVTac;, Iva oi f.LEV un:voumv, oi of: typf]yopoumv Kal oihwc;
tva.\Aaaaov-rac; a.\A~.\ouc; ~LYAULV. f.L~ yap 1tl<1TUanc; nv[, KUV un:oaxemv
n:OLehm, OATJV T~v vl>Km ypf]yop~om clypun:vov Kal yap voxemt Kal mh6f.LaTov i.\n:vov n:e.\8etv. EV of: Tate; cl.\Amc; ~[y.\mc;, OT xpe[a, n:avTwc; Kal 6p8ouc;
ioTaf.LEVOUc; ~LYAULV. ai yap Ka8opm Kal ai avaKAL<Jetc; Ta OWf.LaTa f.Lapa[vou<1LV eic; un:vov, ~ of: TWV <1KAWV <JTa<JLc; Otyepmv T~c; Otavo[ac; 1t0lel.
31. AvayKatov 0 aOL f.LTa Tov n:6Af.LOV, oTpaTTjy, Touc; n:.\TjywElvmc; tv
auT4J TWV <1TpanwTWV n:apaf.LUEldoElm Kal Touc; Otan:[n:TOVTac; EV Tti> n:OAEflql
Taq:>~c; U~LOUV Kat f.LaKapt(LV 0Lf]VKwc;, We; un:f:p T~c; 1tl<JTWc; Kat TWV U0A<j>WV
f.Lf]OE T~V auTWV (w~v n:pOTlfl~<1aVTac;, E1tL0~ Kal om6v E<JTLV Kal n:poElUf.Ltav
Tote; (wmv f.Ln:OLel.
205
28. Further, if our lines are ready and the terrain is suitable, do not wait for
the enemy to give battle, allowing them to adapt and modify their formation,
but in safety charge and fall upon them.
29. In the likely case that the charge is delayed for some good reasons, it is
absolutely necessary to hide the second line in the woods that may be found
there or on lower ground to the rear. If it is seen by the enemy too soon, they
will adapt and deal with it by ambushes or outwit it by other methods.
30. Since we have brought up the subject of patrols, you must make them
strong. Divide the scouts in such a way that, while some are sleeping, others are
awake, and so they carry out the patrols alternating with one another. Do not
trust anyone to be awake and vigilant through the entire night, no matter how
much he promises to do so. For it is possible that sleep will come upon him of
itself. When other patrols are necessary, always have the scouts stand up
straight. Chairs and recliners lull the body into sleep whereas standing on your
legs keeps the mind alert.
31. After the battle, 0 general, you are obliged to see to the comfort of the
soldiers wounded in the action, as well as to provide proper burial for those who
have fallen/ Constantly pronounce them blessed because they have not preferred their own lives over their faith and their brothers. This is a religious act
and it greatly helps the morale of the living.
204-208 Strat., 7.B.6.

189 eav MWA av BE
I EO"TlV ... TCt~l~
MWA ~ TCt~l~ ~ BE
190 Kavov[(wm Kal MW om.
ABE 1 Ta~tv MW Ta~tv Kal KaTa<npaTI]ywmv auT~v (auT~~ BE) ABE 1 ana MWA aU' BE
192 w~ iK6~ MW om. ABE
W ABE eoTt M
I OUfl~OA~~
MW OUfl~OA~~ TOU 7IOAEflOU ABE
195 npo<patVOflEVI] MW <patVOflEVI] A <pUAaTTOflEVOl BE
I Kal MW A om. BE I iiA>..wv MWA
MW om. ABE
199
lltaOEXOflEVOU<; ABE
aypunVElV BE
iiA.Awv Ttvwv BE
197 end MWA enctO~ BE
MW OtaflEp[(Etv ABE
ypljyopwm BE
auT~
I oxupa~
MWE om. AB
196 ~ MWBE om.
I KaTacro<p[(ETat
Va Kamcro<p[(I]Tal
MW acr<paA.ET~ ABE
198 Otatpdv
I imvoiimv MW KOlflWVTal ABE I eypljyopoiimv MW ypljyopwmv A

evaA>..aooovTa~ MWA EAAaOO"OVTa~ BE I aU~A.ou~ MW aAA.~A.ou~ Kal
I KUV MWA Kal BE 200 YP'lYOP~Oat ... Kall MW aypunv~oat A
202-203 ai' ... unvov MW TO yap Ka8e(w8at Kal (To BE) avaKA[vw8at [~
urrvov Ta OC:OflaTa KaTa<pepet ABE
202-203 flapa[vouotv W flapa[voum M om. ABE
203 ~ ABE a[ MW
I O"Tam~ ABE OTCtOEt~ MW
7IAijyw8evTa~
ev~OKOVTU~
Kal
anoev~OKOVTa<; ABE
ABE
193 EOTlV
194 KotAoTepot~ MW ~a8uTepot~ A ~a8u-repot~ Kal xafli]AOTEpot<; BE
flE800EUETat. .. em~OUAEUETat MW flE8oOEui]Tat Kal em~OUAEUTal ABE
eametv
Kal
204 scr. mg. 7tEpl -rou napaf1U8Eto8at Toil~

flaKap[(EtV
206 Ta<p~<; a~lOUV MW eamEtV ABE
205 Otan[movTa~
307
MW
207 EO"TlV MW EO"Tl TOUTO
7 Strat. 7.B.6.
308
210
215
220
225
The Day of Battle
Constitution 14
32. Et o Kai TEKva atJTOt<; eiatv ~ <J1l!l~l0<; Kai <pavep6v anv, on aywvt(611evot 11po6u!lw<; TeAwil6f]aav, Kai mum 11apalluela<; a~wuv T~<; 7tpOGfJKOU<Jf]<;.
33.'E11l0~ o eupt<JKO!lV Kai'Pwlla(ou<; Kai mivm<; TOU<; 6vlKOU<;, W<; E11t7tav
!l~Ko6ev Ta<; aAA~AWV 7tapaTCt~l<; 6pwvm<;, f11l<Jf]!la(vwem T~V muyvoTepav
!lCtAAOV Tft O\fil E11lTUYXCtVlV v Tat<; !lCtXat<; ~11p T~V v TOt<; 011AOl<; Aa!1110U<Jav,
KCtV Taxa \fiUOE<; f<JTlV TO xuoatov TOUTO. !lTa yap T~<; Kpt<JW<; TOU Ekou Tft
TOU <JTpaTf]yOu OlOlK~<Jl Kai 7tpoeu!lt<;t TOU mpaTOU 6 TIOA!10<; KptvTat. aU'
oi>v Ola TOU<; Ta TOlaUTa moxa(O!lEVOU<; Mov f<JTLV, W<JT et !lfV UAal ~ KOtAOl
TOTIOL 7tp6KlVTat, EKt<J TOV <JTpaTov a7toKpu~Lv Kai 11po 11oHou Tot<; TIOA!11ot<; !l~ mOlKVUlV, W<JT !l~ KaTa<Jo<pl(wem Kai m~OUAUlV aunj), i !l~11W
newmv cmo EVO<; ~ OeuTepou Gf]!ldou.
34 Et o YD!lVO<; 6 TOTIO<; Kai Ka6apo<; 6 a~p f<JTlV, TOT Ta<; Ka<J<J(Oa<;
7tapa<JKU<i(Lv !l~ 7tp0 110AAOU <j>Opt<J6at, ana Tat<; xepai KaTexwem, !lEXPl<;
liv yylawmv oi txepol ana Kai Ta GKOUTCtpta !llKpa OVTa f!l11poaeev L<; TO
<JT~6o<; q>EpLv Kai <JKE11lV Ot' aunliv Kai Ta AwptKla Kai Ta<; aKaTIA(Oa<; omaeev
I KaTa TWV W!l011AaTWV <ppLV. d xou<Jl <JlOf]pii <JKOUT<ipta Aa!l11PU, ana Kai Ta
a(Ofjpa TWV Kovmplwv aTioKpumetv d<; TO TiavTolw<; Ta OTIAa !l~Ko6ev <11~>
OtaACt!l11tv Ota Tov elpfJ!lvov Tp611ov, aH' wme Kai &a TotouTou OfJ!ldou, o11ep
<JfJ!ltolivTm oi vavTiot, 7tpoKaTaAa!l~<ivwem Ta<; yvw11a<; mhwv, Kai d<;
0LA(av Kai 11po T~<; !lCtXfJ<; !lTa7tt11TlV.
228
ad f!TU7ttJtTetv des. Va
211-228
Strat.,
209 OUf!~LO<;
MW
213
tnt
MWA OUf!ULOL B cruf!~LOL E
TO
210
n\daTov
tnt
Kal xuoaTov ABE
215
MWAE np66uf.!o<; B
n:\w.i>6T]crav MW <'m6avov ABE
221
BE
214
212 napaT<i~L<;
211
T<i~Et<;
MWBE
tninav
taTtv ... ToiiTo MW aTt (~ BE) ToiiTo
npo6Uf!lU MWAE TIOAEf!la B I TOU <rTpaToii MW om. ABE ln6AEf!O<;
216
waTE MW om. ABE I KOLAOL MW ~a6El<; Kat (~ E) xaf.lf]AOl ABE
Kat MW anoKpuTITELV Kat 11~ ABE
auTov ABE I fl~Tiw MW fl~Tiou ABE
BE
n\dcrTov
tmTuyxavEtv MW Eun>xTv A VTuxIv BE
217 anoKpu~ELV
32. If they have children or a wife and it is clear that they met their end
struggling valiantly, then provide proper comfort to their children and wives.
33 We are well aware that the Romans and all other peoples, when observing each other's battle lines from a distance, generally pick out the more gloomylooking one as more likely to win the battle rather than the one in gleaming
armor. Although common, this view is clearly wrong. After the judgment of
God, war is decided by the leadership of the general and the morale of the army.
Be that as it may, following <the report of> those who are attentive to such
matters, if woods or hollows are found in the vicinity, the army should be
concealed in them and not be visible to the enemy for a long time, until it
advances to within a mile or two. This will not allow the enemy to organize
countermeasures against it.
34 If the ground is open and the air is clear, then train <the troops> not to
wear their helmets during a long wait before <battle> but to hold them in their
hands until the enemy gets close. If their shields are small, have them carry
them in front on their chests, in this way covering their mail coats, and throw
the mail head pieces back over their shoulders. They should conceal bright iron
shields, if they have them, and also the iron of the lances. By adopting the above
measures, our weapons will not seem to shine at all from a distance. By such
indications, which the enemy also make use of, we will frustrate them and, even
before the battle, they will fall into dejection.
7.B.15.
napaf!u6ia<; ... npo<rf]KOUcrf]<; MW T~<; npO<rf]KOUOf]<; napaf!u6ia<; a~toiiv ABE
xepcrt MABE xepalv
Strat. Kaaaioa<; ~ codd.
223-224
MW
T~v
220
tyyiawatv MWA tyyi~watv BE
6ma8Ev ... Aaf!npa MW d
ACtf.!Tiovm 6niaw d<; Tou<; Wf!OTIA<im<; anoppimEtv ABE

225-226 f.l~Ko6Ev ... OtaAaf.!TIELv
MW om. ABE
<Yf]f.!Eiou MW f!LAiou ABE
219
222
218 f.l~ 1
225
oe
ABE
223
crKaTIA[Oa<;
navtoiw<; MW f!J]Oaf.!w<; ABE

6ta2
225 11~
MW
227
<rJ]f.!ELOiivTm ... tvavTiot MW ol txepot napaT!]poiivmt Ka\6v tan (eanv B) ABE
OEtAiav Ef.!Tiinwv Kalnpo T~<; f.!CtX!]<; ABE
Toii
ABE
TOY ... Tp6nov
227-228
ota
Va om. codd.
226
yvwf.!a<; MW otavoia<; ABE
ahiav
MW
crTtv MWA tan
xwm atOf]pa <rKOUT<ipta
MW 6taA<if.!TIELV ano f!CtKpo6ev ABE

dp!]f.!EVfJV
I autw
309
d<; ... f.!ETaniTITEtv MW npoKamn\~nwem Kat d<;

8.
Sections
33-34
derive from Strat.
7.B.15.
310
230
235
240
245
250
Constitution
The Day of Battle
14
35 KAU0jlV 0 O"Ol, wO"Tpanw, flCtAlaTQ Kat n':tc; vopac; ~TOl eyKpUflflUTa v Tft 11axn KUTa A.6yov not1a8m ~Tot KUTa Tov npcbl]v ~111v otaTunw8vTa
Tp6nov. mhai yap emTI]Odwc; Kai npm6vTwc; ytv6jlVat flyiamc; w<pAiac; v
True; flUXatc; 7TOlOUat, KUL 0tacp6pwc; flyaA.ac; OUVUjllc; uno 6:\[ywv KUTEAUO"UV,
waT !11]15 Kmpov yva8m T~v OATJV napam~tv crujlnAaK~vm.
36. Oi jlEV yap T6nwv emTI]odwv npoc; Taum tmop~aavTc;, oiov ~ uA.l]c;
oaadac; ~ KOlAUOoc; ~ ~ouvou jlyaA.ou ~ cpapayy[wv ~ 6pwv eyyt(OVTWV, KUL
jlEXPl T~c; ni>v x8pwv napaTCt~wc; O"UVKTlVOf1EVWV, WaT ot' mhwv A.a81V KUL
11~ n6ppw8v 6pWjlVov TO yKpUf1f1U jl8ooU8~vm npoc; m~ouA.~v. ouTwc; oi>v
Tote; vwTotc; Tv x8pwv 6ma8v licpvw nA.86vTc; npo T~c; auflnAoK~c; otnapa~av Kat Tp\jlav a\nouc;.
37 'AHot 0 OU 7TAI]O"LOV TWV ex8pwv T~c; napaTa~Wc; TUUTT]V ETIOLT]O"UV,
emT~OlOV OUK EXOVT<; T07TOV, aHa fK nA.ay[ou ai>Twv jlEGOV T~c; io[ac; Kai T~c;
Tv x8pwv Ta~wc; not~cravT<; ~ Kai 6ma8v T~c; io[ac; eK nA.ayiou, Kai T~v 11ev
flEL(ova OUVUjllV de; eyKpUjlflUTU ETU~av, T~V o Mnova O"XTJflUTlKWc; Ejl7Tpoa8v m~av.
38. 'AHot 0 flEpoc; Tou aTpaTou Ta~av ic; yKpUjlf1U, Kai ou To fl1(ov
flEpoc;, aHa TO 6A.ty6Tpov. T~<; 15 O"Ujl~OA~c; YV0f1EV1]<; EKOUa[wc; TWV npotayvTWV de; cpuy~v 6pjll]cravTwv, Kai Tv x8pwv T~v oiw~tv aTaKTwc; notou!lvwv, jlTa To napA.81v ai>Touc; Tov T6nov T~c; vopac; ~A.86vTc; oi To yKpuf1f1U not~aavTc; KaTa Tou vwTou 6ma8v Tv x8pwv nm11aav. dTa Kai oi
cpuy6vTc; UVTtcrTpocpot ytVOjlVOl npoc; TO auv8l]jlU 07Tp npo6ptcrav v T<P flE0"4J
250 ad <JUV81]f1U des. W
229-407 Strat., 4.
229
ot ABE om.
MW
I TU~ ... ~TOl
rrpoTurrwaaf1V TaiiTa ABE
ABE
I Kme\uaav
35 We order you, 0 general, to make particular use of ambuscades or ambushes in battle in the prescribed manner, that is, the manner previously set
forth by us.9 When well planned and properly carried out, they are extremely
advantageous in warfare. In various ways they have caused large forces to be
destroyed by a few men before they had a chance to bring their entire battle line
into action.
36. Some commanders have availed themselves of favorable terrain for these
purposes, such as dense woods, hollows, steep hills, ravines, or nearby mountains extending up to the enemy battle line. They have used these to conceal
themselves and avoid being detected from a distance and so have organized
their ambush and gotten it ready. Then, well before battle, they suddenly
charged in from behind against the enemy's rear and threw them into disarray
and routed them.
37. Others, when the terrain was not to their advantage, would not lay the
ambush close to the enemy battle line, but would set it up off to their flanks,
between the enemy's line and their own or even to the rear of their own flank.
They stationed the larger force in ambush with a smaller force assuming a
position out in front.
38. Still others have designated a division of the army for an ambush, not the
larger division but a smaller one. When the charge began, those who had been
so drawn up quickly rushed into flight and, in disorder, the enemy pursued
them. They rode past the site of the ambush and the troops who had set the
ambush charged out behind them and struck the enemy in the rear. Then, at the
prearranged signal, the men who had been fleeing wheeled about and caught the
enemy in the middle. The Northern tribes and the Scythians do this very
230-231 ~TOl ... auml MW Ka8w~ (JOl
MW TU ABE
232 rrotouat MW rrowiiatv ABE
I Ota<p6pw~
MW 8ta TotouTwv Tp6rrwv KUTAU8T]aav ABE
MW rroA.AaKt~
234 Oi De d codd.
urrop~aavT~
MW errnuxovn:~ ABE 234-235 UAT]~ ... KOlAUOO~ MW oaaou~ ~ KOlAUOWV

ABE 235 <papayyiwv MW <papayywv ABE I eyyt~OVTWV Kal MW om. ABE
236 cruvKTLVOf1evwv MW rrKTtvoflvwv ABE 237 f.l8oowe~vat. .. em~ou\~v MW
I
I
El!lT~OlOV ... TOJ!OV MW ll~ EXOVT~ TOJ!OV El!lT~OlOV ABE I
KaTacrTpamyT]e~vm Kal bn~ou\w8~vm ABE

omcr8v MW om. ABE
TaUTT]V MW TOUTO ABE
238 vwTot~ MW 6mcr8iot~ f.lEpwt ABE
240 TWV ... rrapaTa~W~ MW T~~ TWV exepwv rrapma~W~ ABE

241
ioia~ MW ioia~ ~ ABE
243-244 Ef.lrrpocr8v eTa~av MW rrpotm~av Ef.lrrpocr8v ABE
246-247 rrpomyvTWV MW rrpoTpanEVTWV ABE
ABE
249 Kma ... omcr8v
MW
6rricrw
248 Tij~ evtopa~ MW TOU eyKpUf.lf.lUTO~
ABE
250 aVTtcrTpocpot
ytv6f.lVot
MW
avncrTpa<pEVT~ ABE <JUV8T]f.lU ... rrpo6ptcrav M OT]f.lELOV Kal TO cruv8T]f.lU 0 npowptcrav ABE
311
9. Sections 35-57 derive from Strat. 4.
312
255
260
265
7o
Constitution 14
anL\a~ov mhouc;. TOtrro oi: we; brl TrOAU i:rrl TWV ~opELOTEpwv Kal LKU8LKWV
8vwv ylvnm ota -ro a-raK-ra Elvm, olov ToupKwv Kal -rwv 6f.Lolwv au-roic;.
39 'Eav 0 TLc; q>6aaav ~a8Eiav ~youv opuwa i:rrl OKTW ~ OEKa rr6oac; TO
TrAaToc; i:nl iKavov OLCtO'TT]fla 6pu~n, Kal O'KE1taO'n TaUTT]V ~UAOLc; AE1tToic; xopT(j.l
TE Kal XWflaTL, WO'TE ~vw!f.LEVT]V Kal6flolav T~v i:mq>avELav -rou 6puwa-roc; dvm
Tft i:yyt(oucrn au-r<iJ yft, Kal KaTa f.LT]Oi:v OLaAACtTTELV. ana f.LT]Oi: TO nap8i:v
XWflU i:acrn napaKEicr8m au-r<iJ, Iva 11~ Ef.Lq>alvn TLVU ~EV01tpE1tELUV i:v T flEO'(j.l oi:
-rou au-rou 6pl>yflaToc; KamA.lnn nvac; -r6nouc; cr-repwuc; O'EO'TJflELWflvouc; Kal
i:yvWO'flEVOUc; npoc; TO napov T LOL(j.l O'Tpa-r<iJ. EKaTEpw8Ev oi: ~youv v8Ev
KaKEi8Ev EK TOU 1tAT]O'LOV TOU 6puwa-roc; eyKpUflflU de; aq>avEic; T01touc; TrOL~O'n,
Kal napa-ra~n Toile; Aomoilc; 1tp0 TOU opUYf.LaToc;. Eha O'Ufl~OA~c; YEVOflEVT]c;
EKOUO'tWc; o[ npo-rayevTE<; T~V Tp01t~V O'XTJflUTLO'CtflEVOL au-col fli:V Olcl TWV i:yvwcrf.LEVWV au-roic; T01tWV Kal OTEpEWV aKLVOUvwc; napA.8wmv. o[ Oi: i:vavTtOL aq>o8pwc; Kal acrx-rwc; T~V o[w~LV 1tOLT]O"CtflEVOL Efl1tEO'WO'LV v T 6pUYflUTL, U1tE~EA86vTEc; Oi: aq>vw oi TO yKpUflflU 1tOLTJO'CtflEVOL, Eha navacr-rp'JfaVTE<; Kal oi T~v
unoxwpTJOLv crxTJflUTLO"af.LEVOL, -roilc; nA.eiouc; -rwv tx8pwv anoA.tawm nav-rwc;,
Toile; fli:V W<; Efl1tEO"OVTa<; Eic; TO opuwa, Toile; oi: we; -rpanev-rac; aTCtKTWc; i:nl T
UOOK~T(j.l O"Ufl1tTWflUTL, d fl~ apa napa TWV tx8pwv 1tpoyvwcr8ft ~ OLCt TLVWV
npocrpUEVTWV aUTOL<; KUTaflT]VU8ft.
40. 'Eav Oi: -rov OflOLov -rp6nov Kal 8ta naA.wv nmTJwvwv -rtc; not~crn, ouo
Kal ~ -rpEic; ELO"OOOUc; ana8Eic; mvo~crn i:yVWO"flEVac; T<iJ 1tapaTaO'O'OflEV4J O'TpaT<iJ,
ha npo -rwv naA.wv i:Kdvwv napa-r<i~T]TaL Kal OXTJflUTLO"Ctflvoc; i:v -rft O'Ufl~OAft
Ka-ra -rov OflOLov -rp6nov -r~v q>uy~v rrpo-rpE'JITJTUL -roue; x8poilc; -roic; naA.OLc;
1tpmwiv. Kal i:~a[q>vT]c; i:nA.86v-rc; o'( T -co yKpUflflU xovTc; i:K nA.ayiou, Kal
251 cmAa~ov M CU!EKAWJav ABE ITIOAU M T01lAElOTOV ABE 253 <p6aaav ... opuyt.ta M
Kal opuyfla 1!0t~aac; ~aeu ABE 254 TUUTTJV M TOUTO ABE 255 E1ll<pUVEtav M 0\f'lV ABE
256 yyt<ouaTJ M TIATJma<oucrfJ ABE I OtaH<inetv MBE Ota>.A<iaaetv A 257 Ttva M Ttva
11apaHay~v Kal ABE 258-259 OEOTJf!ElWf!EVOuc; ... yvwaflvouc; M U7tOOTJf!ElWV Ttvwv
yvwpt<Of!EVouc; ABE 259-260 EKaTepw8ev ... i!yKpUflf!U M ev8ev 6t Kal EKet8ev TOU
6puyt.tmoc; EK TOU 1lATJOlOV eyKpUf!f!UTa ABE 260 T01!0Uc; M T01lOUc; Aa8paiwc; ABE
261 Kal ... >.omouc; M Toile; of: >.omouc; 7tapm<i~TJ ABE I 1tapm<i~T] ABE 1tapma~et M
262 T~V Tporr~v M <puy~v ABE 264 aaxeTwc; M aKpmwc; ABE 265 rravamp\f'UVTec; M
imoaTpE\f'UVTec; ABE 266 U1lOXWPTJatV M <puy~v ABE I rr>.douc; M 1!AeiaTouc; ABE
268 UOOK~TW M arrpoaOOK~TW ABE 269 rrpoapuEVTWV M 7tpoa<puywv ABE
2 71 elaooouc; ... yvwcrf!Evac; M rrap66ouc; KaTaAei<p8TJ rrpoeyvwaf!Evac; ABE 272 7tpo M
l::f!7tpoa8ev ABE I OXfJf!UTlOUf!EVoc; M OXfJflUTlcr<if!EVoc; <puy~v ABE 273 T~v <puy~v Mom.
ABE 274 rre>.86vTEc; M t~eA86VTec; ABE ITEM om. ABE
The Day of Battle
313
lrcquently because they are undisciplined, like the Turks and those similar to
them. 10
39. A commander might dig a deep trench or ditch eight or ten feet wide
.md extending a good distance and cover it over with light pieces of wood and
with hay and earth so it looks uninterrupted and just like the ground around the
excavation, so there seems to be no difference at all. He ought then to allow the
~xcavated earth to remain at the site to avoid giving it a strange appearance. In
the middle of this trench he might leave several solid spots, well marked and
known to his own army. Close to the trench on both sides, that is, here and
there, he might lay an ambush in places that cannot be seen and draw up the
r~tmaining troops in formation in front of the excavation. When battle is joined,
the men stationed in front make believe they are being routed and without harm
{:ross over the solid spots that they know about. The enemy might begin an
Impetuous and unrestrained pursuit and fall into the trench. Then the soldiers
lying in ambush suddenly charge out and the men who had feigned retreat turn
back. Most of the enemy will surely perish, some because they will fall into the
trench, others because they will be routed in disorder by the unexpected
disaster. Of course, this will not work if the enemy learns of it ahead of time or is
warned by some men going over to them.
40. If a person were to devise something similar, he could fix stakes in the
!\round. Plan two or three safe passageways known to the army drawn up in
1\mnation. Then draw it up in front of those stakes. In similar fashion, during
the fighting it will pretend to take to flight and so cause the enemy to fall upon
10. Cf. Const. 18. Scythian was a general designation for peoples north of the Black Sea.
"Northern tribes" probably refers to the Rhos. At this time, "Turks'' designated the people
known as Magyars or Hungarians.
314
275
The Day of Battle
Constitution 14
o[ GXfJflUTlGCq_tVOl T~V <puy~v KaTa Kpc'no<; Kai oihw<; TOU<; txElpou<; cmo\aouatv.
41. flVTat 8 TOlOUTO<; OOAO<; KaTa T<DV txEJpwv Kat UVU opUYflUTO<; ~
mi\wv, tav Tl<; Tpt06\ou<; at8f]pi't<; aGUfl<paVW<; pi\l'n npo<; wpav tv G<jlf]KWflUalV
imo8eOflEVa<; ei<; TO ETOlflW<; aum\\wElat fleTa T~V xpLav, TOUTEGTlV tni
28o
nAa.-ro<; flEV p' no8wv, Kai npo<; fl~Ko<; 8 npo<; To <~<; napma~ew<; 8taGTfJflU. tv
Tip flEG4J 8 Teaaapa<; ~ nEVT nap68ou<; KaTUAinn ano TptaKoaiwv no8wv
n\aTO<; tyvWGflEVa<; Tip GUf100.\Aovn aTpaTip, Kai GWf]fllWflEVa<; ano KA<i8wv
flYUAWV ~ KOVTapiwv K<paAa<; ~evonpme1<; txovTWV ~ y~<; avapo\wv W<;
TUf10iwv ~ \[EJwv anonElflEVWV ~ Tepov U0f1AOV Gf] flelOV, OU flOVOV KaT' UUTU<;
285
Ta<; apxa<;, ~TOl TWV flT<imwv TOU fl~KOU<; TWV Tpt06\wv, aHa
I Kai KaTa TOU
pa.eou<; ~Tot -rou n\0.-rou<; nap' i:xa-repa -rwv nap68wv, wme T~<; auf10o\~<;
yeVOflEVfl<; GXfJflUTiaaaElat -rpon~v Kal fleTa TO nape\Eldv 8ta -rwv TOLOUTwv
tyvwaflvwv nap6owv TOV mpmov tnaipwElat Ta Totaum Gf]flela, ~Tot Ka-ramp<pwElm napa TWV ei<; TOUTO U<popt<OflEVWV Ka0a\Aap[wv, e'LEJ' oihw<; T~V
290
tv8pav tK TWV Mo n\ayiwv ime~pxwElat evElev KUK1Elev KQTQ TWV txElpwv

neptTilJTTOVTWV TOt<; Tpt06\ot<;, Kal ou OUVaflEVWV oM np6aw oM omaElev
euK6Aw<; imoxwpe1v.
42. fivwem 8 Mvamt Kal KaTa TOV OflOlOV Tp6nov Kal aveu Tpt06\wv, tav
n<; mpoyyu\a 6puwam,
295
a e\eyov
o[ naAatOTpOl [nnOKACtaTa<;, 6pu~n 8t-
anapf1Va ano EVO<; no86<; TO 8taGTf]flU exovm, Kal pa.eo<; Mo ~ Tptwv no8wv,
Kai na\ou<; 6~1<; Efln~~n v auTo1<;. muTa 8 napfJUawva opu~et Kai fl~ n'
3.!114
the stakes. Suddenly the troops in ambush on the flank, together with those who
had feigned flight, charge out in force and utterly destroy the enemy.
41. The same sort of trap may be laid for the enemy without a trench or
stakes if, in timely fashion and secretly, a person should scatter iron caltrops
strung together so they can easily be collected after use. They should extend the
whole length of the battle line to a depth of one hundred feet. In the middle
section, which would be about three hundred feet wide, one might leave four or
five passageways known to our army in combat, marked by large tree branches,
spear heads with odd shapes, heaps of earth like burial mounds, piles of stone,
or other obvious signs. These could be placed not only at the entrances, that is,
the front of the section covered by the caltrops, but also deeply and broadly on
both sides of the passages. Then during the battle, after the units feigning flight
have passed through these passages known to them, remove the markers or have
them overturned by the cavalry men assigned to this task. The men in ambush
on both flanks can then charge out here and there while the enemy are tripping
over the caltrops and find themselves unable to move forward or backward with
ease.
42. It is possible to do something along the same lines, even without
caltrops. A person could dig round pits here and there, that the older authorities
referred to as horsebreakers. 11 They should be about one foot in diameter and
two or three feet deep with sharp stakes set into them. Dig these in alternating
rows, not in straight lines, about three feet apart from one another in all four
euEleia<; ~ ano Tptwv no8wv UAA~AWV KaTa Ta Teaaapa flEPfl a<pWTf]KOTWV, nl

297 ad Tptwv de novo inc. W
293-305 Strat., 4-3-53

278 aoufi<pavwc; M Kpu<pa ABE 279 uTto8coqtvac; M aTtoo8cf1vac; ABE
auaTA.Aw8m ... xpiav M T((lAlV f1TCt T~V xpiav OUOTEAAW8at ABE 280 p' ... Ttpoc; 1 M
Ttoowv eKmov de; ABE 281 Ttap6oouc; M Moue; ABE 281-282 aTto ... yvwof1vac; M
TtAUToc; xouaac; alto TptaKoaiwv Ttoowv Ttpoyvwaf1vac; ABE 282 oufi~aAA.ovn M om.
ABE 282-283 oW!]f1ELWf1vac; ... f1Eya,\wv M alto KAaowv f1ya,\wv OWI]f1LWf1EVac; ABE
283 ~VOT!pmdc; M ~vo1tp1t1c; Kal TtUp!]AAUYf1EVac; ABE 283-284 ~ 2 TUfl~[wv M om.
ABE 284 ,\i8wv M ,\[8wv we; awpwv ABE I hcpov ... Ol]fidOV M hpwv Ol]flElWV OI]AWV Kal
<pavEpwv ABE 285 Twv 1 M KaTi:t ABE 285-286 ToiJ2 ... TtAamuc; M To ~a8oc; ~Tot TO
ltAUToc; ABE 291 ou M OUT Ef11tpoa8v ABE I ouoi:: 1 M OUt ABE I 1tp6aw ouoi:: Mom.
ABE 293 Kall M om. ABE 294 6puwam M 6puwma 6pu~IJ ABE I 6pu~IJ M om. ABE
295 OtUOT!]flU M T!Aatoc; ABE 296-297 T!Up!]AAUYflEVU ... ~ M fl~ Kat' U8dav aAA~AWV
6pu~!] aA.Ai:t TtUp!]AAUYfiEVa ABE 297 a<pwt!]K6twv MW aTtexovta ABE
315
11.
Strat. 4-353
316
300
305
310
Constitution 14
The Day of Battle
TrAClTO<; Of: TrOOa<; pv', flflKO<; Of: rrpo Tfl<; Trapani~fW<; OHXGTflfla. Kat T01JTOU
yeVOflEVOU i:.v Tft GUfl~OAft, (\Tav f.!EV ~ TrpWTfl TCt~l<; rrporrapaTCtGGflTUL, 1tpE1tOV
'(va W<; rrpo EVO<; fllALOU TOU TOLOUTOU (JO<pL<JflaTO<; ~ mh~ i'<JTaTUL, ~ of: OeUTi:.pa
omcreev aUTOU Ot' o.\ou TOU Ota<JT~flaTO<; ei<; TU AeLflflaTU TWV 6pUYf.!CtTWV W<;
arro Mo ~ TplWV crayLTTO~OAWV omcreev i'va i:.av xpe[a YEVflTUL, Kai oi Tperrof.lfVOl Tfj<; rrpwTfl<; 6ta Twv aKtvouvwv rrapepxwvTm, Kai T~v OeuTepav Ta~tv, i:.av
xpela i:.miv tmetcrem TOt<; txepot<;, Ota TWV aUTWV fUKalpwv 6ta.\eLf.!flCtTWV
OtepxOflEVflV Kai aVff.lTIOOLGTW<; oihw<; i:.mTlewem TOt<; txepot<;.
43 'DTav 6 ou rrpo TOU cro<p[<Jf.!UTO<; ~ rrapaTU~l<; YEVflTUL micra, aHa omcreev aUTOU, Otov arro TWV TplWV craytno~o.\wv TOUTOU omcreev T~V rrapaTa~LV
i'crmcrem, Kai omv oi txepol rrape.\ewmv ~ Kam.\a.~wm To cro<ptcrf.!a, ToTe
imavna~etv aUTOt<;, i'va <p86.crwmv oi l1tTIOl aUTWV Ef11tWOVTf<; a<pavtcr8fjvm.
ana TOT ou XP~ rro.\u TrAUTEa Ta fUKatpa xwp[a TOU cro<pL<JflUTO<; KUTaALf11tCtVflV, omv ~ rrapaTa~t<; orricrw auTwv i:.crnv, wme fl~ Tou<; rro.\Aou<; Twv txepwv
rrapooeuovm<; aKtvMvw<; Tfj<; f.!CtXfl<; rrpocramwem.
44 TO. of: TOLaUTU i:.yxetp~flaTa ~youv <JO<pl<JflaTU .\aveavovTw<; cre Oet TrOlftV,
GTPUTflYE, OL' 6.\(ywv Kai mmwv avepwrrwv ~ i:.v auTft Tft TOU 1tOAEf.!OU ~flEP<;t
~ rrpo fllU<; aUTOU ~f.!Epa<; rrepi Ta<; OetALVCt<; auTOU wpa<; ~ VUKTO<;, tv i:.Ke[vtp
o11.\ovon T<!> Torr<.p i:.v 4> 1 ~ f.!CtXflrrpocr6oKaTat, KaKetcre Touc; txepouc; avaflvetv,
KUL rrpo<; wpav 8appctV TOt<; TOU <JTpaTOU, Kat KaT' i:.~a[peTOV TOt<; ~aVOO<pOpOL<;
directions and covering an area of 150 feet, extending the length of the battle
line. After this has been done and it is time for battle, the first line should draw
up in formation, taking its position about a mile in front of these traps. The
second line should be two or three bowshots to the rear, that is, behind those
traps along the whole distance in the clear spaces between the pits. In an
emergency, then, when the troops in the first line are driven back, they can pass
through without danger and, if it is necessary to attack the enemy, the second
line may safely advance unobstructed through those same clear spaces and fall
upon them.
43 When the entire battle line is drawn up, not in front of those traps but to
their rear, the line should take its stand about three bowshots behind them.
When the enemy advances and encounters the traps, then charge out against
them as their horses are falling into the pits and being destroyed. At the same
time, when our line is drawn up behind those traps, the clear spaces left
between them must not be very wide. This is to prevent large numbers of the
enemy from passing through and, having avoided danger, take part in the
fighting.
315
298 rrpo MW rrpo<; -ro ABE l&acr-rTJfla MW cStacrTTJfla Ka-ra;l..lrrfJ .S Kal Moil<; -recrcrapa<; ~
rrev-re rrpoeyvwcrflva<; Tw a-rpa-rw ABE
299 rrporrapa-raa<JT]Tat M rrporrapa-racronm W
Ef!Trpocreev -rwv -rowu-rwv 6puwa-rwv rrapa-racr<Jf]Tat ABE

300 ao<pi<Jf!ULO<; ... auT~ MW rravoupyEuf!aTo<; ABE
I rrperrov MW rrperrov tcr-rlv ABE
301 .St' ... 6puwa-rwv MW ei<; -ra
303 rrpwTT]<; MW rrpwTfJ<; rrapa-ra~ew<; A om. BE I aKtvMvwv

MW C!Ktv.Suvwv -r6rrwv Kal fl~ txov-rwv 6puyflaTa A om. BE I -r~v ... -ra~tv MW mi\tv A om.
.StaxwpiaflaTa -rwv Mwv ABE
BE
304 tcr-rlv ... txepoT<; MW yivf]Tat 'iva Kal ~ .Seu-ripa rrapa-ra~t<; t<popf!~<JT] Ka-ra -rwv
txepwv EUKOAW<; .Stu TWV TOlOUTWV cStaxwplOf!UTWV .SttAef] Kal arrapEf!TrO.StcrTw<; TOt<; txepoi<;
tme~crnm
ABE
306 ou ... ~ MW ~ rra<Ja ABE
306-307 YEVf]TUl ... au-rou MW 6rrt<JW TOU
307 .Stov MW cStov w<; ABE I -rwv MW

MW omaeev TWV TOLOUTWV EYKPUflf!UTWV ABE
-rotou-rou cro<ptcrf!a-ro<; f!EAATJ rrapa-racrawem ABE

om.
ABE
TOUTOU ... rrapa-ra~LV
308-309 rrap\ewmv ... auToi<; MW rrapt\ewat -ra 6puwa-ra -r6-re Ka-rarrp6crwrrov au-roil<;
arrav-riiv ABE
-rou
MW
309 EflTrE<JOVTE<; MW Ef!TrWOVTE<; Ei<; TCt 6puwa-ra ABE
.StaxwptcrflaTa
-rou
-rotou-rou
ABE
311 o-rav ... ecr-rtv
310 ElJKatpa ...
MW
om.
ABE
312 rrapo.SeuovTa<; ... rrpoaamecreat MW CtKtvMvw<; eSt' au-rwv rrape\eov-ra<; f!axwem ABE
313 eyxetp~flaTa ... cro<pt<JflaTa MW <JO<pl<JflaTa Kal flTIXaV~flaTU ABE
314-316 .St' ...
rrpocr.SoKa-rm MW rrpo (rrpo<; B) fiLii<; ~flepa<; -rou rro\ef!OU ev -rw -r6rrw ev <.ll 6 rr6AEf!O<;
rrpocr.SOKUTUL f!UAL<JTU .S Tau-ra rrepl TU<; c5EtALVCt<; wpa<; TrOLElY ~ rrpo<; i:arrepav .St' 6\[ywv Kal
Trl<JTWV avepwrrwv ABE
317 wpav MW wpav TOUTO ABE
317
340
44 You must prepare this sort of operation or artifice secretly, 0 general,

with a few reliable men, either on the very day of battle or late in the evening or
at night on the previous day and, of course, in that location in which the battle is
expected, and there await the enemy. When the time is right, inform the men in
your army, especially the standard-bearers, so they may know and be on their
318
'iva
320
The Day of Battle
Constitution 14
ot doom:; <pUAa~OV!Ql Kal omaeev TC.DV ~avowv a<ptyKrol UKOAoueoumv, W<:;
ol 1\Kmpot -r6not moexov-rm.

45 ToUTO
naVT<:; napayyeA.ewatv, '(va TOi<:; ~aVOOl<:; tau-rwv EV T(il uno-
ot
xwpeiv f.LUALaTa UKOAouewmv, Iva fl~-onep fl~ yvfjTat-nAaVWf1VOl mhol

nepm[moum -rft naylot.
46. TiavTWV
TWV dpfjf.LEVWV ao<ptaf.LUTWV, w<:; ~Y01Jf18a, ~ Ota TWV Tpt~6-
ot
AWV anaTfj UKOAWTpa w<:; Kal f.LUAAOV AAfj86-rw<:; EV Kaan.p -romp ovvamt
325 y[vwem. Ota TOUTO ouv XP~ npo<:; TOU<:; -r6nou<:; Kal T~V TU~lV apf16~wem.
47 Kal av 06~n aOL auf1<ppov -r~v e<pooov KaTa -r~<:; -rwv txepwv napma~
w<:; yeva8at, w<:; ~Ofj ~fllV dpfjTaL, a<pop[aL<:; ano tvo<:; ~ Kal OUTpou ~avoou ~
npo<:; TO noaov TOU OVTO<:; aTpaTOU nA.dova<:; flTa apxovTWV avopdwv Kal
TOAflfjpwv Kal <ppovlf.LWV Kal a-rpanw-rwv XPllaLf.LWV. d<:; f.LEV -ro 'Lowv Oe~tov
33 o f1po<:;, -roii -r6nou OfjA.ov6n auf.Lnpanov-ro<:;, f.Liav vopav 6<pdA.oumv Ka-ra -r~<:;
TWV txepwv yxLp~aat napa-ra~W<:;, KaLa
ot apta-repov T~V UAAfjV vopav.
48. Kal av f.LEV napa TWV x8pwv yxLpfjTat TaUTfjV T~V v0pav ~OUAO
f.LEVfjV TWV x8pwv avaaTEAALV, Kal fl~ OOUVat Kmpov :\8lv Kal Tapa~at T~V
napa-ra~LV. i
ot fl~ EYXLP~Tal napa TWV txepwv npxw8at, tva Ota TOU f.LEpOU<:;
335 Kdvou ~ d<:; -ro -rouA.oov -rwv txepwv, w<:; eiK6<:;, Kiae euptaK6f1vov nA.8wmv
~ Kal -roi<:; -rwv txepwv vw-rot<:; ~ -r(il Kepa-rt, ~youv -r(il KuKA.ouv-rt f1EpL -r~<:; -rwv
x8pwv napaTa~W<:; Iva fl~, w<:; LKO<:;, Kal TWV x8pwv EV 0UTpq Ta~l Taaaof.LEVWV ~ Kal aUTWV eyKpUflfla omaeev T~<:; io[a<:; aUTWV Ta~W<:; EXOVTWV eup318 oi: eioom; MW ytvwcrKovte~ ABE 318-319 Kal. .. emoexovtm MW napayydA.fJ~ Oi::
tva ~6.voov tW ~avow eJtaKOAouSi) npo~ tO OtaxwplOf.lU Kal tO JtAUtO~ tWV KataAlf.!ltaVOf.Lt~VWV
Mwv tva f.l~ tv tW Uf.la OJtOUOU~OVtE~ naptpxwem JtEpm[mwm tol~ opuyf.!aOLV ABE
320 tol~ ... eautwv MW om. ABE 321 f.!UALOta MW f.!UALOta tol~ ~UVOOl~ autwv ABE I
onep ... ytvT]tat MW om. ABE 322 nepm[moum MW nepm[mwm ABE 323-324 ~ ... w~
MW EUKOAWtEpa ecrtlv ~ OlCt tWV tpl~OAWV ClltUtfJ ABE 324-325 ouvatal y1vwem MWBE
trsp. A 326 cruf.!<pepov MW cruf.!<pEpov dvm ABE 326-327 napata~ew~ yevtcrem MW
trsp. ABE 328 npo~ ... nA.Eiova~ MW Kal nA.dova~ npo~ t~v nocr6tT]ta tou crtpatou ABE
330 tou ... 6<pLA.oumv MW cruf.!npattovto~ Kal cruvepyouvto~ OfJAov6tt tou t6nou ev (av
BE) eyKpUf.lf.la o<pElAOV ABE I evtopav De EYXElpEtV codd. 331 eyxetpi)crm MW emetcrem
ABE I Oi:: MW OE to ABE 332-334 yxLp!]tUl ... napata~lV MW eyKpUf.lf.la yEVOf.!EVOV
em8ecr8m (emt18w8m B) ~ouA!]tUL ti) ~f.letepa napata~El uno tou d~ to aptcrtepov f.!Epo<;
YLVOf.!EVOU eyKpUf.lf.lato<; avaataA~OETUl Kal KwA.ue~cretm ABE 332 t~V eveopav MW
iitepov ABE 334 tva MW om. ABE 335 ei<; ... touA.Oov MW Kata tou toUA.oou ABE I w<;
MW om. ABE 1 euptcrK6f.!Evov MW eupwKof.!evou ABE 336 tol<; ... vwtot<; MW ei<; ta
0Jtt8La (6n1cr8ta B) tWV txepwv ABE I ii 2 MW ii Kal ABE 336-337 tWV i:x8pwv2 MW auti)<;
ABE 337 napata~Ew<; MW napata~EW<; <puA<'tttecr8a[ OE (oi: B) XP~ ABE 338 autwv
ta~ew<; MW napata~ew<; ABE
338-339 eupe8wm MBE eupe8wmv W A
319
guard, and the troops will follow behind the standards in close order, as the
dear spaces permit.
45 All the soldiers must be ordered to follow their own standards, especially
in withdrawing lest-may it not happen-they wander about and themselves
fall into the trap.
46. Of all the stratagems described here, it is our opinion that the stratagem
of the caltrops can more easily and with greater secrecy be employed on every
kind of ground. One must also, of course, form the line in accord with the
terrain.
47. If you see an advantage in attacking the enemy battle line, then, as we
have prescribed earlier, detail one or two banda, or even more, depending on
the size of the army, made up of competent soldiers under intelligent, courageous, and bold officers. If the terrain is favorable, obviously, you should have
them undertake one ambush against the enemy battle line on their own right
and another one on their left.
48. If the enemy should launch an attack, those units are to repel any
attempt planned by the enemy and not allow them the chance to reach and
harass our battle line. If the enemy does not attempt any such attack, then those
units should attack in that sector or against the enemy's baggage train, if it
happens to be in that place, or against the enemy rear or flank, that is, the
encircling section of the enemy's battle line. In the likely event that the enemy
are drawn up in a second line or have ambushing units behind their own line
320
The Day of Battle
Constitution 14
ewm -ra aa eyKpUf.lf.lU<ct EK -rou vav-r[ou im:' a\nwv ~Act1tlOf.lVct. o1 yap Kcti
340
cttnOU<; -rou<; i<; eyKpUf.lf.lU arrpXOf.lEVOU<; rrpoaKOUAKUlV aa<pctAw<;, Kctl ou-rw<;

6.pf.!O(<J8ctl -rfi Kct<a <WV x8pwv m8al.
49 Tov of: Kcttpov TOU eyKpUf.lf.lU<O<; ETrlf.lAW<; KctVOVL(lV Kctl f.lfjOE rrpo
rroUou -r~<; rrapa-r6.~ew<; yxnplv, 'tva f.l~ w<; 6;\[you<; exouaa ~ vopa urro -rwv
ex8pwv ~ctp~-rctt f.lfjOE rr6.AlV ua-repeiv, '(va f.l~ cp86.an ~ aUf.l~OA~ <~<; rrapctT6.~ew<;
345
350
355
360
yeva8ctt Kctl avw<pA~<; ctUTfi eupe8fi.

so. A.Ua rrprrov v -rqi Uf.lct f.lEV KlVLV T~V T rrap6.-rct~lV Kcti au-ra eh ev eh
ouo yivov-rm eyKpUf.lf.lctlct f.li'iAAOV of: 6;\[yov I rrpOKlV~actl ~v rrap6.Tct~lV, 'tva ~
f.lEV rrap6.-rct~l<; Ola TWV cpavepwv -r6rrwv epxof.!EVfj EK18ev -roue; exepou<; avnrreptarr(i, ~ of: Ota TWV acpavwv Of.!OLW<; rreptarr(i Kcti aU~AOU<; Ota aKOUAKct<; Kcti
afjf.ldWV Kcti eLKctaf.!OU Kctvov[(lV Kcti TOV, w<; elKO<;, Ola aUVTOf.llct<; TOU -r6rrou
rrpoActf.!~O.vov-ra Ef.l~paouvnv Kctl CtVctf.!EVlV TOV iiUov wa-r, W<; voexTctl, 'law<;
Ta<; Ctf.l<pO<Epct<; T~V T EVEOpctv ~youv TO eyKpUf.lf.lU Kcti T~V rrctp6.-rct~lV UptaK<J8ctt KctTa TWV exepwv Kcti 6;\[yov n ~v vopav f.li'iAAOV rrpoKpounv 'tva, (hav
ap~WVlctl o[ exepoi uno T~<; vopct<; OlctTctp6.H<J8ctl, -r6-r ~ nap6.Tct~l<; yyu<;
euptaKOf.!EVfj auf.!~O.An.
51. ~la ouv TOUTOV TOV Tp6nov, av oi -r6not emT~OelOL eiatv, EK -rwv ouo
f.!Epwv 01 a -ra eyKpUf.lf.lUTct EKTrEf.lTrlV, f.lUAta-ra av TrOAUV Kcti f.!Eyav a-rpctTOV
exnc;, 'tva TO f.lEV ev eyKpUf.lf.lU TOU<; ETrPXOf.!EVOU<; avaa-rUn, TO of: E-repov
6.pf.!OO[w<; -roi<; ex8poi<; emxnpfi.
52. 'Eav Of EYXlpOUVT<;, W<; iKO<;, f.l~ ETrl<UXWatV ~ Kcti Tporr~ <~<; TrctpctTU~W<; v Toaounp napctKOAOU8~an, f.lfjOE OUTW<; EVOlOOVctl ~ a<ptlV TOU<; exepou<;,
f.lfjOE ni ~v OeUTEpctv TCt~lV epxwem Kcti auvctTrAEK<J8ctl -roi<; cpeuyouatv, aUa
e~w8ev CtTrOf.lEVlV Kcti anouoa(nv cttnOL<; T(iJ vwnp TWV x8pwv ~TOl oma8ev
EV0pUlV Kcti npxwem Kcti v-reueev avctKctAla8ctt ~v TWV io[wv cpuy~v.
340 <mepxofltvou~ MW btepxofltvou~ ABE
342 flfJOt MW oToxa~wem woTe fl~Te ABE
344 fll]Ot MW fl~TE ABE I UOTEpetv

MW UOTP~ ABE 346-347 auTa ... yivovTat MW TU ABE 347-348 ~ ... napam~l~ MW
auT~ ABE 348-349 UVTl7!ptomi MW 7tpto7lWOlV ABE 349 ~ MW TU ABE I OKOUA.KU~
MW ~iy;\a~ ABE 350 Ol]fldwv ABE Ol]fldW MW I Kavovi~etv MW Kavovi~wmv AE
343 xouoa ... tveopa MW exov TO EYKPUflflU ABE
Kavovi~Elf!Ol B I ouVTOflia~ MW ouvTof11av ABE 352 Ta~ Ufl<pOTepa~ MW ltfl<p<'mpa ABE I

evtopav ~youv MW napaTU~lV Kal ABE
353 T~V evtopav MW TO EYKPUflflU ABE
3 54 T~~ ... Otatapaneo9at MW TOU eyKpUflflUTO~ &ampao<JETUl ABE
MW trsp. ABE
oaw
360 fl~ emTUXWOlV MW om. ABE
eKlVOl emxetpouotv ABE
enepxw9at MW emTi9w9at ABE
3 56 ouv TOUTOV
361 TOOOUTW 7tapaKOAOU9~0'1] MW
363 aU1:oi~ ... VWTW MW omoeev ABE
363-364 ~TOl. ..
321
assigned to discover and harm your ambushing units opposed to them, our
units that have been sent off to set ambushes must keep up careful reconnaissance and adapt their plans as necessary for their assault against the enemy.
49 The time of the ambush should be carefully arranged. Our men should
not make their attack too far ahead of the main battle line for, being less numerous, their ambush will be crushed by the enemy. On the other hand, they should
not be too far behind so that they show up after the main battle line has gotten
into action and they cannot be of any help to it.
so. The units assigned to ambuscades and to the main battle line must move
at the same time, whether there is to be one ambush or two. But it is better to
have the main battle line move out a bit earlier, because it advances through
open spaces where it diverts the enemy's attention; the other likewise distracts
the enemy but under cover. They should coordinate <their moves> with one
another by scouts, signals, and estimates. If one happens to use a short cut to get
ahead, it should slow down and wait for the other one, so that, if possible, both
of them, the ambush, that is, the ambuscade, and the main line, should make
contact with the enemy at the same time, rather, with the ambush unit pushing
ahead just a little. The purpose of this is that when the enemy begins to be
thrown into disorder by the ambush, the main battle line moves closer and
attacks.
51. In this manner, then, if the ground permits, you must send out ambushes
from both sides, especially if you have a large and numerous army. One ambushing party may repel enemy assaults while the other is free to attack them.
52. In the event that the assaults are unsuccessful or, in the meantime, your
main battle line is driven back, do not for this reason give in or break off contact
with the enemy or fall back on the second line and get mixed in with the
fugitives, but remain out in the open and try to ambush and attack the enemy's
rear, that is, behind, and in this way rally your own men in flight.
322
365
370
375
380
385
390
Constitution 14
53 A<J<paAe<; oe imoAafl~CtVOf.tloV [va oi rrpo<; EYKPUflflaTa TIf1TIOflVOl e'fre ei<;

rrAeuatv cmo omcr8ev ~ EK rr:\ay(wv TLVO<; rrapa-ra~ew<; ehe et<; TOUAOOU <pUAaK~V ehe ei<; o~eiav ~o~8etav f1Epou<; nvo<;, w<; eLKO<;, ~apOUflEVOU, e'iTe ei<; VWTOU<; rrapaTa~ew<; <puAaK~v ehe ei<; ~(y:\av, 6:\(yot oi Totof>Tot, <lpflOOtov E<JTLV,
[va flCtAAOV opouyytml TCt<J<JWVTal, ~youv Of10U w<; f1Ct(a aveu 6po(vwv, ouxl 0
ETILflaKpii<; rrapaTa~ew<;, TOUTE<JTL KaT' opotvov UKta<; ~ OKapxla<; ~ rrevmpxla<;.
aUT~ yap KOflTI~ Kat ~oyKWf1EV'l Kal tcrxupoTpa Kat UTaKTOTpa E<Jll, Kat
acr<paAw<; TU<; <JUfl~OAa<; tv Tat<; flCtXat<; TIOlLTat ~paoeia oe Kal OU<Jf1eTCt8To<;
tan Tal<; xpelat<;, ~ oe opouyytcrTl Ta<J<JOflEV'l Ta tvav-r(a exet Kal tv Tal<; tvopat<; f1CtAAOV UKOAW<; Aav8avetv MvaTat 6:\(yqJ TOTiqJ apKOUflEV'l Kal <JUVTOflW<; fleTaTteemt rrpo<; Ta<; xpela<;. OLO XP~ !leTa YUflVacr(a<; 00Klf1Ct<Jat UKa(pw<; I Kal TO avayKatOTepov ot' auT~<; T~<; rrelpa<; tm:\~acr8at.
54 Apf10(et o Kal npo<; TO TIO<JOV TOU mpaTOU, TOU tnl TOUTqJ TIf11t0f1EVOU,
Kal rrpo<; Ta<; Twv Tonwv 8cret<;. tav yap ~ flel(wv Mvaflt<; ~ tcrof1Tpo<; T~<;
<pavepw<; Ta<J<JOflEV'l<; TIEflTI'lTat ei<; eyKpUflfla ot' EVO<; TOTIOU tyxetp~crat npocrOOKW<Ja, TOT OETat KaTa OKapxlav TCt<J<Je<J8at. et o 6:\(yot eicrlv oi TIf.lTIOflVOl
~ KaLa ota<popwv TOTIWV, TOT opouyytcrTl Kal OflOU aveu 6po(vwv <J<ptyKTOU<;
Tacrcrecr8m.
55 'Ev TOUTOL<; yap tcrnv ~ Ota<popa, w<; e'ip'lTat, Ufl<pOTpwv, on ~ flEV tv
<JUVTCt~l YLVOflEV'l tvopa TO tcrxupw<; Kal acr<paAW<; llaxecr8at exet, ~ oe opouyytml YLVOflEV'l TO 6~w<; rrapxnv Ta<; ~o'l8e(a<; KUL Ta<; OLW~l<; KUL Ta<; a8poa<;
tne:\eucret<; Kal mpaxa<; TIOlL<J8at.
56. TaUT'lV oi:Jv T~V TCt~lV tnl TWV Ka~aAAap(wv CtpflOO(av VOflt(Of1V, ~V Oel
(J KaTop8ouv Ola cruvexou<; YUflVacr(a<;, Ka8' ov eip~Kaf1V Tporrov, dye ll~ tv
rrdp<;t TaUT'l<; rrpoyyova<;. av yap aUT~ OeOVTW<; KaTop8w8ft, ouo flaVOUTWV
xpela tv Katp(!) TIOAEflOU, ouo UAATJ<; rrapayye:\(a<;. auT~ yap~ TCt~l<; Kal YUflVacr(a EKa<JTOV 0LOU<JKl -ra OEOVTa. '(aw<; o TLV<; TWV OKVT]pOTpwv Kal acr<paAecrTEpwv :\oy((ovTat TIOLKLA'lV nva Kal TIOAULO~ T~V TCt~lV TaUTT]V elvm Kal tvTeU-
367-368 vurrou~ ... <puA.aK~v MW <puA.aK~v Twv 6ma0Ev Tfj~ rrapaTa~Ew~ ABE 371 KOf!1!~
MW Ef!<pavEaTepa f!EV ABE I aT[ MBE tanv WA 373 tan MBE tanv W tanv tv A
373-374 TUL~ vecSpat~ MW TOL~ eyKpUf!f!UOl ABE 374 Mvmm MW OUVUTUl tv AE
MvavTm B 377 TO rroaov MW T~v rroa6T!]TU ABE 378 ia6f!Hpo~ BE ia6f!Epo~ MWA
380 6AiyOL dalv ABE 6\(ywv MW 383 w~ Elp!]Tal MW om. ABE I ~ 2 MW TO ABE
384 ytvof!EVlJ tveopa MW ytv6f!Evov eyKpuf!f!U ABE I ~ MW To ABE 385 ytvof!EVlJ MW
Taaa6f!cvov ABE 388-389 dye ... rrpoyeyova~ MW om. ABE 389 OEOVTW~ MW
rrpcrrovTw~ ABE 390 rrapayycA.ia~ MWBE rrapayycA.ia A
The Day of Battle
341
323
53 Assuredly, we take it for granted that detachments sent out to lay ambushes or to attack the rear or the flanks of a battle line or to guard the baggage
train or to give quick support to a unit which is hard pressed, as is likely, or to
guard the rear of the battle line or the small parties sent out for reconnaissance,
are more effective if they assume irregular formation, that is, in a mass without
regular columns, not as in a large battle formation arranged in files with
dekarchies and pentarchies. A battle line is impressive, very full, stronger, and
better ordered and it can make its charge more securely in battle, but in
emergencies it is slow and not very flexible. The irregular formation has the
opposite characteristics. It can be easily concealed when setting up ambushes; it
does not require much space, and it can move about quickly in an emergency.
For these reasons you must spend time practicing it, and learning its basic
elements from experience itsel
54 It should be adapted to the size of the army sent out for this and to the
lay of the land. If a very large or even moderate-sized force of the line drawn up
in the open is assigned to an ambush with the expectation that it will attack in
one place, then it should be organized by dekarchies. But if only a few troops are
sent out or they are to attack in different locations, then form them in irregular
formation, tight together but not in regular ranks.
55 To repeat, the difference between the two is this: the ambush in regular
formation enables one to fight with strength and safety; the irregular one is for
quick support, for pursuits, and for sudden raids and harassment.
56. We believe this formation is suitable for cavalry and you must perfect it
by constant drilling in the manner we have described, unless you have already
learned it from experience. If the skills are acquired properly, there will be no
need of instructions in time of battle or of other commands. The formation
itself and the drill teach each man what he has to do. Perhaps some people,
hesitant and overcautious, might argue that this formation is rather complicated
324
395
4oo
405
410
415
The Day of Battle
Constitution 14
eev btl KOTIOV. ouc; eiOEVat 0ov on o[ aOAT]TUL Kat ~vioxm Kat UAAOL nvc; TlDV
de; naiyvta Kat TEp'JILV aywvL~O!lEVWV, wv ~ !lEV emTUxia 6A.iywv e<JTL XPTJ!l<lTWV
eunopia, ~ o amoxia a~~!lL6c; E<1TL AU1tf]. OUTOL ouv TO<JOihov !l6x8ov Kat
KCt!laTOV UTIO!lEVOUaL !lTa Vf]aTdac; ~PW!lCtTWV Kalnapac:puA.aK~c; Kat avevOOTOU
yu!lvaaiac;, de; TO ouvf]O~vm 11a8eiv, noia !lEV dm n1npoc; ~Aa~T]V Twv avnmiA.wv YLVO!lVa, Tiva o Ta <pUACtTTOVTU T~V ~ aUTWV eyxnpOU!lEVf]V epyaaiav.
TIO<J(JJ !lUAAOV evmuea XP~ MKvwc; Kat 1tOAUTp6nwc; Kat <JWO<pLO!lEVWc; Tac;
napaTa~nc; Kal yu11vaaiac; noteiaOm, onou TO 11v ac:paA.!la napeuOuc; ~ Tov
8avaTOV ~ T~V Xetpova 8aVCtTOU c:puy~v <pEpet, ~ OE ETILTUX[a xapav Kat KEpOoc;
Kat UTIOAT]'JILV ayae~v Kat !lY~!lT]V evoo~ov UAT]O<ipyf]TOV.
57 ITwc; yap OUK UTOTIOV Kat m~Aa~c; Kat OAE8ptov, vl Kat T(il auT(il UTIA{il
Tp6nqJ niaawOm Kat eK Tou TUX6VToc; ac:paA.!laToc; Kpimv ToaouTou nA.~Oouc;
avopwv yivwem, Kat !lf]OE mytvwaKw8at TOY Ct!lapT~aavm; ana T(il ac:paA.!laTL TOU voc; navmc; unaywem, I 6n6mv oM TIOAACt dm Taxa Ta Kec:paA.ata Ta
6c:pdA.ovm yivwem, aU' o[ A.oyLO!lOL TWV aiTLWV aUTWV E!l~Kuvav TOY A6yov.
58. Toaai\Ta !lEV OUV nept T~c; Ka~aA\.apLK~c; TCt~ewc; ~!liV dp~a8w, nept OE
T~c; 1t~LK~c; Kat T~c; OD!l!llKTOU ~Of] epOU!lV iinep avayKaia KaTa TOY TOU noA!lOU Katpov yevEaOat VO!ll~O!lV nept wv aKpl~E<JTepov ~!liV Kat ev fTEp(JJ A.6y(JJ
npootwptmat.
59 ToUTWV yap oi !lEV eim <JKOUTllTOL AYO!lVOL, ouc; Kat6nA.imc; KaAOU!lV.
Kat Touc; 11v aKouTaTouc; 6pianc; oihwc; np6Tepov 11v nm~anc; Tac; aKiac; ~youv
Touc; 6poivouc; TOU TawaToc; EKU<JTOU, nvc; apwTepa, Kai nvec; 0~La TOU
~avoou, ~youv TOU apxoVToc; TCt<J<JOVTal. Kat nponopeuO!lEVOU TOU apxovToc;
ii!la T(il ~avooc:p6p(JJ Kat T(il ~ouKtvciTwpt Kat Toic; A.omoic; KaTa auv~Oewv naKoA.ou8oumv we; wpiaOT]aav o[ A.oxayoi npWTOV o[ TOU apL<Hpou !lEpouc;, eha o[
TOU oe~LOU. YLVO!lEVWV o auTWV ev T(il T~c; napma~ewc; TOTI(JJ, l<JTUTat 6 apxwv
and variable and, consequently, is too much trouble. Those people ought to
realize that athletes, charioteers, and others who compete for sport and amusement are rewarded for their success by only a small amount of money, and the
only penalty for failure is their own sorrow. They subject themselves to so much
hardship and labor; they rigidly restrict their diet and never cease training so
they may learn various ways of injuring their adversaries as well as ways of
warding off actions attempted by them. How much more, then, ought we to
practice those formations and drills tirelessly, with flexibility and with intelligence? In this case, failure brings swift death or flight that is worse than death.
Success brings gratification, material gain, good reputation, and a glorious
memory that will not be forgotten.
57. How is it not out of place, harmful, and destructive to line up in one and
the same simple manner? One accidental mistake decides the fate of such a
great multitude of men. The one responsible may never be known, but for the
mistake of one man all must suffer. In any case, perhaps, the topics that must
<still> be brought up are not many; moreover, listing the reasons themselves has
<already> lengthened this book.
58. We have said enough about cavalry formations. We now turn to what we
believe is fundamental for the infantry and the mixed formations in time of
battle, which we have already set forth in greater detail in another chapter.
59. Among these are those called heavy-armed troops, whom we also refer
to as hoplites. 12 This is how you shall organize the heavy-armed troops. First line
up the files or columns of each tagma, some to the left and some to the right of
the standard, that is, the commanding officer. The commander moves forward
together with the standard-bearer, the trumpeter, and the rest as is customary.
The group leaders follow in their assigned positions, first those on the left side,
then those on the right. On arriving at the site of the battle line, the commander
412-463 Strat., 12.B.11-13.

393 Otov MW
7tpoo~w A XP~ BE
I oi
De d codd.
396 KUflaTov MW K6Jtov ABE
uJtOflEVOUOL MBE uJtOflEVOUOLV W A scr. mg wp<aiov> oAov W
ABE
400 Tov MW om. ABE
ABE
402 UAT)BcipyT)TOV MW UVeJtlAT)OTOV AE UV1llAT)TOV B
Tp67tw aJtAwc; ABE
410 yevo9m MW yivecrBm ABE

pmmpioTac;
I q>epet MW om.
403-404 C!1!AW Tp67!W MW
406-407 c'm6mv ... 6q>dAovTa MW Kal ToTe flT)OE JtoUwv ovTwV Twv
Keq>aAa[wv TWV O(jlLAOVTWV ABE
Kal
399 KaP ... Tac; MW om.
401 Bavmov MW BavaTov tmq>tpet ABE
407
aU'
oi MW oi yap ABE
OVOflU~OflEV ABE
414 eKUOTOU
oe \jllAOL oilc; T0~6mc;
MW eKamou eha lltopioT) ABE
415 iipxovTOc; 1 MW iipxovToc; 6q>dAouot TaooecrBat ABE
MW Aomoic; Tote; ABE
408 ~fllV MW om. ABE
412 KUAOUflV MW KUAOUflV oi
416 iifla MW ouv ABE
325
I Aomoic;
326
Constitution 14
The Day of Battle
KUL flET' UVTOV 6 ~UVOO<p6po<; KUL Ol n:po<; OUV~8LaV. KUL n:apa-raOOOVtUL UUttP
halts with the standard-bearer behind him and the others in the usual manner.
'l he files draw up in formation on both sides of them as they have been ordered,
at first far enough apart so they will not bump into each other. They keep the
depth at sixteen, with the light-armed troops to the rear. Hold the points of the
spears high to avoid any obstructions. The field guide, that is, the one who
reconnoiters the sites, and the herald march out in front of the line, the one for
guide duty and the other to transmit orders from the commander. When the
units have been organized, as we have prescribed, into moirai and divisions, that
is, into their droungoi and tourmai, and the entire battle line of the
heavy-armed soldiers is in place, then draw up the light-armed troops in different places.
420 i::KaTpw8V a[ CtKLUL W<; wpio8f]OUV, n:purrov tv apatoTEp<.p OLUOT~flUTl, '(va fl~
ouvTpt~WVTUL un:' a\A~AWV ano e~KUL0KU TO ~a8o<; xouom Kal -rou<; 'f!LAOU<;
omo8v. TCt oi:: ~lq>TJ nllv Kov-rapiwv -rtw<; avw ~AETIOVTU, LVU fl~ tflTIOO[~WVTUL un'
o TOU flETWTIOU 1tpma-roumv 6 KUf11tlOOUKTWp, ~youv 6 TOU<;

T6n:ou<; tpwvwv, Kai 6 flUVOUTWp, 6 flEV tnl TOU<; TOTIOU<; OOTJYWV, 6 o -ra f.lUVM-ra yvwfln -rou apxovTO<; OLOOU<;. OTUV o Ka-raa-ra8watv TCt TUYflUTU, Ka8w<;
airrwv. f11tpoo8V
425
n:poOLWptoa!l8a, i<; !loipa<; Kai d<; !lEpf], ~youv Ei<; TOU<; Opouyyou<; UUTWV Kai
d<; Ta<; Toup!la<; Kal yvTJTUL ~ n:aaa n:apa-ra~t<; -rwv oKou-raTwv, TOT n:apaTa~t<;
Kai Toil<; 'f!tAou<; AYO!lvou<; KaLa Ota<p6pou<; T6nou<;.
6o. Tou<; !lEV -ro~6-ra<; omo8v EKUOTTJ<; CtKta<; npo<; -ro flETpov TWV OVTWV,
430 TOUTEOTLV i<; TOU<; e~Kai&Ka OKOUTUTOU<; Tooapa<; 'f!LAOU<;, 'tva KUL !lEXPL
-rooapwv !lEPL~O!lEVTJ<; -rfj<; Twv 6nAt-rwv, ~Tot Twv Ayo11vwv oKouTaTwv aKia<;
Up8ft EL<; TO~OTTJ<; omo8v UUTfj<;. tav
o an:m-rft, TU~El<; au-rou<; d<; -ro ~a8o<;
-rwv CtKLWV eva n:ap' eva OKOU-rapaTOV Kat -ro~OTTJV. 1tOTE Ot KUL El<; -ra<; aK(a<; KUL
d<; Ta Ktpa-ra Tfj<; n:apa-ra~w<;, TouTa-rtv ow8v -rwv Ka~aAAapiwv, noHaKt<;
435
o Kal ~w8V airrwv ano !llKpou Otao-r~!lUTO<;, !llCt I KaloAiywv OKou-rapa-rwv,

Ei<; TO 0LKOLKlV -rou<; t~w-rpov EOTW-ra<; Ka~aAAapiou<;. TOUtO 0 tav n:o:\Ao[
ELOLV o[ 'f!LAOL o[
o plKTapta ~ T~lKOUpta ~ n
tOlOUTOV exovT<; ~ omo8v -rwv
aKtwv Twv oKou-rapa-rwv ~ i<; Ta liKpa Tfj<; n:apaTa~w<;, Kal ouK tv T4J 11o<.p. ol
o o<pVOO~OALOlULTIUVTW<; d<; TCt UKpa -rfj<; n:apa-ra~W<;.

440
61. Ei<;
oi:: -ra liKpa -rfj<; 1t~lKfj<; n:apa-ra~W<; -raooo8m TOU<; Ka~aAA.ap(ou<;

oi:: !li~ova -rawa-ra !lETa TWV apxovTWV aU-rwv t~wTtpw. KUL tav
KADO!lV. -ra
!lEV TIOAAOL ELOLV oi Ka~aAA<iptol, tOUTEOTl n:Aov TWV OW0KU XLALUOWV, ano
OtKa TO ~a8o<; ~youv -ro n:axo<; -rfj<; aKia<; T~V napata~LV yivw8m. i
OAtywnpot -rou 11-rpou tOUTOU, an:o 1tEVT LVUL
o Kal
oi:: tK n:Eptooou nva<; omo8v d<;
445 un:o~o~8LaV aUTWV ~w -rwv Ctfla~wv 'tva, tav !lEV TLV<; TWV txepwv OLCt -rou
VWTOU ~youv -rwv omo8v <pavwmv, anooo~~OWOLV UUTOU<;. i
o !l~Y, 1tpOOT-
419 npo~ MW iiA.Aot oi Ka-ra ABE 420 aKiat MW aKiat ~youv oi \oxayol ABE
421 e~KaioeKa MW 0 oeKae~ A t<;' BE 424-425 f.lavocna yv<.Of.ll] MW ~-rot -ra
napayyt\f.laTU yvwf!l] Kal npo-rpon~ ABE 425 Ka-raa-ra6w<nv M Ka-raa-ra6wat WABE
430 -rou-rtanv MWBE -rou-rtan A I E~KatOEKa MW t~' ABE 431 AEYOf.lEVWV MW om. ABE
433 aKou-rapcnov MW aKou-rcnov ABE 435 aKoumpa-rwv MW aKou-ra-rwv ABE
436 e~w-repov MW e~weev ABE 437 ptKTapta MW pm-rapta ABE 438 OKoumpa-rwv
MW aKou-ra-rwv ABE 439 acpevoo~o\ta-ral MW acpevoov~-rat ABE I napa-ra~ew~ MW
napa-ra~ew~ mxe~aov-rat ABE 442 OWOEKU MW tW ABE 445-446 &ta ... TWV MW
oma6ev ABE 446 (moao~~awmv MW Ct1tOKWAUOWatV ABE
327
34~
6o. The archers are posted in the rear of each file in proportion to the numbers of men, that is, four light -armed men for the sixteen heavy infantry, so that
if the hoplites are reduced to four deep, that is, a file of heavy infantry, as they
are called, there will be one archer behind it. If called for, station them in the
depth of the files alternating one heavy-armed soldier with one archer, at
another time, inside the files and on the flanks of the battle line, that is, on the
inside of the cavalry. If there is a large number of light-armed troops, <station
them> a short distance to the outside, along with a few heavy-armed infantry to
provide cover for the cavalry riding along further out. The men with short
javelins, axes, or similar weapons should be behind the files of heavy infantry or
on the flanks of the line, not in the middle. The slingers always belong on the
Hanks of the line.
61. We order that the cavalry should be drawn up on the flanks of the battle
line, the larger units with their own officers further out. If the cavalry force is
large, that is, more than twelve thousand, the line should be ten deep, that is, the
thickness of the file. If the force is less than that number, the line should be five
deep. An extra force should be posted for their support to the rear, outside the
wagons. In case some of the enemy should appear behind, that is, to the rear,
328
45 o
455
460
465
470
Constitution 14
0wcrt TOt~ nA.ay(ot~ Kat a{no(. TCl<J<JOVtat 0 Kat alJtOL i~ tO apat6tcpov np6tpov Ota<JtT]f.la, Iva !l~ Ef.lnooi<wvtm ot yvT]tat Kal Katpo~ Kai f.lEAAoum f1ta~aAA.cr0m tO crxtifla T~~ <JtCt<JEW~ aUtWV.
62. Toil~ 8e Ka~aAA.ap(ou~ napayyLA.n~ !l~ KatatpXtv twv x0pwv f.IT]Oe
acpiataaem t~~ nE<lK~~ napata~eW~ nl noM OlCt<JTT]f.la. Kliv taxa Kai tpanwmv
oi ex0po(, Iva !l~ v8pa~ ~youv eyKpUf.lf.lato~ nap' autwv YEVOf.lEVOU, av nEp
uno Ota<JT~f.lat6~ d<JL YUf.lVOUf.lEVOl t~~ napata~(t)~ EnT]pwaewmv, w~ 6A.ty<.i>tpot. aA.A.a Kal eav ~tacr0wmv, w~ iK6~, uno twv vavt[wv Kata tou VWtOU ~youv
OTCl<J0eV t~~ napata~eW~ npO<J<j>EUYW<Jl, Kat f.l~ nappxwvtat ta~ Ctf.lCt~a~. ECtV Oe
il~ oihw~ avtxwm Katpxccr0m autoil~ EK tWV lnnwv Kal outw~ nc<fi tautoil~
EKOtKeiv.
63. 'Eav 8e ~ouA.'l0fi~ napata~wem f.IEV tov crtpat6v, !l~ au!l~aAA.LV 8e t~v
f.IUXT]V Kata t~V aut~V ~f.lEpav, Kat 6pf1~<JOU<JlV oi x0poi Kata tWV Ka~aAA.ap(wv, Kal !l~ ~aata<JW<JlV autoil~ EKlVOl, !l~ avaf1EVlV autoil~ d~ ta Kpata t~~
napata~(t)~ Kal TWV Ctf.la~wv. aAA.' i tOUTO YEVT]Tal, tOT xpda f.IEL(ovo~ tou EV
t4J f.IE<Jq> Ota<JT~f.lato~ Iva f.lEta~aAAOf.lEVWV, w~ iK6~, TWV Ka~aAA.ap(wv il~
<JTVOXWPT]0wmv f.IT]Oe ai twv ex0pwv aayittat ~Aa\jlwmv autou~.
64. OuK ayvoOUf.leV Oe Ott TWV vuv EipT]f.lEVWV Tlva Kal EV tfi ncpl YUf.lVa<J(a~
Otata~1 Eip~Kaf.IEV. aAA.' ouoev atonov Kal EV tfi ncpl tou nOAEf.lOU Otata~1
npoaunolflV~<Jat ncpl autwv toil~ vtuyxavovta~. OUtW yap <JKOnOUf.lEV W<Jt
navta t4J noAEf.l(!l apf16(ovta Kai EV tfi YUf.lVa<J(q. 81v Ctpf16(Lv, nA.~v f.IOVOU tOU
Ct<JLOT]pOV yivwem t~v eKta~tV Kal Uf.laxov. o0v Kai naA.tv toi~ Of.lOLOl~ Ef.l<j>lAOxwp~<Jat OUK WKV~<Jaf.IEV unOf.lV~<JEWV xaptv EKElVWV. ou yap f.llKpov TO napa
f1LKp6v.
The Day of Battle
they can repel them. If such is not the case, they may be assigned to the flanks.
'!bey should first line up in a very open formation so they may not be impeded
when the time comes for them to change the shape of their position.
62. You should order the cavalry not to race after the enemy or to get too far
away from the infantry battle line even if the enemy are routed. They might run
Into an ambush or ambuscade set by them and, few in numbers, bereft of help
and far from the main line, they might be done in. But if, as is likely, they should
be driven back by the enemy, they should seek refuge to the rear or behind the
battle line, but they should not go further than the wagons. If they still cannot
hold out, they should dismount and defend themselves on foot.
63. If you wtsh to have the army form in line but not engage in battle that
same day, and the enemy charges against our cavalry, who may not be able to
deal wtth it, they should not await the enemy on the flanks of the battle line and
of the wagons. If this should happen, then the distance between them should be
Increased, so the cavalry may not be cramped in any maneuvers they may have
to make and may not be injured by the enemy's arrows.
64. We are not unaware that, in the constitution on drilling, we have already
written about some matters now under discussion in this chapter. But it is not at
all out of place, even in this constitution about combat, to speak to our readers
about the same topics. It is our aim that everything appropriate to combat must
also be appropriate to training except, of course, that those exercises are carried
out wtth blunt weapons and without actual fighting. With this in mind then, we
have not hesitated to dwell upon related topics once more to aid in remembering those matters. Missing by a small amount is not a small matterY
469-470 Cf. Arist. Phys., 197a3o.

447-448 To ... Ota<HflflU MW apat<'mpov 6ta<JTflflU rcp6Tepov ABE 448 Kall MW om.
ABE 448-449 fleTa~aAA.w8at MW flETaAAa~at ABE 451 Kal MW om. ABE
452 evellpa<; ~youv MW om. ABE I YEVOflEVOU MW ytVOflEVOU ABE 453-454 oA.ty<impot
MW oA.ty<impot f!UKpo8ev T~<; rcapaTCt~EW<; euptOKOf!EVOL ABE 455 rcpocr<peuywm MBE
rcpocr<peuywmv W rcpocr<peuyoumv A 456 avTexwcrt MW avTexwmv A arcavTwat BE I
oiiTw<;2 MW om. ABE 457 EKiltKEtV MW llteKiltKetv ABE 459 6pfl~<Joucrtv ABE
6pfl~crwmv MW 464 rcepl MW om. ABE 466 waTe MW om. ABE 467 rcaVTa MW
rcavm Ta ABE I lle1v MW lleov ABE 467-468 f16vou ... liflaxov MW f16vov To liveu
atll~pou Kal f!UXfl<; T~v TotmJTflV YUf!Va<Jiav yivecr8at ABE 468-469 Kai2 ... Ef!<ptA.oxwp~crat
MW rcaA.tv Ta Of!Otet elrrdv ABE 469 UTIOf!V~crewv MW UTIOflV~crew<; ABE
329
13. Cf. Aristotle, Physics 197.30.
330
The Day of Battle
Constitution 14
65. Ta~w;
oe
T<l f.LEP'l T~<; napaTa~ewc:; ano EKUTOV ~ OLUKOO'LWV noowv
CtAA~AWV OLUKKplf.LEVU, tva fl~ mevoxwpoiJVTUL
im'
aH~A.wv v T(ji nepmaTLV,
v Oe T(ji Katp(ji T~<; O'Ufl~OA~<; EVOUVTUL KUL ~Of]0WatV EUUTOL<; Kalnapayy\AwvTUL T(ji f.LE0'4J f.LEpet nel0ecr0m, v0a To Toli mpmf]you ~ '!Lvoc:; tTpou Tnawevou
475 apxovToc; ~avoov 6cpdAL Taaaecr0m. TOV yap f.LEO'OV T01tOV T~<; napaTa~ewc; o[
apxaTOL OLa TOUTO O'TOflU EKUAWUV Kal 6cp0aAf.LOV Yva a\H<ji Ta A.oma f.LEP'l
1tel0WVTUL.
66. 'EnLO~ of: TO acp[yyw0m ~TOL 1tUKVOiJa0UL npoc; TO apmouaem KUL
nA.ar6vecr0m O'UVTOflc.iJTpov KUL aacpaA.mep6v anv, ou XP~ ano npoOLfllWV

E~Ka[OeKU TO ~a0oc:; TWV 6po[vwv ~TOL TWV aKLWV Taaawem, ana ano TWO'Ct-
pwv, Yva Kal KOfl1tWOWTpa cpa[Vf]TUL m1c; rtoAf.LLOL<; ~ napam~L<;, Kal avnwTpOL y[vwvTm oi 6nA.hm v T(ji nepmaTe1v f.LUALam nt otaaTf]flU. tav yap ytvf]TUL
xpda ~ ano OKTW ~ ano E~KUL0KU yeva0m TO ~a0oc; v T(ji nepmaTeLV auvT6f.LW<; y[vnm Kal acp[yyemL.
67. Ei f.LEVTOL crcptyKT~<; KUL KOVT~<; OUO'f]<; T~c; napaTa~ewc; xpda YEVf]TUL
fKTU0~vm TO fl~KO<; auT~<;, noAA~<; wpac; OLTUL de; TOUTO, KUL OUK faTL XPLW0<;
Twv noA.ef.L[wv yyt(6VTwv KT[vetv T~v napam~LV.

68. Oi of: ~avoocp6pOL f.LEXPL f.LEV T~<; napaTa~ewc; Ka~aA.A<ipLOL flTa TWV
apxovTWV UUTWV, v of: Tft napaTa~L KUL UUTOL1t(0t 6cpe[A.oumv '(maaem.
490
69. 'DaTe avayKf] flf]OE TWV e~KULOeKa 1tAEOV TO ~a0oc; TWV CtKLWV ylvw0m,
Kuv ij Twv vavTiwv ~a0uTpa aTiv, flf]OE Twv Twaapwv A.anov, Kuv ei A.emoTepa tcrTl Twv tvavTiwv ~ napam~tc:;. wcrTe TO f.LEV nA.Eov Twv t~KaloeKa liXP'l-
65. You will form the divisions of the battle line about one hundred or two
hundred feet apart from one another so they will not be crowded all together on
the march. But when the time comes for battle, they act in unison and provide
mutual support. They should be ordered to use the central meros as a guide, for
it is there that the standard of the general, or of another officer posted there,
ought to be fixed. For this reason the ancient authorities referred to the middle
location as the mouth and the eye because the divisions obey it. 14
66. Since it is quicker and safer to tighten or close ranks than to open or
widen them, the initial formation of the columns or the files does not need to be
sixteen deep, but only four. 15 This makes the battle line look more impressive to
the enemy and the heavy infantry will be more relaxed while marching,
especially if it is for some distance. If, while marching along, it should become
necessary to assume a depth of eight or sixteen, they may do this and close
ranks quickly.
67. If the battle line is tightly formed and short and the need arises to extend
its width, many hours are needed for this. Furthermore, it is not helpful to extend the battle line while the enemy are approaching.
68. The standard-bearers, together with their officers, should remain mounted until the battle line is formed; then they are to take their position in the line
on foot.
69. The depth of the files must not be more than sixteen or less than four,
even if the battle line of the enemy is deeper than that or not as deep. More than
489 ad \oumv de novo inc. V

475-477 Cf. Asclepiod., 2.5; Aelian., 7.3; eta!.
472 6taKeKplf1EVa MW 6taKXWPl<Jf1EVa ABE
478-532 Strat., 12.B.17-18.
I <JTevoxwpouvmt MW crTvoxwpwvmt ABE
476 6cp8aAf10V MW 6f1cpa\ov ABE

MW
om.
ABE 479 <JUVTOflUlTepov
MW
<JUVTOf1WTep6v E<JTl ABE 479-480 E<JTlV ... UAAU MW napa TO apmoucr8at Kal 1TAUTUV<J8at
ou XP~ E~ apxfJ<; UJTO l~' TO ~a8o<; TWV \oxwv Tacrcrw8m aU' ABE 481 KOf11TW0<JTEpa MW
Ef1cpavwTepa ABE 481-482 avTWTepot yivwvTat MW om. ABE 482 flUAl<JTa ...
Ola<JTflf1U MW MelUV exwmv fl~ im' UAA~AWV <JTVOXWPOUf1VOl ABE 483 E~KatOeKa MW
OeKa~ A u;' BE 484 Kal crcpiyyTm MW TOUTO Kal crcpiyyTm ~ napam~t<; ABE
487 eKTdvnv T~v MW d<; flfJKo<; EKTdvetv ABE 489 mhwv MW auTwv 6cpd\oum
nepmaT1v ABE I ocpei\oumv MW 6cpd\oum AVBE 490 e~KatOeKa MW t<;' AVBE
491 tvavTiwv MWB tvavTiwv napam~t<; AVE I d MW om. AVBE 492 eaT\ MVBE ecrTlv
W ecrTlv ~ A 1ij ... waT MW om. AVBE I f1Ev MW flEV yap AVBE I e~KaiOeKa MW u;' AVBE
331
473-474 napayyeUwvTat ABE napayyeUovTat MW

478-479 apawucr8at ... JTAUTUV<J8at
14 Cf. Asclepiodotus, 2.5; Aelian, 7.3; eta!.

332
The Day of Battle
Constitution 14
(JTOV, TO o oA.ty<.lrn:pov TWV n:aaapwv aa0ev<;. !lf<JT) o TU~l<; TWV OKTW <JKOU495
TapaTWV AEYO!lEVWV ~youv OTIALTWV tanv.

70. ITapayydA.n<; o wa-re miaav ~auxlav yeva0at tv T(jl a-rpaT(jl. Kal oi
EKU<JTT)<; CtKta<; oupayol tav ew<; 'Jft0upta!lOU CtKOU<JW<Jl napa nvo<; TWV !leT'
aUTWV, !leTa TWV aanALWV VU<J<JOUatV al>Tou<;. I Kal tv nu<; <JUjl~OAa1<; o ~youv
tv Tfi !l<iXn w0ouat mu<; E!l1tpoa0ev auTWV ei<; TO !l~ nva<; TWV 6-n:ALTWV t~
500
6A.tywp(a<;, W<; eiKo<;, ano11vetv.

71. M~ tmTT)Oeun o tnlnoA.u OLCt<JTil!la TOU<; ne~ou<; W1tAL<J!lEVOU<; nepmaTelV, aA.Aa Kal tav tll~paouvwmv oi avnma<JO!lVOL Kal xpe(a TOU ava!lfLVat T~V
napa-ra~LV yv11TaL KaTa TOV Katpov, ll~ avayKa~eLV al>Tou<; '(a-raaem 1tOAAU<;
wpa<;, Yva ll~ W<; ~ape1av 01tAlatV exovTe<; tv Tfi <JU!l~oA.fi KK01tLW!lEVOl eupe0watV, aA.A.a napa<JKUCt~lV aUTOU<; Ka0~ea0m Kal avanauecr0m Kat, OlaV tK TOU
505 TIAT)<JLOV A.0w<nv, TOT tyelpetv auTOU<;, '(va 0.K01t0l Kal Ct<JUVTpL1tTOl !lEVWatV.
72. MT)OE tv Katp(jl !lCtXT)<; jlnpoa0ev T~<; napma~ew<; nepmme1v, n:A.~v -rwv
-roup11apxwv Ka~aA.Aaplwv Kal 11avoanopwv Mo Kal Ka!lmoouK-rwpwv Mo Kal
a-rpa-rwpo<; tvo<; Kal ana0ap(ou tvo<;, w<; jlOL Kal 11npoa0ev e'lp11mL, Ka0' Kaa-rov O.pxovTa !lEXPL<; ou tyy(aw<nv oi 1tOAE!llOL. TOT o EKa<JTOV acr<paAw<; tv T(jl
51o iO(tp 11pet pxea0m Kal Ya-raaem.
73 'Eav o oo~n aOL TOY Kapayov ~youv TU<; Ct!la~a<; CtKOAoue~am Tfi napa-
TU~et, -raacrea0m aUTO ano tvo<; TAelOU aaytTTO~OAOU T~<; napa-ra~ew<; Kal
auvaKOAou0e1v tv TU~et T(jl iO(tp !lEpet, TO<JOUTOV o OLCtaTT)!la Kpa-rdv Ta<;
Ct!lCt~a<; oaov ~ napam~L<; exet, Yva ll~ ~weev YLVO!lfVOL TaUTT)<; a~o~011TOL
515 jlelVWatV.
74 'EKa<JTT)V o TWV Ct!la~wv KLALKL4J TO oma0ev llpo<; aKnea0m, '(va Kal oi
Ct!la~eAaTat O.vw iaTCt!lVOl Kat llaXO!lfVOl W<; ano npo!laxwvwv ~01100UVTal, Kal
oi ~oe<; <pUAaTTWVTaL ano TWV ~aAAO!lEVWV aaytnwv, TU<; o ~aA.ta-rpo<popou<;
Ct!l<i~a<;, ~TOL TU<; exoucra<; TU<; A.eyollva<; TO~o~o::\(a-rpa<;, Kat TU llayyavLKU
493-494 aKol.rrapcrrwv MW aKou-rcrrwv AVBE 494 i:a-rtv MW om. AVBE 495 wa-re
MW om. AVBE 496 aKm!awat MAVBE aKouawatv W 497 aan\twv vuaaouatv MW
~u\wv -rwv Kov-rapiwv TIArrn-rwaav AVBE 498 -rf] ... weouat MW(wEloumv) mi~ f.!OXat~
wed-rwaav AVBE I TlVU~ MW TlVU AVBE 500 E7tlTllOE:Ull MW i:m-rlllleull~ AVBE
502 Kala ... Katp6v MW om. AVBE 502-503 'ia-raaem ... wpa~ MW 7t0AAU~ wpa~
'ia-raaElat KUTU TOV Katpov EKELVOV AVBE 505 e\Elwmv MW e~\Elwmv AVBE 506 f.!UXll~
MW f.!CtXll~ E-rep6v nva AVBE 51l -rov ... ~youv MW om. AVBE 512 mho MW au-ro~
ABE 514 ytv6f.!evot -rauTT]~ MW trsp. AVBE 515 f.!dvwmv MW Kam\wpElwmv AVBE
516 Ctf.!a~wv MW Ctf.la~wv 7tpoa~Ket AVBE 517 7tpOf.laxwvwv MAVBE 7tpOf.laxwv-rwv W I
~o11Elouv-rat MW ~oT]Elwvmt AVBE
518 a1to AVBE u1to MW
333
sixteen is useless and less than four is weak. The middle section consists of eight
men referred to as heavy armed, also as hoplites.
70. You shall order absolute silence to be observed by the army. If the file
,:losers of each file hear so much as a whisper from one of their men, they are to
poke him with their lance. In combat also, that is, during the fighting they are to
push forward the men in front of them so that none of them will lose heart and
be likely to fall back.
71. Do not arrange for the foot soldiers to march for long distances in full
lrrnor. But, in case their adversaries are slow in coming and the troops on the
battle line have to wait in place for some time, they should not be forced to
~tand there for many hours. When the fighting begins they will already be
exhausted because of the heavy armament they are wearing. But arrange for
them to sit down and rest so they will not become tired and worn out. Only
when the enemy gets close, call them to attention.
72. At the time of combat, nobody should march in front of the battle line
except the tourmarchs, mounted, each officer accompanied by two heralds, two
tldd guides, one strator and one spatharios, as I have prescribed earlier. They
Ntay until the enemy gets close, then each should depart safely and take his
position in his own meros.
73. If you decide to have the baggage train, that is, the wagons, follow the
battle line, station it a full bowshot from that line with each section following its
<JWI1 meros in order. The wagons should cover the same extent of ground as the
battle line for, if they go beyond it, they will remain without protection.
74 Each wagon should have its back part covered by heavy cloth so that the
drivers can stand up and fight, as though protected by a bulwark, and the oxen
are protected from the hail of arrows. The wagons carrying the ballistai, that is,
having the so-called toxobolistrai and the alakatia machines, should be distrib-
520
The Day of Battle
Constitution 14
334
aAaKcrna, 01' OAOU !-lEV KaTa!-lt:pt(lV LOU OlaOT~!-laTO<;, Ta<; o n\t:lova<; Ta<;
XP1W01<; v TOL<; aKpot<; T<.l<J<J1V.
75 Tou<; 0 a!-la~'lA.am<; aKovncrTa<; Ot:I dvm ~ a<pevoo~6A.wv ~ T(IKouplwv ~
!-laT(OUKlWV ~ crayiHWV. aw8t:v o TWV U!-la~wv t:u8w<; TO AOITIOV TU<J<J<J8at
LOii\oov, <p'
525
4>
Tov 1-1crov T6nov Twv a1-1a~wv Kat T~<; napaTa~ew<; d)Kmpov
dvm '(va, Kiiv npo<; o1<paA.ayylav Katpo<; yv'1Tat, !-lPI<J8~vm LOU<; <JKoumpaTou<;
~ta(o!-lvwv Twv a!-la~wv, t:'LT Tou<; Ka~aHaplou<; t:h Tou<; ne(ou<;, 1-1~ exwmv
fln60I<J!-la !-1'10 cruyxwvmt.

76. 'Eav o noAA.~ OUVa!-11<; TWV vaVTtWV EK TWV oma8t:v Tal<; U!-lU~at<; voxAft, Kat ouK avTxwmv ol Ufla~'lA.aml ~ ol,
53o
w<; dK6<;, npo<; Ol<paA.ayylav !-lP1(6-
!-lVOI, TOT plmwem 6A.Iya<; TPI~OAOU<;. aH' av ptTITWVTal, napa<pUAUH<J8at
XP~ TOU ~-~~ 01' auT~<; T~<; ooou imomp\jlat TOV <JTpaTOV,
aHa 01' hpa<; '(va ~-~~
~AU~'l Tl<; uno TWV Tpi~OAWV yv'1Tat auTc.'j).
77 Kat Tofn6 <Jot KAUO!-lV,
wmpaT'ly, [va Kan\ T~v ~1-1pav TOU noA.1-1ou
T~<; nt:(IK~<; ~ Kat <JUfl!-llKTou napaTa~t:w<;, av noAA.ol t:imv ol Ka~aA.A.ap101 Twv

535
vavTtWV, Kal unp TO ~~-~ETt:p6v E<JTI TO nA.~8o<; aUTWV, Kat Kapayo<; OUK aKOA.ou8fi Tot<; ~flTpo1<;, 1-1~ mT'l0t:un<; d<; laov Kat nlneoov T6nov napaTacrcrea8m,
aHa !-lUAAOV d<; Tonou<; oucrxepd<; Kat OU<J~UTOU<;, TOUTE<JTLV ~ EAWOEI<;
Kal naA.!-laTw01<; ~ nnpw01<; Kat avw!-laA.ou<; ~ oaat:I<;.

78. <DpovTt<J1<; 0 Kat Ta<;, w<; t:iK6<;, KaLa Tou vwLOu Kat Twv nA.aylwv
540
nAU<J1<;, Ka8a noHaKI<; dp~Ka!-lV, TO aa<paAI(w8at Ola ~lyA.a<;. EX1<; o Kat

6A.Iyou<; <JKOUTapaTOU<; t:i<; Ta aKpa TWV U!-la~IWV Kat t:i<; TO !-lEOOV aUTWV tva, av
xpt:la YEVT}Tat, m~o'l8oumv EK TWV, w<; dKO<;, ~OUAO!-lEVWV napt:voxA.t:Lv x8pwv
~ a1JTai<; ~ Tfi napaTa~1, Kat Tot<; Ka~aAA.aplo1<; auT~<;.
79. 'Eav 0 noT ouv'l8fi<;, anAT}Kt:u6vTwv Twv noA!-liwv Kat en aKammaTwv

5 45
ovTwv, KAE\jlat Tov n6A!-10V Kat TOT <JU!-l~aA.dv auToi<;, navTw<; iiv Ta !-lEYI<JTa
~AU'!'1<; auTou<;.
520 Ta<;2 MW Kal A VBE 522 ~~ MW ~ Eflndpou<; AVBE 524 ecp' MW w<m AVBE
525 crKoumpcnou<; MW crKouTaTou<; AVBE 529 6.fla~J]A6.mt AVBE <'tfla~eA6.mt MW
530 p[mecr6at MW pimw6at npom'JKet AVBE 532 uno MW ano A VBE 534 ~ Kal MW
~TOt AVBE 535 EO'Tl MAVBE EO'TLV w 535-536 KaF ... aKOAOU6~ MW al CtflU~at o OUK
aKoAou6crt AVBE 536 enineoov MW Of!UAOV AVBE 537 oucrxepei<; MW Tpaxei<;
A VBE I t\woet<; MW u\woet<; AVBE 538 ~ 2 MW Kal A VBE 539 KaT(\... vwTou MW eK
TWV omcr6ev A VBE
A VBE
540 TO MW TOU AVBE I ~iy\a<; MW ~LYAWV AVBE I exet<; MW exetv

I <'tfla~twv MW <'tfla~wv AVBE
541 crKouTapaTou<; MW crKouTaTou<; AVBE
543 auT~<; MW aUTOl<; AVBE
545 O'Ufl~UAElV MW O'Ufl~UAAELV AVBE
3 35
uted along the entire distance with the most useful ones positioned on the
lhmks.
75 The drivers must be able to throw javelins, slings, axes, metal darts, or
arrows. Form the rest of the baggage in a line to the inside of the wagons. The
<lrea between the wagons and the battle line must be kept clear so that in case
the heavy-armed soldiers, either mounted or on foot, have to split up into the
double phalanx because of pressure on the wagons, the wagons will not be an
obstacle or cause disorder.
76. If a strong, hostile force harasses the wagons from behind, and the drivers cannot hold them off, and it is not likely that the men making up the
double phalanx can do so, then throw out a few caltrops. But if you do throw
them out, you must make sure that the army does not return by the same route
but by another, so it will not suffer harm from the caltrops.
77 And we enjoin this upon you, 0 general, that on the day when the infantry or even the mixed formation faces battle, if the enemy has a large cavalry
force, more numerous than ours, and the baggage train is not accompanying us,
do not draw up your formation in open or level terrain. Line up instead on
rugged, impassable ground, that is, swampy, muddy, rocky, uneven, or thickly
wooded.
78. Take care, as we have frequently remarked, to protect yourself by means
of patrols against likely attacks from the rear and the flanks. Post a few heavyarmed men to the sides of the wagons and in between them, so that, when
needed, they may come to assist them against the enemy seeking to harass the
wagons or the battle line and its cavalry.
79 If, at some time when the enemy are setting up camp and are still in
disarray, you are able to bring about battle by stealth, then charge into them and
you will certainly inflict the greatest amount of harm on them.
336
The Day of Battle
Constitution 14
So. TioA:\ou<; Oi:: Ka~aA.Aap[ou<; tv Tal<; n(tKat<; f.HlXat<; fl~ ~CtAAlV, aA.A'
So. Do not send large numbers of cavalry into an infantry battle, but just a
6:\[you<; KUTU TWV aKpwv T~<; napaTCt~W<; axpl TplWV ~ TWGCtpwv XLAlCtOWV
few on the wings of the battle line. There should be no more than three or four
thousand well-armed and effective horsemen. If the opportunity presents itself,
they are to attack and pursue the enemy who have turned to flight. More than
this number in an average-sized infantry force is not safe.
S1. If the enemy, although on horseback, are hesitant to engage the infantry
in battle and we have a large number of cavalry but few infantry, station the
cavalry in the front lines. Have the infantry follow them in formation about one
or two miles behind the cavalry. Order the cavalry not to separate itself further
than this distance from the infantry formation. Then, if they come under
pressure from the enemy, they should ride on through the flanks and the rear of
the battle line, that is, behind it, and not through the front so they might not
break it up.
S2. On the day of battle, as I have previously remarked, do not attempt to
have the infantry formation march outside its camp for a long distance, further
than two miles, so the men will not be worn out by the weight of their armament. If the enemy puts off attacking in battle, have your men sit down and
relax until the enemy are about to draw close.
S3. If it is summertime, have them take off their helmets so their heads may
breathe a bit. At such a time the soldiers ought not to partake of wine because it
might warm them up and make them dizzy. But carry water in the wagons and
distribute it to those requesting it as they stand in formation.
S4. Before engaging in battle you must, just as you did with the cavalry,
bring the infantry army all together on one day. If the soldiers already know
what is mandated by law, that is, the military punishments, then remind them
of it all. If they do not know them, have each commanding officer announce to
the men in his own tagma those prescriptions that we gave earlier in this book
A.wptKaTwv Kal XP'lGLflou<; Tou<; 6q:>eiA.ovm<;, i Kmpo<; yev'lTm, Tou<; Tpenof.!ev550 ou<; TWV tvavTiwv tnLTi8w8m Kal OtwKLV. TO yap TOtJTou nAtov tv GUflflETP'-!J
n(lKtp OUK aaq:>aAe<;.

S1. 'Eav O o[ tx8pol Ka~aAACtplOl OVT<; tOLAta<JaV npo<; T~V n(lK~V flCtX'lV,
KalnoA.Ao[ imv ol Ka~a!..Aaptot ~f.!WV, 6:\iyot 01:: ol ne(o[, TOU<; f.!EV Ka~aA.Aap[
ou<; TCt(J(JlV d<; Ta Eflnpoa8V flEP'l> omaeev Oi:: T~V n(lK~V napaTa~LV tnaKO555
3 37
A.ou8LV tv TCt~l ano vo<; ~ OeuTepou fllALOU TWV Ka~aA.Aapiwv. KalnapayyiAl<; TOl<; Ka~a!..Aap[OL<; TO"U Ola<JT~flaTo<; TOVTOU fl~ aq:>i<JTaaem T~<; n(lK~<;
napaTCt~W<;. i oi:: Kal ~ap'lewmv uno TWV txepwv, Ota ni>v nA.ay[wv Kal TOU
VWTOU T~<; napaTCt~W<;, ~youv 6ma8v auT~<; npOTPEXLV, Kal fl~ Ota O\jiW<; Yva
fl~ OtaAU<JW(JLV aUT~V.
S2. 'Ev 0 Tfi ~flepq. T~<; GUfl~OA~<; fl~ anouoa(LV T~V n(lK~V napaTa~LV, W<;
flOL Kalnp6a8ev dp'lTm, tnlnoA.u OtacrT'lfla Ktveiv nepmTepw Mo f.!LA[wv ~w8ev
TOU <jlOO"GCtTOU, Yva fl~ Ttp ~Ctpl Kal Tfi 6nA.icrl cruvTpl~'lTUl, aA.A' tav unpTL8vTUl o[ tx8pol T~V TOU nOAeflOU O"Ufl~OA~V, Ka8(w8m Kal avanauecr8m flEXpl<;
ou flEAAWGlV tyyi(LV.
S3. Ei Oi:: Kmpo<; eepou<; tmlv Kal Ta<; Kacrcr[Oa<; aUTWV tnaiplV 'iva otanvWVTUL a[ Kq:>aA.al auTwv. o'(vou Oi:: tv Tot<; TOLOUTOL<; Kmpot<; flTUAafl~CtVLV TOU<;
mpaTLWLU<; ou XP~> 'iva fl~ ava(ewv OUTO<; O"KOTWcrn aUTOU<;, ana i.\Owp tv Tal<;
Uf.!Ct~Ul<; ~ama(lV Kal Ka8' eva OLOOVUL TOt<; 00flEVOl<; w<; dcrtv tv Tfi napaTCt~l
aUTWV.
s4. Tipo oi:: Tou Kmpou Tou noAtf.!OU I 01 Kal a\.JTov Tov ne(tKov crTpaTov
570
wcrnep Kal tnl TWV Ka~a!..Aap(wv tveyKm tv ~flepq. fll\t Of.!OU O"UV'l)'f.!EVOV. Kal i
f.!EV o'ioamv ol mpanwTm Ta Ota Tou VOf.!OU flavoam, ~youv Ta crTpaTtWTtKa
ETtlTlflla, unOflV~(JUl aUTOl<; anavTa i oi:: fl~ ye, inLV auTOl<; Ota TWV [OLKWV
aUTWV apxovTWV io[w<; EKCtaT'-!J TCt)'flaTL, &.nep dp'lTUl ~fllV tv TOl<; avwTepw
549 - 55 o toil<; tpen:of1vou<; MW tol<; tpmof!EVOL<; AVBE 550 15twKetv MW bnotwKav

AVBE 551 m::(tKW MW m:(tKW atpatw AVBE 556 Ka~aA.Aapiot<; MW Ka~aA.Aapiot<;
rr\eov toutou AVBE 557 Kal 1 MW om. AVBE 557-558 Kall ... rrpotpexetv MW
&tatpexovta<; oma6ev t~<; l1E(lK~<; rrapani~EW<; yiveaem A VBE 560 arrouoa(ELY MW
arrouoa(m J1AEOV tWV DUO
B) fllAlWV rrepmatELY AVBE 560-561 w<; ... fllAlWY MW om.
A VBE 562 Kal WA VBE om. M 563 Ka6e(ea6m MW Ka6e(w6m ainou<; AVBE
2 flav06.ta ... t<'t2 MW om. AVBE 573 ainol<; 1 MW autou<; AVBE I i&tKwv MW ioiwv
57
AVBE
338
The Day of Battle
Constitution 14
KlflEVOt<;, m:pl nov TOL<; Uf!UpTUVOU<Jt cr-rpuno.nm<; Ktf!EVWV bmtf!lWV v f!UXT]<;

Katp{\l. Kal-raum ytvwcrKov-ra<; ou-rw<; A81v btl T~v rrapa-ra~tv.
8s. OuK axpfl<JTOV {j <JOt, cr-rpUTT]y, w<; v ETttTOfl<.p KULT~V TWV TtUAatOTEpwv TUKTtKwv imood~m Otan!rrwmv, ~v v -ro1<; rr(tKo1<; T Kal-ro1<; <JUflflLKTOt<;
rrotoiivTo mpa-rUfla<Jtv, ih f!UAt<JTU Kal rroAAou eurr6pouv cr-rpaToii.
580
86. T~v yap arracruv Tte(tK~V mpunav el<; OEKU ~ XtAtUOU<; KUL TptaKO<JlOU<;
oyoo~KOVTU -rcrcrapa<; avopa<; EflETpouv w<; TOU apt8f!OU TOUTOU EK TtOAAWV
TUKTtKWV apt8f!WV <JUVT]YflEVOU KUL apKOUVTO<; el<; TAdav rrapaTa~tV, KUL Ouvaf!EVOU Otatpe1cr8at KUL KUTUflepi(w8at l<JW<; arro TOU TO(JOUTOU TtA~8ou<; flEXPt
Kal v6<;, Kal To f!EV oAov Toii mpaToii KaAouv TAdav <paAayya. aDTT] 0 ~
585 <paAay~ rrap' UUTOL<; el<; Mo Otatpellat flEPT] OtXOTOflOUf!EVT] ~ '(crou arro TOU
flETWTtOU -rfJ<; <paAayyo<; ~Tot -rfJ<; rrapa-ra~W<; flEXPt -rfJ<; oupii<; Ota TOU ~a8ou<;,
~TOt TOU rraxou<; -rfJ<; TOflfJ<; OtepXOflEVT]<;. Kal TO f!EV ~flt<JU f!Epo<; Oe~tOV KUA1Tat
Kepa<; KUL Ke<pUA~, v 4> ,T]pew avOpe<; dvat opi(ov-rm TO {j hepov ~flt<JU f!Epo<;
apt<Ylepov Aeynm KEpa<; KUL oupa, v 4> Kal a1.no KUTU TO L<JOV flETpov TOU
59 o Oe~wu -ranovmt Ofloiw<; oK-raKt<; xiA.wt eKaTov vv~Kov-ra Mo. ~ o Ota flcrou
ytvOf!EVT] OtXOTOflLU, ~youv 6 Kvo<; T6rro<;, Ofl<pUAO<; KaAdmt Kal crT6fla TfJ<;
<paAayyo<;, v <9 KUL ~ TOU <JTpUTT]you yivemt <JTa<Jt<;, rrpo<; TO m~AETtV Ta EV
T(\l rroAEf!<.p rrpun6f1Va, Kal OtaKu~epviiv, w<; voxnat. aDTT] o ~ rriicru rrapaTU~t<; orr:\1-rm KaAouvmt, Ota T <JKOUTapiwv TAdwv Kal KovTapiwv Kal crrra8[wv
595 KULTWV aAAWV OTtAWV rtepme<ppayflEVOt, ~apuTpuv exovT<; ortAt<JtV TOU OAOU
575
<JTpaTOU.
87.'Dmcr8ev o TUUTT]<; TfJ<; OmAfJ<; TWV OTtAtTWV rrapaTa~W<; TU(J(JTat ~ TWV
\jltAwv Aeyof1vwv mpanw-rwv Aa<ppmpav orrAtmv x6vTwv -rfJ<; rrpwTT]<;
rrapaTa~W<;, Ota TO DXPW<; evea ~OUAOVTat TPEXtV, v Ol<; ei<Jt KUL UKOVTt<JTUL
6oo KUL TO~OTUt KUL <J<peVOOVt<JTaL TOUTWV o ~ rrapam~t<; dvat 6<pdAt ~fll<Jeta TOY
apt8f!OV -rfJ<; rtpWTT]<; rrapma~W<; ~youv ,f]pew. E<pe~fJ<; {j TUUTT]<; omcr8v ~ TWV
KU~aHap[wv rrapam~t<; TU(J(JTat Ka8wrtAt<Jf!EVWV KUL TOUTWV {j 0 apt8f!O<;
about the punishments decreed for soldiers who commit offenses during combal. When the troops have been informed about these matters, then proceed to
form your line.
85. It may not be useless, 0 general, to present to you, in summary fashion,
the regulations laid down by the ancient tactical authors concerning infantry
and mixed armies, especially when they had the advantage of a large army.
86. They numbered the entire infantry army at 16,384 men because this
number is based on a consensus of the numbers given in many tactical books
!lfld is sufficient for a complete battle line. 16 It can be divided and apportioned in
equal numbers from such a large multitude down to a single man. The ancients
teferred to the entirety of the army as a perfect phalanx. This phalanx was
divided by them into two sections and was split into two equal parts from the
front of the phalanx, that is, the battle line, down to the rear end according to
the depth or the thickness of the cut going through it. One half of the division
was called the right horn and the head, in which regulations called for 8,192
men. The other half of the division was called the left horn and the tail, in which
the same number of men is stationed as in the right division, 8,192. The area of
this split down the middle, the empty space, is called the navel and the mouth of
the phalanx. This is where the general takes his stand so that he may oversee
what is taking place in the battle and manage things as best he can. This entire
battle line is <sometimes> referred to as the hoplites because they are armed
with full-sized shields, lances, swords, and other weapons, the heaviest arms in
the whole army.
87. Behind this double battle line of heavy-armed soldiers is formed that of
the troops called light armed, who have lighter armament than those in the first
battle line, because their purpose is to move about there rapidly and easily.
Among these are javelin hurlers, archers, and slingers. This battle line ought to
comprise half the number of the first line, that is, 8,192. Right behind this line
575 twv MW twv KELJ.Utvwv AVBE I KEtflevwv MW om. AVBE 577 tmtOflW MW cruvtOflW
AVBE 584 tou AVBE om. MW 585 autot<; MW autoii AVBE 588 ,l"}p6W De .~p6W
M XtAuioe<; 6Ktw Kal EKatov tvev~Kovta ouo WA 590 6KtaKt<; ... ouo M 6KtaKt<; XLALOL
eKatov evev~Kovm ouo WA 5 91 6 ... t67to<; MW to &axwptafla AVBE 595 oA.ou MW
aHou AVBE 599 euxepw<; MW EUKOAW<; AVBE I tpexetv MW Otatpexetv AVBE
6oo crcpevoovtata[ MW crcpevoov~tat AVBE 6oo-6o1 dvm ... 7tpWtl"}<; MW tov ~flLOl"}
apt6f16v exetv ocpdht t~<; 7tpotepa<; AVBE 6o1 ,11 pew De xtA.ta6e<; ll~ew M xtA.taoe<; oKtw
Kal evev~Kovta MoW A
339
16.
Cf. Asclepiodotus 2.10; Aelian, 8.3. Much of this section is taken from Aelian.
340
Constitution 14
~f!L<Ju
mi\tv EXL
T~c;
Twv AYO!levwv \jlt\wv
The Day of Battle

napma~wc;, ~TOL
TTpaKLOXL\[ouc;
VV~KOVTQ ~.
6o5
610
615
62o
625
88. Kat Touc; f!EV n(ouc; ic; Teaaapa f!EPTJ no[ouv auvTaaaovTc; &f!a Kat
Touc; 6n\[mc; Kat Touc; \j!LAOUc;, we; liv ~ xpLa an!lTL, 'iT napa Ta n\Ctyta TWV
6n\milv Touc; \j!LAOUc; de; Mo eTepac; napaTCt~Lc; 'iT Ef!npoa9v I ~ we; liv OOKL
T(il mpaTTJY'P XP~OLf!OV.
89. Touc; o Ka~a\Aap[ouc; de; ouo OLf!ept(ov, v9v KCtKl9v ~ ent VWTOU
TWV n(Wv ~youv oma9V ~ ic; Ta n\Ctyta ~ we; liv ~ xpLa an!lTL. 6 yap OTpaTT]yoc; OUX we; ~OUATaL, a\Aa f!UAAOV we; avayKa(nm, o1.\Twc; Kat TCt<J<JL TO 0TpaTUf!a. npoc; yap To avnnoA.ef!tov Ka~a\AaptK6v, Kat To 'ioLOv aT~aL Yva upuxwpiav EXOVTc; !l~ f!noo[(wvTaL npaTTLV oaa olnOLLV Touc; Ka~a\Aap[ouc; de;
T~V TWV n(Wv ~o~9Lav, 'iT KaTa npoawnov 'iT K n\ay[ou 'iT 01tl<J9V KaTa
TOU VWTOU.
90. KpLnov 0 not~aL nc; av Twv \yof!vwv \jlt\wv T~v napaTa~Lv
npWTTJV Ta~n T* TWV 6nALTWV napma~wc;, ~ xpLac; oihw Ka\ouanc; eK n\ay[WV. d yap f!EOOL mywmv CtVvepyT]Ta auTWV Ta on\a yfvTaL oi yap CtKOVTt(ovT<; ~ TO~UOVTc; ~ a<pVOOVOUVTc; avayKa(oVTQL de; U\j!Oc; nef!nLV Kat f!UAAOV
Touc; iofouc; ~\amoumv ~ Touc; vavTfouc;. Kat yap Ta ~e\11 Kma K<pa\~c;
vx9~<JOVTQL TWV Ef!npoa9V. oi o <J<pVOOVOUVTc; f!nOOL<J9~<JOVTQL Tac;
xLpac; aUTWV !l~ OUVUf!VOL T~V <J<pVOOVT]V \[aaLV.
91. 'Eav o oi noAEf!LOL n\eov xwm \j!LAOUc; imp Touc; ~f!Tepouc;, TOT Touc;
6n\[mc; ~youv Touc; npWTO<JTaTac;, Ef!npoa9v 01 niaawem exovmc; <JKOUTapta f!ya\a mf!~KT], anp Myoum eupwuc;, W<JT <JKenLV o\a Ta OWf!aTa,
avopoc; EXOVTa f!~Koc;. oi o f!Ta TOUTOUc; oma9v Ta<JOOf!VOL Kat f!EXPL TWV
on'(aw imp K<pa\~c; apavTc; Touc; eupwuc; OUTWc; npoapxeaewaav, we; liv
eVToc; yevwVTQL TWV pL1tTOf!EVWV aayLTTWV ~ pLKTap[wv. OUTWc; yap we; inLV
Kpaj1w9evTc; ouov na9wm KaKOV ano TWV pmTOjlfVWV napa TWV noAjllWV
63o ~\wv.
603 TETpaKL<JXtA.iou~ MW TETpaKL<JXLAiwv AVBE
604 evev~Kovm e~ De evEV'lKOvm~
WA VBE TeaaapaKovm ~ M 607 Tou~ IJ!tA.ou~ M Tou~ rre~ou~ W om. AVBE I ouo MW
ouo eTepa~ AVBE I rrapma~et~ MW rrapma~et~ otmpouvTe~ auTOu~ AVBE 609 errl vwTou
MW oma6ev AVBE 610 ~youv oma6ev MW om. AVBE 612 avnrroA.fLtOV MW
rroA.efLLOV AVBE 617 oihw MW om. AVBE 619 ~ o<pevoovouvTe~ MW om. AVBE
623 rrA.eov MW rrA.eiova~ AVBE 624 ~youv ... rrpwTo<JTaTa~ MW om. AVBE
625 wau ... <JWflaTU MW om. AVBE 626 fl~Ko~ MW fl~Ko~ w<JTE <JKerretv oA.ov To OW fLU
AVBE 628 evTo~ MW aw6ev AVBE I pmTOfLEVwv MW ~aAAOfLEVWV AVBE I ptKTapiwv
MW pmmpiwv AVBE
341
the cavalry units, well armed, take their position. The number of these is again
half of that of the line of so-called light -armed troops, that is, 4,096.
88. The ancients divided the foot soldiers into four divisions, drawing up
heavy-armed and light-armed troops together, either arranging the light-armed
troops in two other battle lines along the flanks of the heavy-armed, as the
situation requires, or else in front or wherever the commander thinks is most
effective.
89. They also divided the cavalry in two, here and there, to the rear of the
infantry, that is, behind them or on the flanks or as need may demand. The
general organizes his army, not as he wishes, but as he is compelled to do. When
confronted by an enemy cavalry force, he will station his own cavalry so they
cover a wide area and will not encounter obstacles in doing what they have to do
in support of the infantry, either in front or on the flank or behind to the rear.
90. A person will do better if he positions the so-called light-armed troops
for battle in front of the battle line of the heavy-armed troops or, if need calls for
it, on their flanks. If they are drawn up in the middle, their weapons are
completely ineffective. When hurling javelins or shooting arrows or using their
slings, they are forced to shoot on high and are more likely to injure their own
men rather than the enemy. Their missiles will land on the heads of the men in
front of them, whereas the slingers will not have room for their hands and will
be unable to whirl their slings about.
91. If the enemy have more light-armed troops than we do, then you must
position the heavy-armed ones, that is, the protostatai, in the front ranks. They
should have large, oblong shields, called thyreoi, which cover the entire body,
being as tall as a man. The men stationed behind these down to the rear lines
should raise these oblong shields over their heads and in this very manner
march forward until they come within range of the arrows or other missiles
being fired. For with this kind of a roof, so to speak, they will suffer no harm
from the missiles fired by the enemy.
342
Constitution 14
92. If the light-armed troops provide support here and there, then, before
rrpwtot, rrplv ~ yv'lTUL ~ aull~o\~, Kal aayhm<; Kal ptKtapta phvwm Kata twv
contact is made, these go first and fire arrows and short spears against the
enemy. After the enemy have been engaged, moreover, they continue their
attack against the enemy's battle line from the flank, firing their missiles against
them. Under attack also from the sides, the foe will be confused and less
effective against the men in front of them. If there is some kind of fortification
nearby, it will be to the advantage of the light-armed troops. They shoot their
missiles against the enemy and, without any fear, race right up to the obstacle,
whether it be a precipitous place or the banks of a river or a mountain rising up
tlbove them or some other obstacle.
93. There must be a distance between the battle lines. If it happens that the
light-armed troops have discharged all their missiles and the enemy has not yet
been engaged but is still moving forward, then the light-armed troops should
turn about in good order and pass undisturbed through the middle of the
phalanx to a secure place in the rear. It is not safe for them to circle about
outside the main force and so to pass through, for they may be caught in the
middle by the advancing enemy and be killed. Then too, the very large number
of men in the middle may be so tightly packed together and under such pressure
that they may fall upon their own weapons. Have the other formations armed
nnd ready so that, when the light-armed troops have discharged their weapons,
then these may march out in their place and perform the task assigned to them.
94 Since the thickness of the battle line, when it is expanded to meet certain
contingencies, is reduced and made thinner along its length, it is necessary not
to extend it, because of fear of encirclement, to such a degree as to make it
extremely weak and without depth, that is, in thickness. It may happen that the
enemy will quickly cut through it, making a sort of passageway. They will then
put the encirclement into action, not only from the front but also by advancing
through the middle and, reaching the rear, they will cause a great deal of damage. The general must not only be on his guard against suffering this but he must
;tlso seek ways in which he can do the same sort of thing to the enemy.
rrapata~ew<; nm8vte<; TIf11tEtwcrav tO. ~EA'l Kata al>Twv, Yva auve\auvo11evot
Kal ano TWV n\ay(wv eopu~OUVTUL, Kal \anouvtatnpo<; TOU<; Ef11tpoa8ev. i::av
Oi:: napaKmat oxupwfla, toiho f1<1AAOV TOU<; '\fLAOU<; ~o'l8~cret ~UAAOVT<; yap
tO. ~EA'l Kata TWV 1tOAfllWV Kal ei<; a\JTO Katatpxovte<; acpo~wtepOL y(voVTUL.
oiov ehe KPTJflVWOTJ<; TOTIO<; ehe 1tOTUf10U oxell ~ Kal ~ovvo<; imepavxwv ~ Kal
64o
Tepov anv oxupwfla.

93 'Ocpe(\et oi:: dvat ota<JTTJ!la ei<; ta<; napata~et<; Yva i::av oihw avll~ii Kal oi
'\fLAol i::KKevwawmv ta ~\11 aiJTwv, Kal ounw yveto ~ av11~o\~ O.H' en
npoayouatv o[ 1tOAEf1LOL, TOT i::mcrtpE'\fWaLV o[ '\flAOLflTU euta~(a<;, Kal 8te\8ovT<; flEOTJV T~V cpa\ayya ampaxw<; i::nl tO. omcr8ev Otacrw8watv. ou yap E<JTLV
aacpa\1::<; KUKAULV al>Tou<; ~w8ev TO crtp<itUf1U KUL oihw Otpxw8at, Yva ll~
645
napa TWV x8pwv pxof1EVWV flE<JOl yeVOf1VOl Otancrwatv OUT oi:: TIUALV ei<; tO.
on\a 11aov<; 1 Ef1TILTITtv, nenvKVWflEVTJ<; oucrTJ<; t~<; ta~ew<;, Kal oihw ~ta(w8at.
hpa<; 0 ta~et<; xetv i::von\ov<; Kal ETOLflOV<; Yva otav oi '\fLAOL tO. on\a KVWcrwat, TOT EKelVOL avtetcr\8watv KUL T~V xpe(av EKelVWV TAE<JWatV.
94 'EnetO~ Oi:: TO naxo<; T~<; napaTa~ew<; npo<; ta<; xpe(a<; EKTLVOf1EVTJ<; aUT~<;
650
i::nl fl~KO<; <JU<JTEAAeTUl Kal A1tTUVTUL, oov EaTLV ll~ EKTLVLV T~V napata~LV
tO<JOUTOV, W<JT naaav aaeev~ KUL xwpl<; ~aeou<; 1t0l~<JUL, ~yovv KUTQ TO naxo<;,
q>0~0UflVOV Ta<; KUKAW<Jl<;. <JVfl~ULVet yap TOU<; 1tOAfll01><; mxu OLUKO'\fUL

aut~V Kal O[ooov 1t0l~<JUL, Kal llTJKETl ano Ef11tpocr8ev flOVOV i::vepyetv T~V
KUKAWaLV, o.na. Kal Ota TOU f1E<J01) 0LA80VTU<; ano omcr8ev eupe8~vat, Kal oihw
655
343
92. Ei 0 Kal v8ev KUK18ev ~ rrapa twv '\fLAWV ~o~8eta mipwnv, outot
1tOAflLWV, ~ Kal fleTU T~V <JUfl~OA~V T~<; flUX'l<; EK n\ay(wv T~<; TWV x8pwv
635
The Day of Battle
1t0l~<JUL T~V ~Aa~TJV. TOUTO oi:: 01 TOV atpaTTJYOV ll~ flOVOV q>VAUTTW8at Yva ll~
naen, o.na. Kal (TJTLV OTIW<; TOLOUTOV TIOL~<Jn Kata TWV 1tOAfllWV.
I phJ!W<H MW phJ!ou<n AVBE 633 1loAEfliwv MW

I GUfl~OA~V MW GUfl1lAOK~V AVBE 634 tm-rt9vu:~ De E1llTE9EVTE~ MW
emnecr6v-rwv AVBE I KUTU MW Ka-r' AVBE 635 9opu~oiivmt MW 9opu~WVLat AVBE I
632 {nK-rapta MW j'mnapta AVBE

evav-r[wv AVBE
MW eAanwvmt AVBE 636 -rou~ IJ!tAoi>~ MW -roi~ IJ!tAoi~ AVBE

640 oihw MW OUTW<; A VBE 641 EKKEVWGWGlV MW
EKKEVWGWcrt AVBE 643 ampaxw~ A VBE -rapaxw~ MW 644 OUTW MW OUTW~ AVBE
646 OUTW
MW OUTW~ AVBE 647-648 KEVWGW<H MVBE KEVWGWcrtV WA
648 TEAE<JW<JlV MW 1lAllPW<JWcrtV A VBE 649 EKTElVOflEVll~ au-r~<; MW trsp. AVBE
651 KUTU TO MW exoucrav AVBE 653 o[ooov MW 1!Ctpooov AVBE 656 TOlOUTOV MW
eAanoiiv-rat
639 hep6v MW e-rep6v Ll AVBE
TOlOUTOV Ll AVBE
The Day of Battle
Constitution 14
344
95 IIaA.tv 8 fl~ oihw<; TIUKVWCYat T~V rrapaTa~LV de; rraxoc;, WCH fUKOAW<;
95 Again, do not tighten up the thickness of the battle line so that it will
KUKAWCYfl<; rra8iiv rrapa TWV TIOAf!.llWV, ai\Aa fl&.AAOV Kat TOU<; EK rrA.ay[wv Kai
easily suffer encirclement by the enemy but rather arm the soldiers on the flanks
and those stationed in the rear in the same way as those in the front ranks.
'Ihese men will be able to deal with any enemy encirclement.
96. It is the mark of a wise and prudent general, if he is to attain his goals, to
form his battle lines in such places in which encirclements or anything of that
sort cannot be set up, as we have made clear above. In time of war, the prudent
discretion of the general is able to discover many things that are beneficial. I call
this a gift of the intervention and good disposition of God above and I know
that he bestows it upon those whom he deems worthy because of their virtue.
97 Once, during a battle in which the enemy held the advantage, a person
made use of falsehood. He cried out: "The enemy general is dead:' This cry was
made at a critical moment and did not allow everyone to think quickly about
what they had to do. Some of the enemy were at a distance from their own
general and some of them despaired, whereas those with the general who had
shouted the cry took up courage again, <believing> the rumor to be true, and
they continued the struggle in excellent spirits. Thus, the man shouted and
11chieved victory on the strength of a fabricated rumor. By shrewdly taking
timely advantage of the situation, a stratagem has frequently out-generaled the
ndversaries.
98. More recent authorities advise not letting your battle line appear shiny to
the enemy but, according to the tradition prevailing among foreign peoples, you
should hide the shining of the weapons until you come to close quarters. But
Onasander himself, in compiling his book on strategy, does not appear to say
thisY Rather, he prescribes that the battle line should appear shining in
~~omparison to that of the enemy. But it seems to me that, either he was unaware
of such a statement in his day, since it was really of more recent origin, or else
<his advice> was to put aside <the shining> of the armament before the battle
hut, when it comes to the actual battle, he joins the more recent authors, and
ourselves as well, in declaring that you should show the weapons in their
TOU<; de; TO omcr8V ECYTWTa<; mpaTLWTa<; KaTa TO '(aov 6rrA.[crat TWV rrpwTOCYTa660
TWV. oiiTot yap Kat MvavTat Ta<; KUKAWCYfl<; fl&.AAOV arravTaV TWV TIOAf1LWV.
96. Locpou 8 Kat cppov[flou crTpanwou To de; Toto{nouc; T6rrouc; rrapaTacr~
awem, av lipa Kat mTuxn Tou crKorrou, v ole; ouT KuKA.wcr~::t<; ouT liAA.o Tt
TOLOUTOV MvaTat y[vw8at, w<; avwTtpw ~flLV 88~AWTal. rroi\Aa yap icrxun
cpp6vT]at<; mpmT]you v Katp<iJ rroA.f10U cpcup[crKoucra Ta CYUfl<ppov-ra orr~::p T~<;
665
livw8V TOU Ekou porr~<; Kal Uf1Vda<; 8wpov yw KaAW Kal rr[CYTaflaL TOt<;
a~[ot<; TOU E>wu 8ta T~V auTWV apn~v rrapX0f1VOV.
97 Ka[ nOT n<; v Katp<P flCtXT]<; TWV rroAflLWV rrpm~::pcu6vTwv \jlu8o<;
<p~f1LCY ~o~cra<; "T8vT]KV 6 TWV rroAf1LWV mpaTT]y6c;." TaDTT]<; 8 T~<; cpwv~c;

8o8dCYT]<;, ETt8~ 6 Katpo<; 6~u<; wv OUK 8[8ou Taxtw<; TO Otov rraat voiiv, o[ fltV
670
TIOAffllOl rr6ppw TOU i8[ou OVT<; mpaTT]YOU, oi flEV arryvwcrav, oi 8 TOU <pT]fll
cravTo<; crTpaTT]you 8apcro<; avaA.a~6VT<;, w<; aA.T]8ou<; T~<; <p~flT]<;, U\j!UXOTpot
~ywv[(ovTo. Kat oihw T~<; crwocptcrf1VT]<; <p~flT]<; KancrxucracrT]<; T~v v[KT]V 6

<pT]flLCYa<; ~paTO. oihw<; ayx[vota mKa[pw<; TWV rrpaYf1CtTWV mA.af1~aVOflfVfl
TIOAACtKl<; KaTWTpaT~YT]CYf cro<ptCYaflfVT] TOU<; avnrraA.ouc;.
6 75
345
98. E'ipT]TaL T To1c; vwTpot<; rr~::pl Tou fl~ A.aflrrpav cpa[vw8at To1<; rroAflLOt<;
T~V (j~V rrapa-ra~LV, ana Kpumav TWV OTIAWV T~V CYTLA\jflV ewe; aU-rfJ<; T~<; 8ta
Xtpwv crufl~oA.~c;, 8ta T~v f:mKpaToucrav To1c; 8vwt <p~flT]V. 'Ov~crav8poc; 8 Kal
aUTO<; mpaTT]YLKOV CYUVTCt~a<; A6yov oux oihw Atyav 8oK1, ana fl&.AAOV
A.aflrrpav KAuL T~v rrapa-ra~tv cpa[vw8at rrpoc; T~v Twv rroAflLWV rrapa-ra~tv.
68o Ef10t
8i:: 8oKii ~ ayvoiiv EKiiVOV TOT T~V TOtaUTT]V <p~flT]V
we; VWTpav y~::vo~
f.lfVT]V ~ TCt fli::V rrpo T~<; CYUfl~OA~<; acpiivat, KaT' aUT~V 0E T~V CYUfl~OA~V, Kal
aUTO<; cruv TOt<;
I VfWTfpOl<;
Kat ~fllV 6f10LW<; rrapayyAA.t Aaflrrpa Ta QT(A(t
8ftKVULV a8p6w<;. KaTCtTIAT]~l<; yap fl&.AAOV y[vnat, OUX OTaV flaKp68V pxo~
675-680 Onas. 28.
658 KUKAwcrn~
MW KUKAwatv
AVBE 659 d~ TO MW EK Twv AVBE 664 ta

667-668 Kai. .. ~o~aa~ MW noAA.aKt~ 0 npocr~KU
cruf.1cppovta MW TO cruf.1cppov AVBE

Kal '\feUOll 'Pllf.lL~etV on AVBE
Tot~
668-67 4 taUTll~ ... avnna:\ou~ MW Toiho yap aKOUOf.lEvov
!lev ~f.letpot~ npo9uf.1iav vE1toi11crev Tot~ &1: noAef.lLOL~ Oet:\iav v~a:\ev To yap 6~u Tot\
Katpou ou oi&watv UUTOt~ aKpt~~ Tl f.1UV9avelV 1tepl TOU UUTWV crTpUTllYOU Kal OUTWl;
noUaKt~ cpp6v11at~ crTpaTllyou Tou~ vavTiou~ KaTeaTpat~Yllcrev AVBE 676 aTiA'\ftV MW

AUf.11tpOT11TU AVBE 677 xetpwv AVBE xetp6~ MW I 6v~aav&po~ MW 6v6crav&po~ AVB!'
1
678 cruvTa~a~ :\oyov MW trsp. AVBE I oihw MW oihw~ AVBE 679 napaTa~tv MW
KUTU1lAll~lV AVBE
681 Ct<j>elVUl MW KUTUAl1telV AVBE
17 Onasander 28.
The Day of Battle
Constitution 14
346
!lEVWV A.awcpwv TWV OltAlTWV ~ eea cruv~8f1<; YLVf1TUl, aAA.' OLaV ~ OOKOUCJa Kal
685 <patVO!lEVf1 muyv~ napam~L<; a8poov Kalnap' eu8u avaOLX8fi ~ anpocrOoK~
TWV A.allnpa. ToiJTo yap llaAA.ov Kat 8la<; ~of18e(a<; Gf1!l1ov Taxa imovo~croum
Ka8' auTWV o[ 1t0AE!ll0l. XP~Gl!lOV o CJOL, mpaTf1YE, Kat TO ll~ 1tpOTpov T~V
a~v napam~LV 0LKVULV TOt<; 1tOA!llOl<; ev ~!lepq. JtOAE!lOU, 1tptv av T~V EKelVWV
11a8n<; 1tW<; KatOJtOL<.p CJX~!laTL 1tapeta~TO.

99 L: o XP~ KaTa TOV Katpov T~<; !lCtXf1<; npovoe1v !lUAAOV TWV llaXO!lEVWV,
Ka8w<; CJOL Katnpocreev imeee!leea, ~ TOA!lf1POTpov aAA.w8at Kat Tat<; xepcrl
CJU!l11AEKW8at, OLaV ll~ avayKf1<; ecrtt Katp6<; !lUAAOV 0 TO JtaVTAW<; Ct11EXcr8at Ota XLpwv TOt<; 1tOA!lLOL<; CJU!l11AEKCJ8at, Kat av imp~Af1TOV avopdav
moL~n<;. ou TOCJOUTOV yap W<pA~CJL<; TO crtpCtTUila llaXO!lVO<;, oaov anoea695 vwv ~Aa\jl1<; aUTO, 01tp TOt<; CJU!l11AK0!1EVOL<; OUK anpocrOOKf1TOV ecrnv. d yap
Ota <p~!lf1<; !l0Vf1<; \jiUOOU<;, W<; npo !llKpou ~IllY e'lpf1TUl, on 1tETCTWKV 6 CJTPaTllyo<;, o[ TOU Eevou<; aUTOU amvAOVTO, JtOCJ<.p !lUAAOV, d Tfi CtAf18dq. yVf1TUl, TOUTO
!lYCtAf11tapaKoAou8~CJL ~ACt~f1 T<\> TOU JtWOVTO<; UAf18W<; mpaTf1YOU Gtpam)-
690
!laTL.
700
100. MaAA.ov o ev acr<paA[q. 6~w<; Kat ~Aelt Katnpan Ta oeovm. TOT
yap !lUAAOV 8au11a~Tat crtpaLf1YO<;, omv KaTa TO 6~u T~<; avayKf1<; Ta 1tpE1tOVta
OLOLK~CJn, OT ev aodq. wv Ta eLKOTa 1tpO~OUAUCJf1TaL.
101. Ei o XP~ TOT Kat Kala T~V aUT~V wpav A.oyot<; napa8appuVLV (J TOU<;
GTpanwTa<;, Kat nayyeA[at<; Tat<; CtltO T~<; ~aCJLAela<; ~!lWV TOt<; aptCJTUOUCJLV
705 Ct1tOKl!lEVat<;, Kat T~V altO Ekou ~o~8tav napoucrav. d o Tl JtAeLOV, Kat Gf1!lla
Ttva mvo1v, Kat OetKVULV Kat imm[8w8at <pavevm Kat T~v ~!lTpav Gf1!la(voVTa VLKf1V, Kat Tepa TLVa JtOlelV U1tp TO cruvmylla OUK moxnm vuv, tv oe
Tal<; CJUVf1Y!lEVat<; YVW!lal<; KaTa TO TEAO<; TOU CJUVTCtY!laTO<; eup[crKWV ava!la8ot<;, oaa a 01 Katnpo TOU JtOAE!lOU Kat tv T<\> 1tOAE!l4J Kat!lTa TOV 1tOA!lOV ~
710 A.eyLV ~ npanLV. Kat Ota TOUTWV Ka8unepTepov TWV 1tOA!lLWV avaOlKvua8aL
684 yivf)tat MW ytvf)tat AVBE 685 aval5etX9~ MW ava<pav~ AVBE 686 imovo~croum
MW imovo~croucrtv AVBE 689 orroiw MW rroiw AVBE I rrapeta~eto MW rrapeta~aro
AVBE 691 rrp6cr9t:v MW Ef111pocr9t:v AVBE 691-692 tOAf1flp6tt:pov ... cruf111AEKt:a9m
MW tOAfll)p<ii~ UUf111AEKt:a9at tat~ Xepcrlv AVBE 692 to MW om. A VBE 693-694 Kal, ..
tmoei~fl~ MW om. AVBE 695 orrt:p ... tcrnv MW om. AVBE 702 lltotK~Ufl ott: MW
OtOlK~ ~ OtaV AVBE 704 KUL MW Kal urrocrxtcreat Kal AVBE 705 d ... 11AelOV MW om,
AVBE 706 tmvoeiv ... llelKVUelV MW <pavtvm urrolletKVUelV AVBE I Kal 3 MW w~ A VI:W
706-707 GTJflaivovm viKTJV MW trsp. A VBE 707 to ... vuv MW Atyecrem vuv otH<
tvotxnm A VBE 708-709 cruvtawmo~ ... avaf1a9ot<; MW ~~~Aiou avaf1a9~crfl A VBE
710 Ka9urrtptepov MW tmKpatecrtepov AVBE I avaoeiKvucrem MW ava<paivecrem AVBE
347
brightness very suddenly. For the usual sight of the brilliant heavy-armed men
.tpproaching from a distance is not a cause for wonder, but what does cause
.1stonishment is when what appears to be a dull-looking battle line all of a
hUJden, straightaway, unexpectedly appears brilliantly shining. Perhaps the
enemy will look upon this rather as a sign of God's help. It is useful for you, 0
general, not to be first in showing your battle line to the enemy on the day of
battle, before you learn about theirs and how and in what manner they have
been organized.
99 At the time of battle you must devote special attention to the men doing
the fighting, as we explained to you earlier, rather than very rashly springing
mto action yourself and engaging in hand-to-hand combat when the situation is
not critical. It is better <for you> to refrain completely from close combat with
! he enemy, even if you could project the image of unlimited bravery. By engagIng in combat you will not benefit your army as much as you will harm it by
dying, something not unexpected in close combat. For, as we mentioned to you
~hortly before this, if merely by the false rumor that the general has fallen, the
~oldiers of that nation were destroyed, how much more, if it should prove to be
l rue, will it cause serious harm to the army of the general who has actually
h1llcn?
100. Rather, in safety keenly observe and carry out your proper task. It is
then that the general is admired: when at the critical point of an emergency he
.trnmges for what should be done, when in full freedom he plans ahead for what
ik likely to happen.
101. If then, at that same time, it is necessary for you to address words of
tncouragement to your soldiers, <tell them of> the abiding help of God as well
the promised rewards of Our Majesty set aside for those who have distinii,Uished themselves. If anything more <is needed>, contrive certain signs and
point to them and suggest that they have appeared and portend victory for us.
And there are other things to do that this compilation cannot provide at this
!!me, but which you may find and study in the collected gnomic sayings at the
~lid of this composition, that is, all the things you must do and say before war,
.luring war, and after war, and that will enable you to prove that you are superior
348
The Day of Battle
Constitution 14
mtatrra Kal m:pl nov v airr(i> -r(i> n:ohtf!<.p n:pa~ewv

-rai)Ta f!EV OUV n:epl TWV TtOAEf!lKWV n:apaaKEUWV,
n:e(tKai, elp~aew ~11Tv
7u
w<; v auvT6f!<.p ~f!TV etpT]Tat.
oaat TE Ka~a!..AaptKUL Kat oaat
w<; v auv6\jlet.l
-rotaiim ... e'Lprp:m MW om. AVBE
AVBE 713 Eip~a6w ~fiiV MW om. AVBE
712 TiapaaKeuwv MW TiapaaKEuwv Eip~aew
349
to the enemy. These and other topics dealing with activities during the war itself
are summarized by us. These matters, therefore, about military preparations,
both for cavalry and for infantry, have been set forth in summary fashion by us.
l.
ITOAEMIKON ITAPALKEYON iliATA3IL IE'
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION XV
IIeplnoA.topKiac; n6A.ewv
About Besieging a City
'E~~<; o Kat m:ptTTOALOpK[ac; <JOL XPWV OlaTU~aoem,
w<JTpanw, anep EK
T naA.mwv Kat VEWV aveoA.oy~<Jaf.LeV, Kat ooa Oel npaHLV ~ TTOALOpKOUVTa

5 TTOAf.LlOU<;,
we; eLKO<;,
~ TTOALOpKOUf.LVOV un' aUTWV,
we; av Kat TOUTWV
f.LELp[av
TTetpav EXOL<;, Ot' ~<:; Ouv~on npo<J1TLVO~<Jat Aa~Of.LVO<; U<jJOpf.L~<; Kat O<Ja fl~
vmuea f.!EV e'lpllTat, ouvata 0 yevo8at, T~<; XPta<; KaTa T Katpouc; Kat TOTTOU<; OLOa<JKOU<Jll<; TCt EKa<JTa.
2. IToALOpK[a TOlVUV mpaTllYOU avopdav em~llTel Kat OLUVOLav O~e'lav Kat
10 <JTpaTllYLK~V Kat Efl<ppova KatnapTOLfla<J[ac; !lllXaVllf.LUTWV, aoc:paA.Lav o v T(\l
napaKae~oem ~ TTOAl ~ <ppoup[qJ ~ oxupwflaTL, Kat flETCt TTOAA~<; npooox~c;
TaUT!lV y[v<J8at T~V a<J<pUALaV.

3 Xp~ ouv <J, mpaTllYE, napaKa8e~6f.LeV6v nvL Twv LPllf.LEVWV v 4> TOTT4J
Ka8~n <pO<J<J<XTOV oxupov TTOlelV, ~TOL ~ TU<ppov ~a8lav ~ UTTO KTL<Jf.LUTWV ~

15 A.[8wv ~ nA.[v8wv ~ ~UAWV ~
we;
mvo~<Jl<; 1tepl<ppa<J<JLV (JQUTOV QTCO TWV
TCOAfllWV, Kat ~[yA.ac; TCOAACt<; Kat aKpl~el<; xnv, Kat f.LUAL<JTa de; TOU<; avunovo~
TOU<; T6nouc;, tva !l~ ol noA.wpKOUf.LeVOL ~ ol ~weev ovT<; TCOAEf.LLOL iic:pvw nepXOflVOL, ~ ev VUKTt ~ v ~f.LEP\l KLVOUVOU<; T(\l mpat(\l npooayoumv. 01tep yyov
noAA.aKL<; nt Twv noA.wpKOUf.LEvwv n6A.ewv. ol yap ~weev ouK o'loam Tt flATw2o
(JLV ol EVTO<; ol o ow8ev
ano TOU TelXOU<; ~AETCOU<JLV 01tep av npaTTLV f.LEAAnc;
KaT' aUTWV. OLO npnov <JOL TO 'lOLOV aoc:paA.[~wem mpaTUfla.
MWAV8E
PG 107:885
Next, 0 general, we are obliged to give you instructions about siege wartitre that we have gathered together from ancient and recent authorities, what
you must do when you are besieging the enemy and, likely enough, when you
nre being besieged by them. Even if you have only moderate experience of such
mutters, this will provide you with a starting point that will enable you to devise
further <means>. You will be able to bring matters not mentioned here into
being. The needs of time and space will teach you the details.'
2. Siege warfare calls for a general who is brave and sharp witted, who has
military knowledge, common sense, and who can prepare war machines. He
nmst see to security in encamping about a city or fortress or fortification and he
must devote a great deal of attention to such security.
3. Therefore, 0 general, when you are encamped around one of those places
we have mentioned, the site of your camp must be strongly fortified either by a
deep ditch or by constructions of stone, brick, wood, or in whatever way you
can devise to protect yourself from the enemy. In the most unlikely places, especially, station a large number of sharp-witted scouts to prevent either the
besieged or enemy forces on the outside from suddenly attacking, either by day
or night, and exposing the army to danger, as has often occurred in cities under
siege. The troops outside do not know what the people inside may be planning,
but those inside, on the walls, can easily see what operations you are planning to
take against them. For this reason you should attend to the security of your own
nrmy.
1.
3-405 Cf. Strat., 10. 9-26 Onas. 40-41.

1IOAfHKWV ... te' MW A.eov-roc:; v XPLOTW ~aatA.d aiwviw ~acrtA.euc:; PWflUlWV A ouha~tc:; te'
VBE 2 rr6A.ewv WA VBE rr6A.ewv rrwc:; od -raii-rac:; rroA.topKdv M 3 xpewv MW XP~ AVBE
4 av8oA.oy~OaflV MW OUVA~Ctfle8a AVBE I rrpcnmv MW rrotdv AVBE 5 we:; elKO<; MW
om. A VBE 6 OUV~OTJ MW OUV~OTJ Kal -repa arr6 crou AVBE 7 ouva-ra MWVBE ouva-rov
A 8 TCt KU0Ta MW iirrav-ra AVBE 9 cr-rpaTTJYOU ... m~T]Tel MW avopiav m~T]Tel
cr-rpUTTJYOU AVBE 14 ~I M om. WA VBE I -racppov MW crouoav AVBE 18 rrpocrayouatv
MW rrpocrcpepwatv AVE rrpocrcpepouatv B I yeyove MWVBE yeyovev A 20 orrep iiv AVBE
on iiv Kal MW
1.
For Const. 15 cf. Strat. 10; for 2-4 cf. Onasander 40-41. See also D. Sullivan,
Siegecraft: Two Tenth Century Instructional Manuals by Heron of Byzantium (Washington, DC,
J.ooo), including drawings of contemporary siege equipment from cod. Vat. Gr. 1605; H. van
den Berg, Anonymous de obsidione toleranda (Leiden, 1947).
3 52
Constitution 15
4 Kpdnov 8 Ttot~aLc:; tav Kal rrapa Tac:; rr6pTw:; ~ ic:; Ta rraparr6pna TTlc:;
rr6A.~:wc:; ~ KCtaTpou ~ Tac:; Ol~6oouc:; i::Tepou oxupWflctTOc:; rrapaKa0iatc:; nvac:;
mpaTlWTctc:;, o[nvc:; Tac:; ai<pvtoiouc:; Kamopoflac:; TWV IrOAfllWV CtTrOKWAUactt
25 ouvavml, Kal flCtAlaTa tv Tate:; vu~[, XP~ a T~V TOlaUTT]V EXLV aa<paALaV. TOT
yap f.!O.A.A.ov ai mtauTm KaTaopoflal yivovTm.
s. AAA.a Kal mhoc:; tav tv vuKTl 1 tm~aA.nc:; T~v rroA.wpKiav, <po~epwTepoc:;
yev~an ToLe:; aw0v rroA.topKOUflEVOLc:; ou yap MvavTm 6pav Ta ytv6flVa ota
TO aK6Toc:;, Kal rrA.ov mpaaaovTm, Kal Ta <ppoV~flctTa aMwv urroxaA.wmv, Kal
30 rroA.A.a 0LVU KaTa T~V VUKTct yivwem urrovooum KaT' aMwv, oaa TrOAACtKlc:; ouo'
aMoc:; tmvo1c:;. rrav yap TO tv VUKTL YlVOflVOV, Kav fllKp6v tan, <pO~epWTepov
yivnm TOLe:; IrOAlOpKOUflEVOLc:; OlO Kal TctXUTepov urroxaA.wm Kal T~V urromy~v
aarra(OVTctl. i yap iaxuaLc:; eva rrou ~ ouo brl TO TeLXOc:; ava~l~CtO"ctl, VOfllO"OU<JlV
oi tvToc:; rrav aTpCtTUfla trrl Ta TdXT] ava~~Vctl, Kal Tparr~aovTm Kal EPT]fla
35 KamA.d\j!OU<Jl TU TLXT]
4o
45
6. 'Errl oi:: TWV TOlOUTWV Oct T~V U\j!UX[av TOU mpctTT]YOU Kal avopeiav
<paivwem. tva Kal auToc:; TWV Towu-rwv tmrr6vwv T~c:; rroA.wpKiac:; pywv UTrTT]Tctl
xepalv oiKdcttc:;. flUAAOV yap 6 aTpmoc:; tv-rparr~anm Kal OUK tan orrwc:; we:;
tmmTTOflVOl, a\A' we:; t~ '(aov <pLA4J aUflTrOVOUVTc:; trrl Ta Ouaxep~ TWV pywv
tmowawmv i::auToilc:; rrpo0uf.16Tepov.
7. Xp~:wv O a avaaKorr~am aKpt~wc:; Kal T~c:; rroA.wpKiac:; apx6flevov,
rrpw-rov flEV tav ouvaTOV t<JTl aTVOXWPelV Toile:; tvToc:; Irepl TWV avayKaiwv
daooov, TOUT' anv, ~ rrepl TO uowp ~ rrepl T~V -rpo<p~V. i 8 mum a<p06vwc:;
xoum, TOT flllxava1c:; KXP~aem rroAflLKa1c:;.
8. KaTarrA.~~lc:; oi:: auTouc:;, tav Toile:; apimouc:; TWV mpaTlWTWV ~ apxovTWV
tmA.e~CtflVOc:; ~AlKl<;l Kal e~:wpi<;t TAdouc:; Kal OTrAOlc:; aaTpamovmc:;, TOUTouc:; tK
TOU TrAT]aiov TOU Tdxouc:; ~ TOU oxupwflaToc:; tK rrap6oou urrooei~nc:; TOLe:; IrOAlOpKOUflEVOLc:;. Toile:; Oi:: UTr00eaTEpouc:; fleTa T~c:; arroaKW~c:; flT]K00V tKTa~nc:; tva fl~
25 ad f!UAIOTU des. W
23 ~ KaaTpou MW om. AVBE 25 vu~i MVBE vu~lv A 26 KaTaOpOf!al yivovTat M trsp.
AVBE 27 bn~<iA.fJ<; ... noA.wpKiav M noA.wpK~<; AVBE 30 oiJcS' M oiJcS AVBE
32 imoxaA.wat M evcStcSouatv AVBE 33 aana(ovmt M ayanwatv AVBE I 7t0U M om.
AVBE 34 EVTO<; M eaw8Ev TO AVBE I Epf)fla M Epfjfla Kal CtCj>lJAaKTa AVBE 36 Kat M
Kal T~V AVBE 3 7-38 iinTT)Tal. .. oiKEiat<; M Tat<; oiKEiat<; XEpatv iinTT)Tat AVBE 38 eoTt
cmw<; M ETL AVBE 39 cpiA.w M cpiA.w ouvEpyouvTE<; KalA VBE I TUM TU OUOKOAa Kat AVBE
40 emcSwowatv M emcSwaouatv A VBE 41 XPEWV M XP~ AVBE I avaaK07t~Oat M
KaTaOK07t~Oat AVBE 42 7tEpt M 7tEpl T~V A VBE 44 exouat MVBE exouatv A
Besieging a City
353
4 You will do better if you station some soldiers by the gates or at the
postern gates of the city or fortress or at the passageways into some other fortifi,:ation. They should be able to repel sudden assaults of the enemy. You must
have this sort of security, especially at night, for such assaults are more commonly made at night.
5 If, however, you carry on your siege operations at night, you will cause
more fear among the people inside who come under siege. Darkness prevents
them from seeing what is happening and they grow all the more confused, their
~pirits are cast down, and they imagine that they will suffer many terrible things
during the night, even things that you have no intention of doing. For everything that happens at night, even something very minor, causes more fear
t\mong people under siege, and so they very quickly become slack and embrace
~ubjection. If you can do so, have one or two men mount the wall and the
people inside will think that the whole army has climbed onto the wall. They
will run away and leave the walls deserted.
6. These situations call for the general to give evidence of his courageous
spirit and bravery. He should take part in the labors and work of the siege with
his own hands. Indeed, he will put the soldiers to shame. They will labor
together on the difficult tasks not so much because they have been ordered to do
RO but because it will be on an equal basis with a friend, and they will become
more enthusiastic.
7 When you begin the siege, you must make an accurate assessment. First, is
it possible to keep the necessities, such as food and water, from getting to the
people within? If they possess these in abundance, then resort to siege engines.
8. You will cause great consternation if you select from among your soldiers
nr officers the most impressive, in the prime of life, very large in appearance,
and with bright, shining armor. Show them off to the besieged by having them
pass close to the wall or the fortification. Station the less impressive troops
354
50
Constitution 15
ouvwvrm oi TrOAEfllOl OtaKplVelV atrroilc; ~ avopa ~ aA.oyov. OUTWc; yap mivTa~

Toile; <patVOflEVOU<; avopac; dvm VOfll~OU<H Kai TOlOlJTOUc; olouc; doov TrAT]OLOV
A.e6vmc;.
9 TiaVTwc; o XP~<HflOV anv TO rro:\Aoilc; A.wptKCl.TOUc; Kai KamcppaKTOU<;
cpa(veaem Toic; TrOAlOpKOUflEVOlc;, ana Kai Toile; fl~ xovmc; AWplKIU Kai Kao"
a(oac; Ot' ETrlTT]OeUOeWc; OelKVUetV we; A.wptKaTouc; Kai KaTacppaKTOUc; Iva TrUVTe~
Totoi.iTot cpmv6fleVot oa:\(av Eflrrotwm mic; aweev.

10. Kai Ta ClTrAlKTa o cmo flT]KOeev I TrOlel, '(va TrUVTa Ta 6pWfleVa rrapa TWV
EVTO<; aTpaTlWTat cpa(vWVTat.
11. Kai rrp6Tepov flEV Of]AOrroteiv Toic; v Tft rr6A.et ~ T4i cppoup(q>, Kai rrpo
~anwem etc; m~~TT]Otv T~c; otaA.Uaewc; rrpaYflaTa n'.>xep~, ~Tot ~ aA.oya mhwv
6o ~ nva CipflaTa ~ Tepa Ttva Twv imapxovTwv mhoic; rrpaYflaTwv cpopf]TU, Iva Tfl
euxepd<;t TWV rrpoTetVOflEVWV Kai Tft EA1tl0l T* OWTT]plac; eic; otxovmav A.ewmv,
Kat xauVWTepOl yevWVTat rrpoc; avnKaTaaTa<JlV Kai KlVOUVOU<;.
12. To yap eueewc; EK rrpOOlfllWV OKAT]pa Kai ~apeia rrpoTelVelV OUK Efl<ppo"
voc; KplVOfleV aTpaTT]YOU. Tft yap OUOXepet<;t Kai T4J ~apel TWV rrpoTetVOflEVWV
6s A6ywv A.acpp6Tepov A.oy(~ovTat Tov K[vouvov oi rroALOpKOUfleVOt, Kai Ota TOi.iTo
55
de; EVWOLV Kai arrovotaV EpXOVTat.

13. ilpo TrUVTWV 0 rrperrov aT[, Kai flUAlaTU v mic; flaKpaic; TrOAlOpK[atc;,
eUTpe1tl~elV Oe Ta emT~Oeta, Iva aaTevoxwp~Twc; Kae~T]TUI 6 mpaToc; flT]OeVO~
70
AelTrOfleVoc;.
14. Acpop(aetc; o Kai Toile; avepwnouc; Toile; rri EKUaTn XPL<;t iota~6vTwc;
pya<weat Kai KUflVelV Toic; rr6votc; 6cpe[AOVTac;, Kai Otop(am nc; rro[av xpdav
rroteiv 6cpdA.et.
15. 'Omv ot arrap~n TOU rrpo~aAAlV eic; TrOAlOpK[av, ou XP~ Oe rravm TOV
mpaTOV Kae' EKUO'TT]V ~flEpav ayeLV eic; rr6AeflOV, Iva fl~ TrUVTec; OflOU arrOKUflW
75 mv, aU' eic; flEPT] Otacpopa aUTOV Ola!leplcrnc; Kai acpoplanc;, rr6aot Kai rr6aw:;
wpac; T~c; ~flEpac; 6cpelAOUOl KUflVelV, Kai OtaKplvnc; TlVec; oi v Tft VUKTi Kai TlVec;
49 ad 8taKptvtv de novo inc. W
wAVBE 50 VOJ.ll~OU<Jl M VOJ.ll(OU<JLV w VOJ.llO'OU<JLV A VOJ.llO'OUO'l

VBE 52 ecrm M ecrn WA VBE 57 evtoc; MA VBE eKtoc; W 6o <popT)t<'t MW eim\~
AVBE 61 euxepeia MW euteAeta AVBE I npotetVOJ.leVWV MW E1tl~T)tOUJ.leVWV AVE
~T)tOUJ.leVWV B 63 EK npoOLJ.llWV MW Kal E~ apx~c; AVBE I ~apeia MW ~apea AVBE
63-64 npoteivetv ... Efl<ppovoc; MW ~T)teiv au-roue; ou <ppoVtJ.!OU AVBE 64 t~ MW npoc;
AVBE I oucrxepeia MW oucrxepeiav AVBE I Kal ... ~apel MW om. AVBE 66 Kal MW
<Ka>l 6J.l6vOLav Kal AVBE 67 ecrti M tcr-rlv WAVBE 68 Ka8e~T)LUL MW napaKa8e~nm
49 OUVWVtat M ouvavtat
AVBE 73 npo~a\Aetv M npocr~aAAeLv WAVBE
Besieging a City 3 55
1t1rther off with the baggage so the enemy will not be able to form any judgment
n! them, either men or horses. In this way they will believe that all the men are
Impressive as those they have seen up close.
9. It is always useful to have a large number of your men be seen by the
ht~i!leged in coats of mail and full armor. To this end, have those who do not
coats of mail and helmets present themselves as mailed and fully armed. By
h*'vlng all of ours appear in this way, you will instill fear in the people within.
10. Set up your camp a good distance away so that everything in it will look
soldiers to the besieged.
11. First, make clear to the people inside the city or fortress that you are
J'II'Oposing light and bearable terms to seek their surrender, either their horses or
lltlme weapons or some of their other moveable possessions. Such moderate
'lrnposals and the hope of safety may lead them to differences of opinion and
!hey may become more hesitant to offer resistance and face dangers.
12. In our judgment, an intelligent general does not propose severe and
harsh terms at the very beginning. If the terms are severe and harsh, the bell!eged may think that the risks are more acceptable and this may lead them to
unite in rejecting them.
13. Above all, especially in a lengthy siege, you must make sure that your
l!Upplies are gotten ready, so the army may undertake the siege fully equipped
lind with nothing missing.
14. Also assign men who will be obliged to work at each of the necessary
tasks and who must work hard at it. You are to designate what kind of duty an
individual has to perform.
15. When you begin to get the siege under way, you must not lead the entire
<\rmy out to combat every day. If you did, all of them would immediately
become exhausted. You should divide it into various sections and assign the
number of men and how many hours they are obliged to work each day. Sched-
356
Besieging a City
Constitution 15
ol tv Tfl ~f.lEp<;t. 8d yap Kal tv Tat<; ~f.lpm<; oxAda8m mu<; noAtopKOUf.lEvou<; eta
TrOAe!lOU tK OLUOOX~<; aAA~AWV, Kal tv Tat<; vu~lv O!lOlW<; OLa <p6~ou, tnl TOUTO
a<popL<O!lfVWV TLVWV Kal TrOLOUVTWV OLU VUKTO<; TOU<; <p6~ou<; OlOU<; Kal oaou<;
so tmvo~aL<;.
16. Ei 8 aTpaTOV EXL<; TrOAUV,
WaT
ouvaa8m Kal tv VUKTL T~<; mh~<; x-
a8m TrOALOpKta<;, KaAW<; TrOL~GL<; tav TOUTOV OLeAn<; Ei<; oaa auvopa<; !lfPfJ Kal
o[ f.IEV a\JTWV tnl wpa<; T~<; VUKTO<; WpLG!lfVa<; KOLf.lWVTal, o[ o npoa~aAAOUaLV
Kat TrCtALV o[ Ka!lOVT<; Tfl npoa~oAfl imvoumv, Kal o[ npwf]V unvwaavT<; TrOAL85 opKOUaLV, Kat TOUTO
notd<;,
tK 8taoox~<; aAA~AWV Kal tv VUKTL Kal tv ~!lfP<;l UVVOOTW<;
waT 11~ taam KCtV f.lLKpav avmv TOU<; noAtopKou!levou<; Aa~dv. oihw<;
yap tKAUO!lVOL un6 T T~<; aypunv[a<; Kal T~<; auvox~<; TOU I Kaf.lCtTOU, UXPW<;
8ta T(DV npoa~aAAOf.lEVWV Kal f.lfJXaVf]!lCtTWV Kal AOYLG!lWV ~ eauTOU<;
tm8waw-
mv 8AOU<JlW<; ~ Kal UKOVT<; UAW8~aOVTal, !lLKpov Ct!lA~aavT<; 8ta TO avev90 OOTOV nov tnEpXO!lfVWV auTOt<; KLVOUVWV.
17. "H TO noH6.KL<; ytv6f.1VOV eta npooOTwv !lCiHov Kal DXpeaTpov

aUTOU<; napaAa~n<; avunovo~TOU TOTrOU ~ Tp6nou GOL 8t' auTWV uno8Lx8eVTO<;.
18. 'Ev 8 m1<; TOLaumL<; tK owoox~<; noALOpKtm<; Kal a1JT6<;, c1 aTpaTfjy,
xp6vov OAtyov avanauou Kal GUVTO!lOV tva v~<pn<; npo<; Ta apll6<ovT6. GOL
95
8taT6.y!lam.
19. 'Eav 8 avopLOTpov 8taKEl!lVO<; KAU<JD<; OLa!lPLG8~vm Ei<; nona
f.lEPfJ Tov mpaT6v, Kal KaaTov !lepo<; npoa<ppLV aK6.Aa<; i<; TO TtXO<;, Kptnov
nOL~GL<;. tv KUKAq> yap ytvo!lEVfJ<; T~<; npoa~oA~<; 611ou Ei<; Ct!lfJxav[av Kal
6Atywpiav oi noAtopKOUf.lEVOL t!lnwouvTm, f.lCtAL<JTa omv !lETa Twv aKaAwv Kal
100 Ta TEpa
llllxav~!lam npoa~O.Hn~.:;, olov KpLOu<; ~ XAwva<; ~ nupyou<; ~ ETp6v
TL TrOALOpKfjTLKOV opyavov. tav yap O!lOD Kal Ta f.lfJXaV~!laTa npoa<ppn<;, O!lOD

Kal Ta<; aK6.Aa<; tmaT~an<; i<; To Tlxo~.:;, &a noHwv !lEpwv auvTapaxe~aovmt
o[ tVT6<;. d T yap Ct!lA~GaVT<; TWV aAAWV f.lEpwv TOU TElXOU<; L<; Ta<; npoa~aA82 otEAll~
<'itaxwpicrll~ AVBE 83 rrpocr~O.A.Aouatv MW rrpocr~aA.watv AVBE

85-86 i:K ... rroA.topKOU!lEvou~ MW Kal toiito
rrot~cretc; i:v ~11epa Kal i:v vuKtl ota<'iexo!lEVWV O.A.A~A.ou~ twv rrpocr~aA.A6vtwv wcrte !lf]
2
KataA.trre1v toile; JtoA.topKOU!lEvou~ Ki'tv !llKpav iiveatv AVBE 87-89 t~~ . i:SeA.oucr[w~
MW UT!O toil cruvexou~ KU!lCttOU aA.Aa KUL <'ita tWV rrpocr~aA.A.6vtwv llllXUYll!lCttWV Kal tWV
Katacrtpat 11 y~aewv ~ tautouc; i:mowcrwcrtv (i:mowaoucrtv B) tKoucriw~ AVBE
89 aA.we~aovtal f!lKpov MW Kpatlle~aovtal !llKpov tl AVBE 89-90 UVEVOOtOV MW
avevootov KUL MtO.rraucrtov AVBE 91-92 ota ... autou~ MW euxepecrtepov !lCtAAOV autou~
<'ita rrpoootwv A VBE 94 Yva MW Yva i:yp11yop~~ KalA VBE 96 avopet6tepov otaKeL!levoc;
MW om. AVBE 101 opyavov MW flllXO.Vll!la AVBE 102-103 auvmpaxe~aovtat. ..
MW
84 Ka116vte~ MW KomO.cravtec; i:v AVBE
i:vt6c; MW oi eaw8ev rreptarrw11evot auvtapax8~crovtat AVBE
357
ulc some to work at night and others during the day. For not only must the
besieged be harassed by continuous attacks during the day but, in like manner,
they should be kept on edge all night by troops designated for this. You will
devise what these fears at night should consist of and their duration.
16. If you have an army large enough that you can carry on the same siege at
night, you will do well to divide it into as many sections as you judge best. One
~cction sleeps during designated hours of the night, others carry on the attack;
again, the men who are weary from <fighting off> the attack sleep, while those
who had slept earlier continue the siege. Do this, one following after the other,
without let-up both by night and by day, so as not to allow the people under
siege even a tiny respite. In this way they easily become unstrung from lack of
Nleep and constant hard work as well as by the attacks, the siege engines, and
stratagems. They will then either willingly surrender themselves or, unwilling,
be taken captive, for they will have grown careless because of the unyielding
nature of the dangers failing upon them.
17. Or, as frequently happens, you will take them more easily by means of
traitors, who may point out to you a place or a way <of attacking> that you had
not thought of.
18. In the course of the unrelenting activity of such sieges, you, 0 general,
must take a short and brief rest so you may be wide awake to manage things
properly.
19. If you feel more emboldened, you may order the army to be divided into
tl large number of sections and have each section bring ladders up to the wall.
With the assault then being carried on in a circle all at once, the besieged will
htll into helplessness and dejection, especially when, along with the ladders, you
move the other machines into place, such as rams, tortoises, towers, or other
~lege engines. If you bring up the siege engines and, at the same time, set the
ladders against the wail, the people within will be harassed from many
directions. If they neglect the other sections of the wall in order to concentrate
358
Constitution 15
AOflEVw:; fl'lxavac; UVTlflCtXOVTal nav-rwc;, oi -rae; (JKCtAac; npo<J<ppov-rec; fl'l0VO<.;

105 UTIOKWAUOVTO<; Ptalwc; UKOAW<; nl TO T1xoc; avap~aov-rat KCtV T Olaflp[awmv
au-roue; Ka-ra Twv npoacpep6v-rwv -rae; aKaA.ac;, -r6-re oi -rae; fl'lxavac; npoaayov
T<; TWV 6pyavwv acpoopo-rpac; au-rotc; T[Ol~<JW<Jl -rae; m8<Jl<; Kal ou OUV~<JOV'
-rm -ra mcpep6flVa KaKa ot' Ufl<f>OTpwv -rwv npoapoA.wv anoKpouaaa8m.
20. iloAACtKl<; o nl -rf]c; TIOAlOpKlac; oi VOfll(OflVOl oxupw-raTOl Kal avemv6
110 'lTOl npoc; UAW<JlV TOTIOl f10.AAOV Uq>OpflCt<; <JOl nap~ou<JLV aA.waewc;. oi yap
EVTO<; Ota ~v 8oKOU<Jav oxup6T'lTU TOUt; TOLOUTOU<; -r6nouc; U<f>UAUKTOU<; KaTa'
ALflTICtvoumv. au 8 8ta -rf]c; af]c; mvo[ac; Kal Tf]c; mn6vou pyaa[ac; -roue; TOLOlJ,
-roue; TOTIOU<; KaTUVOWV, -raxa fl'lXaV~V Up~<JLt; KaTaAaPtV au-roue; U<f>UACtKTOU<.;
ov-rac;, ~ 8ta <JKaAWV avapmv6v-rwv ~ OlCt TlVO<; Pta[ac; avapaaewc; UTOAflWV
av8pwv
nayyeA.lac; A.ap6vTWV owpewv Kal LlflWV. v-reu8ev yap EK TOU anpoa'
115
OOK~TOU 8ewp~aav-rec; oi v-roc; TOUt; I TOlOUTOU<; -r6nouc; KaTUAT)cp8v-rac; uno'
nauaov-rm, Kal TU onA.a pl'!'aVT<;, ~ ah~<JOU<Jl T~V <JWTT]plav ~ KaTU KpCtTOC:
Otacp8ap~aov-rat. oi yap avapav-rec; de; TO -rLxoc; OLU -rf]c; ouaxepelac; EKLVT]<; t\
aaA.nlaou<JL Kal cp6pov EflTIOL~aoum flEYL<JTOV 6pa8vT<; ~ OtaopaflOUVTat flTa
120 TO iaeA.81v Kal Tac; n6p-rac; avo[~OU<JlV, l TUXOl -rotc; ~w a-rpanw-rmc;, ~ Ola
nvwv -rpwv mvmwv ~v aA.wmv Tf]c; n6A.ewc; ~ TOU KCt<JTpou Ota8~<JOU<JLV.
21. Ei 8 TO Kaa-rpov ~ ~ n6A.tc; nA.f]8oc; EXL A.aou Kal ouvaflLV, Kal TOAflW<JlV
unav-rui(ov-rec; UflUVa<J8at -roue; laeA.86v-rac;, 0t au-roue; -roue; U'!'TJAWTpouc;
-r6nouc; Ka-raA.apdv ~ -ra iiKpa -rf]c; n6A.ewc;, Kal Kd8ev noAflOliv-rac; KaKwaat
125 -roue; v -rft n6AL aA.6v-rac;. Kf]pU~OU<Jl 8 TOT, tva flf]OEL<; KTiVTI TOV fl~ EXOVTCt
105 ~taiw~
MA VBE ~ta[ou W 106 Ta~ fli]Xava<; MW Tet noA.wpKI]TlKet AVBE 107 nt>v
MW fliJXUV~flUTU AVBE I acpoOpOTpa~ ... m9aet~ MW acpo.SpoTpw~ ainol~
nme~aovmt AVBE 107-108 ouv~aovmt MW ouv~aOVTat UUTOl (o{n:ot B) AVI3F
108 &' ... TWV MW Ota TWV Uf!CjlOTEpwv AVBE 109-110 KaL .. aA.waew~ MW T01!0l f!O.AAO\'
2
acpopf!Ct~ aot nap~ouat (npo~vouat B) nop9~aew~ AVBE 112 T~~ ... pyaa[a~ MW
cppov~aew~ AVBE 113 KUTUVOWV MA VBE mvowv w I eup~cret~ MW nva eup~cret<; WO'Tf
AVBE 114 ava~atVOVTWV MW ava~atVOVTWV nvwv AVBE I Ota MW Ota UAAI]<; AVBE I
~taia<; MW ouaK6A.ou AVBE I euTOAf!WV MW TOAfl!]flWV AVE TOAfl!]pwv B 115 nayyeA.[a~
A.a~6VTWV MW TOUTO 1!0lOUVTWV unocrxtcret<; AUfl~UVOVTWV AVBE 116 EVTO<; MW aw9V
AVBE I KUTUA!]cp9vm<; MW KUTUKpaT!j9vm<; AVBE 116-117 arronauaovTat MW
arronauaovmt T~<; flUX!]<; AVBE 118 ouaxepela<; MW OUO'KOAia<; AVBE 119 6pa9EVT~
MW eeaetvn~ AVBE I OtaOpUflOUVTUl MW Ota.Spaf!Wal AVBE 120-121 ~ ... &ae~aoumv
MW ~ Ot UAAl]~ nvo<; mvoia~ T~V T~~ 1!0AEW~ KpCtT!]alV ~ TOU KUO'Tpou 1!0t~crouatv AVBL
123 unavna<oVTE<; Ctf!UVaaem MW anavTiiV KUL O.f1UVE09at AVBE 123-126 eiaeA.96v
m~ ... cppovTa~ MW eaweev O'UAA!]cp9vmc:; KlJPU~Elc:; 0 TOTE KUL cStaA.aA.~cretc:; [va TOV ~ll)
exovTa 01!AU fl!]Oel~ CjlOVEU!] f!OVOU~ oi: U1lOKTelVElV TOU<; TU 01!AU cpopouvm<; AVBE
6pyavwv
Besieging a City 359

!ht'ir defense against the engines that have been moved up, the men bringing up
ladders will encounter no strong opposition and will easily climb up onto
I he wall. Even if they divide their own forces to confront the men bringing up
ladders, then those who are bringing up the machines will make their
1\Ui\cks all the more forcefully. They will not be able to beat off the evils brought
upon them by both assaults.
20. Frequently, when it comes to a siege, there are places that are considered
~r~tremely well fortified and their capture is inconceivable. Yet, the very fortificatltms may provide you with the means to take them. The defenders, confident in
fortifications, may leave such places unguarded. Because you are attentive,
!hough, and a diligent worker, you will investigate those places. Since they have
left unprotected, you will soon discover some means of capturing them,
as having some bold men, lured by the promise of gifts and honors, climb
!udders and force their way to the top. As a result, when the people inside look
\tpon the completely unexpected capture of those places, they will leave off
~:fighting> and throw down their weapons. They will beg for their safety or they
will be destroyed by force. The men who have climbed up onto the wall in that
difficult place will sound the trumpet and the sight of them will cause the
grt~atest fear, or else they will race along as they enter in and will open the gates
to our soldiers, who may be outside, or they will think of some other means to
bring about the capture of the city or fortress.
21. If the fortress or city is strong and has a large number of men who are
bold enough to confront and ward off our troops as they charge in, we must
(ICCUpy the higher places or the highest points of the city and, fighting from that
vnntage point, cause serious injury to those caught in the city. Our men will
Constitution 15
360
01tAOV, f!OVOU<; 8 Kl"ELVLV TOU<; ta orrA.a <ppovta<;. taUTflV o T~V <pWV~V KflpUt
!hen proclaim that nobody should kill persons not carrying a weapon but kill
n:aem -rft n'ilv rroA.miJv owA.Knp. eKaa-ro<; yap aKouaa<;, Kat t~<; ioia<; rrpovoou"
those bearing weapons. Make this proclamation in the language of the

d! !:tens. On hearing it, each individual will be concerned for his own safety and,
II'IJlped by fear, will throw away his weapons. Armed resistance will then drop
und the besieging forces will win a decisive victory. Those who were under
and who have been taken in this manner, moreover, when they have small
of safety, will become your servants rather than your enemies.
22. If the siege proves to be lengthy and you happen to capture some people
nutside the city, hold on to the younger men in the prime of life as you might
But send the women, children, elderly, and infirm individuals back into
city. In this way, people of a useless age will consume the food and will
no benefit to the besieged, in fact, they will cause them trouble. In addiyou will give the people in the city reason to expect humane treatment.
should instill doubt in their minds and will mark the first steps of their
~ubjection to you.
flEVO<; O"WTflpia<;, ev tft UKflft TOU <pO~OU arropphj!EL ta orrA.a, Kat n'ilv UVTL1t0Af>
f!Ouv-rwv 6A.tyouflvwv Kata Kpcno<; oi rroA.LOpKouvtE<; vLK~aoumv. oi yap rroA.t~
130 opKOUflEVOl, Kat oihw<; UALO"KOflEVOl, omv fllKpav eA.rrioa
T~<; O"WTflpia<; AO.~wmv,
oiKEtat A.omov avtt7tOAEflLWV yivovtat.

22. Ei 8 xpovto<; yvfltal ~ rroALOpKia Kat O"Ufl~ft auAA.a~E1v
at ttva<; ~w ~~
rr6A.ew<;, tou<; f!EV aKfl<l(ovm<; m1<; ~AtKiat<; vew-rpou<; w<; &.v ~ouA.n Kcmxc.
yuvata o Kal JtatOapta Kal ypovm<; Kal aa8EVEL<; avepwrrou<; U1t01tEfl1tE rrpo~
135
t~V 7tOAlV aUtWV. oihw<; yap ~ UXPflO"TO<; ~AlKta Kat ta<; tpo<pa<; Oarrav~a1, Kal
TOU<; 1tOAlOpKOUflEVOU<; ouov W<pEA~0"1, flUAAOV o Kal ~Aa\j!El. Ell o Kal <plAUV
epwrria<; im6vmav owaL<; TOt<; fVTO<;, WO"TE Otatpee~vat n1 <ppOV~flaTa autwv,
Kat a<pOpflTJV yeva8at fVTEU8EV T~<; rrp6<; O"E U1tOtay~<; aUtWV.
23. 'ErrEtO~ o e'iw8ev Kal 86pu~o<; yivea8at tv tal<; 1tOAlOpKiat<; U1t0 T~~
140
Kpauy~<; TWV avepwrrwv ~ U1t0 TOU ~xou TWV O"KOUtapiwv, tva fl~ ~apouvtat Kal
evoxA.ouvtat oi TOU crtpatou mivtE<; 6f!OU, Otov O"E U1t0 evo<; ~ OEUtpou fllALOU
1tOlELV aUTOU<; U1tAflKEUElV TOU oxupwflaTO<;, 6rr68ev OUK e~aKOUETat 6 ~xo<; nov
fl~ ttvwv cStamrrt6v-rwv Kal oi tou crtpatou OetA.tacrwmv, Kal oi rroALOpKou
23. Since a great deal of noise, coming from the shouts of men and the clash
shields, usually accompanies a siege, make sure that all the men in the army
together are not unduly disturbed or under stress. Have your men set up camp
une or two miles from the fortification, beyond earshot of the noise that is
nmsing confusion to those under siege.
flEVOt rrpo8uf16tepot ytvwvmt-tou-ro yap rroA.A.aKt<; avtyvwf!eV yeVOflEvov-
24. Do not order assaults to be made recklessly and without purpose lest,
Kal 6 Kpeinwv TWV UAAWV crtpaTLWTfl<; U1t0 yuvatKO<; OUTW TUXOl Kal aa8EVOU~ ~
when some losses occur, our troops become discouraged and the people under
become more defiant. For we have often read about this happening. The
~!rongest soldier might be struck by a stone or tile or piece of wood thrown or
hurled down by a weak woman and so perish. 2
eopu~OUVTWV TOU<; 1tOAtopKOUflEVOU<;.
24. M~ f1tlKlVOUVW<; o Kal UO"KOTIW<; rrpomacrcrn<; 1tOtcicr8at ta<; rrpoa~oM~

145 tva
cSta A.teou ~A.118v-ro<; ~ Kepaflou ~ cSta ~uA.ou KatEvexetvto<; rrA.flyel<; arrwA.no.
146-148 Cf. Leon diac. 3.7; Theoph. Cont., 438.13-14.

126-1 27 KTJpurreo8at. .. otaA.EK-rw MW 0laA.aA.eia8m 1lctpaKeA.euou -rij toia owA.eK-rw Kal ~
yA.waOT] TWV 1lOA!-llWV AVBE 128 ev ... <p6~ou MW om. AVBE 129 VlK~OOUOlV MAVBE
VlK~OOUOl w 130 UAlOKO!-lVOl MW KUTUKpctTOU!-lVOl AVBE 132 XPOVlO~ ... 1lOAlOpKict
MW ev lKctVW xp6vw ~ 1!0AlOpKict YEVT]Tctl AVBE 132-133 OU!-l~ii ... ~OUAT] MW Kpct-r~al~
TlVU~ TWV 1tOA!-llWV TOU~ !-lev VWTEpou~ Kctl toxupou~ w~ av ~OUAl AVBE 134 KctP ...
av8pw1!0U~ MW axp~OTOU~ AVBE I 1!p0~ MW miAtv d~ AVBE 135 auni>v oihw~ MW
UUT~ AVBE I KctP ... Kctl2 MW OUT AVBE 136 ouoev ... ~Aa\jlel MW w<peA~Oel Tl Kctl TU~
-rpo<pa~ Ka-raoa7tav~aet AVBE 137 im6vOtav MW im6A.T]\jltv AVBE 138 tv-reu8ev MW
11 po -routou AVBE 14 2 11oteiv ... 61168ev MW -rou oxupw!-laTO~ 11oteiv au-rou~ a1!AtKeuet v
06ev AVBE 145 0tamm6vTWV MW avatpOU!-LEVWV AVBE I ol2 MW ol A.omol AVBF
147 Kpeinwv ... a-rpancbTT]<; MW KaAA.iwv -rwv a-rpmtw-rwv AVBE I o{hw ... KctF MW om.
AVBE I aa8evou~ MW aa8evou~ 1lOAAaKl~ AVBE 148 ~AT]8EVTO<; MW ~AT]8l~ ij Ota
AVBE I KctTevexetv-ro~ MW om. AVBE
2. In 963, in Constantinople, a woman threw a ceramic flower pot that killed Marianos
Argyris, katepano of the West: Leo the Deacon 37 (trans. p. 96). Theophanes (Cont.) states
lhnt it was a roof tile (438.13-14). Cf. Plutarch, Moralia 3.245C.
Constitution 15
362
Besieging a City
25. 'Eav 8 fHKpa oxupWf.WTa 11ctpctKct8t<JQl Kctl m~~ftlOV ~ E11lKlVOUVOV

Kctl OLOct<; on ouov nov E11lTflOElWV AEl110VTUl, 0110ll
Oct~ OLQ eopu~wv ctUTOl<; Kctl v ~f.!EP\l Kctl v VUKTL EVOXAELV, '(va Tft oxA.~atl
U110KC1.f.1WOLV 6:\.(ym OVTE<; npo<; rr:\.~80<; KctTQ OLctoox~v UVEVOOTW<; ctUTOi~
150 VOf.!l~n<; T~V npoa~OA~V,
npoa~at..Aov.
155
160
170
26. Ei 8 Kctl o'(KOL dalv v t(i> <ppoupi<.p mT~OELOL rrpo<; To Kct~vm ota rrup
<p6pwv aaytnwv auvcxwv ota not..Awv t6nwv, av11ou f.!CtALma a<poopou Ktvou
f.!Evou, 1tEf.!11E Kctl Ef.!rrupt~E, DAflV nupo<; npoaOWf.!WV Tft aayinn ota Twv nnpo
~6:\.wv f.!ctyyavLKWV Twv AEyOf.!EVwv aA.aKmiwv ~ TETpapwv Twv nnpwv nup<'H;
11E11AflPWf.1EVWV ot' UAfl<;, Kctl ~ctAAOflEVWV KctTQ TWV EUEf.!ITP~OTWV o'(KWV. Kctl ev
oa<.p Ei<; T~V TOU nupo<; aaxoA.ouvmL a~emv, <JKCtAct<; d<; TOU<; E11lOEXOflEVOUI;
T0110U<; [mav Kctl ot' ctUTWV a<J<pctAW<; m~ctlVELV KEAEUE.
27. Eial 8 w<; n(nav v m'l<; noA.wpKim<; doll llflXctVflf.!<iTwv noA.topKflnK('l
oui<popa, oaa o'( TE 1tctActLOl atpcttflyol Kctl o[ f.!lKp(iJ npo ~flWV E11EVOflOctV KctTQ
OUVctf.!LV EKctaTO<;, Kctl T~V KctAouaav TOU Katpou Kctl TOU T01tOU xpEiav. ou yap
vuv an AEYELV OLQ 110lWV 6pyavwv 1tOALOpK~<JEL<;, ana TOU Kmpou ~ XPELU
OLOCt~El (J EKctOTa. Kctl yap dm Kctl o[ AYOf.!EVOl KpLOl ot' wv TQ TELXfl KpOUOf.!EVCI
auv-rpi~nm ~:ialo Kctlnupym ano ~uA.wv auyKELf.!EVOL Kctl ota ~upawv ~ tpw;
DAfl<; maKm6f.!EVoL, waTE ota nupo<; 11~ <p8ipwem, ohtvE<; Kal ota tpoxwv to1~
TElXEOL npoa<pcpOf.!EVOL ano U\j!OU<; f.!CtXOVTctl TOt<; v T(i> TElXEL Kctl XEAWVctl 81:
npoa<pcpOf.!EVctl t(i> TElXEL Kctl TQ 8Ef.1EAlct ~opuaaouam, Kctl OKCtActl auv8nm f\
nm8~:1am -r(i> TEiXEL ~ v 6p8o1<; ~uA.m<; mKELf.!EVm Kal ota tpoxwv npoa<pcp6f.!EVctL.
28. Kal 6pUYf.!ctTct ~w f.!EV TOU n:ixou<; KctTa y~v anapx6f.!EVct, EVTO<; 8 OL<.l
TWV 8Ef.1EAlWV El<JEPXOf.!EVct, Kctl avatpurrouvTct T~V y~v aw8Ev T~<; 110AEW<;, I
dye v mno<.p t6n<.p -ruxn KELflvn.
151 airroi~ MW mhou~ AVBE
I brrrflOelWV MW bnTflOelWV Kai avayKaiwv AVBE

I tvoxAeiv MW oxAeiv AVBE 152 Kata ... avev86tw<; MW
eK 8Laooxfi<; arraucrtw<; AVBE
153 rrpocrpaHov AVBE rrpocrpaHovto<; M rrpocrpaHovm;
150 ouoev
w ouoe
MA VBE
154 cppoupiw MW oxupwf.!att AVBE
MW crayina fj AVBE
AVBE
155 crcpoopou MW om. AVBE
If you are setting siege to a small fortification, and you believe an assault
will be risky and costly and you know that the besieged are not lacking in
tilll'Plies, concentrate on confusing and harassing them day and night. Such
tttlrassment will leave them exhausted, since they are only a few against a mulUtude of unending attacks, one after the other.
2 5.
26. If there are houses within the fortified city that can be easily set on fire,
a constant barrage of fire-bearing arrows in many directions, especially if
is a strong wind blowing, and set them on fire, affixing inflammable materto the arrows, by means of the stone-throwing machines that are called
ahtkatia or tetrareai, and hurl stones filled with inflammable material against the
houses and they will burn easily. 3 While the inhabitants are busy trying to extinguish the fire, put up ladders, where the ground permits, and give the command to climb up on them in safety.
27. In general, when it comes to sieges, there are different kinds of siege
~ngines that have been devised by commanders in the past and by others in
~cent times, each one according to his ability and the requisite demands of time
and place. This is not the time to tell you what machines you should employ in
~;arrying out a siege. The needs of the time will teach you about each one. There
iU'e the ones called rams that pound the walls and shatter them. There are also
!he towers constructed of wood covered with hides or other materials so they
will not be destroyed by fire. Wheels are used to bring them close to the walls
i!t1d from the top soldiers fight against the people on the walls. Tortoises are also
brought up to the walls to undermine their foundation. Composite ladders are
~t:t up against the walls or placed on rigid wooden beams and brought forward
nn wheels.
28. Excavation can also begin in the ground outside the walls, continue
Inside through the foundations, and bore through the earth inside the city,
provided that the location is level.
156 crayittfl
157 f.!ayyavtKWV MW flayyavtKwv fj AVBE I aAaKatiwv fj MW om.
158 EUEf.!ITp~crtwv oKwv MW oKwv twv UKOAW<; Bf.!ITpflcr9ijvm OUVUf.!EVWV AVBE
161 trrirrav MW erri to rrAetcrtov A VBE 162 f.!LKpw MW

om. AVBE 163 KaAoucrav MW avayKa(oucrav A VBE 165 dm MW ncri A VBl'
167 em<JKITOflVOl MA VBE <JKITOflVOl w 169 t~opucrcroucrm Kai MW e~opucrcroumv
AVBE 174 TUX1 Klf.!EVTJ M KElf.!EVfl tUXOl w tUXfl KElf.!EVfl AVBE
363
160 KEAEU MW om. A VBE
J. See Dennis, "Byzantine Heavy Artillery."
364
175
180
190
195
200
Constitution 15
29. Kal anA.w<; dm:iv -repat llllXaval 6pyavwv, &.nep v -re -rai<; iiAA.at<; lmopi
at<;, !lCtAAOV 0 EV 4> nAa1'L TWV cr-rpaTllYtKWV, peuvwv eup~crt<;, Kal onwc;
Ka-racrKwa(oVTUL Kal onw<; npoaayov-rat Kal EV 6no[ot<; -r6not<; TWV noAtopKOU
1-LEVWV. TOUTWV o TWV llllXaVll!laTWV a[ napaO'KUal Kal a[ i::Tot!laO'iat ou !lOVOV
napa crou ouvav-rat yivwem, aA.A.a Kal Ot' mvoia<; TWV O'UVOVTWV (JOt llayyava
piwv Kal E1tt1'll0LWV avopwv npo<; n1<; -rotau-ra<; KaTUO'KUa<;, 'tva Kal au-roc;
mvofl<; -ra ouva-ra Kal EV0XO!lVa llllXaV~!laTa, KaKdVOt TOt<; Ota XLPWV pyote;
Kal-rai<; Ota -r~<; ndpa<; mvoim<; crull~o11e~awai aot.
30. Tou<; o npoM-ra<; AYO!lEVOU<; ~ n6AW<; ~ iiAA.ou 1'LVO<; oxupw!laTO<; 11
Mou 1'~<; d<; noA!-liav icr60ou, Kal unooexou U!lVW<; Kal -ra<; ni<HL<; np<l;,;
aumu<; Kal-ra<; nayyeA.ia<; <pUAa1'1', av Kal auml aA.lleeuwatv, ouxl Ot' au-rou;,;,
ana Ota TOU<; !lEAAOVTa<; Kal naAtV O'Ot 1'0tau-ra<; npo~evdv xapt-ra<;. 6 yap
otoou<; n -rc.iJ npoM-rn !liiAA.ov A.a11~avet nap' au-rou nHov nap' oKeivq.J xapi(t>
-rat. ou yap Kpt-r~<; -r~<; napa -rou npoM-rou <.'tOtKlleeiall<; n6A.ew<; ~ -rou txepou
imapxet<;, aHa mpa-rlly6<;, Kal Ota noA.Awv -rp6nwv unp TOU crou A.aou A.um:iv
Kal ota<peeipetv -rou<; noA1-liou<; anouoa(wv. -ro yap ooKeiv -rou<; KaKou<; ~t~
euepyndv vmuea antp6KaA6v !lot <paivnat. nav-ra yap KaAa EV Katpc.i> au-rwv.
6 yap npo001'll<;, i Kalnpo<; TOU<; O'OU<; nOA!-llOU<; KaKO<; yeyovV, aAJ..' OUV np6c;
a Kal-rov oAov O'OV Aaov ayaeo<; aneOeiXell.

3 L 'Eav o 0wu napexov-ro<; T~V xaptv uno-rayfl O'Ot ~ n6At<; ~ <ppouptov ~TOl
Kampov ~ ota <p6~ov noAtopKia<; ~ ot' iiAAllV nva al-riav, npaw<; Kal U!lVWc;
ota-reell1't npo<; aUTOU<;. Kal !1~1' <popot<; aUTOU<; KaTa~ap~crn<; !1~1' a1lllVW<;
eK<po~~an<; ~ anLA.~an<; ota nvo<; n11wpia<; 11~-re <.'tOtKim<; A.un~an<;. ana !liiA
AOV ayaeo<; Kal E1ttLK~<; au-rot<; yivou, Iva Kal o[ A.omol 6pwv1'<; T~V O'~V XP'l'
()'1'01'll1'U i<; TOU<; unomyevm<; O'Ot !l1'a npoeullia<; npoaepxwvmi (JOt, !lllOtv
KaKOV onep unVYKLV ou Mvav-rat napa O'OU naedv EAni(ovT<;.
192 ad npoOOTT]~ des. W
MA VBE om. W 179 6Uvavrm ylvecr6m MW trsp. AVBE 180 a\m)~ MW au

AVBE 181 KCtKetVOl MW Kal eKeivot AVBE 182 Tat~ MA VBE TOt<; W I 0Ufi~OT]6~awa(
AVBE aufi~OT)6oumv M aufi~OT]6~croumv W 185 aA.116euwmv MAVBE aA.116euouatv W
187 f!CtAAOV MW f!CtAAOV auTO<; AVBE 188 T~<; MWAVBE TOU A 190 OOKelV MW
ooKeiv eVTauea AVBE 191 vmii6a MW om. AVBE 194 <ppoupwv M Kaa<pov AVBF
196 c:p6pot<; M miKTOt<; AVBE 198 auTot<; ylvou M yivou AVBE 198-199 XPf]0TOTf]Ta
M aya66TT)TU A VBE 200 onep ... OUVUVTal M om. AVBE
178 aF
Besieging a City
365
29. In a word, there are other machines and engines that, upon investigation,
you will find in other historical works and more fully in the expositions of the
utrategists. How are they constructed? How are they moved forward? In what
klnd of places under siege? Not only will you be able to bring about the
!;onstruction and erection on site of these machines but you will be helped by
the practical knowledge of the artillerymen with you and of the men familiar
with such equipment. You are to figure out what machines are efficient and
%Wailable and they are to assist you with their craftsmanship and the knowledge
tl'u!y have gained from experience.
30. Be sure to receive kindly those who are called traitors either from a city,
uome other sort of fortification, or a road leading into enemy territory. Observe
the guarantees and promises made to them if they are really telling the truth,
!lot only on their account, but also on account of those who, in return, will
present you with certain favors. He who grants something to a traitor actually
receives more from him than he has given. For you are not a judge of the city or
the enemy unjustly treated by the traitor, but you are a military commander,
employing many means on behalf of your people to injure and destroy the
enemy. Giving the impression of not offering favors to wicked men in these
drcumstances strikes me as foolish. All good things have their time. For the
traitor, even if he is wicked as far as your enemies are concerned, yet, as far as
you and all your people are concerned, he turns out to be good.
3 L If God bestows his grace upon you, and the city or fortress or walled
town submits to you, either out of fear of a siege or for some other reason, act
~ently and kindly toward the population. Do not weigh them down with fiscal
Impositions or frighten them in a harsh manner or threaten them with some
punishment or harass them unjustly. Instead, be good and fair with them. Then,
as others see your goodness toward those who have submitted to you, they will
eagerly approach you in the hopes that they will not suffer any evil from you
that they cannot bear.
366
32. To\rro yap '(aflV Kal NtKT)<p6pov -rov T)fl<pov a-rpa-r11yov rrpo<; n'l
205
Aayo~ap<'iwv 8vo<; rrmotT)K6-ra, o-r rraipa -r~<; ~am.\da<; ~flWV i<; -ro urro-ra~at
au-rou<; t~arrw-r<iAT). ou flOVOV yap <'ita rroAEflWV aKpt~W<; EK1'1'UYflEVWV 1'0
1'0lOU1'0V urr~yay 1'0 8vo<;, aHa Kat ayxtvo(<(t XPT)aCtflVO<; Kat OtKatoauvn Ka\
XPila-r6-rT)1't, tmtKW<; -r -rot<; rrpoapXOflEVot<; rrpoa<pp6flVO<;, Kat-r~v tAu8pfav aU-rot<; TrCtaT)<; 1' OouAda<; Kat1'WV Ci.AAWV <popo.\oytwV xapt(OflVO<;.
33 Ou yap Kep<'iou<; EVKV ~ ~aat.\da ~flWV -r~v urro-ray~v -rwv avnKa8-
taLaf1EVWV tm(T)1't, ana OO~T)<; flEV i<'i(a<; KaL1'lfl~<;, aW1'T)pia<; 8 Kat Upyw[a<;
210
auv .\eu8pt<(t -rwv UTrT)KOWV au-r~<;.

34 Ou-rw<; ouv UflVW<; -rot<; rrpoapXOflEVOt<; aot Kat urro-raaaOflEVOlC:
<'itaKdflVo<;, <'it' aU-rwv Ka1-rou<; fl~rrw rrpoaA86v-ra<; oiKtwan. ~ yap -r8T)ptwflEVT) YVWflT) Kat UTrT)V~<; Kat-rou<; urro-raaaOflEVOU<; d<; fl1'CtflAOV <pEpt, Kat-rou<;
215
fl~TrW urro-rayv-ra<; avaa-rAAl Kat flUAAOV rrpo8Uf101'Epou<; Tr0lt KlV0UVUtV

urrt:p ~<; oiKda<; aW-rT)pta<; ~ urro xLpa<; -rotoU-rou UTrT)VOU<; a-rpa-rT)you EflTrlT1'tV, Kat -raAamwp~at<; rroAtopKWV '(aw<; Kat flT)<'it:V avuwv. i 8 aya86v a
f1Ct8WatV OV1'a, -raxew<; tvOWaOUat -rft UTrOLayft.
35 T~<; yap ~aatAda<; ~flWV 1'0 UflVE<; Kat XPila-rov Kat dpT)VtKOV ayarrwaT)<; rrpo<; -rou<; urrT)K6ou<; orrT)ViKa <'ita aou rrpo<; ~flu<; rrpoaxwp~am ~ou.\118ft ~
rr6At<; ~ <ppouptov ~ 8vo<; -rot<; -r~<; ~flnepa<; Uflvda<; arrA<iyxvot<; a <'id

220
a<popiiv, Kat-ra<; ~flWV UflVda<; Kat aw-rT)plOU<; KAUal<; rrpt au-rwv Mxwem
Kat Kpa-rdv.
36. OuK Ci.vw 8 aKOTrOU VOfll(W Kat -rou-ro wa-r ytvWaKtV a aKpt~WC:
warrp -ra<; ~flptva<; wpa<;, OU1'W<; KUL1'a<; VUK1'ptva<; Ota 1'~<; 1'WV <patVOflEVWV
aa-rpwv Kat ~<; aA~VT)<; KlV~aWV, 'iva tv Katp{il vrroaxeaW<; wpa<; ~ rrapa
225
Besieging a City
Constitution 15
rrpo86-rou rrpo-rtVOflEVT)<;, ~ rrapa aou au-rou tmvoouf1EVT)<; ~ tv rroAtopKt<;t ~ tv

Momopi<;t aa<paA~<; rrpt-r6 auv8T)flU -rou Katpou ~ -rov 6ptaf10V urrapxnc:. 1'0 yap
211
367
32. We recall that our commander, Nikephoros, acted in this way toward the
pt~ople
of the Lombards when he was sent by Our Majesty to subdue them.4 For
It was not only by well-organized military operations that he subdued that
1i;l(:>ple, but he also displayed shrewdness, justice, and goodness. He presented
himself with fairness to those who came to him and he granted them freedom
from all servitude and other fiscal exactions.
33. It is not for the sake of gain that Our Majesty seeks the subjection of
those who stand against us, but for our glory and honor as well as the security
tlf our subjects and the blessings that accompany freedom.
34 Act, therefore, in an equitable manner to those who approach and
!!Ubmit to you. Through them you will make friends of those who have not yet
llpproached you. A ferocious and harsh manner leads those who have been
!illbjected to change their minds and causes those who have not yet been subjected to resist. It makes them all the more enthusiastic about facing danger on
behalf of their own safety rather than falling into the hands of such a harsh
commander. You are likely to have a difficult time in carrying out a siege and
will accomplish nothing. But if they learn that you are good, they will quickly
utier their submission.
35 Seeing that Our Majesty cherishes fairness and goodness and peacefulness toward our subjects, whenever, by your action, a city or fortress or nation
should wish to come over to us, you must look to our mercy and kindness and
receive and observe our gentle and salutary commands for them.
36. I do not think that even this is without purpose, namely that, just as with
the hours of the day, you should have precise knowledge of those at night by
fbllowing the movements of the visible stars and the moon. Then you appear
safely at the opportune hour arranged or proposed by a traitor or devised by
you, either during a siege or on the march, according to the time agreed upon or
ad airrwv de novo lnc. W
201-202
Cf. Skylitzes Basil.Mak., 37-38.
'(<Jf!EV M ytvW<JKOf!EV AVBE 204 urr~yaye TO M imrwayeTO AVBE 206 7tU<JT]~ ...
xapt~Of!EVO~ M xapt~Of!EVO~ 1tU<JT]~ T oouA.da~ Kal TWV iiAA.wv O!]f!O<JlWV eA.eu8epwv AVBE
2 u - 2 n T8!]ptwf!tV!] ... a1tl]V~~ MW T8!]ptwf1tvot Kal arr!]vd~ AVBE 212 <ptpet MW
<ptpoumv AVBE 213 avacrTeAAt MW avacrTtAA.oucrt AVBE lrrotd MW rrotoucrt AVBE
214 a1tl]VOii~ crTpUTT]you MW trsp. AVBE 216 tvowcroum MA VBE evowcroumv W
218 rrpocrxwp~crm MW rrpocreA.8Lv AVBE 219 Tot~ MW ei~ Ta AVBE I crrrA.ayxvot~ MW
crrrA.ayxva AVBE 220 Uf!EVia~ MW <ptA.av8pwrrou~ AVBE 222 ouK ... wcrT MW om.
AvsE 1 aKpt~w<; MW oe &1 AvsE 224 Ktv~crewv MW Ktv~crew~ AVBE
201
4 This refers to the campaign of Nikephoros Phokas the Elder in Calabria, in 885:
Skylitzes, Basil.Mak., 37-38; Theophanes Cont. 312-314.
368
Constitution 15
mx{m:pov ~ ~pao{nEpov TrOAAUKI<; <p9av1V T~<; auvmy~<; ~ -rou 6p1af.LOU arrpa
230
KTOV rrolfja TO rrpOKELf.LEVOV epyov.

37 'E~PXOf.LVO<; oi: Ka-raT~<; TrOALOpKla<;, d-r 8ta rrpo06-rou d-r UAAW<; TrW<;,
ocrou<; Ka-ra T~V OOOV urrav-r~a1<; auAAO.f.L~aV rrav-ra<; OIU TIVWV Ka~aHaplwv
rrpoarroaTEAAOf.LEVWV rr' au-r4J LOUT(f' ~ Ola niJv f.LELU aou a-rpanw-rwv '(va f.L~ ot'
au-rwv ~ ETIEAEUO"L<; aou f.Lf]VU9fi. -ra yap TOiaii-ra Ka-ra TWV I TrOAEf.LLWV epya
235
245
250
255
al<pVIOLW<; ylvwem o1 Kat avurrovo~-rw<;.

38. 'Omv yap arrpoaOOK~TW<; rrA.9n Ka-r' x9pwv a-rpa"TEUf.La, KUV OAiy<.im:
p6v an TWV TrOAEf.LLWV, Ola T~V avu<p6pa-rov mopOf.L~V EKTIA~TL1 TOU<; vav-r( ~
ou<;, KUV KpElnov<; Elatv EKELVOL Kat EK TOUTOU Ola TrOAAWV EK<pO~WV au-roue;
ouvaaat f.LUAAOV rrpo -rou eapp~aat aULOU<; OLKL<.ilaaa9at d<; TO aov ~OUAT]f.La.
39 Oihw<; oiiv rrnoav ~ TrOAIV ~ Kaa-rpov ~ QAAO Tl oxupwf.La rrapaA.a~nc;.
Kat A.a~n rrpa<; 6 TrOAEf.LO<;, f.L~ yv~an ~apu<; Ola T~V Urrpaylav ~ -ro1<; oua-rux~"
aamv ~ -ro1<; lif.La aOL Ka-rpa-ruoumv. f.Lf]Oi: -ru<pov Kal arr~v1av rrp1<ppnc;,
aHa Uf.LV~<;, W<; dpf]Tal, Kat <ptA.av9pwrro<; Kal-rarrnv6<ppwv yvou <ptA.O.v9pw
rro<; f.Li:V rrEpt-rou<; aA.w0v-ra<; Kal oua-rux~aavm<; aA.Aa Kat rrpo<; TOU<; f.LEAAOV
-ra<; en rrapa aou ~ rroAEf.LdcrOm ~ rroA.LOpKEiaOm, -rarrtv6<ppwv Oi: rrEpl -roue;
rrA.f]crlov Kal <plA.ou<; -roil<; f.Li:V yap rrA.f]alov Kal <plA.ou<; ou f.L6vov El<; <p06vov ou
KlV~0"1<; ana Kal L<; ~~AOV TWV Of.LOLWV aou KaLOpOwf.LUTWV OlYlp1<;, -roil<; oe
rroA.topKEiaOm f.LEAA.ov-ra<; urrn0d<; f.LO.A.A.ov Kal urroLaTLOf.LEVou<; aOL rrapaaKU
acrt<; Ota T~V Am~Of.LEVf]V rrapa aou Uf.LEVLaV Kal aya96-rf]Ta. -rau-ra f.Li:V
rrapaKAUOf.L0a aOL, W a-rpa-rfjyE, rrapa<puAalTlV o-rav aU-ro<; TrOAEf.LLOL<; m:A.
ewv TrOALOpKELV -ra EKELVWV f.LEAAn<;.
40. Ei o', OTrEp TrOAAUKl<; aUf.L~a[V1, TrOAl<; ~ Kaa-rpov ~ ll ihEpov OXUPWf.La
urr6 a urrapxov f.LEAA1 rrapa TrOAEf.LLWV TrOALOpK1aOat, [ f.Li:V ouvacral TOUt;
ETrPXOf.LEVOU<; ETrlTf]OEUaat, Kal arrpaKTOV au-rwv Ota T~<; cr~<; rrpocr~OA~<; T~V
~OUA~V arrood~at, -r4J 04J xapt<; l Oi: f.L~y, rrav-rw<; rrapaaKUUO"t<; mile;
f.LEAAOV-rao:; rroA.topKEiaOat, d-r au-ro<; f.LEAA1<; ~ avayKf]<; TIVOt; EKEL rrapdvat
d-r lp6<; LL<; TWV urr6 a apxov-rwv av~p AA.6yl~10<; KUL Ef.LTrEipO<;.
41. Ilpw-rov f.Li:V arrav-rwv XP~ TWV avayKalwv Ei<; arro-rpo<p~V <ppov-rlaat TWV
yKALOf.LEVWV oaov oioa<; TOV xOpov ~apKLV rrl-rfi TrOALOpKlc,:t xp6vov, Kal i
MW enoi!]crev AVBE 229 KaTa MW &a AVBE 230 imavT~crw; MAVBF
233 8e1 W om. MAVBE iavunovo~Tw~ MW avunovo~TW~ npocr~KL AVBE
234 KaT' MW KaTCt TWV AVBE 239 yev~OI] MW YEVI] AVBE 242 aA.w8EVTU~ MW
KpUT!]8EVTU~ AVBE 243 1!0Aj.lLcr8at. .. 1!0AlOpKl08at MAVBE trsp. w 252 emTq
228 enoi!]cr
anavr~cret~ W
8\iam MW KaTacrTpaT!]yijcrat AVBE
Besieging a City
369
l.lettrmined. Often enough, arriving sooner or later than agreed on or determined has rendered the task at hand without effect.
37 When you march out to begin a siege, either with the help of a traitor or
II! 11ome other way, cavalry units specifically assigned to this duty or the soldiers
!itt:ompanying you should detain all those you encounter on the road, so they
not give warning of your advance. It is necessary to engage in such actions
l'!JIIIinst the enemy suddenly and unexpectedly.
. 38. Whenever an army unexpectedly advances against the enemy, even
though it is smaller than they are, the unforeseen attack causes panic among its
!!dversaries even though they may be stronger. As a result, you will fill them
fear and, before they regain their confidence, you will be able to win them
to your will.
39 Therefore, whenever you take over a city or walled town or some other
f~lrtified place and the war has come to an end, do not become overbearing
l.11:t:ause of your success either to those who have suffered adverse fortune or to
who campaigned with you. Do not strut around in a cruel and arrogant
munner. But act kindly, as has been said, humanely and humbly. Treat in a
humane manner those who have been captured and subjected to misfortune, as
well as those whom you will still battle or besiege. Act humbly toward your
friends and those close to you; not only so you will not make them jealous, but
so you will arouse them to strive for success similar to yours. The people
whom you are about to place under siege hope that goodness and kindness will
murk your dealings with them and this will render them disposed to obey and
~ubrnit to you. We command, 0 general, that you observe these points when
you proceed against the enemy with the intention of laying siege to their places.
40. But if, as often happens, a city, walled town, or some other fortified place
~ubject to you is about to come under siege by the enemy, and you are able to
tlt~nl with them as they approach and your attack nullifies their intention, thanks
hi' to God. But if that is not the case, you are to take all means to prepare the
people for what they are soon to face, whether you will be there in person for
nome necessity or whether one of your officers, prudent and experienced, will be
ihere.
41. First of all, you must take thought for the provisions needed by the
ptople under siege. Find out how much time the enemy has to spend on the
370
260
Constitution 15
f!EV elntop(a EO"TL TOGatrtfl<; (:mOTpOq>~<;. ei O f!~ T~V axpflGTOV ~AlKLUV EK~UAI
EK TOU oxupwf!UTO<; npo T~<; nov ex8pwv napoua(ac;, OlOV yuvaiKa<;, yepovTm;,
aa8eveic;, Kalnmoia, Yva TOt<; ev OUVCtf!el OU<JlV ~ eUptGKOf!EVOl<; ~ Oa11CtVfl e~ap
Kean, Kat Yva 1 6 f!EAAWV no.\wpKeia8at npowrpenian f!llXaV~f!aTU avnKetf!eVCl
11p0c; T~V Ct110GO~~V TWV 11eTpo~OAWV f!ayyavwv TWV ex8pwv.
42. AvTLKelVTat o -raic; -rotatJTat<; ~o.\aic; KlAlKla Kpef!Ctf!eVU ~w8ev TOU
-reixouc; Ka-ra TOUt:; npof!axwvac;, ~ a<ipKlVU ~ axmv(a eLAflf!EVU ~ n6vn.\a ~()\
~u.\a Kpef!Ctf!eVa, Kat 11Atv8oc; Of: ev -roic; 11p0f!UXW<JLV OLKOOOf!OUf!EVfl, Kat npo<;
-roue; Kpwuc; o CtV"tlKet"tat -ru.\O.pta Kal GUKKLU YEf!OVLa axupa Kal 'J!Ctf!f!OV.
43 IIpoc; o -rae; xe.\wvac; apnayec; ~Ol ~u.\a f!ey<i.\a xov-ra ~lq>fl Kal Ef!11l0
GOf!eVa, wa-re ~ EKG-rp\jlat au-r~v ~ CtVUKOUq>iaat Kal YUf!VWGUl -roue; aw8ev ~.;
270
275
280
285
XeAWVO<; Kat oihwc; Ka-r' aUTWV eyxelpeiV avw8ev.

44. AHa Kal niaaa, Ot' ~c; KeVOUf!EVfl<; Ef!11pflae~aov-rm, Kal nup Kal .\i8m
~apeic; Ka"tUKev-rpot Ct110 f!ayyavwv aq>VW xaAWf!eVOl Ota GXOLVLWV ~""COL CtAUGeWV,
Kaln<i.\tv avaanwf!evot Ot' hepwv av-rt~apflf!O.-rwv.
45 IIpoc; Of: -roue; nayof!vouc; m>pyouc; nupo~6.\a dOfl Kal m:-rpo~6.\ot, ~ 1
f!~ -rou-ro avnaxft, avnnupyouc; Of!OLW<; oiKOOOf!eiV, ~ Ota ~UAWV ~ Ot' -repelt;
UAfl<; -roue; eaw8ev -rou -reixouc; avnc; EKelVWV, ~ Ct11AW<; we; uv ouvmov npoc; n)v
f!llXav~v -rwv ~w8ev av-rtf!flXavacr8m -roue; aw8ev, Ka8wc; f:v -r<v n.\6.-ret f!e"tU
crxo.\~c; epeuvwv eup~Gel<; npoc; EKUG"tflV f!llXaV~V CtV"te~eUpflf!EVa. avayKaiov of:
ecrn -roue; nupyouc; -roue; E11lf!UXOU<; -rou "teixouc; CtGK11eic; dvm, WaLe -roue; f!axo.
f!vouc; aKwM-rwc; Ke"i8ev f!O.xwem, Kat -ra f!O.yyava euK6nwc; -rtewem Ka\
E~epy<i~ecr8at. Kal napan6pna o EV -roic; "tOlOU"tOl<; nupymc; EK n.\ayiou G"teVU
avoiywem Ka-ra -rou Oe~lOU f!Epouc; -rwv npoaayo!lEVWV f!ayyavwv EK -rwv
ex8pwv Yva 11e~ol E~epXO!leVOl EK -rwv napanu.\wv, Kal Ka-ra xLpa Ctpf!OO(wc; TOt<;
GKOUTap(ot<; GKe110f!eVOL, Kat U110 "tWV avw8eV ~Ofl80U!leVOl OUvaV"Wl Ct110GO~lV
-ra f!O.yyava. xelV o -rau-ra nu.\ac; Ot' wv oeov aacpa.\(~wem ev Katp0 Kal f.U'l
!lEVelV ~VeqJYf!EVa.
258 ei. .. !l~
AVBE brdToty MW 258-259 EK~aA EK MW eK~aAA AVBE 260 i\

evptcrKOflEVOL~ MW om. AVBE 262 T~v cmocro~~v MW aJtoKwA.umv AVB I
264 dA.rwtva A VBE EiAlflflEVa MW 265 npoflaxwmv WAVBE 7tpOflaxoumv M
266 axupa M axupov WAVBE 267 XEAWVU~ MW XEAWVI]~ AVBE 275 UVTl<; MW
KaTvavn AVBE I iiv MW om. AVBE 278 tan M ecrTLV WAVBE 279 UK6Jtw<; MW
Ei>K6A.w~ AVBE 282 napanuA.wv MW napanopTiwv AVBE
Besieging a City
371
and if you are well supplied with a corresponding amount of provisions.

tief(lre the arrival of the enemy, be sure to evacuate from the fortified area those
will be useless, such as the women, the elderly, the infirm, and children, so
the provisions will be sufficient for the able fighting men found there and so
the general about to be besieged may get ready devices to defend against the
!l~tme-throwing engines of the enemy.
42. As protection against such missiles heavy mats can be hung along the
b1ttlements on the outside of the walls. Thick hides, coils of rope, boards, or
~'lanks can also be hung there. Brick facing can also be built onto the ramparts.
Asainst battering rams cushions or sacks filled with grain husks and sand are
tffective.
43 Against the tortoises grappling irons or large pieces of wood with sharp
points and covered with pitch so as to overturn the tortoise or uncover it and
f.l~].,Ose the men inside it to attack from above.
44- Pitch will set the uncovered tortoises on fire. Inflammable objects or
heavy, sharpened stones held by ropes or chains can be suddenly dropped from
nlilchines and then hauled up again by other counterweights.
45 Against towers that they move up, <use> incendiary missiles or stone
throwers. If this does not stop them, construct towers of wood or some other
material inside the walls to oppose theirs. To put it simply, do whatever makes it
possible for those inside to fight against the machines of those outside. In
gtmeral, as you take your time in studying the situation, you will discover that
you can find the means to confront every machine. The towers of the wall that
~tre exposed to attack must be without roofs so that the fighting men on them
ntn fight unobstructed, and artillery can easily be mounted there and operated.
'lhese towers should have small, narrow doorways opening to the side toward
!he right of the siege engines drawn up by the enemy. Foot soldiers can then go
out by these side doorways and engage in hand-to-hand fighting while covered
by their shields and supported by the men above, and in this way they will be
<lble to take action against the siege engines. These doorways should have gates
so they can be secured when necessary and not remain open.
372
290
46. A.noKpEfHlV o KaTa n'ilv npoflaxwvwv ~uA.a ~apa mivu, KOpfl[a, Knl
flUAOU<; A.t0ivouc; Ota axotv[wv Iva, f:av npoacnvwm GKCtAac; de; Ta TiXTJ, K01tt(l
flEVWV TWV axotv[wv mnawmv E1tCtVW TWV ava~mv6VTWV Kat Ota<p0t:lpwatv I
aMove;. TOlJLO o EV KUKAq> TOU Tt:ixouc; yevaem KEAEUOflEV Kat flf]OEVa A.dnetv
npoflaxwva, i ouvaTOV, oanc; OUK EXH ~ A.i0ov ~apU.aTOV ~TOt flUAOV ~ ~UAOV
flaKpov Kat ~apu navu, OUVCtflEVOV aunp['\faL Kat <JKCtAaV Kat TOU<; f:n' aun)~;
ava~a[vovmc;.
295
300
305
310
Besieging a City
Constitution 15
47 Xp~ o Kat KaTaflEp[crm T~V ~o~eetav Ot' OAOU LOU Tdxom:; Kat EXEIV
UAATJV OUVafllV EK nt:pt<J<JOU Iva L<~ 00flEV4J flEpH, f:av xpt:la YEVf]TaL, ~OTJ0ft, Ktll
fl~ avayKa<wvTat EV Katp(\> avayKTj<; EK T01t0U de; T01tOV OtaTpxnv oi np<'n;
napa<puA.aK~V TOU Tt:ixouc; TETUYflEVOl, Kat EK TOlJLOU YUflVOU<J0a[ Ttvac; auTO(\
T6nouc;, ont:p E<JTtV E1tlKLV0UVOV.
48.'Eav o Kat Otxomacria f:m'tnapa TlVWV EV Tft 1tOAl ~ T(\> KCtaLpc.p, 0ov i]
KaKt:ivouc; eipT]vt:ucrm Kat <JUflflL~m tv m1<; Toti Tt:ixouc; m:oaToupmc; Touc; crTpatt
wTa<;-EK TOUTOU yap ouo EUKatpouat <JTCtGlV flEAEL~Gat ~ KaTa TOU KOLVOU 11
Kae' auTWV, aHa Kat OOKOUVT<; <pUAaK~V T~<; 1tOAW<; mcrn:ue~vat f:pu0ptc.'il<JIV
VEWTt:p[crat-~ f:av fl~ TOUTO, 1tCtVTW<; aULOU<; npot:~ayaylv aA:\.axou, Kat flf]Oi::v
E~ auTWV u<popaaem na0e1v maaewc; EV Tft 1tOAt0pK[q, ana Kat Tac; npoooa[nt;
u<popacrem Kat acr<paA.i<wem, W<JT fl~ ouvacreai Ttva LOt<; 1tOAflLOl<; ~ ypa<pelV
~ cruvTuxeiv EKTO<; ~ouA.~<; TOU nem<JTEUflEVOU T~v n6A.tv ~ TO Kampov.
49. Kat Ta<; nuA.a<; Of T~<; n6A.t:w<; 1tl<JLOt<; avopaat napaoo0~vat Kat !lfJO'
OAW<; eapp~cra[ nva<; TWV mpaTtWTWV ~ 1tOAlTWV EV TOt<; npoOt!lLOl<; flCtAl<JLa T~~
noA.wpKiac; ~pxwem Tou Tt:ixou<; Kat 11axwem, Kiiv cru11~ft noAA.ouc; Kal yev
va[ouc; de; avopt:lav ELVat TOU<; EYKKAl<J!1EVOU<;, f:av ~-~~nou Katpo<; YEVT]Tal 11
llayyavov f:voxA.ouv E1tlKlVOUVW<; T(\> TiXL anoao~Tje~vat EK xetpo<; ~ n<; Tpn
xpt:la avayKaia Kat KaTt:nlyoucra TOUTO, UAAa 1tCtVLa<; UVW0V U!-1UVaa0m Kni
fl~ e~weev 1tATjyouaem ~ KtVOUVEUElV. d yap n TOlOUTO YEVTJTUl, TWV ouvanu
Tpwv avopwv ~ cmo0Vfj<JKOVTWV ~ 1tATJYOUflEVWV, 6 A0l1t0<; oxA.oc; EV 6A.tywpiq
~apta ... KOpf!ia M ~apda nO.vu KOpf!ia W KOpf!ia ~apea nO.vu AVBE 287 f!UAou~
A.t8ivou~ MW trsp. AVBE lnpooO.Ijlwat MW npocrO.~wat ABE 288 Otaq>8dpwmv MA VBF
&acp8dpoumv W 289 yevecr8m KEAEDOf!EV MA VBE trsp. W 291 ~apu WA VBE ~apuv
M I Kai3 MW -r~v A VBE 298 ecr-ri MAVBE ecrnv w 299-300 mu~ cr-rpanw-ra~ M -roT~
cr-rpa-rtw-rm~ WAVBE 301-302 tpu8ptwatv VEW<Epicrm MW aicr)(Dvov-rm cna~[a~ notdv
AVBE 303 noA.wpKia MW noA.wpKia yeVOf!EVT]~ AVBE 305 cruv-ruxLv MW
cruv-ruyxO.vnv AVBE 307 -roT~ npoOLf!LOL~ MW -r~ apx~ AVBE 310 anocro~!]8~vm MW
a1tOKWAu8~vaL AVBE I n~ e-rpa MW trsp. AVBE 311 Of!UVU08UL MW Of!UVW8UL AVBF
2 86
312 -rowii-ro M -rowii-rov WAVBE
373
46. From the battlements be sure to hang heavy timbers, trunks, and millby ropes. If the ladders are set up against the walls, cut the ropes and they
Will fall upon the men climbing up and destroy them. We order that you do this
~\long the whole circuit of the walls and, if possible, leave no battlement without
~It her a very heavy stone, a millstone, or a large and very heavy timber, each one
~lf which is able to demolish a ladder and the men climbing up it.
47. You must distribute support groups along the whole length of the walls
hold another force in reserve so they may come to the aid of a threatened
lieetor when necessary. In an emergency the troops assigned to defend the walls
will not be forced to dash from place to place, leaving certain spots wide open, a
dangerous thing to do.
48. If there should be dissension among some in the city or the walled town,
It Is necessary to establish peace among them and have them join the soldiers in
the various sections of the wall. In this way they will not find time to plan an
uprising either against the commonwealth or against themselves, but by
realizing that they have been entrusted with the defense of the city, they will be
!ll!hamed to rebel. If this cannot be done, be sure to move them to another
location ahead of time and keep an eye on them so you do not have to put up
with any dissension during the siege. Also be on the lookout for treachery and
~uard against it. Nobody should be able to write to or meet with the enemy
without permission of the official placed in charge of the city or walled town.
49 The gates of the city should be entrusted to reliable men. Especially in
!he early stages of the siege, no soldiers or civilians should be so bold as to go
outside the walls and fight, even when there are many men of outstanding
courage within the city. Make direct contact only if the situation requires that
you put some siege engine, posing a serious threat to the walls, out of action or
If some other compelling need should arise. Otherwise, everyone should take
part in the defense from the top <of the walls> and not endanger themselves or
be wounded outside. For when that sort of thing happens, the most capable men
11re killed or wounded and the rest of them become so discouraged that they are
~lones
Besieging a City
374
yivTat Kal UXelPWTO<.; TOL<.; tx9po1<.;. cpavepov yap eanv on EW<.; iiv oi avopu;
315
aw~wvtat Kal TO TELXO<.; auvi<YTUTat, EKelVWV 0 n:poot80flvwv TO Al1t0flVOV

KLV8UVUl.
so. 'Eav 8 n:pOTElXL<Yfla EXl tepov
~ ~ n:6AL<.; ~ TO oxupwfla, OUK UTOTIOV
~iyAa<.; tv auT yivw9at iaxupa<.; Kal aKpl~d<.; Kal flUAL<YTa i<.; ta<.; VUKTU<.;, 0-rav
Kal n:poacpeuyetv nvf:<.; d<.; Toil<.; tx9poi><.; flEAHW<YL, Kal em~ouAal Aa9paiw<.; Kata
320 Tou Tlxou<.; MvavTat yivwem.
51. 1\AAa Kal Ta aKovTi<rflaTa ~ 8ta T6~wv ~ 8u1 Ai9wv ~ &a To~o~oAta-rpwv
fl~ aKaipw<.; Kal flUTTJV EK TOU TElXOU<.; n:OLdV Kal EK TOUTOU d<.; KUTa<pp6VTJOW
yivw9at aU-ra TOL<.; evavTLOl<.; w<.; fl~ evepyouv-ra.
52. 'Eav 8 an:o KlV<YTpva<.; exwm TO TIO<YlflOV Mwp, Kal OUK an:o TITJYT)t;
325 MtaALn:tOV ~ an:o n:A9pou OALYOUflEVOV TO Mwp, !J.Tp<.p nvl Kal 8tOlK~<Yt:l
yivw9at T~V 8taVOfl~V Kal fl~ exnv en:' e~ouaia<.; TOV 9AovTa W<.; ap<YKl aut(\>
oan:avav. 6f10LW<.; Kal en:l T~<.; UAATJ<.; 8an:UVTJ<.; <YUfl!J.Tpw<.; an:av-ra yivwem lVtl
Kal apKft Kal eupwa-rou<.; TOU<.; 1tOALOpKOUflVOU<.; <pUAaTTn.
53 Ta<.; 8 ~iyAa<.; em!J.EAW<.; Kma 8ta8ox~v yivwem Kal flUAta-ra tv Taio:;
330
vu~[v. ev n:apa<puAaKft 0 TT)pt:'ia9at Kal T~V 8an:UVT]V d<.; to fl~ UKOAW<.; imb tWV
TuxovTwv 8tapn:a~wem.
54 IIapatvdv 0 auvexa-repov TOV KpaTOUVTU TOU<.; evto<.; 8ta A6ywv Ka\
n:po9U!J.OTIOlLV n:po<.; T~V UTIO!J.OV~V w<.; t:h 8ta T~<.; a~<.; 8uVUflW<.; eh ot'
ETpa<.; ah[a<.; 6 Katpo<.; T~<.; avaxwp~aW<.; TWV x9pwv yVT)Tal. m8pOf1U<.; Of
335
TIOLELV TOV atpaTTjybv oaov ~ Mvaf.LL<.; an:avT(t KaTa TWV n:oALOpKOUVTWV OlCt
nvwv 8tacp6pwv n:poa~oAWV Kal <p~f.LTJ<.;. w<.; tpou n:Ad<YTOU <YTpatoD
n:epxof.LVOU, Kal oaa 9podv MvaTat TOU<.; n:OAf.LLOU<.;.
55 TauTa !J.EV ouv 6 n:oAtopKOUf.LEVO<.; n:OL~<Yl oaa f.LOL dpf]TUl, Kal ETEpa
ot
Ttva n:poaemvo~<Yl TU evavTia n:po<.; EKa<YTOV TWV n:apa TOU TIOALOpKoDvtoc;

340
375
Constitution 15
f.L'lXaVW!J.iVWV, Kal n:ap' ~f.LWV eipT]f.LiVWV Ef11tpoa9ev, avnn9el<.; EKLV0l<.; TU 'iota

EK TOU evavTiou. auT69ev yap mvo~<Yl n:w<.; 81 EKU<YT<.p TWV n:ayof.LVWV
defeated by the enemy. It is obvious that, as long as the men are safe, the
will also be secure but, when they give up, the rest will be endangered.
so. If the city or the fortified place has another outer wall, it is not a bad idea
strong and alert sentries on it, especially at night, when some persons
thinking of deserting to the enemy and attacks against the wall may be
in secret.
. The firing of missiles from the walls, whether by bows, stones, or catamust not be ill-timed and ineffective, for the enemy will not take them
if they are ineffective.
l. If the drinking water comes from a cistern and does not flow constantly
a spring, or the water in it is less than <would fill a small> pond, it must be
by a certain measure and management. 5 No one has the authority to
'.;~t:msurrte as much as he wishes. In like manner all the other provisions are to be
,
distributed so that there will be enough to maintain the besieged in a
Mitlthy condition.
53 Be sure to have constant patrols on guard duty, especially at night, to
the provisions so they cannot easily be stolen by anyone passing by.
54 The person in charge must continuously advise those within <the city>
his words and encourage them to be patient until the time when your
forceful action or some other cause brings about the enemy's withdrawal. To the
tlt!t>nt possible, the commander must launch attacks against the besiegers in a
Vlilriety of ways. He should also <spread> rumors that another very large army is
~:~pproaching or whatever else will terrify the enemy.
55 The man under siege, therefore, will act in the manner I have described
~:~nd he should devise other means to oppose each stratagem employed by the
besieger. Add tllis also to what we have said above: having set up his own
~:devices> to oppose them, by himself he will figure out how he must confront
ench situation he encounters.
avTtf.LUX<r9at.
318 airrw MAVBE eaUl:w W 319 f!Aetwat MW f!Ae<wow AVBE 320 15Uvavmt
yivea8m MW trsp. A VBE 323 yivea8at aiJta MW trsp. AVBE 324 exwm MA VBE
exouat W 325 aotaA.ennov MW a&aA.eimou AVBE I ~ ... uowp MW om. AVBE 326 en'
e~ouaia<; AVBE ene~ouaiw<; MW 333 6t' De 6' codd. 334 yevrp:m MAVBE yivemt W
335-337 oaov ... Mvatal MW Kata tWV T!OAlOpKOUVtWV oaov ~ 6UVUf!l<; cmavta <pljf!l~ElV M
Otl Kal hepov T!A~8o<; otpatoii enepxnm ei<; ~o~Setav Kal hepa oaa EK<pO~elV Kal mpaooetv
Mvavtm AVBE 340 reap' ~!lwv MA VBE rcapa twv W 341 emvo~oet MW erctvo~oet~
AVBE
s. "Small pond": literally, a space less than one hundred feet, rcA.t8pov. See Schilbach,
Metrologie, 81-83.
376 Constitution 15
345
350
355
370
56. Ou rrapaAl\j!W Oi:: Kat orrep flOl tpeuvwVTL UPTJTaL Kat avyvw<Hm, i Kal
56. I will not leave out what I have discovered and read in my investigations
fl~ vuv tan rrt:pl<JTt01JOa<JTOV, rreplTOU rrw<:; ouvaTOV A.a8pa[w<:; OLa TUXOU<:; KTL~LV
~JlVt:n though it may not be of much concern at present. How it is possible for a
cppoupLOV TOV ~OUAOf.1VOV <HpaTTJYOV tv f.18op[(JJ TtOAf.1lWV aAA.axou rrou

A.av8avovm LOU<:; tx8pou<:;. rrp6Tt:pov flEv yap o1 (J KaTa<JKOTt~<JaL TOTtOV
oxupov OUVCtflVOV OLa OfKa ~ OWOKa ~f.1pwv &a ~TjpCt<:; UATJ<:; rtpl~ATJ8~vm tv
Kmp(fl tmlcp6~ou rrpoa~oA.~<:; Twv rroAf.1LWV, Kat tav dmv uA.m TtATj<Jiov, A.i8ou f)
~UAOU ~ rr:\.[v8ou ELOlflTj<:;, Ka[ t<JTLV uowp ~ tmVOTj8~vm OUVaLOV.
57 . Kal rrporrapaaKeuaam TXVtTa<:; iKavou<:; Kat rr6pTa<:; Kat flayyava Tixou~
Kat ~o~8LaV apKOU<JaV Tt~WV tvortAWV Kat yevva[wv flTa apxovTWV <ppOVlflWV
Kat U\j!UXWV, Ufla Kat Ufla~wv, W<:; ei<:; <pO<J<JUTOU TU~LV Kat aacpaALaV a1nwv Kat
oartUVTJV TPLWV ~ T<Jaapwv flTJVWV. Kat d Kmp6<:; t<JTL 8pou<:; tflrrp~am n'u;
~O<JKa<:; Ta<:; TtATj<JlOV LOU TOT[OU d o Ka~vm ouaxepe1<:; dmv, Kamoarrav~aat
auTa<:;, Kat OLa<pTjfll<JaL W<:; tv etfp(JJ TOTt(JJ Tt0l~<JL<:; KaTa TWV tx8pwv trrA.eumv,
Kat Ttff.l\j!EL<:; ~o~8tav aacpaA.~ KaTa TOU <fl'lfll~OflEVOU TOTtOU \'va tK1 rrpoaooKWVT<:; rrt:pl<JTtWVTaL oi tx8po[, KULTOT rrpo fllCt<:; ~flpa<:; 8app~aL LOt<:; 6cpd:\.ou~
(JLV daeA.8e1v tv Ttp TOTt(JJ, Kat nva flEV owpa oouvm d<:; rrpoTporr~v aUTWV, nva
o Kat trrayyHw8m, Kat aicpv[OLOV tv ETEp(JJ TOTt(JJ TWV tx8pwv aaxoAOUflEVWV
flLa rraVTo<:; LOU aTpatou tm<Hfi<:; Ttp wptOflEV(JJ aot TOTt(JJ, Kal m~aL<:; ~fyA.a~
aacpaA1<:; Kal oi T[~0t UTtATjKU(JOU<Jl KUKA(JJ LOU oxupWflUTO<:; KalTacppov ~aeu"
(i~neral to fulfill his wish to build a fortress at some location on the border with
TUTTJV rrot~aet<:;, d tmMxnm 6 T6rro<:;.

58. Kal d flEV :\.[8o<:; ~ TtAtv8o<:; eup[GKlaL, oiKOOOfl~Gat ~TJPOV o1, Kat O~(Jat
Ola ~UAWV aacpaA.w<:; Kat auvexw<:; i o ~uAa flOVOV do[, Ot' UUTWV aTtOKAeL(JUl
6::\.[yov KUL oxupov TOTtOV KUL fl~ flEyav TEW<:;. flELa o TO artOKAL<J8~vm UUTOV
KaTa Tov A.ex8vm Tp6rrov, d f!EV 6pf!~awmv ol tx8pol KaTa Tou T6rrou, Kal
oloa<:; on ou ouvaam rrpo<:; f!UXTJV aVTEXLV, TOt avaxwp~<Jl<:; rrpo T~<:; rrapoua[a<:; auTwv, KamA.mwv aw8ev Tou<:; lKavou<:;, Kat artATjKUGL<:; TtATj<Jtov ToaouTov,
WGT f!~T tyyu<:; TWV tx8pwv elvm KUL avayKaa8~vm TtOAfl~GaL, f!~T f!TJK68ev
TWV tv Ttp oxupWflUn \'va fl~ UKaLpOUVT<:; oi tx8pol acpoopw~ trr[KLVTat TOL<:;
aw8ev.
343-344 ou ... rrw<; MW p!]n:ov Kal nw<; tan AVBE
345 f.le8opiw MW auv6pw AVBE
eiat W 349 Kat MW

MAVBE eiat W 357 8app~aet MW 8app~aet<; AVBE
359 enayyeAA.ea8at MW imoaxea8at AVBE 361 aTIAJ]Keuaouat MVBE anAJ]Keuouatv
WA 1 -racppov MW aoNlav AVBE 363 oiKollof.!Jiaat ... M MW M oiKollof.!Jiaat ~!]p<)v
AVBE 364 eiai M eiatv W AVBE 366 -rp6nov WAVBE -r6rrov M I 6pf.l~awatv MW
34 5- 34 6 O.AA.axou ... x8pou<; MW om. AVBE

Kal
ei AVBE
6pf.l~GOUatV
354 eiatv
A VBE
348 eiatv MAVBE
enemy quickly and without letting them find out? You must first thoroughly
IICOUt out a strong site capable of being walled about with dry materials in ten or
twelve days, at a time when you fear an enemy attack. Are materials available in
fhe vicinity, stone, wood, or prepared brick? Is there water or can you figure out
ways to find it?
57. Get a sufficient force of artisans ready ahead of time, as well as gates and
nutchines for the walls and a good-sized support force of brave and well-armed
lrttlmtry under intelligent and courageous officers. At the same time, have the
wagons form a fortified space for the safety of men and provisions for three or
f{lur months. If it is summer, set the pasturelands in the vicinity of the spot on
If it proves difficult to burn them, consume them. Spread the rumor that
ytm are going to attack the enemy in some other place. Send a safe support force
i\gainst the rumored place so that the enemy will expect you there and be
diverted. Then, a day ahead, encourage the troops who have been ordered to
march into that place, and offer them some gifts to motivate them and promise
~>till others. While the enemy are occupied in that other place, all of a sudden
move your whole army to the site you have designated, set up secure sentries,
and have the infantry pitch camp in a circle around the fortification and dig a
deep ditch, if the ground permits.
58. If stones or bricks are found there, you must construct a dry wall, braced
securely along its length with logs. If wood is all there is, use it to enclose a small
nnd strong space, not too large. If the enemy attacks the place, after you have
enclosed the area in the prescribed manner, and you know that you are not able
to resist them in battle, then withdraw before their approach. Leave a sufficient
force inside and pitch camp nearby. Do not camp so close to the enemy that you
will be forced to do battle or too far from those in the fortified site, so the
enemy may not seize the opportunity to come down hard on those inside it.
378
375
Besieging a City
Constitution 15
59 LlW<JW; o <Jf\fldOV TOt<; tv atmp Tl flEV tv Tfi ~flEp<;t; Tl OE tv Tfi VUKTi
59. Give a signal to the men inside. What ought they to use by day? What by
6<p!AOU<Jl TWLEtV ot' OU <pavepov E<Jlat <JOL tv TrOL<;t icriv o[ UTWKAt<J8vn:t;
night, which will enable the garrison inside to inform you of the situation in
which they find themselves.
6o. If the infantry is able to engage the enemy and drive them back and if it
hecomes likely that the situation of those within the fortress is critical, you must
not allow any delay so as not to endanger the garrison.
61. When conditions become safe, you must immediately, bit by bit, reInforce the improvised construction, strengthen it with mortar and make it
l!trong. Be concerned also about the necessary provisions for those within.
62. These undertakings are effectively employed against a people relying on
horses, about July, August, or September, when the grass is dry and burns easily
tmd the enemy cavalry are hard pressed to stay in one place for any length of
KaLacrtacrn;
6o. Ei o ouvaTOV ou:t Tr~LK~<; flUXf\<; aJto<JO~f\e~vat TOU<; tx8pou<;, tav lipn
rrep[ma<JL<;, W<; ELKO<;, <JUfl~fi LOt<; tv Ttp <ppoup[q>, ouo TOUTO Ot urrpT[8w8at
'tva fl~ ol crw8ev Ktvouveuwmv.
61. 'Omv o l:i.OELU YEVT]TUL, eu8w<;
I KUT' 6:\[yov aTrOTLXL~LV XP~ TO rrpocr'
rronrrov OLKOOOflf\flU KUl t)'XOP~Y4l icrxup(il KTL~ELV UUTO Kai oxuporrOLtV, Kal
nilv avayKULWV tv aunp <ppOVTL~ELV.
62. fivOVTat o a[ TOLUULUL tyxetp~<JEL<; CtpflOOLW<; KUTCt KU~UAAUplKOU
8vou<;, rrepi Tov iou:X.wv ~ auyoucrTov ~ cremfl~ptov fl~va, <hav ~ ~oTavq
euKaipw<; ~f\PaLVOflEVf\ Kainm Kai ol Ka~a:X.:X.aptot nilv tx8pwv crTevouvTat
rrapaKa8[crat xpovov LKUVOV.
63. Ei o arr6pw<; rrpo<; TO uowp 6 TOTrO<; EXEL, flf\OE puTOU tv UUTtp OVTO<;,
flf\0' tv opuwan eupt<JKOflEVOU, Ot ~ rr[8ou<; 6mpaK[vou<; ~ ~oun[a TEALa
rrpoeuTpm[~LV, Kai YEfll(ElV uoaTO<; Kai KOXAaKa<; tv auTtp TrOTUfllOU<; pimetv el.:;
TO aumpKE<Jat flEXPL T~<; -rou XLflWVO<; wpa<;, KUl <p8aaeL KUl Ktvcr-rpva OLKOOO
flll8fivm Kai Ofl~PLOV urroo~acr8at uowp. 'iva 0 fl~, w<; eiKO<;,
390
o(n
UKLVT]TOV
flEVOV TO uowp tv TOt<; ayyelot<;, Kai ooxeta fllKpa Otov aUTOt<; rrapaT[8w8m 'tva
Ka-r' 6A.iyov UTrO<JTa(ov TO uowp tv UULOt<; KLVf\<JlV otxe-rm UflU o TOU TrAf\pOii'
cr8at TCt ooxeta T((lALV UTrOKVOUflV TOt<; rr[8ot<; ~ -rot<; ~OUHLOL<; -rouLO, 'tva OLCt
T~<; KLV~<JeW<; LaUer]<; OLUTrVET]TUl TO UOWp KUl fl~ a<pav[(T]TUL.

64. Xp~<JLflOV o tan KUl TO crav[oa<; rrporrapacrKeUa<Jat rraxuTpa<; Kai tv
395
Ka-ropuyflacl <JUflTr~~at aMa<; w<; bti aaprr[ou, Kai OLCt Trl<J<Jf\<; Kai murrrr[ou
KULa<J<paA.[aacr8at TCt<; (eu~L<; ~TOL LOU<; CtPflOU<; au-rou, Kat tv Ta~et ~UALVT]<;
KtvaTpvf\<; <JUflflE<pou KamcrKeuacrm, e'he fl[av e'l-re rr:X.elou<;, txovaa<; e'(Kom btl
0Ka rr6oa<; TO rrft.aTo<;, n) 0 iJ'!'o<; oKTw ~ 0Ka, flEXpt<; ou tyx<'>Pf\YOL al Ktvcrt
pvat yvwvTal. ofi:X.ov yap tcrnv w<; tv LOt<; flEL(OLEpOL<; ayye[ot<; rrAtov TO uowp
400
379
OLaflEVl. KaLOXLa 0 ~UALVU tv Ttp flE<JqJ nilv KLVaLepvwv OLOV auvOt<JflOU<;

375 arro<JO~!]S~vat
AVBE 383 eUKaipw<; ~f]pUlVOflEVfj MW

MW oTt:vouvmt Kal ou ouvavTm AVBE
386 flfjO' De flfjOE codd. I TEAelU MW fleyaA.a AVBE 388 T~<; MW om. AVBE I wpa<; ...
<p8aoel MW ewe; ou <p8aofj AVBE 389 imooe~aa8at MA VBE imoot~T]Tat W
391 arro<JTU~OV ... i\Owp MW trsp. AVBE 392 Ct110KeVOUf1eV MW Ct110KeVOUV tv AVBE I
TOUTO MW om. AVBE 393 a<pavi~T]TUl MAVBE a<pavi(nat W 394 tan MW tam
AVBE 397 nA.eiou<; MW nA.eiovac; AVBE 398 ai MW om. AVBE 399 flet(oTepot<;
MW
arroOLwxe~vm
w.:;
~T]patVOflEVT] eUK6Aw<; AVBE
MW
fld~omv
AVBE
<JTevouvmt
time.
63. If the site has no water supply, no flowing source, nothing found by digging, it is necessary to arrange for large earthenware jars or well-built barrels.
'!hey should be filled with water and some clean pebbles from a river bed
thrown in so the water will last until winter and until cisterns can be construct~d to hold rainwater. To prevent the water stored in the casks from becoming
~tagnant, as is likely, small basins must be placed beside the casks so the water in
I hem may flow drop by drop and be kept in motion. As soon as the small basins
11re full, we empty the water back into the jars or barrels. By this motion the
water is aerated and does not become foul.
64. It is practical to prepare thick planks, put them in a trench and bind
them together as a wooden box. Seal the joints and seams with pitch and tow
and so prepare a regular, moderate-sized cistern. One or more may be built
measuring ten to twenty feet wide and eight or ten feet high. <This will do>
until cisterns made with mortar can be gotten ready. It is clear that water keeps
better in larger containers. Wooden struts must be placed in the middle of the
380
Besieging a City
Constitution 15
~aA.AecrOat Kal aav[oa<; naxda<;, 'iva f.l~ T4> 7tA~Ell TOU Mmo.;
~ta(6f.lVat a[ aav[O<; aTpE<pWVTal Kal TO Mwp anoA.Auwmv.
65. Oihw flEV ouv Kal npl TouTou ip~a0w, 'iaw<; nOTe Katpou KaAouvTo<;
e~l<; ot' ETOlflOU Kal T~V TOlaUTT]V OlCtTa~lV. TOO'aUTa f!EV O'Ol Kal 7tp[ T 7tOALOp~
Tpam#a
405
o1
401 -rpam;#a M -rpane~ta W -rpam:~a[a AVBE

404 TE MW om. AVBE
'is terns, like the fastenings of a table, and the planks should be thick so they will
not
give way because of the water pressure and cause the water to be lost.
65. Let this, therefore, cover these matters, so that, as the situation demands,
you may have this exposition in readiness. Let all these words about siege
warfare and the other matters be sufficient for you.
K[a<; Kal niJv iiA.Awv dp~aOw.l
402 cmo:\Auwmv MAVE anoA.Uovmv WB
381
TIOAEMIKDN TIAPALKEYDN ~IATA31L Ic;'
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION XVI
Ilepl -rwv f1ETU -rov rr6Af10V
About Matters after the War
'E<p~ii<; 8 TOtrrwv Kal oaa f!ETU T~V TIOAEf!OU EK~amv 8ov ylvw8at
prrrov. Kal yap f.av KaA.wc; f.KTa~nc; To mpaTeuf!a, f!Ha Tii<; Toil E>wu ~o118elac;,
1.
5 f.A.nl(of!EV Kal n)v v[Kf1V napaw8m.

2. Kal npWTOV f!EV ano8wan<; KUplq> Ttp E>4> ~f!WV 'lfl<JOU XpL<JTtp T~V euxa~
ptaTlav Kal, d n nf1yyelA.w npo Tii<; v[Kf1<; Toil noA.11ou <'mo8waetv f!Ha T~v
VLKflV xapLm~pLOv, !!~ af!EA~an<; cmo8oiivat.
3 Kal e'te' o\hw<; avepeuv~<Jl<; LOU<; apL<JTU<Javm<; f.v TOt<; Tii<; f!CtXfl~
10
KLVOUVOL<;, KUL TOUTOU<; aveup[<JKWV, TLf!fl<JOV aU.ou<; 8wpeat<; Kal TLf!at<; Tal<;
f:Kaanp npmouam<; TOU<; 8 KaKOU<; <paVEVTa<; K6A.a(. Tlf!~<J1<; 8 TOU<; apt~
meuaavm<; 8wpeai<; TOLaUTUL<;, otov navonA.la<; em8wan<; -repnva<; Kal Ta anb
-roil rroAEflOU <JUVflYf!EVa <JKUAa 8taVflL<; aU.ot<; Tlfl~<JL<; 8 Kal el<; a~LWf!UTa
KaT' avaA.oy[av apf.1o8[w<; EKa<JTOV, otov ei<; 8pouyyou<;, de; ~av8a, el<; KVmpx[~
15 a<; KUL ei<; Ta<; a!..Aa<;
auv~8n<; uno T~V (J~V f.~oua[av apxovTtKa<; npo~oA<i<;, TWV
f!EV ALTWV <JTpaTLWTWV TOU<; av8payae~aavm<; el<; fllKpo-rpa<; Tlf!Ct<;, TWV 8t

apx6v-rwv ei<; f!el(ova<; apxac;. o\hw<; yap f!yaA6'!'UXOl Kal yevvatOL E<JOVTaL o!
aywvL(Of!EVOL TuyxavOVT<; f!CtAL<JTa Kal wv f.m8Uf!OU<JLV.
4 'Onou 8 TLf!al f!EV Kal Kp8f1 arro8[8ovTat TOt<; aya8ot<;, Tlf!Wp[m 81::
20
f.nayovTat TOt<; KaKot<;, f.vmuea KaAa<; f.A.n[8a<; EXLV f.~ avayKfl<; TO mpm6~
ne8ov. oi f!EV yap KaKol <pO~OUVTal Uf!UpTCtVLV, oi 8 aya8ol arrouoa(oumv
av8paya8dv. Kat f!~ f!OVOV KaTa eva av8pa Ta<; UflOL~a<; ano8l8ou, a!..Aa Kal
OAOV -rawa ~ 8poiiyyov ~ TOUpf!aV av8payae~aav-ra<; f.n[Tp1! 8taprra(LV TCt
-rwv rroAflLWV -roue; mpanw-rac;, ehe arroaKeua[ elmv ehe ToiiA.Oov dT n6A.t~
i\
M W A V B E PG 107:908
1. Next in order, we must speak of what has to be done after the conclusion
of the war. For if you draw up your army correctly, we hope that, with the help
tlf God, victory will be yours.'
2. First, give thanks to the Lord our God, Jesus Christ. If you promised to
make some sort of offering before victory in battle, do not neglect to give a
thank-offering after the victory.
3 Then search out those who have distinguished themselves in the dangers
of battle and, on finding them, honor each one with appropriate gifts and honms. But punish those who performed poorly. Honor those who have distin~uished themselves by bestowing gifts upon them, such as a splendid suit of
llrt110r, and by giving them a portion of the spoils collected after the war. Also
honor them with dignities in proportion to each man's standing, such as in
~clroungoi, in banda, in kentarchiai, and in the other regular units headed by
officers under your authority. Treat the ordinary soldiers who have given proof
nf their valor to lesser honors and the officers to higher commands. By so doing,
the men engaged in combat will be brave and in high spirits, especially when
!hey obtain what they have desired.
4 When honors and prizes are granted to the brave and punishments are
h<mded out to those who performed poorly, the troops will certainly be full of
snod hopes. Those who did poorly are afraid of failing again, while the brave
will strive to conduct themselves valiantly. Grant the rewards not only to each
Individual soldier but to the entire tagma or droungos or tourma. Allow the
~oldiers who have distinguished themselves to plunder the goods of the enemy,
their equipment or their baggage train, or a city or fortified town or something
3-86 Onas., 34-37. Strat., 7.B.11-12.
I ou:'t-ra~t~ t<;' WAVBE om. M 2 n6A.qwv

WA VBE 7!0AflOV lltata~l~ u;' M 3 e<pe~ft~ MW ~ft~ AVBE 3-4 TOUTWV ... pfjTEOV MW
PTJTEOV Kal ocra OEOV (oeT B) y[vecrem flETCt T~V TOU 7lOAEflOU <J\Jf.l7lA~pw<JlV AVBL
7 C!7lOOW<JelV VBE cmoow<Jel MW A 14 Kat' ... EKU<JTOV MW EKU<JTOV KUTCt TO avftKOV T~~
apeT~~ AVBE I KaT' De KUTCt codd. I opouyyou~ MW opouyyap[ouc; AVBE 20 t~ avayKll~
1 noAEfllKWV napacrKEuwv WAVBE om. M
MW avayKT] AVBE 23 OAOV MWVBE OAOV to A
t.
From here to 14 cf. Onasander 34-37; Strat. 7.B.11-12.
384
Kaa-rpov ~ Tl b:epov. f:av lipa ilTJ ~ouA.n XPTJO"TOTp6v Tl neplTWV eaAWKOTWV Kal
25
npawaTwv Kal aixf1aA.wTwv ~ouA.euaaaem.

5 Kal nw<; yap ou OLKatOV lOt<; dpTjf1EVOl<; uno TWV noAf1lWV O"KUAOH; TOU<;
aplO"TEUO"QVLa<; a-rpaTlWTa<; <plAOllf1Et0"8at; 6pWf1V yap on KQLTOU<; KUVTjynKOU<; KUvac; oi KUVTJYOL TOU 8TjpU0f1EVOU <wou Tq> a'Lf1Ull, Ka[ noT KUL TOt<;
30
f:vToa8[otc; 0/,.ea<f:lv avayKatOV nolOUVTat, 'tva npo8Uf10Tpouc; Kat nCtAlV de;

TOU<; aywva<; Tf\<; 8ijpa<; nOlTJO"WO"lV oihwc; yap f1CtAlaLU, El Kal !lfJnw TEAO<;
o~T]Tat 6 n6A.t:f1oc;, npol8uf16Tt:poc; 6 mpaTo<; npoc; Tac; ilaxac; yt:vf]crt:Tat.

6. ~la<pepL yap 6 n6AEf10<; Tfl<; f1CtXTJ<; 6 flEV yap n6Af10<; an' apxflc; Kal
flEXPl TEAOU<; Kal KaTanauO"EW<; TWV flUXOflEVWV Atynm, noAA.ac; f:v eauTq> flCtxac;
35
nepttxwv, ~ o flCtXTJ f1EplKOc; A.eynm n6AEf10<;, noAA.aKl<; YlVOf1EVTJ f:v Tq> TOU
Ka8' OAOU nOAeflOU Katp<V Kal anoytVOflEVTJ, ou f1TJV o navTOT TEAO<; f:nayoucra
noAEflOU, aAA.a npo<; TTJV xpdav Kal ole; Kal Tplc; KQL noAACtKlc; f:v OA(!l Tq> TOU
noAEf10U Katp4J TCt<; O"Ufl~OACt<; nolOUflEVTJ.
7. Ta<; o apnayac; OUK f:nl naO"Tj<; flCtXTJ<; AtyOflEV y[vwem, aHa nm flEV,
40 noTE o OU, Ka8wc; av TO O"Ufl<pepov anallf]crn TOU Katpou.
8. Kal TCt f1EV aixflCtAWTa O"WflUTa mnpaO"KElV TOV a-rpaTOV d o XPTJflCtTWV

f:a-rl xpda Kat oanCtVTJ<; KOlVfl<; Kal flYCtATjt;, navta np6c; 0" avacppw8m Kijpu-
~OV, Kat mlaav f:m8Uf1LaV KUL O"OU aUTOU Kal TWV im6 0" UPXOVTWV ano TWV
TOlOUTWV f:mawpeuOf1EVWV XPTJflCtTWV xaA.[vwaov, Kal avaA.oy[<ou TTJV xpdav
4S TWV avayKa[wv. Kat oihw<; ouvacrat TTJV TOU KOlVOU oanCtVTJV KaTCt TO OUVUTOV
avaA.wam KQLTOU<; f:v Tfl f1CtXD aywvtcraf1EVOU<; napaf1u8f]aaaeal, d flEV ouvaam
OlCt XPTJflCtTWV, do' OUK f:napK1, OlCt TlflWV Kal U~lWflCtTWV.
9 Toil<; o aixflaAWTOU<; npo TOU TALW<; Katanauam TOV n6Af10V !lh
KT1ve, Kal f1CtAtata Toile; f:v06~ouc; Kal f1EyaA.ou<; napa Tot<; noA.EflLOl<; ovTac;
50
After the War
Constitution 16
f:v8Uf10UflVO<; TO liOTJAOV Tfl<; TDXTJ<; Kal TO naA.[vTponov w<; f:nl TO noA.U Tflc;
VLKTJ<;, '(y' exnc;,
e'(
ye
O"Ufl~fl ~ TWV uno a nvac; KpaTTJ8flvat ~ KCtO"TpOU yevcr6at
else, that is, if you do not have more practical plans for the prisoners and the
material goods that have been captured.
s. How is it not just to present the soldiers who have distinguished themselves with the spoils of the enemy, as we have mentioned? We observe that
hunters deem it necessary to entice their hunting dogs with the blood,
sometimes the intestines, of the animal being hunted so they will become more
t:ager to continue the struggle of the chase. Likewise, especially if the war has
not yet come to an end, the army will be more enthusiastic for combat.
6. War differs from battle. 2 War is defined as going from the beginning to the
end, that is, the cessation of hostilities, and it includes many battles in its course.
Battle is defined as a partial war that occurs frequently in the course of the
entire war, and its cessation does not always bring about the end of the war but,
as need requires, battles can take place two or three times or more often in the
course of the entire war.
7- We can say that seizing of booty does not take place in every battle; sometimes it does, sometimes not. It depends on what the occasion calls for.
8. Let the army sell the captives it has taken. But if there is need of money
and a large amount of common supplies, issue a proclamation that everything
should be brought to you. Curb your own eagerness, and that of the officers
under you, for the money that has piled up and calculate what you need for
essentials. In this way, you will be able to spend as much as you can on common
supplies and you will greatly raise the spirits of those who have struggled in
battle. Do this with money, if you can; but if there is not enough, do it with
honors and dignities.
9- Do not slay the prisoners before the war has finally come to an end, in
particular the important and illustrious men among them. Keep in mind the
uncertainty of fortune and the reversals that so often accompany victory. If it
should happen that some of your men are taken prisoner or a walled town of
33-38 Aelian., praef.6.

25-26 eaAWKOTWV ... aix!!aAUJTWV MW Kpa-r'18v-rwv aix!!aAWTWV Kal 1!pawa-rwv AVBE
aKuA.otc:; MA VBE aKuA.wv W (sed otc:; suprascr.) 29-30 -roii ... 1lOtoiivTat MW -rw a'l!!mL
TOU e'lpeDO!!EVOU (wou Kal TOL<; tv-roa8[0L<; <'leA.ea(ouatv AVBE 31 -rf]c:; e~pac:; MW touc:;
Kuvac:; AVBE 32 yev~anat MAVBE yevnat W (suprascr. 'lC:) 33 em' apxfJc:; AVBE cmo
apxfJc:; MW 3 6 TioA1-1ou MW 1toA.1-1w AVBE 39 1-1v MW 1-1tv Kal AVBE 42-43 K~pu
~ov MW otaA.aA.'laov AVBE 44 -r~v MW Kal AVBE 49 KTetVe PG KTdvat MW cp6veu
AVBE 50 -ro 3 viK'lC: MW -rae:; tvav-riac:; tK~aaetc:; -rov TioA1-lou AVBE 51 'lv' ... nvac:;
51
MW Yva ei au1-1~ii nvec:; -rwv im6 ae AVBE I EX'lc:; PG EXeL<; M EXOLC: W om. AVBE I yevrcr8at
27
MWom.AVBE
385
2.
Aelian, praef.6.
386
55
After the War
Constitution 16
io(ou <JOU UAW<JLV, 6t' a\rrwv avnKaTaAACtTTlV Kat avaKaA1<J8at ni, W<; iK6c;,
y1mrs suffers capture, then you are able to make use of those prisoners to change
<JUfl~a(VOVTU ~H~flaTa, Kat UVTt TWV 7tOAfllWV aixflaAWTWV avaA.Ct~nc; TOU<;

<p[A.ou<; Kat <JUflflUXOU<;. d 6 fl~ ~ouA.wvTm Toirro notdv oi noAEfllOl, TOt
otKaiw<; KaTa TO 'Laov Ufluvou, 6wxpwflt:voc; we; ~ouA.et nt A.unn TWV vavT(wv.
mutters around again and to recover from the likely effects of a defeat. In ext:hange for the enemy captives you may receive back your friends and allies. If
the enemy are not willing to do this, then, by the same token, you have the right
tn protect yourself, taking what action you wish to harm the enemy.
10. After your struggles and successes, 0 general, give the order to the
~>tficers and the soldiers under you to set up festive tables and banquets, some
11rranged by yourself, some by your officers, some by the individual squads,
making use especially of what has been acquired from the enemy. In many ways,
then, make ready for the soldiers to partake of the festive board and enjoy some
t'elaxation. Knowing the rewards awaiting those who have displayed bravery and
have been victorious, after the struggles of war have passed, they will become
more enthusiastic to endure everything before victory and will be better pre*1ared for the labors ahead.
11. Show particular concern for the burial of the dead. Whether you are
victorious or defeated, do not put forth the time, the hour, the place, or fear as
!lfl excuse. Reverence for those who have died is always good and holy.3 It is
t~specially necessary in the case of those who have fallen in battle, for it is with
them that piety must manifest itself. It also provides great consolation for the
living. On seeing what transpires, each soldier will think that he will receive the
~arne treatment. If he should observe that the fallen lie unburied or scattered
ubout, he will reflect on his own situation; he will be angry at such an insult and
will avoid suffering anything of the sort, that is, fighting and then being left
unburied. But if he is deemed worthy of honors and, likewise, after he has fallen,
of grateful remembrance, then, considering these things, he will not refrain
from engaging in the struggle more enthusiastically.
12. But if it should happen that the army has been defeated, do not neglect to
revive the spirits of the survivors by your words and encouragement. But make
10. Mt:Ta 6 Ta KaTop8wflaTU Kat TOU<; aywva<;,
w mpaTlly,
Kat npoc;
t:uwxia<; ~youv Tpane<a<; Kat apt<JTU npotpnou Ka8[maa8at TOU<.:; T iipxovTa<.:;

Kat TOU<; <JU<JTpatlWTac;, Ta flEV 6ta <JOU aUTOU, Ta o Ola TWV apx6vTWV, Ta 6
Ola TWV KOVTOU~t:pv(wv io[wv, Kat flCtAl<JTa EK TWV KP0118EVTWV uno TWV noA.t:~
6o fllWV. Kat OUTW<; Ota TI:OAAWV apt<JT01t0lt<J8at Kat avanauwem TOU<; mpanwTa<;
napaaKt:ua<e, Yva i06Tt:<; o'(wv a~wuvmt flt:Ta TO napt:A.8t:lv Tou<; noA.t:fl[ouc;

aywva<; oi apt<JTUOVT<; Kat VlK~<JaVT<;, npo8UflOTpOl yvwvtal npo<; TO
unoflvnv navm npo Toi> vtiK~<Jat, Katnpo<; Tou<; n6vou<; fliiAA.ov hotf16Tt:pot.
11. IIpovoou o flUAl<JTa Kat T~<; TWV Vt:Kpwv Ta<p~<;, fl~T Katpov fl~T wpav
6
fl~T T6nov fl~T <p6~ov npo<pam<6flt:voc;, Kiiv T vtKwv Tuxnc; Kiiv T ~TTWflt:voc;.
TI:UVTOT flEV yap KaAOV Kat O<JlOV ~ npo<; TOU<; T8VllKOTU<; U<JE~la, avayKa[a
6 flUAl<JTU ~ ent TOt<; n[moumv EV flUXn Kat yap Kat ev EKiVOl<; TO O<JLOV
6t:[KVUTat, Kat npo<; TOU<; <wvTa<; flYUAT1<; napaf1u8[a<; an60l~l<;. EKa<JTO<; yap
TWV <JTpanWTWV 6pwv TO YLVOflVOV, OUTW<; eaUTOV VOfll<Jl na8t:lv. i flEV yap
~ anapaacroflvouc; Toile; n[nmvm<;, eauTov A.oyt<6f.lvoc;, nax8wc; <pept:t T~v u~ptv Kat <pt:uyn To na8elv Tt TmouTov, flax6flt:voc; Kal
iiTa<po<; KaTUAt<p8~vat. t:i o Tlfl~<; a~LOLTO Kat flt:Ta TO 7t<JdV Kat flV~flll<;
aya8~<; OflOlW<;, TaUT a auvopwv ou napatT~<JTal npo8Ufl0Tpov aywv[aaa8at.
12. Ei o OUTW <JUf.l~fl W<JT ~TTlle~vat TO mpaTUfla, fl~ UflEAl TOU avaKT~aaaew TOU<; avaaweevTa<; Ota A6ywv Katnpo8Ufl01tOl~<JUl aUTOU<;, UAAO. anou-
o aTa<pou<; 'ion KLflvou<;
75
387
66-67 Cf. 2 Mace. 12:43-45.
MW n6p8T)atV yveaem AVBE 52-53 avTtKm:aAA.crrrEtv ... ~Tt~flaTa MW

Kal avaKaAEOT) TU<; OUfl~atvouaa<; ~na<; AVBE 53 avaA.c:'t~T)<; MW ACt~T)<;
AVBE 55 8taxpw 11vo<; MW <povuwv autou<; AVBE 56 ta MA VBE om. W
Euwxia<; fjyouv MW om. AVBE 58 aucrtpanwta<; MW crtpanwm<; AVBE I aou autou
57
MW aautou AVBE 59 Kovtou~Epviwv AVBE Koutou~Epviwv MW I ioiwv MW ioiw<;
AVBE 6o noAA.wv MW TEAWV AVBE 61-62 flETU ... ol MW om. AVBE
62 aptOTEUOVT<; MW aptOTEUOaVT<; AVBE 67 EV flCtXT) wAVBE EflflCtXT) M 69 eaUTOY
MW Kal autol AVBE 70-71 eautov A.oyt~OflEVO<; MW w<; auto<; mum nacrxwv AVBE
72 a~lOLTO MW a~lOUTal AVBE 74 oi!Tw MW om. AVBE I WOT MW om. AVBE I TOU
MW toO <'lta A6ywv AVBE 75 avacrw8tvta<; ... Mywv MW awetvm<; AVBE
52 iiA.wow
avnKaTaAAa~T)<;
3 Cf. 2 Maccabees 12:43-45.
388
oa~ KUL ~~Tl Katpov wa-r n:o-r KUL f.LiiUov tn:avopewaaaem T~V tA.O.nwatv
So
ota Kpu<palwv t<p6owv ~ tyKpUf.Lf.LO.Twv.

13. Etweam yap n:oA.Ao.Ktc; oi tmpayouv-rc; p<;teuf16-rpm ylvaem n:pl -rae;
<pUAaKa<; au-rwv. KUL yap lhav -rwv ~nTjev-rwv Ka-ra<ppov~awat, -rwv iolwv
KUTUflAOUal. KUL ou-rwc; n:oAACtKl<; -ra VTUX~f.LUTU T(ALW ~ACtn:Tl -roue; u-ruxouv-
85
-rac; n:ap' 0 f.LiiUov o[ oua-rux~aav-r<; t~ACt~T]aav.

14- LU f.LEV yap ma[aac; totMxeTJc; a<p' au-rou, KUL t<puA.a~ac; au-rov n:poc; TO
f.LEUov t~ wv En:aec;. tKivoc; oe f.LT]OE11W oua-rux~aac;, we; an:Hpoc; -r~c; OUaTUXl"
ac;, OUK EXl n:p6vmav -rou q>UAU~aaem fl~ n:aedv oaa OUK Eflaev. 'ipT]KV yap
-ric; n:ou n:aA.atoc; on <p6~oc; d)Kmpoc; f.Ld tmf.lAlac; aaq>CtAlU, Ka-ra<ppOVTjal<; oe
aKmpoc; U11l~OUAUTO<; TOAflU.
15.'Eav o 1101" avox~v -rou T(OAEf.LOU T(Ol~<Jnc; Ola nvoc; A.6you Kal auveT]KWV
Of.LOAOYT]etv-rwv, au f.LEV -rae; iolac; q>UAUHWV auve~KU<; fl~ tn:menc; -roTc; tvav-r[.
me;, a<puA.aK-roc;
fl~ otafltvnc; aU' ~auxa~ fltv n:poc; -roue; n:oA.fliouc; ota -rae;
an:ovoa<; w<; tv ip~vn, TO oe aaq>aA.ec; ic; TO fl~ 11WLV ~ n:aeiv Tl n:ap' aU-rwv
we; tn:l n:OAef.LOU ou-rwc; EX KUL n:povoou. n:ptn:ov yap fl~T aq>UAUKTOV tv TOlOUT<+J
Katp{i) a 1vm fl~< n:aA.tv -rt n:otiv aa~ec; n:apa -rae; tn:l 04> f.LO.p-rupt -retll"
vac; an:ovoac;, aU' dvm un:omov, wa-r <puA.O.nwem TO -rwv 110Af.LLWV OOApov
KUL un:ouA.ov. &.OT]AOl yap a[ -rwv an:taaf.LEVWV I f\youv -rwv ipT]YUa6.v-rwv
tvav-riwv yvWflUl. Kal au f.LEV EX TO ~t~mov wa-r fl~ aOtK~am ota TO Ua~E<;,
-rwv
110AfllWV TO &.ma-rov un:ovoou wa-r fl~ CtOlKT]e~vm ota TO aa~ec;. -r<'l
yap n:O.v-ra ava<pepLv de; T~V an:o -rou ewu tKOLKT]<JlV OUK Eanv aKpa[ou
YVWf.LT]<;. ou yap ueuc; ~ eLa OLKT] tn:O.ynm, aU' OT ~OUAETUl 6 n:O.v-rwv n:povoT]T~c;. -ric; yap o10v i &.flU -r(j) aa~~am -roue; txepou<; au-rol f.LEV OlOAWewmv, at>
oe
90
95
oe
100
After the War
Constitution 16
oe n:ptawe~an;
84-86
Onas. 36.6.
MW -ro a<p6.Af!U AVBE 76-77 -r~v ... <'lta MW om. AVBF.

MW e\mopouv-rec; AVBE 79 KUTU<ppov~awm M KUTa<ppov~awmv
WAVBE So KUTUf!EAOUat MVBE KUTUf!EAoumv WA I rc;\eiw MW rc;\e[ov AVBE
81 f!CiA.Aov MW om. AVBE 82 O.<p' ... eau-rov MW arco aeau-rou Kal aau-rov AVBE
83 f!EAAov MW f!EAAOV <puAa~ac; AVBE 84 e'ipl)KEV MW e'lpl)Ke AVBE 85 rcou MW
om. AVBE 88 illiac; MW olKeiac; AVBE 90-91 -ro 1 rcpovoou MW aa<paAi<ou 6
aeau-rov we; rclrcoAtf!oU wa-re !l~ rcap' au-rwv n rca8eTv AVBE 92 ae MW om. A VBE I tt
effort to find a time when you can make up for the defeat by covert attacks
,md ambuscades.
13. Frequently enough, successful persons turn out to be rather lazy about
1mHecting themselves. As they look down upon the defeated, they pay no heed
tt> their own situation. Thus, success often causes more harm to those who have
been successful compared to the harm that the unsuccessful have suffered.
14. You, now, have stumbled and have learned from your own experience.
l}ecause of what you have suffered, you have been put on guard against suffering
same thing in the future. But that person who has always been successful,
ilnce he has no experience of failure, does not have the foresight to defend
himself against suffering what he has not come to know. One of the ancients
once remarked: a well timed fear accompanied by careful attention makes one
~ecure, but an untimely contempt, leaving one exposed to attack, is reckless.4
15. If, <in the course> of a war, you enter upon a truce for some reason and
11gree to certain conditions, you must observe your part of the treaty and not
1tttack the enemy. But do not leave yourself unprotected in peace time. Act in a
peaceful manner toward the enemy according to the treaty. To be on the safe
!!Ide, though, and to avoid being ruined or suffering something from them, bear
yourself as in time of war and think ahead. Be careful not to be unprotected at
,;uch a time and also not to do something irreverent, contrary to that treaty you
have signed, with God as your witness. Keep an eye out, however, to guard
ugainst any treacherous or deceitful act of the enemy. The thoughts of the enemy
who have signed a treaty or who have made peace are unclear. You, as a religious
person, stick to what is firm and do not act unjustly. Be suspicious, though, of
the faithlessness of the enemy so that you may not be treated unjustly because of
their irreverence. It is not characteristic of a sincere mind to refer everything to
the vengeance of God. The divine judgment is not brought into action immediately, but when the administrator of all things wishes. Who knows if at the
same time as the enemy act irreligiously they are destroyed, whereas you are
!ltl
~aved?
6 rco-rL.f!CiA.Aov
7
78 eurcpayouv-rec;
MW om. AVBE 99 llw;\ea8wmv MW O.<pavw8wm AVBE
389
4 Onasander 36.6.
390
Constitution 16
After the War
16. "E~wnv ouv ~fltV flHa T~<; -rwv ~flHEpwv npawcnwv a<J<paA.eia<;, t!
16. It could happen and it is quite possible for us, as well as the security of
OUTW<; TlJXOl, m:lpav AUf1P<ivlV <~<; TWV TIOAE!JLWV aa~ia<;. OUTW<; yap au flh
our affairs, to experience the impiety of the enemy. Your foresight will keep you
Ota t~V a~v np6votav ouoi::v KUKOV naenc;, o[ o KUKWaat ~ouA.wevt<; exepo(,
from suffering any evil. But the enemy, intent on doing evil, may well act in an
aa~~aouat flEV, W<; npa~avt<; Tl, Ei eouv~e'laav, a tOU ewu Ota T~V niattV
Irreligious manner, getting away with whatever they can. But you have been
protected by God because of your fidelity to the agreement you made.
17. Do not turn away anyone who wishes to speak to you about something,
whether slave or free, at night or during the day, on the march or in camp,
ft1Sting or sleeping, bathing or eating, at any other time and place. But summon
him. For those who put people off and are not accessible and who order their
!lervants to cut off those who approach them, are likely to miss out on many
matters. We command you to carefully observe these matters also after
war as well as whatever else may occur to you along these lines.
1o 5 twv 6f1oA.oyT]ev-rwv qmA.a~avto<;.
17. Tiavta o tOY ~OUAOflEVOV tl anayyAAlV aot KUL OOUAOV KUL eA.eueepov,
Kal ev VUKTL Kal ev ~flEp<_t, Kal ev 60omopi<;t KUL ev UTIA~Ktq.>, Kal avanaUOflEVOV
Kal i.mvouv-ra, KUL enl A.ou-rpou Kal enl -rpo<p~<;, Kal navto<; hpou Katpou Kal
t6nou, ll~ anoatpE'JID<;, a:\Aa npoaKaAOU aut6v. oi yap ava~aAAOflEVOl Ka\
110
391
anp6atTOl, Kal tOt<; U1tf]pEtal<; autwv KAUOVt<; UVUK07ttlV tOU<; oi.ltw npoaep'
xof1vou<;, noA.A.wv Kal flEyaA.wv iK6-rw<; ota!Jap-ravoum npay!J<i-rwv. tauta aot
Kal !JE<a -rov n6AflOV, Kal E'l -rt toutot<; napanA.~mov emvolle~vm taxuaw;
napa<puA<iHetv ota-raH6f1ea.l
101-102
ei. .. n)xot MW om. AVBE
102
aae~eia<; ei oihw<; TUX'l AUfl~avetv AVBE
AUfl~avetv MW om. AVBE

104
I aae~eia<;
MW
aae~~aoum MW aae~~aoumv AVBE
enl2 MW om. AVBE 109 Kal MW Kal {mepSeatv (tmepSeaet<; B) T0lOUf.!EVOl KUL AVBE
uo oihw MW ou-rw<; AVBE
108
ITOAEMIKON I1APA2.:KEYON L1IATA2I2.: IZ'
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION XVII

About Surprise Attacks
l.
'E~~<; of: Kai
oaa GOl OEOV tv Katp4J
npoa~KOVTL yeva8m ot'
QOOK~TWV KaLa T~<; y~<; nov noA.q.Liwv Kai OTIW<; aUTO<; KaTa T~<;
eneA.euaewv
eneA.evaew.;
5 Twv noA.q.tlwv avTq.t'lxaveua'l tv ToT<; iolm<;, oTe 11~ Kmpo<; eip~v'l<; mKpaTei:-rrp6o'lA.o<; Of: OU GUVLGTUTUL TrOA110<;-0la T~V TOU A6you GU1111Hp[av v o:\[yot<.;
OL~A.8w11ev.
2.
Apxa16<; TIOU OLOUGKl A6yo<; ~110.<;, ovnep Kai oi 11UALGTa GUVTWTp0l TWV
aTpaT'lYWV Kai naA.m nape<puA.a~avTo, Kai vuv w<; n[nav napa<puA<'tnovn:~

10 UOOKl110Uat Kai aptGTUOUGl, TO o[xa iota<; ~Aa~'l<; Ta<; KaLa TWV 7tOA11lWV
cp6oou~ ~TOl mopol1a<; 7t0l1a8m. TOUTO
Of: ylvw8m ouvaTOV eanv, eav 11lll
aocp(a<; Kai mpaT'lY~I1aTo<; <pp0Yl110U a8p6w<; ai KaLa TWV tx8pwv ytVWVTUl
E7tAUGl<;. Kai yap Kai npo<; Ta<; LGOI1ETpou<; OUYCtl1l<; ETIW<pAel<; euptGKOVTat ai
TOlaUTal YLY011Yat Kai npo<; Ta<; rroA.U Taxa unep~anouaa<;.
3 L1ta TOUTO ouv aei Kai TIUVTOT KaAOV faTlY apl1oo[a<; npocpaaet<; Kal
15
Katpou<; au11~aA.a8m ouva11vou<; Ttl> npawan emT'lpei:v, Kai rrpoKamA.a11~av

etv ae Toil<; x8pou<;,
waTpaT'ly, npiv ~ tv Toi11n T~<; anavT~aew<; aou yvwv
Tat, Kai 11CtALGTa EKetvouc; oaou<; Y011l(et<; Kai nA.elovac; aou dvm Kai ouvaTWTE
pou<;.
4. Mi: yap Kma TouTwv ai<pvtotaal1o1<; 11aHov Kai
20
aocpia11am Kal (:maTUl!:;,
W<; e'ip'lTal, KaTa TO ouvaTOV np6Tepov 7t0Leta8m, aHa 11~ 0'li10Gta<; tyxetp~
Get<;, WGT EVTU8ev eic; KLVOUVOU<; ouaavaKA~TOU<; Kai a<pUKTOU<; E117tl7tTLV. Kctl
M W A VB E
3 For this reason it is a good idea always to be on the watch for convenient
pretexts and opportunities that can prove advantageous. You should strike at the
enemy, 0 general, before they get ready to come out against you, especially if
you think that their forces are more numerous and stronger than yours.
4. In such cases it is necessary, as has been said, first to make use of surprise,
stratagems, and deception as much as possible rather than engaging in a pitched
battle. That may cause you to fall into dangers from which it will be difficult to
8-570 Strat., 9
rroAEf!LKWV rrapaoKeuwv WA ,\ovTO~ Toii tv XPLatW ~a<JLAEi aiwv[w ~am,\w~ Mom. VBE
otata~L~ L~' WA VBE om. M
apLOTEUOUOLV WA
Ttpo~
5 UVTLfli]XUVEUOI] W aVTLfli]XUVEUOEL M aVTLfli]Xav~a'l A VB['
6 &a ... OUflflETpiav MW om. A VBE

MW A6yoc; OLOUOKEL A VBE
fTOlf!U08wm
2. An ancient maxim, carefully observed by the more intelligent generals of

old and still invariably observed and given the highest priority by our own
generals, teaches us to launch attacks and raids against the enemy without
t:!IUsing injury to ourselves. 2 We can achieve this if our assaults against the
enemy are intelligently and carefully planned and swiftly carried out. Such
I!Ssaults have been found to be effective not only against forces of equal strength
but also against vastly superior ones.
PG 107:913
8-11 Cf. Strat., 9.2.

1
1. We will next <turn our attention to> what you must do, when the opportunity presents itself, in launching surprise attacks against the territory of the
~nemy, as well as how to take countermeasures against attacks by the enemy in
your own land. This does not apply, of course, in time of peace and when it is
dear that war is not going to be waged. The summary nature of this treatise calls
our exposition here to be brief.'
I A6you
M A6you
oe w om.
9 w~ E1Il1IUV MW om. A VBE
15-16 Kal Katpouc; MW EV Katpw AVBE

UT((lVTI]OlV
aou
A VBE
21 TtOLeia8aL
21-22 eyxetp~aetc; MW eyxELp~aetc; Ttoteia8m AVBE
A VBE
10
8 1IOU ... ,\6yo~
apLOTEUOUOl MVBE
17-18 tv ... yEVWVTUL MW

MW
xp~aem
A VBE
1.
This entire constitution derives from Strat. 9
2. Strat. 9.2 cites the action of the Roman general Lusius, in A.D. 116, probably near
Nisibis or Edessa, as reported by Dio Cassius, 68.8.3, et al. See Pauly-Wissowa, Realencyclopiidie der classischen Altertumswissenschaft (Stuttgart, 1894-1980), 2.13.1874-90.
394
25
30
35
40
45
Constitution 17
Twv Totmhwv ao<pt<JflCtTwv 8tacp6pwv 6vTwv Mov ae Tmhmc; XP~aaa0at apfloo[wc; Kat TO[<; Katpo'ic; Kat TOLe; n'motc; Kat Tote; rrpoawrrotc; Kat TOLe; rrpayflaatv.
5 Kal TfOTE flEV O.rroKptatapiwv TWV x0pwv rrp6c; (J QT[O<JTQAEVTWV arraA.a
T Kal KOAaKEUTLKa P~flaTa QVTlOT]AW<Jac;, Kal flETa Tlfl~c; Touc; arroKptatapiouc;
TWV ex0pwv O.rroA.uaac;, eu0wc; rraKOAou0~aetc; auTo'ic; Kal O.<'ioiK~Twc; rrA.0nc;.
TfOTE of: ioiouc; rrpa~Lc; ~TOl arroKptatap[ouc; arroGTdA.ac; flETa PT]flCtTWV Ta11lVOTpwv, T~V ETfEAEUatV acpvw TfOl~<JEl<;. TfOTE Of Kat v auTo'ic; TOte; TWV x0pwv
arrAtKTOl<;, dT v Tfi iOt<;t <JOU eiatv yfi eh v Tfi TfOAEfll<;l <JUVT]YflEVOl, rroAurrpayflOV~<Jetc; TO rrwc; QTfAlKEUOUat. Kal av EUpt<JKT]Tat rrp6cpaatc; v VUKTL, T~c; <JEA~
VT]c; Aafl110U<JT]c;, rrpo ouo ~ Tptwv wpwv T~c; ~flEpac; n']v KaTa TWV ex0pwv eyx1PT]<JLV TfOl~<JELc;, To~6Tac; XPT]<JlflOU<; flUAl<JTa xwv TOlOUTWV yap xpda E<JTLV ev
TOte; TOlODTOl<; Katpo'ic;. TfOTE 8 fla0wv v Tate; rropdatc; Q<JUVTUKTOU<; Kat E<JKOprrt<Jflvouc; rreptrraTciv Tm)c; x0pouc;, v TtP flE<J<.p T~c; ooou rrA.0Lc; Kal ~Aa.\jletc;,
Kpu\jlac; <JWUTOV. QAAOT 8 ev T0110l<; Tl<Jt Kpu\jlac; auTOV flETa A.aou <JTpaTLWTWV, acpvw T~V KaTa TWV vaVT[wv rrAEU<JlV pyaan. TfOTE Of <JXT]flaTl<JCtflEVO<;
O.vaxwpT]<JLV ~ wv Ot~yec; TOTfWV acpvw rravaaTp\jlac; Tote; x0poic; mrrwe'ic;.
6. Kai TlVec; o rrpo~aAAOflEVOl ayA.ac; (wwv Kal EVTU0ev Touc; ex0pouc; Eic;
T~V TOUTWV Otaprray~v rrpOTpe\j!Ctf.IEVOl, we; doov auTouc; QTCtKTWc; KaT' aUTWV
Ota<JK0aa0vmc;, rr0eVTO auTo'ic;.
7 fivovmt of: Kal cpavepwc; cpooot, oTav v TtP flETa~u OtaaT~flaTL Twv
x0pwv 7t0Taf10<; eUpe0fi OU<J~aToc;, Kat KUAAl<JTa TOUTO TfOlOU<JlV oi Ka~aAAa
ptot. vmu0a yap <JUfl11T]YVUOU<Jl ycpupav, ~ <'ita ~UAWV flEYCtAWV, we; E<JTlV 0oc;
Tac; rroAA.ac; yecpupac; yivw0m, ~ <'ita flLKpwv rrA.otapiwv, Twv A.eyoflvwv flOVo~u
A.wv. rrupyouc; T ~uA.[vouc; ~ arro OLKOOOfl~c; EK A.i0wv ~T]pWv ~ XWflaToc; EKaTpw0ev TWV aKpwv T~c; yecpupac; yeipoumv tva, OTUV xpeia, <'it' aUT~c; cwcpaA.wc; T~V
Ota~aatv TfOL~<JWat, Kal rraALV O.vaxwp~awmv OT ~OUAOVTal, W<JT v Tfi TOU
42-63 Cf. Polyaen. 1.29.1; 3.9.61.
25 anoKpu:nap[wv MW anoKpt<napiou~ A VBE I anoaTaA.enwv MW anoa-reAA.6vTwv A VBE

29-30 Kal ... ehe 1 MW noA.unpayflOV~O'eL~ TOU~
Ctl1Af]KEUOU<HV (Ct11Af]KEUOUO'l VBE) KUV TE AVBE 30 ehe 2 MW KUV TeA VBE
30-31 J10AEf1LU ... CtJ1AlKEUOU<H MW EUUTWV AVBE 30 O'UVf]YflEVOl PG O'UVeLAEYflEVOl MW
om. AVBE 31 cmALKEUOUO'l MVBE Ctl1ALKEUOUO'LV wA I euptO'Kf]TaL MA VBE euptO'KeTaL w
34 nopelm~ MW 60omop1m~ AVBE I aauvTCtKTou~ MAVBE aauvTCtKTW~ W 36 aeauT6v
WA VBE EUUTOV M
3 7 <JXT]flUTLO'CtflEVO~ MWVBE <JXfJflUTLO'CtflEVOL A 43 KCtAALO'Ta
MWA f.LC!A.wm VBE 44 <JUflTIT]yvuoum MWVBE <JUflTITJYVuoumv A 46-47 eKaTepw9ev
MW t~ Ctfl<j>OTepwv AVBE 47 xpela MW xpe(a yevf]Tat AVBE 48 TIOL~<JWO'l MVBE
l10l~O'WO'LV wA I avaxwp~O'WO'LV wAVBE avaxwp~O'OUO'l M
Surprise Attacks
395
recover or to extricate yourself. Since there are so many different kinds of

>lratagems, it is incumbent upon you to make use of those that fit the time, the
place, the persons, and the actual situation.
~~
s. When ambassadors from the enemy have been sent to you and you have
replied to them in gentle and flattering terms and sent those enemy ambassadors on their way with honors, you will immediately follow along and attack
them unexpectedly. At other times you might send your own ambassadors or
envoys with submissive words and then suddenly launch an attack. At times you
might be conducted into the very camp of the enemy, either in your own
country or in theirs. Find out then how they have set up camp. Then, if the opportunity presents itself, on a moonlit night two or three hours before daybreak,
make your attack against them. Archers are particularly useful, essential in fact,
at times like this. At another time, perhaps, you may learn that the enemy are
marching along in disorder and scattered about; hide yourself and then attack
them in the middle of their march and you will seriously injure them. At other
times, conceal yourself in certain places with a body of soldiers and, suddenly,
launch an attack against the enemy. At times, too, pretend to withdraw from the
place in which you were spending time, then suddenly wheel around and fall
upon the enemy.
6. Some have driven herds of animals ahead of them to lead the enemy to
turn aside and round them up. Then, on observing the enemy disordered and
~cattered they would fall upon them.
7 Some attacks are made out in the open. If, in the area between <us and>
the enemy we find a river difficult to cross, we can construct a bridge
there-even cavalry are able to do this. 3 It can be made of wooden crossbeams,
which is the usual method for building bridges, or on small boats, the ones
called monoxyla. At both ends of the bridge they erect towers of wood or of dry
masonry or of earth. When necessary, then, they may safely cross over this
bridge or again withdraw when they wish. It is left up to the general to decide
27 anoA.Uaa~ MA VBE anoA.UaeL~ W
ex9pou~ OJ1W~
3 For 7-9 cf. Polyaenus 1.29.1; 3.9.61. The translation here is based on the better MSS,
MWA, which have KaA.A.taTa, "very nicely:' VBE, however, as well as Strat. 9.1, have flUAL<JTa,
"especially:'
396
Surprise Attacks
Constitution 17
0TpanlYOU CtTIOK108at yvWf.tn> ~ Tip00f.1EVlV 600V Ef.l~a0TU~l auT<jJ xpovov
so 0\Jf.l~CtAAElV TOl~ xGpo[~ ao<pc1AWt.;
i\
hnw long to remain in that place, either to attack the enemy in safety or to re-
i\
Gpwv xwpac;, ou XP~ 0 KatlV Kal a<pav[~lV Tac; 6anavac; EKivwv TWV xwp(wv
55
8t' wv f.1EAALc; imoGTp<ptv, tva 11~ aUTov 0Tvw0nc;.

9 Tac; 8 TOtaumc; ye<pupac; yivwem avayKaLOV VOf.ll~W Kal EV Katptp
OT]f.lOGtac; f.lUXT)c;, Kal TU UTIALKTa EV TOLe; TOLOUTOLc; TIOTaf.lOLc; yivwem. av apa
OU0~aTOc; Upe8fi EV oiqJO~TIOT f.1Epl, tva T~V TOU TOlOUTOU TIOTafl.OU oxGt]V
KaT~aipnov Kma Toli f.lpouc; Twv x8pwv KamA.innc;, WGT avf.lTIOOt0Twc; Knl
a<JTvoxwp~Twc; v Tfi ~f.lp<;t T~c; flUXTJ<; Tov 0TpaTov ~ayw8at. eha Kal
6o
tv
Katp<!J Tpon~c; EV T<jJ CtTIALKT(!J f.lEVlV auTouc; Ct0<pa/..wc; <pUAaTTOf.lEVOUc; Kat fHl
avayKa<wem EV auTfi Tfi wpc;t, TWV x8pwv ETILKlflEVWV, T~V Ota~aatv n].;
ye<pupw:; TIOlrl08at Kat !1~ ~OUAOf.lEVOUc;. Kat Ota TOUTO 6ov eic; T~V oxGTJV T~V
nl To flpoc; Twv x8pwv ~ vaVTiac; To anAtKTov ylvwem.
10.
NuKTeptval 6 nAU0tc; Ota<popot napa Twv na/..mwv 0TpaTT)ywv
6s ETITT]OeU8T]0UV, ~ wv 001 Kal ~flLc; Taumc; unon8f.l8a, tva TIOTE f.lEV TIAT]GlOV
TWV vaVTLWV CtTIALKU0ac;,
we; CtTIO f:voc; CtTIALKTOU npw~iav T flLaV Kat &utf:"
pav dpTJVLK~v OTJAW0ac;, Kal /..n(oac; npoc; dp~vT]V OOwKwc; TOLe; vavTimc; Kal
Ctf.lplf.1VOU<; TIOl~0ac; aOOK~TWc; autoLc; n/..8nc; TipO ~flpac; EV VUKTt T~V 0001"
7o
nop(av TIOLT]0UflVOc;.
11. TioT 0, av ~ou/..n ne/..8e'iv Tole; xGpoLc; vuKt6c;, ~f.lpac; nvac; napmn~
~UflVOc; TIAT]0LOV tOU io(ou CtTIALKTOU
we; nl flUXD 0Tjfl00l<;t, Kal GXTJflaTL0Uf.lVOc;
<po~ei08m TOuc; unevavTiouc;, Kal Ota -rouTo 11~ nape~pxwem n/..ov Toile;
TOTIOU<; TOU i6iou CtTIAlKTOU, Kal EVtU8V auTouc; napaxauvw0ac; n/..Gnc; EV
VUKtL
75
12. ToDTo
without
to himself and then destroy the bridge.
s. In operations of this sort, however, and in incursions into hostile territory,
do not burn or destroy supplies in those regions through which you intend to
ltturn, so you may not suffer want.
9. I think that the bridges we spoke of may be essential at the time of a
pitched battle, when the camps are set up by such rivers. If crossing is found to
ht difficult at any point, especially on the side where the enemy are, you should
11handon that river bank. Then, on the day of battle, you may lead out the army
without hindrance and without crowding. In case of a reverse the men may
remain safely in the protection of the camp and not be forced against their will
to cross over the bridge, at that time, when the enemy are on the offensive. For
these reasons it is necessary to pitch camp on the opposite bank, the one on the
4ide of the enemy.
10. The ancient strategists devised a variety of nocturnal attacks, some of
which we will now bring to your attention." When you pitch camp close to the
~nemy, about a day's march away, send a deputation or two to treat of peace. You
will have given the enemy hopes of a peaceful settlement and led them to betome careless. Then have your army march at night and attack them unexpect~tHy before daybreak.
11. Sometimes, if you want to attack the enemy at night, for several days
tlraw up your troops close to your own camp as though for a pitched battle.
l1 retend to be frightened by your adversaries and for this reason do not wander
nut beyond the area of your own camp, and when you have thus caused them to
t't~lax their guard, attack them at night.
12. We recall that, during the reign of the emperor Herakleios, the Khan of
the Avars did this at Herakleia in Thrace to the Roman cavalry. They had
refused to set up camp safely within the fortified area together with the infantry
hut stayed outside unprotected. 5
11
ys<pupac;
aUTOU KaTaAUOf.lEVTjc;.
s. A/..A<':t v TaLc; Tmaumtc; yxLp~m::m Kal TaLc; d066otc; KaTa T~c; Twv
397
8 ytvwaKOf.lV nTIOLTJK6m TOY Xayavov -rwv A~apwv nl Twv
xpovwv 'HpaKAiou TOU ~aat/..twc; Tiepl T~V 'HpaKAiav T~c; E>pc;tKT]<; KaTa twv
'PWflULWV Ka~a/..Aap(wv f.l~ ~OUAOflEVWV EV <p00G<lT(!J Ct0<pa/..wc; flTU TWV TI<wv
..1!
CtTIALKULV, aU' e~weev Ct<pUAUKTW<;.
64-69 Strat., 9.2.
75-78 A.D. 592. Cf. Theoph. Simocatta Historia, 6.5.
52 tyxetp~crwt MW eyxetp~crecrtv AVBE 53 XP~ M oet WAVBE 65 btETT]OEu8!]cretv

MA VBE enevo~OI]crav W 67 npo~ dp~Vl]V MW eip~v!]<; AVBE 70-71 ~f!Epa~ ...
cmAiKTOU MW om. AVBE 73 EV MAVBE Tij w 75-76 TWV xpovwv MW TOV<; xpovou~
AVBE 77 f!ETU ... ne~wv MW om. AVBE
4
5
Cf. Strat. 9.2; AnonStrat, 39; Skirmishing, 24.

A.D. 592: Theophylact Simocatta, Historiae, ed. C. de Boor, rev. P. Wirth (Stuttgart,
1972), 6.5.
398
Constitution 17
Surprise Attacks
13. LO<pOV Oi:: 1t0l~0tc; (rrav ftl\j!UXOUC: Kat av0plouc; 11lCt OWUTOU 0Tpcmw
rt \'l
ll!i
6uAt\1 t:oT[v iJ
Eim
im Eic; n1 ,\niow
'' '
Kat 6Aiyov 8taCHfJI1a TO <poaaaTov ~youv To iinAtKTOV l1f1'UO'T~aac;, ai<pv(Otov
vuKTt nA8Lc; Tote; vavTiotc;.
14. I1ot~0Etc; Oi:: VUKTEptvac; EltEAEU0tc; KaT' x8pwv awo8(wc; un6 TE m:(ul\
s 5 Kat Ka~aAAap(wv KatT0~01'WV 11aAtota Kat CtKOVTtO'lWV KaTa 8vwv ltE(wv Kt~i
Ka~aAA.ap(wv TWV 11~ EV <poaaaTqJ KatTCt~l CtltAlKEUOVTWV, ana CtTCtKTwc; I Ku\
a<pUACtKTwc; Kat OtW1tap11vwc; OKfjVOUVTWV.
15. Kal KaTCt TWV 11~ EXOVTWV TO~a ~ aK6vna npoxLpwc;, aHa EK XElp!'ll,
fl&.Hov T~v 11CtXfJV notou11vwv. oi yap ToTe; T6~otc; Kal ptKTapiotc; Kat Tote; iit..Aot<,
o
9 onA.otc; XPW11vot, 8uat:mxLpfJTOt npoc; Tete; Totaumc; nt:AUO'Etc; yivovmt, ei f!'l
iipa a<pUAaKTOl Kal 8twnap11EVOL CtTtAlKEUWO'lV.
16. NuKTac; 81:: EltlAE~at npoc; Tac; TOtaumc; arrpoaOOK~Touc; <p68ouc;, TOUt
anv, ~ OTaV OAOVUKTOc; <paivn ~ O'EA~Vfj ~ i:\mv o18ac; on apK1 TO <pyym,
ain~c; T(\l 8ta0'1'~11an T~c; i:\A.Tjc; aou 68omopiac; ~ oTav aTlv aO'TEp6<pwTov, 'iV1l
95 11~ 6 mpaToc; tv aKOTt<;t nEpmaTwv auvTpi~nm KalnA.aviimt.
1 7. Ad 81:: ~nAfJKTOV Kal rrapwKwaa11vov Tov cnpmov KtVEL, Kat 11fJOfV
1tplOO'OV Eltl<pepOI1fVOV, Kat OtlTW KaVOVL( Kat O'TOXCt(OU npoc; TCt 0La0'1'~11U1'll,
TCt tv T(\l 11mp, wmE au1111Tpwc; rrt:pmmEtV, Yva 11~ auvTpi~nm 6 mpaT6c; Knl
npo OUO wpwv T~c; ~11pac; <p8aO'ELc; ltAfjO'lOV we; CtltO voc; ~ 0EUTpou O'fJI1ElOU
100 TOU nilv txepwv artAlKTOU Kal EKEtO'E A.av8av6vTwc; avarrauaLc; TOV O'TpaTOV, Kal
nplv ~ iip~fjTal auya(LV ~ ~11pa EltlTt:8ftc; TOte; x8potc;. fie; OE Tac; TOLaUTm;
68omopiac;, Iva xnc; 68Tjyouc; Toile; navu aKpt~wc; t:i86mc; Touc; TOJtouc; de; TO ~Ll)
nA.aviia8m Tov a-rpaT6v. rrav-ro(av 81:: ~auxiav txTwoav, Kal 11~T ~ouKtvov
AUAElTW, !lf]OE oiao~JtOT Kpauy~ ytva8w. aHa av EO'll 8ov TOU 11ftVat HlV
105 oTpat6v, we; EiK6c;, ~ lOU KLV~O'at ~ Ota aupLYflOU ~ Ota KTUltOU <JKOUmp(ou ~ Olll
napayytt..11moc; O'TJf.Laivt:tv To KtVT]f.LU ~ -r~v maatv.
79 Einpuxou~ Kal MW om. AVBE 82 ~youv MW ~Tot AVBE 83 tvavTiot~ MW
n:oAeflLOt~ A VBE 84 KaT' MW Kmix Twv AVBE 85-86 Kal 1 ... aTaKTW~ MW om. AVBF
89 Kall MW Kal TOt<; AVBE
91 cmAlKeUWO'lV MAVBE UltAlKeUOUOlV
ouTw~ AVBE 1 an:poaooK~Tou~ MW aooK~Tw~ AVBE
92 VUKTU~ MW
95 aunpi~emt MW aunpi~rrrat
AVBE 96 e~JtAT]KTOV MW e\a<ppov AVBE 97 ouTw M ouTw~ WAVBE 98 auvTp[~nnt

MW auvTpi~T]mt AVBE 99 OT]fleLOU MW fltA[ou AVBE 103 n:avTo[av WAVBE ano[av
M 104 flT]OE MW fl~Te iiAAT] AVBE I aHa MW aU' AVBE I tan MAVBE tanv w I
flElVUl M dvat w mfjvat AVBE 105 w~ ... Ktvfjaat M ~ TOU Ktvfjaat w~ eiKO~ w w~ eiKO~ dn
Ktvfjaat AVBE 106 OllflULVetv WAVBE ~ flEVetv M
399
You will be wise, when you have good-spirited and brave soldiers with
11 1 ou have one of them
to desert to the enemy and inltlnll them
il,,,, the morale of your army is low. Then make it look as though you are
withdrawing to the rear, but go only a short distance and set up your encamp!l!1'11L that is, your camp. Then, suddenly at night attack the enemy.
14. Night assaults against the enemy will be particularly effective if you make
of archers and javelin throwers, both mounted and dismounted. <Employ
against peoples, whether on foot or on horseback, who do not fortify or
up their camps in an orderly manner but pitch their tents in disorder, unproand scattered all over the place.
t 5. <They are also effective> against peoples who are not skilled in using the
and the javelin but prefer to engage in hand-to-hand combat. Those who
make use of bows, throwing weapons, and the other weapons are harder to
nvtrcome by such attacks unless they set up camp without protection and scatabout.
t6. For surprise attacks of this sort, choose nights when the moon is shining
night or when you know that its light will last as long as the distance of your
t'lllire march or when there is enough light from the stars. Otherwise, the army
!ll!lrching along in the darkness may stumble about and get lost.
17. In moving your army, always keep it lightly equipped and ready for
l!Ciion, carrying no unnecessary baggage. Estimate and regulate <your march>
31rnportionate to the distance between the <two camps> in order to arrive two
hours before daybreak, someplace about one or two miles from the enemy's
\ 11n1p, marching at a steady pace so the army will not be exhausted. There, the
1\!'tny should stay in hiding and rest and then, before daylight begins, attack the
lilnemy. For expeditions of this sort you should have guides who possess a
detailed knowledge of the country, so the army will not be led astray. Absolute
!!lienee must be observed, not blowing the bugle and no shouting of any kind.
llut if it should become necessary, as is likely, for the army to halt or to advance,
the signal for marching or for halting by a whistle, by striking a shield, or
a command.
1 \.
400
Constitution
17
1R. "Iva 8 ~l~ 86pu~oc: nov KTUTittlV yvf1TL1l, ~lf10' f:ni noM EKTlVOf-lEVf1 1]
nAa vqv hctl
Kl\L 6tc1 wtnu i:~
Jut:
f-lL1VOCtTU tOCH Kai ruyvwcnov TOlC: x8po1c: T~V nnpoua(nv TOU <JTpaTOU yrv
a8at. oux TOUTO XP~ f-l~ nl f-lETWnov ~youv tnl EKTnf-la no\u ric: nA6:roc: 6.\A' f:rrl
KEpnc:, TOUTE<JTlV tnt 6p8(av napciTn~lV, we: tnt CtKiw:; Kat mixou KaTQ oupav
aAA~AWV mpmaTflV, Of1AOVOTl TOU ~ci8ouc: ~TOl TOU naxouc: T~C: TCt~fWC: cpu\nt
TOf-lEVOU.
19. Kat chav nAf1<JLOV TWV tx8pwv cp8aan 6 atpatoc:, TOT AAf18otwc: Kal
Kpucpa(w<; avanau aUTOU<; Kat op8waov T~V TCt~lV Kat, W<; 6 tonoc:; tmoxnat,
r'LT Ota Mo r'LT Ota Tptwv f-lpwv T~V tnAUatV nOtf100V. I ouo yap KaTU TWV
Twac'tpwv f-lpwv xpr(a, '(va f-l~ nptAaf-l~aVOf-lVOl navTaxo8rv oi x8poi EK
npl<JTCt<JWC: <JDf-lcppci~wvmt, 6.\A' Yva xwmv aorwv Ot' voc: f-lEpouc: oi 8\ovn:c:
cpruyLv.
20. Kai ToT av n\~8oc: xnc: atpaToiJ To nepxof1rvov, v ~ Kai 0uTepov
~ouKtvov napaaKrua(e \a\dv, Yva npoc: 6\(yov aTpmov OOKOUVT<; EXflV
Aav8c'tvwVTnl oi noAEf-llOL i o 6\(yov <JTpaTOV exnc:, n\dova ~OUKlVa AaAdtW
aav, Yva n\~8oc:; VOf-lL(f1Tat To tnepxof-lVov.
21. Xp~ 8 ae ncivTW<; OUVaf-lLV nva auvtatav atpaToiJ, <f-l~> T~v f-!tyvuou
aav xeipac: KaTa T~V wpav tKflV'lV, 6.\Aa Kai fUKatpwc: laTajlEV'lV, Kai ocptAOU
aav TOU<;, we: flKO<;, npoatpxovTa<; tK TWV iO(wv npoaotxwem.
22. Tac:; oe KaTU Kapanap(wv txepwv tcpooouc: f-lCtAl<JTa aacpaAw<; notou Kat
we:; tni cS'lf-loa(ac:; f-lc'tXf1C: Yva tav Ta T~C: tcpooou f-l~ KaTa aKonov npo\8n, 6.\A' o!
noAEf-llOl npoat<J80f-lVOl avnnapaTCt~WVTat, f-l~ t\anw8fic:; EV Tfi KlVOUf-lEVn
f-lCtXn we:; anapc't<JKfUO<; KalaVETOLjlOC:.
23. 'Eav yap nr(oi dlmv oi vavT(ot, Kapa\Mptot 8 oi f-lT<i aou tnrpxo11
VOl, npo0'1AOV E<JTLV OTl ~ PM\jlfl<; TOUC: EVaVTLOUC: ~ a.p\aP~c: avaxwp~<Jfl<;, TWV
nr(wv cStwKLv Toile: Kapa\Aap[ouc: ou ouvajlvwv.
24. Et ot KaPa\Ac'tpto( dow Kai oi EVaVTLOL, XP~ <Jf npoc: TU <JUf-lPatVOVTa
noAACtKlC: evavT(a ETOlf-lOV rlvm Kal napWKfUa<JjlEVOV.
rt<.l.pc'tta~u.;
110
115
120
125
130
135
107 yevrrrm M ytve-rm W yivT)Tat AVBE I flflO' PG f!T)OE MA VBE fl~ W 109 f!UVMTa MW
f!UvMTa yivea6at AVBE I Kai MAVBE om. W 109-110 yevta6m MW OUfl~a[vetv AVBE
110 a\A' MA VBE aHa W 111 6p8iav napa-ra~tv M 6p6ia napma~et WA VBE
115 ainou<; WAVBE au-roil<; M 121 napaaKeua~e A.aA.etv MW trsp. AVBE 122 A.avSavwVTm ... TIOAEfllOl MW trsp. AVBE 123 VOf!L~T)Tat MAVBE VOf!L~ETat W 124 fl~ ci. De
om. codd. 125 Kal 1 MW Kal htpav AVBE 127 ex6pwv MW om. AVBE 128 OKom)v
MW ~OUAT)OW AVBE 130 f.!UXfl MW Ta~et AVBE 134 dow MW Eim AVBE
Surprise Attacks
401
18. To avoid any noisy confusion or stretching the formation out too much,
mg for <1
and unc'Vc'n line and the conscqucnt
of shoul-
lllV commands, all of which clearly betray the approach of the army to the
I'Hcmy, it must march not by the front, that is, to a large extent in width, but by
I he flank, that is, formed in a straight line, marching by files one after the other,
maintaining, of course, the depth or thickness of the formation.
19. When the army gets close to the enemy, they should hide and rest under
tover, straighten out their line and, depending on the terrain, launch their attack
!rom two or three sides. They must not attack from all four sides, for then, the
enemy finding themselves completely surrounded, will be forced to close ranks
nut of desperation, but one side should be left open for those who wish to flee.
20. If you have a large army moving up to attack, then prepare to sound one
or two trumpets so that the enemy will be deceived into thinking they are facing
11 small army. But if you do have a small army, let more trumpets be sounded so
they may believe the approaching army is a large one.
21. You must always hold some units of the army in reserve, taking no part
In the action at that time, but opportunely standing by in order to provide cover
for their own men who might be charging forth.
22. In particular, make your attacks against enemy cavalry very carefully, as
though in a pitched battle, so that, in case the enemy may have been forewarned
nnd lined up in formation to face us, and the attack does not proceed according
to plan, you may not suffer defeat in the ensuing battle because you were not
ready or prepared.
23. If our opponents consist of infantry and you have your cavalry advance
>lgainst them, it is obvious that our forces will inflict harm on the enemy or they
will themselves withdraw without injury, for infantry are not capable of pursuIng cavalry.
24. But if our adversaries are on horseback as well, then you must be ready
and prepared for the adverse outcome that frequently occurs.
402
2
Surprise Attacks
Constitution 17
5. Ei Of f.v vuKTl qwooc; yvf]Tat KaT a <pocmcnou, r'ln: f.v
~!lfP\l ~
Klll,)
OT
145
1 5o
155
160
HllV npay~ta TWV, Yva !lll ric; TODTO rra VHl)V UOXOAOUf.lEVWV, n;\wmc; uno xU I'"'\
yf.Vf]Tat KctL KlVOUV\JCJn 6 CJTpctT6c;.
26. Tac; Of tota1nac; i':<p6oouc; n1c; f.ld(ovac; flfV Kctl T:\Eiac; ota awuton
ITOL~anc; OUVctTOV 8 (Jot flCtAAOV Kctt OlQ TOUpflapxwv T<DV btl TOl01JTotc; npay
flctm XPfJCJLflWV mhac; yivwem. oYnvrc; iKavo[ rim tov aov t6nov avan:\f]pwmtt
OlU T~V anoOrtKVUflEVf]V f.v m.'JToi:c; Kal avopdav Kctl ayxivotav.
27. 'Eav 8 f.v Tft TWV no:\rflLWV xwp<;t rio~aA:\wv 68omopr1v flEAAnc; EKelm
Kctl npatOrULV ~AU~fjc; io[ac; xwp[c;, npwTOV flEv '(OLOV Kat CtpflOOlOV Kctlpt'lV
f.m:\ruaaou, OUTOc; Of ECJTLV 6 aa<pa:\~c; T~c; f.yxrtp~arwc; Katp6c;, ihr ~ CJUfl~~1
AWV ~Ofj ToTe; txepoi:c; flCtXn EKpCtTT']CJac; al!Twv ~ VOflLCJrLc; OTt OUK rial ouvmol I
npoc; T~V (J~V OUVafllV ~ OTUV QVTOlflOlC: auToi:c; Kal anapaaKrumc; ouatv,
ai<pvto[wc; f.nme~vat flrAn~anc;, we; ~Of] npor[noflrv.
28. Mov ar npo navtwv, aTpatT']y, ria~aA:\ovTa ric; T~v no:\rfl[wv y~v,
T~c; anotpo<p~c; <ppOVTLCJctl TOU CJTpaTOU, Kal ~ OLU ~amay~c; Of]!lOCJ(ac; ~ Ot'
aunl>v TWV CJTpaTlWTWV ~ a:\:\wc; nwc; f.mvo~CJctl ~ctCJTUCJctl anOTpO<p~V Ka\
a:\6ywv Kat av6pwnwv, tVa fl~ nrpl !lfCJfjV T~V xwpav U<jlVW TWV x6pwv, Qlt;
riK6c;, a<pavt(OVTWV Ta f:TOtfla dOfj CJTrVOXWPTJ6ft 6 atpat6c;.
29. M~ ETilTT]OEUCJnc; Of VUKTrptvac; 60omop[ac; f.v no:\rflt<;t xwp<;t notrTaem, el
fl~ npoc; ana~, ~youv fllaV Kal !10Vf]V, Kat TOUTO ArAT]66twc; lowe; xpLac; avay,
Ka[ac; KaAOUCJT]C: ric; TO :\aerTv TOUC: txepouc; Kai T6nov ouaxrp~ npoKaTaAa~flV
xaptv oxupWflaToc; ~ nape:\6e'iv f.v ETfpql TOmp TWV txepwv fl~ ytVW<JKOVTWV.
30. ITp6Tpov of: m:ptepyaaaaea[ ar oci Kal f.pwviiv Tac; Moue;, Kai oihw<;
tac; 6oomopiac; notcia6at.
31. ITiiaav of: navTwc; notcia6at anouo~v \'va Ttvac; TWV T~c; xwpac; (wyp~anc;,
i:\nwc; f.~ mhwv T~v twv txepwv f.Laenc; Mva11tv Kal Ta auTwv ~ou:\ruflaTa. ti
apa anouoa(OU<Jl not~CJctL; Tac; f.pwT~CJrtc; OE TWV KpaTOUf.LEVWV Ota <JWUTOU
no[et, Kai fl~ 8t' Tpou Ttv6c;. Kai yap noHaKtc; avayKa'ia nva Kal napa niiaav
140 OlU aEUUTOU A&' eau-rof> MWVBE
eKA.eyou AVBE
142 Eiat MA VBE eimv
146-147 autJ-~aA.wv M autJ-~6.Hwv WAVBE
146 bnA.euaaou MW
147 eial MA VBE eimv W
I Kal MW om. AVBE 15 5 E1llTT]IlUaT]~ MW

AVBE 156 ~youv ... xpda~ MW Kal TOUTO Kpu<pa xpda<; raw~ AVBE 159 (lf
MA VBE om. W 160 rrotei<J6at MW rrot~0a06at AVBE 161 (wyp~<lTJ~ MW Kpa-r~<lTJ~
AVBE 163 0rrou06.(oum MAVBE 0rroull6.(oumv W
15 2 tmvoijaat MW emvoijaat wa-re AVBE

ErntT]IlUT]~
403
s. If the attack is made at night against a fortified camp or in the daytime

'"'I
troups ur
the
train, you must have ccrtain
1
'"';~
.. 1ssigned to gather plunder. Otherwise, if all the soldiers get involved in
the enemy might attack and endanger the army.

You should personally lead the larger attacks, those made in full force,
h11t they can also be led by the tourmarchs, who have some expertise in these
!lHllters. Because of their manifest bravery and shrewdness, they are capable of
!lng in your place.
17. If, on making an incursion into enemy territory, you intend to march
11hout there and plunder it without any injury to yourself, you must first plan
,dwad for a proper and suitable time. The safe time for such an undertaking is
when you have already attacked and overcome the enemy in battle or when, in
~.omparison with your force, you think they are not so strong, or they are not
nmdy or prepared when you intend to fall upon them suddenly, as we have
1ill't~ady explained.
28. Above all, 0 general, as you enter enemy territory, you must be conu~rned about supplies for the army. You must arrange for these supplies, both
lor horses and for men, to be transported in public wagons or by the individual
~oldiers or in some other way. Otherwise, the enemy are likely to destroy the
rtvailable supplies and the army may suddenly find itself in critical straits in the
middle of a <hostile> country.
29. You should not attempt to undertake marches at night in hostile territory
el(cept just once, that is, one time only and secretly. Perhaps such a march might
bt~come absolutely necessary to avoid detection by the enemy, or to seize
ti!lftcult ground ahead of time for the purpose of defense or to pass through to
nnother location without the enemy finding out.
30. But before setting out on any such march, you must take great care to
t't~connoiter the roads.
31. Be sure to make every effort to take some inhabitants of the country as
j'lrisoners in order to obtain information from them about the strength and the
plans of the enemy. What is it that they are intent on doing? You should interrothe prisoners yourself and not have someone else do it. Frequently, extremely important and completely unexpected information has been revealed by
~uch questioning.
lhls,
16.
404
Surprise Attacks
Constitution 17
lh~l l
h.:t_)l1
'1'
rrpom:pcuy(wnov KGl EK nov Kpl1TOU~lEV(llV /..[ywtlm. QAAQ pq<'l TOle; anir i \''
p6vou AYOf.lEVOl<; rr[an:u ~ rrp6GEX, aAA.a Tfi EK TWV TIAElOVWV O'Uf.L<pWVI!,l
170 m:Leou, f.lGAlO'Ta <') TWV ~ m6pop~c; a8p6ac; QALO'KOf.LEVWV, we; 'lrropv,
ij )Ill'
TWV npoG<puy6vTWV O'Ol. rrpoc; <'if: Toile; npoa<pn)yov-rac; O'Ol arro TWV x8pwv,
J;;ol
nva f111VULV rrayyAA.opvouc; f.LUO'T~pta, ~ EV 8wpo1c; <pUAUH -rwc; ~ aAAH'

rrwc; pna aa<paA.dac;
ex, Kal rrpoAq au-ro'ic; 6wpac; 8wO'lV. av 8 \jiU8wvrm.
arriA.t 8avmov.
33 'Eav 8f: O'UVEO'TT]KV O'Tpa-roc; x8pwv, Kat f.~w8V OXUPWf.lGTWV 8tayn.
175
rra<ptfjc; TWV a-rpaTLWTWV nvac; btl apnay~v ~ npa[8av npaypcnwv, aAA.a Tlflt'l
-rpov npxou Ka-r' au-rou. Kal d pf:v KaA.wc; ~A.8n -ro -rou noA.pou ntpw:;, fHJ
ava~aHou TOY Katpov, aAA.' EV OO'ql v <pO~q> Kal mpaxfi dow o[ x8pol ET!tl!
Sou au-ro'ic; f.lEXPLC: TOU
I TAiwc;
KaTaAu8wm Kal O'KOpma8wmv ~ O'Uf.L<pWV!!
180 O'Uf.l<pEpOVTG O'Ol yvwVTat aa<paAW<;.
34 'Eav 8 o[ x8pol O'UO'TaO'lV f.lEV TIOL~O'WO'lV, ava~aAAWVTat 8f: O'Uf.l~d!,tl!

f.lGXTJV, TOT anou8a~ ~vwpvwc; Kal a8taO'TIQ()'T(l)<; 11pma-rlv, Kal Ta EV n:onlv
a<pav[~LV. d 8t 8ta T~<; TOlUUTllC: 68ou ~ imoa-rpo<p~ O'OU EATIL~Tat YVE0'8at,
1\lll
OUK ialv aHat ano-rpo<pal ~ ~OO'KUL, TOT <pd8ou -rae; EV n:oa[v, ~youv TO a<pav!
185 ~LV -rae; 8amivac; v
8 <4> imoa-rpE<pElV G, TOT piiAA.ov a<paVL~ mumc;.
35 "Oa-r 8t fl~ EV Tfj aAA.o-rp[~ Yfi n:A.aviia8a[ G de; -rae; Moue;, 8ov Gll~lt!ti
TLVU v -ra'ic; 68o1c; KUL TOL<; ap<pt~OAOl<; -r[8w8m. av pi::v UAat dalv EV toll;
8v8potc;, d 8t yupvo[ imv o[ TOTIOL, 8ta awpwv A.[8wv ~ un:opUYf.lGTWV f.llKplilV
8La -ro mytvwaKovmc; 8t' au-rwv -roue; ump[~ov-rac; K -rou a-rpa-rou f.l~ n:A.avcw
190 8at T~V 686v.
36. 'Oaouc; 8 de; npa[8av a<pop[aL<; Kal
I anoa-rdAL<; napayyAA f.l~ n:(w
me; i<; T~V 8tapnay~v UGXOAla8at, aHa 8tnpTJf.lEVOU<; dvaL LVU o[ pi::v aunn\'
167 ad
eK Twv des. M
169 ~ np6crX W om. AVBE
170 aA.tcrKOf.IEvwv W cruAA.af.1~avof.1EVWV AVBE 171 Hi''"

<'it W om. AVBE I Touc; W muc; <'it AVBE 172 nayyeAAOf.IEVouc; W inncrxvouf.1EV<>I".
AVBE 175 OUVE01'T]KV w O'UVEO'TT]K AVBE 176 apnay~v ... npaioav w apnayi1 !j
npaioa AVBE 179 Km:aA.u8wcrt AVBE KamA.u8wmv W 182 v nocrlv W f.1npoo0 v
euptO'KOfleVa AVBE 184 ~ ~OcrKai w om. AVBE 184-185 Tac; ... -rac; w a<pavi(m ((',,,
euptcrKOf.IEVac; AVBE 184 Tac; AVBE -ra W 185 of. AVBE om. W 186 of. AVBE o111
W 186-187 dc; ... 60o1c; AVBE M v m1c; ot60otc; W 187 Uf.1<pt~6A.otc; AVBE Ufl<pt~6Aol,
OT]fl1a W 189 ucrTepi(ov-rac; W napa7tOf.1EVovmc; AVBE 191-192 miv-rac; AVBE m'tvtt'''
405
' ' Do not, however, be too ready to trust defectors, although you can beattacks. !t
not lilllommun l~lr ckfcctors and
"'"'r' to give t~1lse information. Do not believe or pay attention to
~lil'tllents made by one person alone but be convinced only by the agreement
especially, as mentioned, persons taken in sudden attacks, rather than
,M,,tors. You should place enemy deserters who claim to have some secret
l!!lnrmation in confinement for a while, or hold them securely in some other
promising them rewards, but if they are lying threaten them with death.
u, If the enemy army has concentrated its forces and is staying outside
!llkations, do not send any of your soldiers to plunder or engage in looting,
they should first advance against the enemy. If the result of the battle is
they should not put off the opportunity but, while the enemy are still
frightened and confused, they should keep after them until they are
~trmpletely broken up and scattered, or an agreement favorable to you, and with
safeguards, has been made.
14, But if the enemy has indeed concentrated his forces but avoids getting
action, then make sure that our troops march about, united and without
ranks, and lay waste the area around them. But if you hope to return
the same route and there is no other source of food or forage, then spare the
""'""'"'" in the area rather than destroy them, and only on your return journey
you destroy them.
,l5, To avoid getting lost while marching in foreign territory, you must set up
signs on the roads and places where the way is not clear. If the area is
put them on the trees, if barren, piles of rocks or dug in
14round will do. These will be recognized by the troops marching along later
lhry will not lose their way.
16. Order the troops you assign and send out to pillage that not all of them
busy themselves with plundering, but divide them into two groups: the
406
195
200
205
210
215
220
Constitution 17
n:pat8uouatv, o[ 0 TALOU<; atmiJv GUVTTayflEVOL LGTaVTat i<; <pUAaKi]v lj

n:apaKOAOU8oumv, h KaT a xwp[ou 'iT KaT a <poaaciTou x8pwv t:h Kn I II
ayEAfj<; 'iT KaTa TOUAOOU ~ Tpou TlVO<; ~ ET!fAU<JL<; yivTat. TOUTO o T!Oll 1((1\
ihav ~VWflEvou ovm<; Tou rraVTo<; aTpaTou T~<; rrpa[Oa<; yxetp~an<;, t:i<; To fill
mivm<; n:l Tft aprrayft aaxo:\t:Ia8at.
37. 1\H' d Kal auHoy~<; oarrc'tvfl<; Katpo<; yvflTat, o1 mu<; flEV auHeytt\\
Toil<; 0 auvTnayflvou<; Kal rrapaTnayf1vou<; aKoA.ou8lv, waTt: rraVTwv 1 k
aprray~v ~ ouHoy~v TWV ETlTfj0LWV xpLwv UCJXOAOUflEVWV, fl~ ai<pvtOtaa~lt'll'
TlVU ~ yKpUflfla VITO TWV EVaVTLWV GUfl~ft yt:va8at. i yap GUfl~ft TOUTO, pq
OVTWV atJTWV CJUVTTaYf1EVWV, ou Ouv~CJOVTat eaUTOU<; avaKaA1oaa8at.
38. 'DTav 0 XP~ ix Tou ai<pvtO[ou Ta<; yxetp~ot<; KaTa nvwv L:Ku8tKwv il
TlVWV OflOLWV 8vwv n:otla8at, Ota TO flCtAlCJTa avun:omov, XP~ flTa GKOITOU n't
T OCtCJfj Kal Ta<; ouaxwp[a<; n:poaxLv Kal Otepeuvaa8at. Kal o{\Tw<; rrpoopOlVll
LV XP~ Ta ~avoa i<; TO dovm auTa, T!OlOV n:p<i.JTOV Kal rro'lov 8EuTpov Knl
n:o'lov Tpimv Kal E<p~~<; 6<pl:\oum rrt:pmaTlv Kal flc'tA.tam av Ota aTVtilV
T6rrwv i:'<poOo<; yivTat, Kal [va fl~ auyxtwvTm Kal ~paOtw<; v Tcp Otaflepta[lii'
ouvtpxwvmt.
39. 'A<pvw yap T~<; n:t:A.t:uat:w<; ytvoflEVfl<;, 1 flEV ota ouo T6rrwv mT~Oetbv
an T~v yxlpfjOtv n:ot~oaa8m, o1 Tov mpaTov d<; ouo flpi(w8m, Kal To [ll:v
EV flEpo<; Aafl~CtVlV ~ TOV flPCtPXTJV, OV o[ n:a:\mol un:ompCtTflYOV :\t:yov, ~ T()V
TOUPflCtPXflV ~ OT!OlOl liv apxovT<; T~V cpooov T!OlOUVTal. ouo T!QVTW<; lipxovnl~
n:pwTov Kal 0UTpov t:i<; Ta ouo flEPTJ 'iva Ka8' KaaTov moT~ lam, Kal TO flEV i:v
flEpo<;, W<; etpfjTat, TOV eva apxovm E~T!Af]KTOV EXLV, Kal xwpl<; TOUAOOU, Kt<l
n:poK6movm w<; OeKarrevT ~ LKOat fllALWV OtCtOTT]fla Ota TOITWV ayvwmwv 1111:
n:A.ay[ou Kal yy[(ovTa TOt<; xwp[ot<;, EK18v lipxwem T~<; rrpa[Oa<; WaT rrl n\
flEpo<; TOU mpaTfjyou pxw8m TOV mpaTTJYOV 0 xovm TO aHo flEPO<; O!tl
T~<; Tepa<; apx~<: TWV xwp[wv tG~CtAAlV Kat n:pat0ULV, Kat Ctfl<pOTEpou<; 1~
an:avT~V UAA~AWV pxOflEVOU<;, Kal n:pat0UOVTa<; TU v flECJq> xwp[a, v til
193 npm0uoumv W npm0uwmv A VBE I nJ.Eiouc:; W nJ.eiovec:; A VBE 199 K<li
napa-re-rawevouc:; W om. A VBE I wcrTe W waTe fl~ A VBE 200 fl~ W om. A VBI
201-202 ei ... cruvTETaYflEVWV W -roiiTo ytvf)Tal fl~ OVTec:; cruvTeTayflEVOl AVBI
202 eauTouc:; AVBE auToic:; w 203 XP~ w xpEia YEVfJTUL AVBE I TlVWV w Kal TWV AVBI
205 oucrxwpiac:; ... Kal 2 w OUOKOAiac:; A VBE 206 noiov 1 w om. A VBE 208 yivnat w
ytVf)Tal AVBE I Kai2 AVBE om. w 211 tan AVBE eanv w 214 Iva w eva AVBL I
tmcrTijcrm W emcrTijvm AVBE 215 e~7!Af)KTov EXEtv W EXelV EAa<ppov AVBI
216 OcKa1tfVTe ... e'iKOOl AVBE OcKaKal1tfVTE Kal elKO<H w 217 WOTE w Kal we:; A VBI
220 evwAVBEtavW
Surprise Attacks
407
to do the pillaging and the other, larger group to stand by or follow along in
fmmation to protect them. Observe this whether the attack is directed against a
a fortified camp of the enemy, a herd of cattle, a baggage train, or anyelse. Follow the same procedure when you have the entire army join
in pillaging, although not every individual has to be occupied in the
plundering.
37 However, if the opportunity for gathering supplies presents itself, some
gather them while others follow in close formation and drawn up for
If all the men are busy with plundering and collecting necessary proand the enemy happens to catch them unawares or sets up an ambush at
!me when they are not lined up for battle, they will not be able to get back
formation.
38. When it is necessary to launch surprise attacks against some Scythians or

nations, you will avoid any suspicion, if you very carefully study and
ttconnoiter the wooded and difficult terrain. Make certain ahead of time that
banda know the order in which they are supposed to march, which is first,
Which second, which third, and so forth, especially if they are to make their
through narrow places. As they proceed slowly in their separate units,
will not be confused.
39. When it comes to making a sudden attack, if it seems more effective to
~Hack in two places, you must divide your army in two. The merarch, whom the
i\m:ient authorities called the lieutenant general, should assume command of

section, or it could be the tourmarch or whatever officers are leading the
l!cllsault. By all means there must be two officers, a first and a second, for the two
divisions, one in command of each of them. The first division, as noted, has one
lightly equipped officer and is without a baggage train. It goes ahead to a
distance of about fifteen or twenty miles through unknown places, approaching
those regions from the side, and begins the pillaging so as to join up with the
division led by the general. The general, leading the other division, is to invade
through the other entrance to those regions and plunder them. Both divisions
then proceed to meet with each other and they pillage the area between them.
~;me
408
Surprise Attacks
Constitution 17
ouf1<p8cwwmv de; mrpav, tKt<J tv -r<j) iifla cmA.tK1JLv. tK -rou-rou yap
1u11
!((\\ 01
GAAlp
atlOKijnD~, ~tq6' ~Til(TUVL1Xi:lljVCH 6uva~lVOl.
40. Ei 0 f.! La tonv ~ bmq8da Moe; 8t' ~c; -r~v do~oA.~v Ka-ra -r~v -rwv i x
22 5 8pwv 8uvmov yevo8m, XP~ Kat oihwc; -rov o-rpa-rov 8taVflf]8~vat. Kat -ro pi v
8tf10tpov au-rou ~ Kat -ro n:A.ov -rou-rou ~n:A.qnov Kat\ tvMvaflOV -rov un:ootplt
-rqyov Aafl~CtVLV, Kat flTO TOU i8(ou au-rou tv 4> au-roc; TCt<J<JTal ~av8ou ffl1tpo
o8t:v n:av-rwv n:poqy~oao8m, xov-ra fle8' au-rou n:av-rac; -roue; -rwv TaYflaWi
au-rou apxov-rac;, Kat OlaV TqJ n:pc.imp xwp(c.p tmo-rft n:poc; T~V aUTOU Mvapn'
230 a<popi(elV dT ev d-r Mo ~av8a, W<JT -roue; flEV n:pat<'iUlV, -roue; 0 <f>UAUTT!II'
-roue; n:pat8euov-rac;.
41. KaA.ov 8 onv tv Tote; n:pw-rOLc; xwp(OLc; fl~ n:oAA.a ~av8a a<popi(wHm.
KCtV d fleyaA.a <JUfl~aivn TO xwp(a dvat. m<p8a(ov-roc; yap omo8ev TOU o-rpaTU\l
ou O(OoTat Katpoc; CtVTLKaTa<JTa<Jewc; Tote; tv au-rotc; eUplGKOflEVOlc;. <JUVTOflW<.; N
235 TOV un:ompa-rqyov E7Tt TO n:p6aw T~V napooov ITOlOUflVOV OflOLWc; Kat de; !1\
A0l1t0 xwp(a t<pe~~c;, TOUTO ITOltV flEXptc; O.v tn:apKeawatv TO napaOLOOflE:VU
aUTqJ TCtyflaTa. aUTOV 8 un:ompa-rqyov E~WTEpW 7tCtVTWV UplGKOflVOV <'lt -rp(n
~ -reaaapa ~avoa axpt XLALWV av8pwv XPfJGlflWV 7tept au-rov fXlV, ewe; TA(m,
TOU n:pO.yflaTO<.; EK~aat:wc;, ~youv T~c; <p68ou, Iva ~iyA.a aKpl~~c; Kat aa<paA.ew
240 -rotc; A.omotc; yvq-rm.
42. ToU-rwv ouv EK TOU unoa-rpat~you YLVOflEVWV oeov ae, wmpatqy, fl tT
nc; -rt:poc; 6 -r~c; -rotau-rqc; E7tAUat:wc; -r~v OtOLKf]atV 7t7tl<JTUflEVoc;, Iva nal\o
A.ou8ftc; -rotc; Ka-ra flpoc; npmot:uoumv, Kat mauvaync; Kal nl -ra fln:poa6fv
npoK6mnc; we; nl TOV U7toatpa-rqyov ~ TOV TOUpflUPXfJV. OflOLW<.; ot Kat EKelVOV
2 45 -ro au-ro notelv Kal mauvayetv n:apepx6flevov -roue; npmot:uov-rac;, Kal tv 4> liv
-r6nc.p unav-r~a-r o.n~A.OLc; anA.tKeun iifla Kal -r~v au-r~v ~flpav. Oto oM XP'l
7tAEOV TWV ITVTKat0Ka ~ e'LKOat f.UALWV XWPLGflEVOU<.; 7t0lt<J8at -rae; TOtaun~~
I OUVUf!EVOl w
OUVUflEVOV AVBE 224 KUTQ w OlQ AVBI

AVBE 226 ~nAI]KTov W f:A.a<ppov AVBE 227 K<lt
AVBE om. W 1 mhoii W auToii ~O.voou AVBE I ~O.voou W om. A VBE 228 npmw~aacrOm
w npmweia8at AVBE 233 ei w om. AVBE I f:m<pea<ovTO<; w Em<pea<ovTE<; Avm
235 np6aw
W
Ef17tpoa8ev
AVBE 236 f:napKtawmv W f:napKtawm AVBI.
241 ytVOf!EVWV AVBE ytVOf!EVou W 243 emauvO.y!]<; AVBE auvO.y!]<; W (f:m superset.)
244 npoKOTIT!]<; W npatOEVI]<; AVBE 245 To ... notEiv W om. AVBE 246 imavT~anr W
imaVT~Ol]TUl AVBE 247 neVTeKat&Ka W oeKantvTe AVBE I notEia8at Ta<; Wei<; AVBE
223 fi!]O'
fll]OE
AVBE
225 otaVEf1!]8f)vat W OtUf1Epta8f)vat
409
lll<'V should arrive there by evening and, at the same time, set up camp in that
and in their
tlw
fall1lVer one another, unable to reassemble.
.Jo. If there is one suitable road along which it is possible to enter into hostile
'"I will
rilory, it is necessary to divide the army as follows. Half of it, even the larger
should consist of light-armed, but powerful, troops under the command of
the lieutenant general. With his own bandon, the one in which he is stationed,
should march in front of all the others, accompanied by all the officers of his
units. At his first stop, he should, depending on the strength of his force, assign
or two banda, with some troops to pillage and others to protect them.
41. In the first region <you enter> it is a good idea not to detail many banda,
I'V!.'11 if that region happens to extend for some distance. With the army coming
up behind them, they will have no time to get into formation to oppose the local
lm,:es. The lieutenant general up in front quickly moves along and, in like
!llnnner, passes through to the other parts of the region in succession. He should
do this until the units entrusted to him are sufficient. The lieutenant general
himself is located apart from everyone else and must have three or four banda,
to a thousand capable men, with him until the final outcome of the affair,
is, the attack, so that the rest may have alert patrols and security.
42. While these things are being done by the lieutenant general, it is
IW\:t:ssary for you, 0 general, or whoever else you may have entrusted with the
'"onduct of such an assault, to follow the troops taking their turn in pillaging,
them together, and lead their advance toward the lieutenant general or
tourmarch. That one is to do the same, come up and assemble the pillaging
1}1\tties. In whatever place you encounter one another, set up camp together that
ll1me day. You must not be more than fifteen or twenty miles apart when you
410
Constitution
17
Surprise Attacks
aiqJVLOlOU<.; m:Aet10t<.;, '[va cp8a(ETE a~tcp6tepot Kat T~V Ttpaioav TtOlelV Kal
I\ lit"
~.:ur\tl\t'llct\'.
xuvovm<.; TOlOlJTOU<; Otaxp~otlat Kat Ttappxw8at Kat flll de; autou<.; Efl~paOtl\'ill
TOU<; ThY Ttapooov flUAl0Ta ITOlOUflEVOU<; Kal TOY Katpov oaTtavao8at.
44 'Eav o TtOT ~OUATJ8ii<; cppouptov ~TOt KCWTpov ~ ctKpav nva TtapaA.n~'\1 \'
~ fTepov TOTtOV, 11~ Ttp6A.qe TtP TtAI18L axpt<; &v ETtt TOU TOTtOU yeVOflEVIH
tyxetp~onc; To pyov.
45 'Eav o Kat avayKT] TtOTE YEVT]Tat W0T EK TtaVTO<.; TPOTtOU ThY 0Tpnt1<'!1
TtAT]GlOV oxupWflaTO<; TtOAEfllWV ~ UTtAlKEU0at ~ mipooov TtOlEL08at, Oel
0!::
i'v<t
TWV apx6vTWV flETCt E~TtA~KTWV avopwv 0U0T~0Ql Ei<; TCt<; ~6oou<.; TOU oxupt< 1
260
flaTO<.; 'iva TU<.;, W<; ELKO<.;, aicpvtoia<; tmopo~ta<; TWV EVUVTlWV KWAuon. TOUT() bi
KUt EV TOt<; GTEVOl<; TOTtOl<; yivwem avayKn1ov.
46. I1AT]0lOV 0 oxupWflaTO<;
I txElpwv ~ UAT]<; fl~ ETtlTT]OEUD<; cmAtKUlV T(l\'
mpaTOV. i o avayKT] Ttaaa EKEl0 CtTtAlKEUELV, aKpt~W<; Ta<; TtapncpuAaKa<; TtOtoll

eta Ta<; Twv txElpwv tmElot<;. Kal fliiAAov oTtouoa(t: '(va ~TtAWflEV<.p Kat D\j!TJAO
TEp<.p TOTt<.p Kat oxupwTEp<.p aTtAlKEUonc;.
47 '0Tav 0 EL<; ThY TtOAEfllUV y~v El0EPXD ThY aTt00KU~V Ttaoav ~TOt TllV
TOUAOOV omoElEV aKOAouEletV Tt0l~0T]<; TtAT]0la(6VTWV 0 TWV txElpwv tv ~lECH!l
TOU oTpato0 Tov To0A8ov dvm TtapaoKEuaoov.
48. KEXWPl0flEYT]V o dvat aTto TWV OTtAocp6pwv otpatlWTWV TJlV aTtOGKEU!)V
270
Kal TOU<; aixflaAWTOU<; tav Eimv, fl~1t0T 1tOAEfllWV aElp6w<; tmyLVOflEVWV tOTt,
aywvt(OflEVOl<.; Efl1t00l0f1U YEVT]tnt flll flOVOV o tv Tii 60omopi<;t TOUTO cpuAatTl,
ana Kal o-rav arrf..tKeuTJ<;.
49 'Errl o t~<; TtOAeflLa<; y~<; TOU<; fllVGOupatwpa<; aTtpo6rrtw<; flll arroan!:A
t..nc; rrpoAafl~UVElV QVU ~OT]ElEia<; apKOUGT]<; auto1<;, aHa flOVOV OlCt TWV aix~ml
275
AWTWV Kal aUTOflOAWV aacpaA.w<; avEpEuva TJlV TWV t6rrwv 1t0l0TT]ta.

so. 'OTaV o 6 <Jtpato<; CtTtAlKEUElV flEAAD, flll aVUflEfllYflEVW<; Kal atUKT(L)(:
trrpxaEJwaav tv tc.fJ TOU CjlO<J0atOU arrAtKt<.p, a/..A' tav txEJpol tyyi(wm Ktll
<JUflrrapEtm rrt:(ol tc.fJ mpatc.fJ rrp6tepov ta<; <lf1a~a<; tLEl-rwaav, Kal tv ta~n n\
248 at<pvuSiouc; W om. AVBE 1 <p6a~en; W <p6it~IJTe AVBE
to cnuaoc
ill the
0 0
and to sl't up
(Cllllp.
l11 in(ursions o( this sort it is not nc(essarv to Llke
TOUt;
iomotlat t:xl:Jpouc; (wypclV ljtot GUAAaflpUVElV, UAAQ rravmc; TOU<; rrapull')
255
t IIese surprise attacks, so that both of you may arrive at the same time on
.I ill\'
()\I
2)0
252 otaxp~cr6at W <poveuetv

AVBE 255 TOU TOTCOU De TOUTO TCOU codd. 259 f~T[A~KTWV w eA.a<ppwv AVFW
260 at<pvtoiac; PG at<pvtoiouc; codd. I Twv AVBE om. W I KWAUO"IJ W KwMwmv AVBI;
266 tov De To codd. 274 j.16vov W 7tpwtov AVBE 275 auTOflOAwv W 7tpoa<puytiJV
AVBE 277 aAA.' AVBE ana w I eyyi~WO"l PG eyyi~WO"lV codd. 278 O"Ujl1tCtpelO"l AVB I
O"Ujl1tCtpetatV W
411
from the
the enemy able to stand up to you, or to capture them, but get rid of all
you happen to encounter, or pass by them, so you will not slow down for
and waste your time, especially when you are in transit.
H If you want to occupy a fortress, a walled town, some height, or some
place, do not announce it to the troops until you have arrived at the site
then set about your task.
ul
.p;. It: at some time, it should become absolutely necessary for your army to
up camp or to continue marching along close to a fortification of the enemy,
you must station one of your officers together with some light-armed
by the gateways of their fortification to forestall any likely, sudden sallies
!lw enemy. You must follow the same procedure in narrow places.
46, Do not attempt to have your army camp near an enemy fortification or
a wooded area. If it is absolutely necessary to camp there, devote special
~u~'ntion to the guard posts to defend against enemy attacks. It is better to look
unobstructed, high, and defensible ground for a campsite.
47, When you enter hostile territory, have the equipment, that is, the bagtrain, follow behind, but, as the enemy get closer, move it up into the
middle of the army.
48. The baggage and the prisoners, if there are any, should be kept separated
the weapon-bearing soldiers so that, in case of a sudden enemy attack,
will not get in the way of the fighting men. Observe this not only on the
but also when you are in camp.
49. In hostile territory do not send out surveyors to go on ahead without due
ln'ccautions and sufficient support. But from prisoners and deserters alone you
safely get information about the nature of the territory.
so. When the army is about to set up camp, it should not march into the
furtlfied enclosure in disorder with its ranks mixed up. If the enemy are drawing
!Wnr, however, and there are infantry in the army, first park the wagons, then
Constitution 17
412
Surprise Attacks
6puyl1ma rrou::iTwoav rrpTIOVTW<; TOU Tacppou. oi o E~ITAT]KTOl, hyouv oi fUTtAIJ
h.1vc the men dig the trench in the prescribed manner. All the light-armed
L: 1 u!! i,
t..:lti
L1;r\u-.:t:L:u v.
OTQV arroA.uon<; Kal T<X<; ~iyA.a.:;, TOT t:im::pxo8woav Kal QUTOL oi 6rrAiTat
Ta~tv Kal anA.tKcuTwoav, Ka8wc; oot Kal
11E8a.
tav
tv
'''''I'' that is, those
J,,
1\l\l\1
T<fl nt:pl arrA.iKTwv A.oytp otna~~~
o ITAf]OlOV 11~ ElOLV oi tx8po[, apKd KQL ot' i::voc; opouyyou TOU ((j
y[vwem TO ox~l1a, Kat oihw<; tKElVWV lOTal11vwv Touc; A.omouc; UITALKULV.

51. 'Ex8pwv o tyyt(OVTWV Kal OUOTaOLV ITOLOUVTWV, ~ OXUPW11CtTWV ITAf]OlO\'
~ UAT]c; ~ TOnou ouoxcpouc;, 11~ acpinc; we; ETUXEV TLVU<; ~OOKELV Touc; '(rrnouc;, UAAI'l
KUL Tac; ~[yAa<; aac:paA.wc; n11n, KQL EX 11fV TOUc; [nnouc;
tv T<fl xapaKL. onouMI,
LV o WOT uno XELpwv ouvayt:LV tK TWV EUpLOK011fVWV Kaprrwv tv TOte; ITAf]Ol0\1

xwp[mc;, TOU T xopTOu KUL TWV Kpt8wv T~V ouA.A.oy~v nmdo8m OUTWc;, won
11na Twv naA.A.tKap[wv Tou TouA.oou t:unATJKTOL O.no eKaoTou 11pouc; ouvtpxov
Tm wnA.to11tvot OTpaTLWTaL
tv
Ta~n nEpmmouvTEc; ota Tac; aicpvto[ouc; n\Jv
txepwv trrEA.t:uonc;.
52. 'Eav o xpov[onc; T<fl TOITtp, Kat 0 Kmpoc; tmT~Oct6c; tan, Kai 0 TOITO~
295 0110[wc; npoc; unoTpocpac;, EOTL o KQL TWV tx8pwv ~ OUVGI1Lc; uno 11GKp68v, TOT!
ouvmov tan ~OOKW8m Touc; [nnouc; ~[y:\ac; OLTIA~c; Kai Tpm:\~c; nOAACtKL<;
Tf11n011EVT]c; I uno rroAA.wv OLUOTf]I1C:lTWV Kai TQUTfjc; ouxvwc; UAAG00011fVf]c;.
53 'Eav 0 TLvac; tnl npa1oav Ta~nc;, OUTOL 110VOL t~cpxo8woav. i o TLV~

TWV OTpaTLWTWV tmi1LX8WOLV a\JTotc; io[q. au8VTlQ. not~onc; ycvo8m OLUAUALOV,
300
WOT 11fJOfVQ ETEpov nA~V TWV wpL011EVWV t~A8dv de; T~V rrpa1oav. Kai TOt!
flETU To f1Gvo6.Tov TOuc; napaKouoVTac; ouvxw8m Kai napan11nw8m Tot~
io[mc; QUTWV apxouatv de; TO owcppov[(w8m, [va 11~ oi A.omoi AGI1~6.vovn:~
aonav, Kai Eic; O.pnay~v tKTPEXOVTEc;, YU11VWOWO"l 0 uno OTpUTOU KQL KLVOUVftl
on 6:\oc;
oA.a6c;.
297 ad ano de novo inc. M
279 toil
ta<ppou
T~<;
ooUcSa<;
279-280 e\m:A.~KTW<; W om. A VBE

286 oxupWflUTWV
w oxupWflUTWV
AVBE
OVTWV A VBE
291-292 eihtAl]KTOl (-w<;) ... oTpaTlwtat

flEpou<; auvepxovtat AVBE
295 EO"Tl AVBE EO"TlV

aAUOO"OflEVat<; AVBE
E~1lAl]KTot
~youv
W tA.acppol AVBF
282 ~[yAa<; De ~ouA.a<; codd.
284 oi AVBE om. W
291 1laAAtKap[wv
w OTpUTlWTat
w U7!!]petwv
AVBE
EA.acppol W7tAlO"flEVOl ano EKCtOTOll
291 eurtAl]Ktot De e\ntA~KTW<; codd.

297 taUT!]<; MW TUUTat<; AVBE
294 EO"Tl AVBE eottv W
aAA.aaooJ.lEVl]<; MW
299 io[a ... <'ltaA.aA.tav MW OtaA.aA.~ow; AVBE
413
301 TO flUVOCtTOV
MW T~V napayyeA.[av AVBE I auvexea6at MW OUAAUJ.l~avea6at AVBE 303 YUflVWOWOI

MA VBE YUflVWO"WO"lV w
without
ill<>llcd in readiness a short distance away.
1 he
weapoih, arc tu be
train then cnters in
jinod order and takes its place in camp. When you send out the patrols, the
hoplites can then enter in formation and set up camp, as we have explained to
you in the chapter about camps. But if the enemy are not in the vicinity, it is
1;1!\0ugh to follow this procedure with a single droungos, so that, while they
l!!nnd in position, the rest can pitch camp.
51. But if the enemy are approaching, in close formation, or <we> are near a
lortified spot or a wooded area or difficult terrain, do not send anyone out to
"raze the horses but keep them inside the camp. But it is safe to send out
~t'outing parties. Make sure to gather whatever is at hand from the produce
found in nearby villages and gather hay and barley as well. In case of sudden
tlltacks by the enemy, though, the boys in the baggage train should be
accompanied by light-armed troops from each meros, marching in formation.
52. But if you spend some time in the place, and the time as well as the
location seem suitable for foraging, assuming that the enemy forces are a good
distance away, then the horses may be allowed to graze. Double, even triple,
Jliltrols should be sent frequently to a considerable distance and relieved at
1cgular intervals.
53 If you detail certain men to pillage, only they are to go out. But to prevent other soldiers from mixing in with them on their own authority, issue
orders that nobody, other than those assigned, should go out to pillage. After
that order has been given, any transgressors should be detained and sent off to
their own commanding officers for punishment. This is to prevent the rest from
laking leave to go out pillaging and leaving you without an army, and placing all
the troops in danger.
414
Surprise Attacks
Constitution 17
Be very exacting and cautious. If any wine or bread happens to be found

,, .. cln not
~\tlcl1ll't tu drink or cat it unk:,:-, you t!rst test it
ng it
I' prisoners. If it is found to be uncontaminated and healthy, then you will
pnmit the soldiers to consume it, but water from wells or cisterns or ponds or
In any other containers will often have been ruined and rendered lethal by
Jloison. On one occasion even the barley was found to be poisoned and, since
the soldiers did not have other access to fodder for their horses, they were
!breed to provide them with the local fodder and, because of this not a few of
horses perished. 6
55 Announce to the army, as we have prescribed in the treatise on marches,
that if, as often happens, there is a disturbance among the troops, they should
tmt race about here and there and wander around, but all should hurry to that
~~~ction in which the disturbance occurred. As a result, if something of that sort
11ctually happens, they will be prepared for the enemy and will not get confused
tnd all mixed up with one another.
56. When you enter into hostile territory, you should always send out patrols
not only to the front as if protecting that sector alone, but also station lightly but
well armed soldiers, that is, a fairly strong force under a competent officer,
behind, to the rear. This is called a rear guard and should be about ten or fifteen
miles away, or as far as you want. It should send out alert patrols on account of
11tragglers from the army, who fall behind because of illness or some other need,
lest the enemy suddenly fall upon them and take them captive.
57 The enemy are accustomed to launch such attacks particularly when the
tmldiers are marching along carelessly and the men in front cannot easily come
to the support of those behind them. Keep in mind that, if you march along like
this, even in our own country, it is quite likely that your soldiers will be wander'i4-
aix~letAttJTWV c'ioKl~lCtOn<; a{n(w. KCtt ounoc; 2Upl0KWV an:a8r1 Ketl UYlll, TOT
310
320
325
TWt 'I
(J1<.:; xp~craaem a"lna T01J<:; crTpetTlWTCtc;. aHa flll8 TO EV TOte; <ppamv Mwp f\
KLV<JTpvatc; ~ AaKKOL<:; ~ EV UAAOl<:; ayydOLc;. n:oAACtKL<; yap 8ta <petpf.!CtKWV a<pavl
~OVTat Kat eavmll<p6pa y[vTat. EupElllcrav yap TrOTE Kat KptEla\ ou-rwc; <pap~lll
KEUEldcrat Kat f.lh EXOVTWV aAA_oElEV nov cr-rpaTlWTWV TOt<; UAoyOLc; cmo-rpo<pllV,
~vayKa<JElllcrav EK1Elev au-rotc; n:apaAa~LV -rpo<p~V, Kal OUK 6A.(yot 8ta -rofno
!n:n:ot an:wAov-ro.
55. ITapayydA.nc; 8 -r4J cr-rpm4J, KaElwc; v -r4J n:epl 68omop[ac; ~f.llv dpll1'at
X6y<.p, Iva av we; TrOAAUKL<:; yvllTCtl -rapaxh eic; TOY Xa6v, f.lh anaxou w8 KU\
EKl(J -rpxLv ai>Touc; Kal n:ept<pupwem, aAA.' EK1 6pf1UY n:av-rac; on:ou ~ -rapaxr1
yyovev K -rou-rou yap Kal n:poc; -roue; n:oXef.!(ouc; lhotf.!OL yivov-rm Ka[, av tl
TOlOUTOV <JUf.l~ft, Kal ou <JUfl<pUpOYTCtl eic; aAA.~Xouc; Kal ou cruyxov-rm.
56. Tac; 8 ~(yXac; ~v[Ka eicr~aAA.Lc; eic; -rhv n:oXefl[av y~v, f.lh f16vov KULa n'1
Efln:pocrElev f.!Epoc; an:ocr-rAA.nc; TrUVTOT, Kal TOUTO f.!OVOV acr<paAL~llc;, ana K<Xl
KULa TOU VWTOU omcrElev UTtA~KTOU<:; Kal euon:Xouc; mpanw-rac; ~youv lKavr)v
OUVUfllY flETa XPll<JlflOU apxov-roc; n:apa-ra<J<J, -roue; A)'0!-!EYOU<:; VWTO<pUAaKUl;.
we; an:6 t' fllALWV ~ l', ~ oaov ol8ac; 8tU<JlllflU, flTa ~[yXac; CtKpt~ouc; 8ta TOtll;,
we; iK6c;, umep[~ovmc; EK TOU mpmou ~ 8t' appwm(av ~ KaTa -rpav nva
xpdav, on:wc; !lh ai<pvt8(wc; ol exElpol n:tn:<JOVT<:; cru:\Aa~WVTat ai>Touc;.
57 EiwElam yap -r6-re fl<lXtma note1crElm -rae; yxetp~crLc; ol txElpol o-re Kul
Ct!liPL!lYW<:; 68uoumv ol mpaTlWTCtl, Kal ol Ef.!TtpocrElev TOLe; omcrElev UKOAW~
~Oll81V ou ouvav-rat. TOUTO 8 Kal EV Tft ~!lTpq. yft av TtOt~crnc;, OUK an:pEnt-;
E<JTl 8ta -roue;, we; iK6c;, Pfl~Of1EVOU<:; w8 KUKL(J cr-rpa-rtw-rac;, Kal !lh KaXwc,
309-313 loan. de Nikiou Chron., 96.
I ~ MW ~ tv Tal<; AVBE 309 ~~ MW ~ EV AVBI

Kal MW om. AVBE 310 y(VETUL MW y(vOVTUl AVBI
310-311 cpapflaKU91crat MAYBE cpapKcu9dcrat W 312 napaA.a~dv PG napa~ahiv
1
codd. 316 tKda MW tK1 AVBE 317 noAEfltOU<; MW TIOAEflOU<; AVBE 318 01! MW
om. AVBE 320 mivtot MW navto9v AVBE 321 Kata ... vw-rou MW om. AVBE I
EimA~Ktou<; MW A.acppou<; AVBE 321-322 ~youv ... Mvaf1tV MW iKavou<; AVBI
322 napcnacrcr MW om. AVBE 323 t' M oeKa WAVBE I t' M oKUTIEVT WA VB!
324 ucrtcpi(ovm<; De unocrtf]pi(ovta<; M unocrKa(ovm<; W napaTIOflEVovta<; AVBI
325 fl~ AVBE om. MW I auA.Aa~wvmt MW Kpat~crwmv A VBE 326 1lOt1cr9at.
308 xp~craaem MW tcr9tlV AVBE

309-310 acpav((ovtUL
eyxetp~crt<; MAVBE trsp. W
329 tan M tcrttv WAVBE
415
6. Chronique de Jean de Nikiou, ed. and trans. H. Zotenberg (Paris, 1883), c. 96, p. 408.
416
330
Surprise Attacks
Constitution 17
otaytvO~lEVOD<; napa yvtll~lT]Y TOU apxovTO<;
340
345
EK TOUTOU yap ytWllCJKl<; Tk
about here and there, acting in a disorderly fashion and ignoring their
iill
Ct~lAl n)<; HlJV
335
a{JT<'tlV
o!liccT~.
KGTlWTc10Elcl<.;.
s8. Tieplo 0TVWV TOTIWV Kat oucr0cmov Ola~)aOEWV EV Yll JTOAE~llWV ~tqt\'11
!leea napaKeAw<Ja!levot Tft oft tvoo~6Tf1LL, wo-rpaTTw, o-re -r~v nepl -r~<; Mot
nop[a<; OLaTa~lV tnotoD!lea. OlO nepl TWV QUTWV naAlV Ol~eA.91v O.nnp6KaAOV
~you11eea, w<; tKet9ev xov-r6<; aov ~011 -r~v nepl -rou-rwv 6tayvwmv, wcr-re ~lll
O.nepWKETITW<; Kal w<; -ruxev O.v6.yKT]<; xwpl<; tmTT]0eUlV d<; oa<Jet<; Kal OU<J~a
TOU<; Kal oucrxepet<; TOTIOU<; Ota~a(vnv. el 0 Ll<; O.vayKT] TOUTO yevtcrem KUTen:d.
yet flETU T~<; dpT]!lEVT]<;, w<; dn:o11eV tv -rft n:epl Momop(a<; otm6.~el, n:apa-rT]p~m>
w<; n:OLetcr9m -r~v -rwv -rotou-rwv -r6n:wv n:apo6ov, 116.A.tma tv yft n:oAe!ll<tt Kal
noAE!l(wv tmKeL!lvwv.
59 'EO.v o TtOAE!llOl ei<; T~V ~lle-rpav xwpav el<J~6.AAW<JlV, <JKOTIO<; <JOl ECYTW,
wcr-rpa-rT]y, 11~ cpavepw<; Kal tK napa-r6.~ew<; aU-rot<; noAe!ldv, Kal!laAt<JTa tv -rfl
el<JOOp6.<J<JlV Kal npoKaTaAU!1~6.VlV oxupw!laTa ,,
Ota Tie~WV ~ Ola Ka~aHap(wv ~ ot' Ct!l<f>OTEpwv, KQL acpav(~elV oanava<; npOKl
35 o
11va<; TWV tx9pwv.

6o. Et o ~OUAT]9ft<; <JU!l~aA.dv T(il TIOAE!ll4J OLaV !liiAAOV tnavtpxT]Tal O.no
T~<; npa(Oa<; ~ t~EPXT]Tal T~<; xwpa<;-TOTe yap Kat ei<; T~V npatoav TieptcrniiTat
Kat K011W!1EVO<; tm(v, !lCtAl<JTa tav Kat TOt<; io(ot<; tyyl~n--roTe OUV <JU!l~aAAt::
355
au-r(il, d apa ~OUAet <JU!l~6.AAelV.

61. '0 yap f.v LOl<(t xwp<;t Otaywv, Ct!leAE<JTepov OlUKelTat nepl T~V !lCtXflV,
noAAa<; acpop11a<; EXWV TOU <JW~e<J9at, KUL KlVOUVUelV ou ~OUAO!leVO<;. 6 Oe T~<;
a:\Ao-rp(a<; y~<; tm~a(vwv Kat KUTaTPEXWV, OTUV tv TOlaUTn yEVT]Tal avayKn, ei<;
an6vmav -rptne-rm, nav-rw<; AOYl~O!leVO<; Oll ~ cpuy~ au-r(il d<; KlVOUVOV Kal
O.nwA.etav ylve-rm.
otav AVBE
332 6ta~6.aewv M 6ta~6.aew<; WAVBE
333-334 O.Somop[a<; MW O.Somop[a<; t~v AVBE
iiKatpov AVBE
337 Kal .Suaxepet<; MW om. AVBE
WAVBE
tp6rrwv
338
.\U, \UU
will lx e1blc to idcntif1
clll\.\lllC
who di,;-
58. We recall that we have already issued orders to Your Excellency, 0

regarding the passage of narrow and difficult places while in hostile
tfrritory, when we compiled the constitution on marching. 7 Since that work has
!llready made you cognizant of those matters, we believe it would be foolish to
over the same ground once again. Apart from an emergency, then, do not
embark on the passage of thickly wooded, rugged, and difficult areas in a casual
fntmner and without due investigation. But if some emergency forces you to do
then, as we said in the chapter on marches, observe the precautions we
noted and make your way through those places. This is of particular importance
In hostile territory with the enemy on the offensive.
59 If the enemy should make an incursion into our country, then, 0 general,
not plan to fight them out in the open or in battle formation, especially as
they enter the country. If the enemy force is superior to ours or even equal, it is
better to ambush them by ambuscades and other stratagems safely by day or by
Hight, or fortify the roads, or have infantry or cavalry or both occupy fortified
places ahead of time. Also destroy provisions available to the enemy.
6o. If you wish to fall upon the enemy when they are returning from a
p!llaging expedition or making their way out of the country, fall upon them at
that time, if indeed you do wish to attack. For it is then that the enemy is scatt{:red about pillaging and is weary from exertion, especially when getting close
!O their own country.s
61. A person spending time in his own country is not concerned about
battle, since he has many opportunities to assure his safety and does not want to
put himself in danger. But when a person entering and marching through a
foreign land finds himself facing an emergency, he gives in to despair for he feels
artain that flight will only end in danger and destruction.
~tmeral,
333 otE t~v MW
334 cmetp6KaAov MW
w<; ... Otat6.~Et MW
om. AVBE
M
lcr6Jletpo<;
WAVBE
346-347 6arr6.va<; 7!pOKElflEVa<; MW tCt<; 7!pOKElflEVU<; 6arr6.va<; AVBE 347 TWV exSpwv M
TW txepw WA VBE 348 otav MW OTE AVBE I erravtpmtat M btaVEPXEtat w {moatpt<pel
AVBE 349 e~tpmtat M e~tpxEtal WA VBE I Kal MW om. AVBE 350 K01lWflEVO<; M
KEK01!WflEVO<; wAVBE 3 51 OUfl~UAAElV MAVBE OUJ.l~UAELV w
339 t6rrwv
And
" 1'.. 11ds military regulations.
348-351 Niceph. De velit. belli, 4

330 autwv MW autou AVBE
417
M 343 lcr6Jlotp6<;
7 Const. 9.
8. Skirmishing, 4.
418
Surprise Attacks
Constitution 17
62. XpEtOV OE
ywTov tv
(Jf,
(tJ cnpcmw, miVTOTE <pUACtTTELV i::auTOV cmae~ Kal cmAt1
rraVTl Katpc.jJ Kal T6mp, flCtAtaTa txepwv rrapaKELflevwv. aou y~tp
<pUAaTTOflEVOU OVTE TtAaT1JVTOVTat o[ txepol El<.; ~Aa~fJV Ti'j<.; xwpa<.; OVTE TtOAlOfl
Kfac; euxepwc; TOL<.; oxupw[laatv tnayELv MvavTaL. u<popwvTat yap Kal urromn1
ouat Tov aTpaTov auvwTavat.
63. Kal yap dye ll~ ooKd aOL auf1~6.AA.etv OTJfloafwc; ToLe; txepoLc;, OflUh,
ouTw<.; euTperrf~weaf ae oeL, Kal <pafvwem Kal urr6vowv rriim ToLe; Tou aTpaton
rrapEXELV,
we;
TtCtVTW<:; OU[l~CtAAELV TOL<:; TtOAE[llOL<:;. TOUTO yap o[ tvaVT(OL flLW
eavoVTec; Kal AUTtOUVTUL Kal auaTEAAOVTal.

64. 'Eav o TWV tvaVTlWV eic; T~V ~[lETEpav Eia~aAAOVTWV, 6 TOTIO<:; Ka\ !)
etmc; Tfjc; xwpa<.; tmTT]Oela taTl rrpo<.; T~V tKElVWV E<pOOOV, ot' i::Tepou TOTW\l
[liiAAOV tmT~OEUE 11EflTtELV atpaTOV tv auTft, Iva tK TOUTOU rreptarraanc; TOlh,

txepouc;.
6s. IIavTw<.;
Kal T~V eemv, W<.; dpf]TaL, KaTaVO~GEL<.;, Kal Ta otaaT~flC\Ttl,
370
Iva e'lrrep yvwaen ToLe; txepoL<.; TouTo, Kal 6pf1~awm KaTa Twv rref1TtOf1vwv
oe
T~V xwpav aUTWV, 6 ~flETEpO<.; mpaToc; Ot' hepou TOJ10U t~e:Aen (:mae~c;, Crrtul"
ll~ 6p wvTwv Twv txepwv tKeLeev de; o\jltv auTwv rrepmeawmv. Totourov
11
rrerrofT]KE NtKT]<p6poc; 6 ~flETepoc; aTpaTT]y6c;, Arrou:A<pepou yap Tou Twv L:apu

375 KT]VWV allTJPii T~v KarrrraooKlav KaTaopaf16vToc;, auTo<; T~v Tapaov Kal rriiouv
T~v KtALKfav KaTEAT]taaTo, rro:AA~v L:apaKT]VOL<:; tpyaa6.[1EVO<.; T~V ~Aa.~T]V.

66. 'Exepwv TOlVUV T~V UTtO ae xwpav, ei OUTW GUfl~fi, KaTaTpexovTWV, Of:ov
taTl J1CtVTa Ta avayKatOTEpa rrp6.YflaTa tv Tole; oxupwTepOL<.; KUGTpoL<.; ~ TOTIOI<
avaAWTOL<.; au:AAyLV, <puyaoeuetv
oe Kat Ta li:Aoya T~<:; xwpac; Iva [1~
[liiAAov
auAA.all~av6f1eva iaxupOTepouc; Toile; txepouc; rtOL~awmv.
67. 'Eav 0 ~ A.ao<.; ~ rrp6.YflaTa eic; OOKOUVTa [lEV oxupov T07tOV, ll~ OVTC\ N
UAfJewc;, auve:Aewmv, TtCtVTW<:; od C\UTOU<:; OLa Tfjc; a~c; npovofac; flEefmaaem, Knl
419
th. It is necessary for you, 0 general, to preserve yourself unharmed and
in every time and place, especially when the enemy are in the
As long as you keep yourself protected, the enemy will not spread out to
the country; neither will they be able to conduct a siege of a fortified
easily. For they will be suspicious and inclined to believe that your army is
by.
If you do not intend to engage the enemy in the open field, you must
make preparations for doing so and give all the men in your army
pression and expectation that you are definitely going to attack the enemy.
our adversaries learn about this, they will be gloomy and depressed.
64. If the enemy are invading our country and the location and lay of the
are suitable for them to attack, then, prepare to send your army through
tflotJ:ler place in the country in order to split up the enemy.
65. You should always, as noted, pay heed to the lay of the land and the
distances so that, if these are known to the enemy, they will direct their attack
!llJtinst the forces being sent into their country. Then, our army should exit
tmharmed by another route so that, while the enemy are advancing, we may not
nm into them head on in that place. Our general, Nikephoros, once did this sort
thing. While Abulfer, the emir of the Saracens, was raiding throughout
(;uppadocia, he set about pillaging Tarsus and all of Cilicia, causing a great deal
of damage to the Saracens. 9
66. If it should happen that the enemy are raiding through the land under
your authority, you must gather all essential materials in the stronger walled
towns or in places difficult to capture and send away the local horses to prevent
the enemy from seizing them and increasing in strength.
67. If the troops or materials are gathered in what seems to be a fortified
location, but is not actually so, then you absolutely must have the foresight to
370-376 Cf. a'.152-154; Niceph. De velit. belli, 20.

360-361 imonn:uouat M imom:Euouow WA VBE 361 tov ... cruvcrravm MW cruvicrmoO.u
Tov crtpaTov AVBE 362 EtyE MW Ei AVBE I Of]f.LOcriw<; WAVBE Of]f!Ocriw fVl
364 OUf.l~UAAELV M OUf!~UAEl<; WAVBE I TIOAEf.lLOt<; MW ex6poi<; AVBE 367 E(JTL MAY !II
EOTLV w I EKElVWV AVBE om. MW 370 eecrtv MW eemv TOU TOJ!OU AVIII
371 6pf.l~crwat M 6pf.l~crwmv W 6pf.l~croucrt AVBE 372 aimiiv MW om. AVBE 373 bi\'IV
MW np6crwnov AVBE I nEpmtcrwatv MW nEpmtcrf]<; AVBE 374 cmouA<pepou M cmou:\<pip
W cmEA<pepou AVBE 376 KaTEAT]tcrmo M KaTEAT]i(no W ~<pavtcrEv AVBE 377 <i.
OUf.l~~ MW om. AVBE 378 ecrtl MW ecrttv AVBE 379 cruAA.eynv MW cruvaym AVIll
381 OOKOUVTU ... TOTIOV MW TOTIOV <JUVEA6wcrtv OOKOUVTU f.lV dvat oxupa Av BI
382 cruve\6wmv MW om. AVBE
9 Skirmishing, 20. Nikephoros Phokas the Elder, grandfather of emperor Nikephoros II,
led this campaign in Calabria, in 900. The identity of the Saracen emir is less certain; it may
have been Abu Gafar. See J. C. Cheynet, "Les Phocas;' in La traite sur Ia guerilla (De
velitatione) de l'Empereur Nicephore Phocas (963-969) (Paris, 1986), 293-296. See above,
Const. 11 21.
420
Constitution
Surprise Attacks
17
i<; oxuptrJTepou<; am:\Odv T6nou<;, v0a Kai acpo~o<; mho1<; ~ <pUAaK~ yev~onw
~.nmsfer
them and send them off to a stronger place, where they may be protectnnd without fear. You must see to the security of the walled towns or other
that are not naturally strong. If, at some time, the enemy should wish to
"~:!lte,!e them, send a part of the army covertly to support and protect them. Do
allow the enemy license to gather provisions outside, but carefully observe
ambush those who are sent to collect provisions and seize them. This will
the enemy to narrow straits.
oaa 8 !l~ KaTU <pUCJLV oxupa LCJLV ~ KCtcrtpa ~ TOnOl frepot, npoaocpa\[(ou aun'1
Kai e'( noT oi exOpoi ~OUAf]OWm napaKaOioat alJTOL<;, !lfPO<; T~<; OTpUTl(\1,
acpavw<; Kai eic; ~o~Oetav Kai eK8LKf]GLV aUTWV fKn1-ln, Kai ll~ 9.<; TOU<; exOpoih;
Mew<; Ta<; e~weev 8anava<; ouHeynv, aHa neptaK6nL Kai TOU<; eni auHoyn
TWV 8anaVf]!lCtTWV ne!lnO!lfVOU<; ev8peue
390
I Kai
auno.~-~.~ave, Kai evTeuOn'
crtevoxwpet TOU<; exOpou<;.

68. Kai TaUTa !lEV nepi ecp68wv aou T npo<; T~V noA1-ltav Kai TWV no\.qtkuv
npo<; T~V a~v ytVO!lfVWV dpf]TaL ~!llV. xpewv 8 Kai nepi TWV &.Hwv,
68. This is what we have to say about your incursions into hostile territory
those of the enemy into yours. We must now center our discussion on other
mnrr.r>r~ that seem useful for strategy and security, in particular, about how one
spy upon the enemy and, in turn, how to catch the spies sent by them
attempt to hide in our army.
69. You must always investigate in detail, 0 general, the quality of the force
our adversaries. You are to take appropriate steps and organize measures to
~,;mmter it. The arrangement of cavalry and infantry formations and the lay of
land cause great differences in the strength of an army. An inexperienced
fltlrson casually looking at them may be very far off in his estimates. To show the
fmth of my remarks, the examples to be given here will readily bear witness to
the theory.
Q(}(l
XP~CJL!la npo<; crtpaTT]yiav 8oKOUCJL Kal aacpO.A.etav 8te~e\.0Lv Kai !lCtAlCJTa mpl
TOU nw<; Mov KaTaaKonlv exOpou<;, Kai onw<; naALV TOU<; an' EKelVWV n!l7TO
!lfVOU<; KaTaGKOnOU<; KpaTetV Aav8aVLV 0\.oVTa<; EV TtP GTpaT4J.
395
69. Llel oiJv ae CJKOnLV aKpl~W<;, W mpaTT]y, T~V notOTf]Ta T~<; TWV EVUVTl
WV 8UVCt!lW<; nCtVTW<;, Kalnpo<; TOUTO KUVOVL(LV Kat 8LOtKLV CJ Ta KaT' aUTllt;.
Ta yap GX~!laTa TWV Ka~aA\.aptKWV T Kat ne(LKWV TCt~WV, Kat a[ TWV T07TOJV
eeaet<; noAA~V T~<; noGOTf]TO<; TOU \aou 8tacpopav notOUVTaL, Kal avunep~ATjTOV
eiaayoumv nACtVTjV TOL<; C11TAW<; Kal ane[pw<; KaTavooumv mhO.. Kal on 0 \yw
400 a\Tj8<; eanv, !lapTUp~aet TCtXa Tfi Oewp[<;t
6 !lfAAWV AX8~vat Tp6no<;.
70. 'Yn60ou yap ~aKOCJLOU<; Ka~aA\.ap(ou<; L<; !l~KO<; nl nVTaKOGLOL<;

nAo.ro<; Taaaeaem,
o yivTat
Ka~aHapiwv. Kacrtou
TptO.KovTa ~-~.upt0.8e<; ~youv TptaK6mat XLAta8tt;
70. Assume a cavalry formation of six hundred across and five hundred
8 lnnou ei<; T6nov Taaaollevou KpmouvTo<; n68a<; Tpd.;
deep. That comes to thirty myriads, that is, three hundred thousand cavalrymen.
Bach horse in the formation occupies a space three feet wide so the total width
I~ eighteen hundred feet. In depth of formation each horse occupies a space of
eight feet, so the total depth is four thousand feet. The rectangular formation
rhus formed is eighteen hundred feet in width and four thousand feet in depth,
that is, seven thousand and twenty myriads of standard feet. The perimeter of
what can be seen externally on the four sides amounts to eleven thousand, six
hundred feet. Since six feet come to one orguia and a hundred orguiai come to
KUTa nACtTO<;, yivovTat n60e<; XLALOl OKTaKOCJLOl Kal EKCtaTOU '(nnou ev T4J ~O.Ot:l
TaCJGO!lfVOU KpaTOUVTO<; n68a<; OKTW, yivovTat n68e<; TTpaKLGXLALOL, won
y[vecrOat ev TTpan\.euptp ax~!lUTL uno TOU ll~KOU<; TWV XLALUlV OKTaKOOLWV, Kal
TOU ~o.eou<; TWV TTpaKLGXLALWV no8wv, maKoa[a<; e'iKOCJL !lUPLCtOa<; n68a.;
aTepeou<;. ~ 8 nepl!lTP0<; !lOVTj<; emcpavda<; e~weev 8u1 TWV Teaaapwv n\.euptilV
yivovTaL n68e<; !lDPLOl Kal XLALOL ~aKOCJLOL, Kal enn8~ 8 oi ~ n68e<; noLOUCHV
385 ~ouA.fJ6Glat MAYBE ~ouA.fJ6Glmv W I a1rrotc; MW mha AVBE
MW eic; ~o~8eLUV a1rrwv A VBE I atrrwv MW om. AVBE
llLe~eA.8eTv
A VBE
386 Kai' ... ~o~eww
387 UOEW<; MW a<p6~wc; AVBF
cruAA.eynv MW cruvayetv A VBE I neptcrKOTIEL MAVBE crKOTIEL W

KamcrK6nwv WVBE
390 titulum ins. mpi
391 idem ins. A I XPEWV M XPEOV W XP~ A VBE liiAA.wv MW ii/..Awv

392 lloKOUOl ... llte~eA.6eTv
MW
393 Ka-racrKoneTv MW KamcrKoneTv -roue; A VBE
Kai
acrq>UAELUV
lloKOUOLV
AVBI
398 notoiiv-rat MW notehat AVB!'
399 eicrayoumv nA<ivfJV M npocrayoum nA.O.vfJV W Kal noAA.~v nA<iVfJV Ef!Tiotoumv A VBI
408 cr-repeouc; MW om. A VBE I f!OVfjc; em<paveiac; M ~c; em<paveiac; f!OVfjc;
tm<paveiac; A VBE
421
409 Kail MW om. A VBE Ill: MW om. A VBE
w flOVfj<; Tlj<;
Constitution 17
422
410
Surprise Attacks
6pyutav f1Lav, ai 8 EKaTOV 6pyULal 7toLOUO"L <JTa8tov

maOta notoum f.lLALOV
ev, Ta 8 ETCTa Kai ~f.ll<l\1
ev, ouvaynat ~ m:ptf1Tpoo:; micra, ~TOt oi f1Uptol Kat xL\tot
Kal ~aK6mot n68eo:; do:; f.lLAta Mo ~f.ltou 8Ka-rov yyto-ra. v -rounv ol.>v
Ota<JT~f.laTL Kat ox~f.laTt xwpouv-rat ai -rptaKOVTa f1Upta8eo:; TWV Ka~aAA.ap(wv
KaTa n:\lav nuKVW<JLV. ei 0 apat6Tepot LOTaVTat, EK T~o:; nuKvwoewo:; m\oy!C

415
ecr6at Od T~V vouoav apatOTr]Ta, Kal oihw 0Uf1~UAALV EK TOU f1YE6ouo:; tOll
423
stadion and seven and a half stadia come to one mile, the entire perimeter,
is, eleven thousand, six hundred feet, equals, in miles, two and a half and
dose to a tenth. Within this distance and formation thirty myriads of
are accommodated in very close order. If they are spaced further
you must reckon the extent of their open order from their close order
"'"''uvu, and so from the extent of the location you estimate the number of
-r6nou To nooov Tou A.aou.
71. Ta~Of1V 8 -rao:; TptaKOVTa f1Upta8ao:; ~youv Tao:; TptaKoo(ao:; I XLAlUOao:; en!
72. L'uo Kal oi ~ouA6f1evm mpaTov 8ta K6f1nov nva imo8d~at, ~ nl A.mm
71. We shall draw up the thirty myriads, that is, the three hundred thousand,
lllimple, extended file, with each horse taking its position in the battle line to
th, as was noted, of three feet. This comes to ninety myriads of feet, which
to a distance in a straight line of close to two hundred miles. This is
as noted, when they are in very close order. But if they march in open
and spread about, we must admit that they will occupy a much greater
than this and, to the observer, will appear more numerous than if they
lftl'e standing in regular formation. All the more so if they are marching on
tlt.!plng or hilly ground.
-repou ~aeouo:; TUO(JOU<JlV aUTOV ~ KXDf1EvOV f.l'lK66ev ~ 0t<JK0Mf1EVOV Kal
72. As a result, if you want to make your army appear more impressive,
Oteanapf1EVOV. oi 8 naA.at6Tepot TWV TaKTlKWV T~V ne(tK~V TU~LV, o-rav f.lEV E\111
have it drawn up in a very thin line or stay at a distance in loose order or

~:~ttered or spread about. The ancient tactical authorities position the infantry
when it is in formation, with each man occupying four pecheis, but in
order two pecheis and, when it is drawn up shield to shield, a soldier takes
only one pechys. Using this measure, an alert scout can estimate from the
anA.~.:; UK(ao:; Kal EKTTaf1EV'l<; EKU<JTOU
LJtT0\J
do:; f.l~Koo:; Ta<JOOf.lEVOU T~<;
napaTU~W<; KpaTOUVTO<;, W<; e'ip'lTaL, n68ao:; Tp1.:;, ytVOVTat n68eo:; f1DplCt0t:(;

420
EVV~KOVTa, o'i nmoum 8taaT'lf.la
en' eu6dao:; f.llAta OtaK6ata yytoTa. tauTa ~lCV,
wo:; elP'lTal, KaLa TA(av nuKVWO"LV. d 8 Ol0K8aof1EVOl Kal E<JKOp1tLOf1EVOI

KlVOUVTat, Of10AOYOUf1VOV eonv on noA.A.anA.ao(ova TOU f.lETpou TOUTOU Kat
exovm T6nov Kal nA.e(oveo:; TWV EV Tfi TU~l E<JTWTWV T4> 6<p6aA.f14> imon(mournv.
i 8
425
ev nA.ay(q.> T6nq.> Kal tJ\jiT]AOTEpq.> nepmmoumv, ETl nA.eov.
TTaYf1EVT], -reocrapao:; n~xno:; L<JTWOL TOV eva av8pa KUTEXlV. OTaV 8 !':on
nenUKVWf.lEVT], do:; Mo n~xno:; o-rav 8 KUTa cruvaOJtl<Jf.lOV
430
ev napa-ra~l n~x\lV
eva Ka-rexnv TOV OTpaTlWT'lV, WOT Kal EK TOUTOU TOU f.lETpou TOV CtKpl~~ OKOUA
K(lTOpa avaA.oyl(eo6at uno TOU f.l~Kouo:; TOU -r6nou ou f.lOVOV TWV Ka~aAA.ap(wv,
ana Kal ne(wv TO nA.~eoo:;.

73 TocrauT'lo:; TOLWV Ota<popao:; OUO'lo:; e'(o:; T Tao:;
ou Mov 0,
435
Ta~eto:; Kal do:; Ta crx~f.laT\1,
wOTpaT'lYE, eio:; ane(pouo:; TWV TOlOUTWV av6pwnouo:; Tao:; OKOUAKU~
~TOl -rao:; Ota TWV KaTacrK6nwv TWV
awv OtaKp(crno:; KaTUJtlOTUlV
TOUTWV ~lyA.ao:;, f.lf]Ot Toio:; nap' aUTWV,
~ Tao:; mpl
wo:; -ruxev, AYOf1EVOl<; Jtt0TULV. UVelK\1
OTOV yap EOTLV TOL<; nOAAOL<; Kat UKaTaVOf]TOV, e'iye tmf:p TU<; e'iKOOl ~ TptaKOVT\1
419 ad Kpa-I:ouv-ro~ des. W
410 6pyutav A 6pyuav MWVBE
I 6pyutal AVBE 6pyual MW
414 -reA.dav Jt\JKVWO"lV MW trsp. AVBE
cruyKeXUflEVov AVBE I O!eO"KeOaO"flEVOV M O!ecrKopmO"f.LEVOV A VBE
~tyA<i-rwpa
412 Kal MW om. AVIII
415 ou-rw MW ou-rw~ AVBE
426 KEXUflEVOV f\1
430-431 O"KOUAKCrropu
AVBE 431 -roi;t M -rou au-roii AVBE 432 Kal M Kal -rwv AVBI
I avepwnou~ M avepw1!0l~ AVBE 434-436 O"KOUAKU~.
~iyA.a~ M ~iyA.a~ KUTU1tlO"TEUElV AVBE 436 e-ruxev M e-ruxe A VBE I mcr-reuetv M (lfll
AVBE 43 7 etye M el-re AVBE
434 cmetpOU~ M Ct1letp0l~ AVBE
of the place not only the number of cavalrymen but also that of the
in fun try.
73 Since, therefore, there are such great differences in formations and
urganization, you must not, 0 general, entrust the scouting to men inexperi:IIH.:ed in these matters. Neither should you place confidence in the judgments
flltmed by your spies or the patrols about these matters or have confidence in
~~t~ual reports from them. Most people are incapable of forming a good estimate
I! nn army numbers more than twenty or thirty thousand men, especially if they
424
Surprise Attacks 42 5
Constitution 17
to a nation that brings along large herds of horses. Hence it is necessary
xtA.taow:; en(, Kat ~taA.tcna rrt 9vwv, ohtv<; rroA.f..ouc; '(rrrrouc; mm)povnt~
ret
440
Xtlll
il:
t\LHLFHO ll t1U \'.
74 MllOE rrpoxdpw<; aywvtav rri Talc; ATrTl1t<; Kal f.lUKpnl<; rrnpma~fOI ,\,.'
rrt..~eou<; urr6vOtaV d yap f.l~ dmv avaA.6yw<; xou<Jat TO ~aeoc; f.lEya, TrOOP\
ouK xoumv. Ta<; 8 ~aeda<; rro/..urrpayf.lovdTwaav oi KaTCt<JKorrot, d TOY nmA
8ov <JUVTETaKTat Tft rrapaTCt~l oma9V ~ f.lOVOl (mAlTa[ dmv.
'''I
such matters to
men.
You ought not to be easily troubled by a thin, long line of troops, susperhaps that it is a large army. Unless its depth is proportionate, its
strength will not be great. Have your spies investigate its depth. Is the
nff~tuu'~" train drawn up behind the main force or does it consist only of fighting
1
75 Ta f.lEV ouv rrpt TOU TrO<JOU 8uvm6v E<JTlV aKpt~E<JTf:pov YLVW<JKW9at I'll<)
~f.la<;, Kat 8ta Twv KpaTouf1vwv txepwv, d

A119t Of. Tl<; Kat 8ta rrap68ou (JTVWTpwv TOTrWV, ETl 8 Kat 8ta TWV arrA~KTWV, l
445 T Twv rrpom:pwy6vTwv rrpoc;
<JUf.l~ft auTOU<; ~VWf.lEVW<; arrAtKULV.
76. 'Eav 8 fl~ aTtv <poaaaTov txepwv v f.lEV Tote; aTVwTpotc; T6rrot~ tli'
6/..[ywv KaTa TU<; TWV TOTrWV etaet<; Tr0ll T<l<; <JKOUAKa<;, de; 8 TOU<; Of.laAOU<; KHl
450 yuf.lvouc; T6rrouc; v 8ta<p6pOt<; flpwt 8ta rrf..et6vac; rrOtou Ta<; <JKOUAKa<;, Mll
KaTa (JUVEXLav Kat arro Ota<JT~flaTO<;, Kat flCtAt<JTa de; TU<; VUKTa<;, OTQV euxepn
av xn 6 txepo<; 8ta TOU TOTrOU ou av ~OUAfJTaL A.aedv Kat ai<pvt8ta<Jat, rrpoKavn
v(~wv TU<; ~[yAa<;, av 6:\(yat da[ Kat8ta TOUTO arro 8ta<JT~flaTO<; TU<; ~[yAn<; <'\!!
yivwem, Kat aA.A.maA.A.~A.ouc; v 8ta<p6potc; T6rrotc; Tote; mT'l8dot<; Kat auxwl<<.
455 aA.A.aaawem.
77. rvwet o OTl '(otov <':tpf.108(wv KaTa<JKOTrWV E<JTt TO <ppov~<Jl Kat aypurtvll}
TOTrOU<; T Kat KlV~(Jl<; TrOAfllWV KaTa<JK07ttV. TOU<; o TOLOUTOU<; A.a<ppQ. 6nA!
(Jt XPfi<J9at 8ov, Kat '(rrrrou<; EXLV Taxet<; ei<; TO CtVflTr08t<JtW<; 00UlV, Kat TOll\,
flEV ~rrAopaTwpa<; ~TOL KaTa<JKOTrOU<; 8fj9ev U<jlO~WTepov <Juv8taynv toit;
460 TrOAfllOl<;, W<JT OflOYVl<; autou<; eLVQl
VOfll~<J9at, TOU<; 8 ~tyAaTopac; TrlO'TOil~
dvat Kat e'LOl <JWflaTO<; avopet4J Kat 'iJUXii UT0Afl4J Kat 6rrA[<Jl Aaflrrpouc; Knl
TWV A.omwv mpmtwTwv 8ta<pepetv, w<Jt ~ rrOL~<JavTa<; n yevvatov pyov
M!l
av8plov navA9lv ~ ~wypfJ9EvTa<; rrapa TOt<; TrOAflLOl<; 9aUf1Ct~W9at.

438 XLAH'toac; ten[ M XlAUlOac; ecrrlv TO flETpov A VBE 440 rrpoxdpwc; M cmA.wc; K(l\
ihuxev A VBE I aywvtiiv De aywv[a codd. I A.ema1c; ... flaKpatc; M trsp. A VBE 441 exoullti!
M exoucrm Kat A VBE I f!Eya rrocrov M TIOAU TIA~8oc; A VBE 442 TOY De TO codd. 444
M TO A VBE I ytvwcrKwem M emytvwcrKwem A VBE 445 rrpocrcpeuy6vrwv ... ~flU<; M l"I'
A VBE 448 ecrnv M ecrTt A VBE 449 KaTCt M rrmdv Tac; ~1yA.ac; rrpoc; A VBE I rroln
crKOUAKac; Mom. AVBE 450 flEpecrt M f!Epecrtv AVBE 450-451 rrowii ... cruvexELav M
TIOlElV rae; ~[yAac; Kat TIUKVU<; AVBE 451-452 euxepetav M EUKOA[av AYI\1
452 ~OUAT]Tat M ~ouA.nm A VBE 452-453 rrpoKavov[~wv M rrpoKavov[<wv kHl
rrpocrKorrwv A VBE 453 Eicr[ M Eicrtv AVBE I Tac; ~1yA.ac; 2 M TauTac; AYI\1
456 b.pf.LOOLWV ... eaT\ M tern KaracrKOTIWV A VBE 457-458 eA.acppii ... oeov M oeov EAl1<Pi'''
OTIAL(jl xp~crem A VBE 459 e~rrA.op6.Twpac; ~TOl M om. A VBE I o~eev M om. A vI \1
461 dOEl M f1Eye8El A VBE I avope[w Mom. A VBE I EUTOAflW M TOAfll]PW A VBE
More accurate information about the numerical strength may be obfrom defectors to us, from enemy prisoners and, if one wishes, from the
of narrow defiles and from the camps, if they happen to make camp all
If there is not a fortified enemy camp, set up patrols in the more narrow
l~11:11tions with a few men, depending on the nature of the ground. In unobltl'llcted and open country set up the patrols with more men, in different places,
!fl touch with one another and further out. This particularly applies at night,
the enemy has the opportunity, in a place of their choosing, to avoid
d~tection and launch a surprise attack, evading the pickets if they are few in
tntmber. For this reason, the patrols should be changed frequently and at
h1tervals, one after another, in various suitable locations.
77. Be well aware that it is the specific task of competent scouts, intelligent
alert men, to observe closely the positions and movements of the enemy.
men must make use of light weaponry and possess fast horses to move
!!bout without hindrance. Explorers or spies must be truly without fear and
ltlOVe right in with the enemy, so as to pass for belonging to the same people.
Men making up the patrols must be reliable and they should be a cut above the
nther soldiers in projecting a manly, physical appearance, in boldness of spirit,
1md in brilliance of armament. Thus they will come back to us after having
~wrformed a noble, manly task or, if taken captive, they will be admired by the
g;m:my.
426
Constitution 17
78. T<'W
ot
apxovm T~<; O'KOUAKa<; aypunvov Kal <pp6vqwv Kal ffJ.TtELpuv
i\ltnt ll HilV O'KOUAKltT(lpwv XPElU.

79 M6vou<; o TOU<; KClTa<JKOTtOU<; CtTtOO'TEAA f1UKp68ev fTl nov TtOAEf.llW\'
cmayyeAAOflEVWV, ~v[Ka flUAlO'Ta ~ouA.n f1U8lv ~ KlVJl<JlV ex8pwv ~ 8mv Mwv 1\
KUlc\ypunv[et<;
TOTtWV oxupwmv.
So. 'Otav 0 Ttl TtP KataaxLv TlVa<; ~ emOpOfl~ E<Jll, TOT UVUflEfllYflEVOll~
470
TOUTOU<; flETa TWV <JKOuhat6pwv np6amaae dvm, Kal au-rou<; flEV npoEKtpl'
xnv Kal ~ an6mwv ~youv U'\fJlAWV xwpiwv KQTa<JKOTtELV, LOU<; o <JKOUAKatoput,
UKOAou8Lv EKELVOl<; Kal OOJ1yE1a8m nap' autwv.
SL Ta<; 0 <JKOUAKa<; ~ ~[yAa<; v tot<; avayKatol<; Katpoi<; fl~ TtOlOU CtTtAd\,
ano EVO<; flEpou<;, ana Ola<p6pouc; Kal UAAETtClAA~AOU<;, Kata T~V tOU TOmJ\1
475
8mv, Kal ano otaat~flmoc; iKavou Yva, ei <JUfl~fl LOu<; x8pouc; -r~v fliav 8La,\a0
ELV, eic; I -roue; &A.Aou<; nepmimovte<; fl~ OtaA<i8wm. Kal TOU<; flEV ev tfl npunn
~[yA<;t ovm<; 6.\.tywtepouc; TtOlOU, tou<; o f1Et' eKeivou<; v tfl oeutepq TtAelOU~.
Ketl tOU<; ev tfl tphn en nft..e[ouc;.
S2. MJ10E Ka8[(etv fl~T avaKAtVea8m -roue; ~tyA.euovmc; TtapayyeA.At:.
Ka8anep Ketl ev etepOL<; nepl tOUtOU <JOl TtUPJlYYLAClflV Yva fl~, p<;t8Uf10Tpov
tOU pyou autWV ytVOflEVOU, aTtOAWVtat. Kat yap ~ Ka8opa Kal ~ avaKAl<Hl;
UTtVOV flUAl<JTa <ppet. Ketl oi TOUtO TtOlOUVT<; aypunveiv ou ouvavtm. aA.)u1
flJlOE, eav nayyA.Awvm[ nvec; Ot' OAJl<; tfi<; VUKTO<; Kpmeiv, mmeuanc; autoic; t'j
yap <pU<JL<; TO 'iOLOV em(JlTEl. Ketl <JU T~V acr<paA.etav Ola tfi<; TWV ~tyA.wv otaoox~~.
Tt0lt<J8m fl~ CtflEAfl<;, Yama8m oe touc; ~tyA.euovmc; TtUVTW<;.
S3. 'H yap enl tfi<; yfic; <JTU<JL<; fletpa[vet TOV UTtVOV Kal f1UAAOV eypJ1y6pout;
touc; L<JlCtflEVOU<; Ttotel. o-rav o xpda, TOT KOTtw8vta<; aA.Aaaaea8m Kata TGL,
oeovaa<; tfi<; VUKTO<; OlCtf1Epl<J8etaa<; autoic; wpac;. ei yap fl~ <ppovti<JW<JlV em
489 ad <i:mf1E>AW<; de novo inc. W
464 O'K01JAKU<; M ~[yA.ac; AVBE 466 O'KOUAKaT6pwv M ~tyA.anbpwv AVBE 468 eemv M
6anc; AVBE 470 tan M tanv AVBE 471 crKouha-r6pwv M ~tyA.a-rwpwv AVBI
472 cm6mwv' .. xwp[wv M TOT!WV tHJ!!]AOTepwv AVBE I O'KOUAKUTopac; M ~tyM-rwpac; AVB!
474 crKOUAKac; ~ M om. AVBE 475 aAA.maH~A.ouc; M tnaH~A.ouc; AVBI
476-477 0taA.a6etv ... iiHouc; M -r~v f1LUV ~[y\av 15taA.a6eiv tv -rft iiHfl AVIll
477 15taA.6.6wat M 15taA6.6wmv AVBE 478 nA.douc; M nA.dovac; AVBE 480 fltj<\i
Ka6[~etv M fl~Te 151:: Ka6[~ea6m AVBE 482 ~ 1 M om. AVBE 484 vuK-roc; M vuK-roc; ritv
~[y\av AVBE I TllO'Tf:UO'I]<; M TllGTf:Ufl<;AVBE 487 tnl. .. a-ramc; M TWV no15wv TUO'l<; AVIll
489 oeouaac; .. ' VUKTO<; M 6.pf10~0UO'a<; -rf)c; VUKTO<; wpac; Kal AVBE I wpac; M om. AVBL !
<ppov-r[awmv M <ppov-r[aoumv AVBE
Surprise Attacks
42 7
7S. For leader of the patrol select an alert, intelligent, and experienced man,
due;, !1(\t call for
to
;.,,t,cry as much as it does for intelligence and alertness.
79 While the enemy are still reported to be far off, send out the spies only
when you wish to learn particulars about the movements of the enemy, the
<ondition of the roads, or how well fortified are the places.
So. When a raid takes place for the purpose of taking prisoners, then order
!he spies to mix in with the men on patrol. But they should go on ahead of them
In make their observations from concealed positions on heights. The patrols
!!hould follow along and be guided by them.
S1. In hazardous circumstances do not send out single patrols or scouting
pttrties in only one direction, but in different ones and constantly changing in
~tt:cord with the nature of the terrain. They should be far enough apart so that, if
enemy happens to elude one, they will run into the others and not be able to
hide. Assign only a few men to the first patrol, more to those following them in
second patrol, and still more to the third patrol.
S2. Order the men on patrol not to sit or lie down, as we have decreed in
nther discussions of this topic. If they grow more slack in their duties, they will
t'erish. Sitting and reclining are particularly conducive to sleep and those who
do so are unable to stay awake. Even if some of them pmmise to remain on duty
through the entire night, do not rely on them, for nature reclaims what is its
own. To assure your security, do not neglect the assigning of patrols, one after
the other. But the men on patrol are always to stand.
S3. For standing up on the ground quenches sleep and renders those who
1\re standing more alert. But, when necessary, relieve those who are worn out,
dividing the night into specific hours of duty for them. If they do not give
428
Constitution 17
490
flAW<; 01tW<; aypunv~awm T~V <pUatV TfW<; TOU UTIVOU xaA.tvwaav-rec;, p<;t8iw<; lh
napa TWV exepwv aTIOAOUVTQl.
84. t:.to XP~ ae KUTU~T)Tetv -rae; ~(yA.ac; Kal onw<; yivov-rm Kalnf11tetv
ma-ro-rpouc; TWV apxov-rwv TOU<; 6<petAOVTa<; ai<pvt8tctaat, Kal m8e1v TIW<; QlltU!
y[vovTat, Kal TOU<; af1AOUVTa<; Tlf1Wpe1a8at we; ahiouc; flYUAOU KlVOUVOU Till
495
mpm(il ytvof1vouc;.
85. 'YnoAUfl~UVW 8 on 6 Ef11tetpo<; O"KOUAKUTWP OUVUTQl an6 nvwv OT)flelWV,
Kal npo -roil i8eiv aU-rov -roue; noA.efl[ouc;, Kamvof]am To fl-rpov -rou nA.~8m1~,
mhwv EK -rf]<; -rwv Ynnwv aU-rwv aua-raaewc; Kal EK -rwv anA.[K-rwv au-rwv. Mvcnm
8 Kal TOY xpovov a-roxaaaaeai 1t0Tf 8ta TOU TOTIOU napeA.ewv EK Tf]<; tlilV
Ynnwv Kal TWV avepwnwv K6npou.
86. 'EQy 8 <poaaaTOV TIOL~anc; ~youv xapaKa KUL ~ TU<pp<.p ~ OlK080fl~~tan
oxupwanc; auTO ~ TlVl i::Tp<;t uA.n, M~n O"Ol 8 eaweev eiaayetv TOU<; Ka~aAA.apl
OU<;, fl~ TIOAU arro 8taOTT)flUTWV 1t0l~anc; Ta<; ~(yA.ac;, Yva fl~ auv-rp[~WVTQl aKul
pw<; oi Ynnot.
87. IIaVTW<; 8 LOU<; 1tff11tOflfVOU<; nl O"KOUAKCIV napayyUnc; wa-re ~wyptl
aa[ nva<; KCil, wanep ETIL TWV KUVT)YLWV, oihw<; GXOAU~flV KCIL anou8a~flV wan
npoGKOUAKfUflV, Kal aOUfl<pUVW<; Kal ayvwmwc; TOU<; flEV 8t' O'ifW<; <pa[vwem
6:\[youc; I OVTa<; Kal imoxwpe1v, O.AA.ou<; 8 KfKPUflflfVOU<; Kal a<pavw<; KCITCIKU
KAOUV npo<; T~V TWV TOTIWV E1tlTT)8flOTT)TQ Kal aA.A.axou flEV OetKVUflV 0~/l\i
E1tlf10VW<;, e-rpw8ev 8 npxeaem flTa TIAflOVWV AfAT)86-rwc; Kal 8taVUKTt:ptl
etv, flUALO"Ta o-rav f1C1Kp68ev 8oKoumv elvat oi TIOAfflLOL, o-rav oM im6votcw
exwm TOUTOU TOU 8paf1CITO<;.
88. Tac; 8 ytVOflfVCI<; ~[yA.ac; fl~ flOVOV LOU<; evav-r[ouc; fl~ ei8vat KaMv,
ana f1Tj8 TOU<; i8[ouc;, A.aveavetv 8 Kal TOY aov mpmov Yva, eav nve<;, (Ll~
flKO<;, npoa<puye1v TOt<; exepo1<; ~OUAT)8WatV EK TOU a-rpa-rou, CtOOK~TW<; TaUTatl,
nepmawmv.
500
505
510
515
490 aypurcv~awm MVBE aypurcv~awmv W A 493 tmlldv MW illeTv A VBE 495 atpan"
AVBE aTpaTJ]YW MW 496 <JKOUAKCnwp MW ~tyA.cnwp A VBE I Ttvwv <Jl]fldwv MW trsp
AVBE 497 aim'>v MW om. AVBE 498 auaTaaew<; MW maaew<; AVBI
499 rcapeA.Owv MW rcap~A.Oov AVBE 501 ~youv xapaKa MW om. A VBE I ~~ AVBE om
MW 502 TLVL tTepa MW trsp. A VBE 503 TCOAU ... OtaOT!]f!UTWV MW arco TCOAAOll
OLUOT~f!UTO<; AVBE 505 OKOUAKUV MW ~iyA.av AVBE 505-506 ~wyp~aai MW ~WVl<l
KpaT~Oat A VBE 506 axoM~LV Kal MW om. A VBE 507 rcpo<JKOUAKULV M \V
rcpo~LYAULV AVBE I UOUfl<jlUVW<; MW aq>avw<; AVBE 508 KKPUflf!EVOU<; MW
KEKpUflf!EVW<; A VBE 510 eTClf!OVW<; De Kal f!OVW<; codd. 511 f!UKp60ev OOKOU<JlV Mw
OOKWOlV A VBE
Surprise Attacks
429
thought to how they are to stay awake and hold sleep in check, they will
be finished off by the enemy.
You must inspect the patrols to evaluate their performance. Also assign
reliable officers to make surprise visits to observe how they are doing. They
ttl punish the negligent for seriously endangering the army.
I assume that an experienced scout, even before the enemy comes into
is able to estimate the size of the army from certain indications, such as
campsite and the place where the horses were standing. He should also be
to estimate the time when they passed through the area from the excrement
and horses.
86. If you set up an encampment, that is, a camp, and fortify it by a ditch or a
wall or with some other material, and you think it a good idea to have the
enter in, do not send the patrols too far off, to avoid unnecessarily wear()Ut the horses.
By all means, you should order the men sent out on patrol to take some
They are to go about this just as in hunting and strive to spy on them
of time, unseen and undetected. A few men should show themselves and
draw back, while others circle around unseen and concealed, as much as
terrain allows, so that while some are constantly showing themselves in one
from another the main concealed body attacks, even spending the night
ttttl achieve this>, especially when the enemy are reported to be far off and
Wtmld not suspect any such activity.
88. It is wise not only to keep the enemy ignorant of the posting of patrols
llut also our own troops. Keep it secret from your army so that, in the eventuality that some of your troops intend to defect to the enemy, they will unexpectedly run right into the patrols.
Surprise Attacks 431
Constitution 17
430
89.'Eav 0 ~OUAfJ8ft<; KaTaaK6nou<; Kpa-r~<Jat 1"WV x8pwv, Oov G 8appl)ml~

-rot<; apxoum 1"0 npiiyf!a, Yva Kamo<; -rot<; {m' au-rov mpanw-rat<; Kal
TOt\,
rrot<; rrapayyAA.n on -ruxov -rft ~~<; nepl oeu-rpav ~ -rpi<fJV wpav <~<;
52o
Ka-ra -r~v npw<fJV <pwv~v -rou ~ouKivou, ehe a-rpanw<fJ<; ehe nat<; mtv,
d<; -r~v ioiav -rv-rav Yva da\8n, Kal f!fJOel<; <OAf!~an ~w8ev <~<; -rv-ra<;
Vat rrel <JW<ppovi~nm. Kal f!e1"a 1"0 rrav-ra<; tGA8dv, au-rou<; 1"0U<;
f!EVLV ~w8ev -rwv -rev-rwv Kal 8ewpetv, Yva oaou<; ~w8ev -rwv -rev-rwv
aU-ro(, KpaT~GWGLV au-rou<;. 1"0U<; 0, w<; etKO<;, eLGPXOf!EVOU<; d<; -ra<; 1"EVTth,.
525 -rwv Kov-rou~epviwv auAAaf!~<lvov-rm Kal Kpa-r~aoum Kai napaowaoum nil

apxovn. v yap yivnat -rwv Mo d<; -rov Ka1"CtGKOTrOV ~ yap ~w8ev
auvxe-rat w<; f!~ dow<; rrou cmeA.8Lv ~ Kai, w<; dK6<;, <':tv 8app~an eim:Afh:!v
nvt -rwv KOV1"0U~pviwv, W<; ~vo<; mytvWGK1"al Kai rrapaoioo-rm
<<9
apxmn
-rou KOV1"0U~pviou. nav-ra<; ODV -roil<; 6nwaouv Ka-ra 1"0U1"0V -rov -rp6rrov
530 GKOf!EVOU<; Od Kpmda8m,
~na~wem
wme
ehe 'Pwf!atOl OOKOUGLV dvm ehe aAA.oyevei~.
EK18ev eupt<JKW8at 1"~V aA.~8etav. 1"0U1"0 0 yivnat Kal
<poaaanp auvfJwvou a-rpa-rou ~ rre~tKou ~ Ka~aAA.aptKou m<fJOiw<;,

o Kai Ka-ra 1"0 f!Epo<; f!Ef!EplGf!EVW<; ~ 1!CtAlV Ka-ra -rawa U11ALKUOV1"WV.
90. fivnm 0 Kai Ot' -rpwv -rotou-rwv Kal Of!OLWV GfJf!eLWV Ota<p6pttlV
535 niyvwm<; 1"WV dpfjf!EVWV Ka<aGKOTrWV, anva avayKai6v EG1"LV ETtl1"fjOet)t;!\lj
wa-re
Ota<popa
I <JfJf!Eta ~-rot rrapayyA.f!a<a rrotdv. lif!a yap Kat ol KaniaKtHtll~
nov x8pwv EK 1"0U1"WV <pavepouv-rm, Uf!a o Kat o[ mpanw-rat 8(~0V1"al rrr!Or

a8at -rot<; apxoumv au-rwv Kal <j>UACt1"1"lV ETtlf!AW<; -ra f!aVOa-ra, av f!CtAI!l
f!E<piw<; nw<; aw<ppovi~wv-rm ol Uf!Aouv-re<; rrept au-ra. av yap -ro rrapayye.\pt1
540 6o8ft napa -rou lipxov-ro<; -rot<; a-rpanw-rm<; f!U<J1"LKW1"pov, Kat -rou-ro ayvod
pW1"Wf!VO<; 6 Ka<CtGKOTrO<; lOU x8pou -raxw<; UptGK1"at, UAA01"pto<; WV toll

auv8~f!a<o<;, Kal OUK xwv 1"0 GUGGfjf!OV -rou <j>lAlOU a-rpa-rou. OUK a-rorrov
~\J.
If you wish to capture enemy spies, entrust this responsibility to your

Have each one announce to the soldiers under his command, and to the
that on the next day, probably about the second or third hour of the day, at
ftr!it blast of the trumpet, each individual, soldier or serving boy, is to enter
flWn tent.' 0 Anybody who dares to be discovered outside his tent will be
After everyone has gone inside, the officers themselves remain oute tents to observe, so they can arrest anyone found outside the tents. The
members should seize and hold those who may have entered the tents
hand them over to their own officer. One of two things will happen to the
lf he stands around outside, he will be caught, since he does not know
to go or, in the likelihood that he is bold enough to enter the tent of one
squads, he will be recognized as a stranger and handed over to the squad's
nmtander. Every person caught in this manner must be detained, whether
pear to be Romans or foreigners. They should be interrogated to
their true identity. This may be done in an expeditious manner when
y, either foot or horse, is concentrated in camp or it may also be done
in camps of a single meros or tagma.
o. The spies we have been discussing may also be detected by other means
likewise, by a variety of signs, which you must be ready to employ, so as to
fferent signals or commands. At the same time that the enemy spies are
by these means, our soldiers also become accustomed to obey their
and to follow orders carefully, particularly if a reasonable punishment is
out to those who are careless about such matters. If the command is given
atcretly by the officer to the soldiers and the enemy spy does not know the
pttssword when asked, he is quickly found out, since he is ignorant of it and does
nut know the sign of the friendly army. It is not a bad idea to give other signs
517-544 Cf. Polyaen. 3.13.1.

521 TEVTUV MW -rvoav AVBE I TEVTa~ MW -rvoa~ AVBE 523 TEVTWV 1 MW nvt'h,>V
A VBE I TEVTwv 2 MW -revowv AVBE 524 TEVTU~ MW TEVOa~ AVBE 525 KOVTOU~<pvluv
AVBE Kou-roupepv[wv MW I cruA.A.af.lPavovmt Kal MW om. AVBE I Kpa-r~croum MVIII

KpaT~croumv WA 1 Kal rrapaowcroum M Kal rrapaowcrouow W om. AVBE 526 iipx()\' n
MW iipxovn rrapaowcroumv AVBE I y[vnm ... Mo MW EK -rwv Mo y[vnm /\ VIll
527 cruvtxnm MW Kpa-re'lmt AVBE 528 Kovwu~epv[wv AVBE Kou-roupepv[wv i\1 W
529 KOVTOU~epv[ou A VBE Kou-roupepv[ou MW 533 TO MW om. AVBE I f!Ef!Eptafltv<n,
MW f.lEf.lEplOf!EVOU AVBE I UliAlKWOVTWV MW UliAlKEUOVTO~ AVBE 534 &' MW i IIi
AVBE 537 wu-rwv MW -rou-rou AVBE 541 epWTWf.lEVO~ MW om. AVBE
10.
For 89-90 cf. Polyaenus 3.13.1; Sylloge tacticorum, 83.2
432
Surprise Attacks
Constitution 17
iiA.A.a Kat crx~f.lala Kat f.lav8crra 8tMvm TOt~ GTpamirrm<; OLaV fJ.CtAtcrTa
tiotnmands to the soldiers, especially when they are at leisure, to test them
get them used to following orders.
t:tii!Ul
pwatv, Iva Kat80Ktf.lacr0watv Kat v 0t yvwvTat TOU <pUACtHtV auTO..

545
91. 'Eav 8 TrOT cruAA.a~n<; KamcrK6rrou<;, f.l~ KEXPf1Gat el<; auTOU<; f.lt~ Klll
auTft yvwf.ln T[QVTOT, aAA.' av f.lEV acr0evmepa f.lCtAAOV Ta cra dvat rrapa
TrOAf.lLWV VOf.ll~n<;, TOT KTLVtV TOtHOU<; ~ GUVEXLV EV acr<paAci <ppoup~. EUV
Ka0orrAtGfJ.OV rxn<; icrxupov Kat KaAov Kat rrapacrKU~V iKaV~V Kal OUVUflit'
rroAA~V Kat U~[av ~TOt f.lEye0o~ Kat pwatV GWfJ.CtTWV Kat Trt0~vtOV GTp6.nup11
550 Kal iipxovm~ aplcrTOU<; Kal av8pelou<; Kal Ef.lTretplav f.lf.lATfjf.lEVOU~, crtf)!M'
f.lEV T~v mpaTnav v KOGf.l4J Kal KaTacrTacrn rrpo<; KOf.lTrOV rrap6.A.a~ 8
KaTaGKOTCOU<; Kat TaUTfjV rr[8t~OV auTOt<;. TCtXa 8, i TOUTO TrOt~cra<; a0tiH!\it,
555
aUTOU~ CtTr0TrEf.l\jlt~ el~ tOU<; i8[ou~, OUK av Uf.lapT~crn<;. Kal yap arreA.06vnt"
arrep d8ov avayyeAOUat TOt~ i8fot<;. Ta f.lEV yap TrA0VKT~f.laTa TWV avttn:a,\HlV
arrayyeAAOf.leVa TrOAACtKt<; avayK6.~t <po~cicr0at TOU~ CtKOUOVTa~, Ta 8 EAUTT\1!
f.laTa auTwv 0appe1v TOU~ avnTTaYf.lEVOU~ rrapecrKuacrv. wm i f.lEV A.at tw
f.laTa EXt~, arroAcr0wcrav oi KalCtGKOTrOt el 8 TrA0VKT~f.laTa, f.lCtAAOV an:OAH
0vt<; Kal 8tf1YOUf.lVOt TOt<; Of.l00vmv ei~ OetA[av auTou~ rreptm~crouatv.
92. 'Eav 8 1tp6cr<puye<; arro TWV x0pwv rrp6~ ()" rrapayevwv-rat, Kal ~
8~aa~ aUTOU~ oihw~ aye, rrapayyAA.wv auTO!<; OTt, av f.lEV CtAfj0eucrwatv, l<t!l
rrl GWTfjpt<;t Kat vlKn rravTa T[Ot~crwat tOU GTpaTUf.lalO~, I W<jlAta<; Kal 8wpn\~
Kma~tw0~crovTat. el 8 ~arraT~crwat Kal \jleucrwvTat i<; TOU~ i8fou<; mppi1\lll\

~ouA6f.iVOt To mp6.Teuf.la, ytvwcrKeTwcrav ott rrap' auTov K1vov Tov KUlJlllV
ovT~ v OWfJ.Ol<;, u1to twv Ktv8uveu6vTwv KaTacr<pay~crovTat. Kal yap n:poolpt'l,
MW om. AVBE
545 auUO.~!]<; MW KpaT~OI]<; AVBE
546 fli'iAA.ov MW om. AVBE
napa TWV 110AfllWV AVBE

<pUACtHelV
AVBE
545-546 fl~ ,
546-547 napa ... votti~!]<; MW vopl(!J'.
547 Kn:iVelV MW <jlOVeUelV AVBE
cta<paAeaTCtTI]
I auvexelV ... ao<paAci tv! w
548-550 Ka6onAtOf10V ... flefleAeT!]flEVOU<;
i\1 W
Ka6w11Al0f1EVO<; EOTlV 6 aoc:; OTpaTO<; KUL lKavoc:; Kal 11et66f1eV6<; OOl EX!]<; 0 Kal apxov
avcSpdouc:;
Kal
Ef111etpiav
tKUV~V
KeKT!]flltvouc:;
AVBE 5 50 flefleAeTI]f1VOU<;
ill\
TCt~el AVBE 552-553 a6t0o\>c,

ant:\66VTe<; MW elc:; Toile:; loiouc:; anoAl>aetc:; a\nouc:; oux attapT~Oetc:; ane\66vTec:; yap A \'Ill
554 avayyt:\ouat ... loiOtc:; MW avayye\ouatv atnoic:; AVBE 557-558 ano\u6tvre~ K<!\
MW ano\u6ea6watv AVBE 560 nayyeAA.wvTat imocSel~etv MW umoxvwvTat urroor~l,w
flefleAeT!]flEVI]V
AVBE
MW
551 KOOflW ... KOf1110V
MW
562 oihwc:; MW om. AVBE I aA!]6euawatv MA <'t\!]6euawat WVBE
aTpUTEUflUTO<; MW Tou aTpaTEUflaToc:; naVTa not~awatv AVBE
~anaT~aoum codd.
566-567 npoa<puyou MW np6a<puyoc:; AVBE
91. Do not always deal in one and the same manner with the spies you may
to seize. If you believe that your forces are very weak compared to those
the enemy, then kill the spies or hold them in a secure fortress. If, however,
have a strong and impressive armament, fine equipment, great force, all in
condition, large, physically robust, an obedient army, outstanding and
officers, as well as very experienced, then display your army in its orderly
impressive condition. Invite the spies out to observe it. If you do this and
them back unharmed to their own people, you will surely not make a
ftu~nltu:. After leaving you, they will announce what they have seen to their own
For when the superiority of one's adversaries is made known, it frecompels those who hear it to become frightened, whereas their inferiorcauses those lined up against them to be bold. And so, if you are inferior, let
ilpies be done away with, but if you are superior, let them go so they can so
their compatriots, who will then succumb to cowardice.
92. If fugitives from the enemy present themselves to you and promise to
560 ttva m0crW<; ~ 68Qv rrayyeAAWVTat urro8e[~tV, Kat rrporropeuecr0at, Kal l'l11\
GKOTCWV aop6.TWV Til TOU~ TrOAf.llOU~ eicrayayetV, f.l~ arrAW<; rr[crTU,
543 iiAA.a MW om. AVBE
433
563 rrav 1c1
564 ~anaT~awm I
~u~dose what hour has been fixed for their attack or to show you the road, even
go ahead of you and by unseen signposts to guide you to the enemy, do not
l)llndly trust them. Instead, bind them and deal with them in this way: advise
that if they are telling the truth and they contribute fully to the security
victory of your army, then they will be generously rewarded with benefits
gifts. But if they prove deceitful and lie with the intention of having their
own forces fall upon our army, let them know that at that very moment, while
!!till in chains, they will be slaughtered by those whom they tried to endanger.
434
Constitution 17
Surprise Attacks
you Trl<Jll<:; ~~atOTClTT], eh TrOA1-!lOD rrp6c; 0 d-t cm6 O"OD rrpoc; -roue; TrOAffti
ouc;, TO fl~ dvm au-rov KUplOV -r~c; io(ac; '\fDX~c;, a:\Aa -roue; ~YODflfVODc; au-rm\, i)
EV ole; rrpoaqmyev ~ ~ wv arrqmyv. -roaau-ra flEV ouv dp~aew KUL m:pt T0\1
570
-rwv.l
567-568
etTE 1 .. noA.q.t[ou<;
568-569
~ ... cmeqJUyEv
MW
om.
MW om. A VBE
A VBE
568 au-roue;
MW
au-roii
AVBI'
435
h11 the faith to be placed in a fugitive, whether from the enemy to you or from
you to the enemy, is most firm when he is not lord of his own soul but is subject
In those who have power over him, either among those to whom he has fled or
from whom he has fled. This, therefore, is enough about these matters.
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION XVIII
TIOAEMIKON TIAPALKEYON L\IATA3IL IH'
the Practices of Various Peoples and of the Romans in Their

Battle Formations
1. 'E~~<;
0 Kal 01a<p6pwv
TtapaT6.~ewv
llAETU<; aOL imayopn!aw

UAAWV ElvLK<DV Kal oaal<; txp~aavTO KaT<l Ola<p6pwv Elvwv ol TWV 'Pwlla"lKl\l\1
5 CYTpaTEU!lCtTWV KUTCtp~aVT<; TtCtAUL CYTpaTTJYOL, tva TaUTa<; KUTUVO~CYa<; OU !10ViiV
a\m)<; TOt<; UUTOt<; XP~an CYTpaTllY~!laCYIV EV T<iJ 0oVTI Katp<iJ, ana KUL
TtAiw TOUTWV 11pOTtiVO~anc:;. ayxivOLa yap CYTPaTllYOU oT' av Kal a<pOP!l~<; TIVOI,
Op6.~11TUL TtPUY!lCtTWV mpUTTJYIKWV, ou 1-LEXPI<; EKivwv lCYTUTUL !lOVWV, ana lHil
TtAiw TouTwv Ttpoae<peupiaK1V ouvaTat.
10
2. 'H !lEV ouv avvex~<; YV!lvaaia TWV TUKTLKWV KIV~CYWV W<pEA1aV
Tton~v T<iJ aTpUTIWTn 11011. KaTCt011AO<; OE aUT~ euxepw<; TOt<; xElpot<; yive f1\l
016. T KamaK6Ttwv Twv aTto Twv txElpwv Kal Twv, w<; eiK6<;, Ttpoa<pwy6vTwv
aUTOU<;, Kat Ola TOUTO TtonaKI<; !lEl00EUO!lfVll Kal KaTUVOOU!lfVll UTtpaKTm,
euptCYKeTUL.
15
3 ApK1 ouv ~ Ttap' ~!lWV 6p1aEletaa yullvaa(a tv Tft Ttepl auT~<; ~IllY dpi1
llvn OIUTCt~1, CtTtA~ ouaa Kal 01' aUT~<; Ttaan TCt~1 apllo(O!lfVll KUL!lllOE TtoufiAt
Kt(eaElat TtOIOUCYU T~V Ttaaav Ttap6.Ta~IV.
4 'Eav 0 Tuxn Kal euKatpia 11oAA.~ 11po<; 11i(ova yu11vaaiav Kal llTewpt
CYf16v, Oet ToTe 8ta<p6pou<; !lEV TCt~1<; Kal yu11vaaia<; Ta 1-LEPll, ~Tol Ta<; Toupwt.; 11
20 Opouyyou<; ~ Ta ~6.voa TWV KO!l~TWV KaEl' EUUTa E11LT110U1V, TOUT' ean, Kat
A.exElLaav Ttpo<; TO XPELWOe<; KUL ana<; EK 11p1CYCYOU, ei Kal OUK avayKaia<; c\! L
aU' ouv ev TIVI Katp<iJ TtOT XPllCYL!lOU<;.
M W A VB E
10-93
Va,Hung.
1. Next, I will teach you about the various battle formations employed by
nations, as well as those that the commanders of Roman armies, going

to ancient times, made use of against different peoples. After getting to
these, not only will you make use of the same stratagems at the proper
but you will be able to devise many more in addition. For the shrewd
when he seizes an opportunity for military strategies, will not stop
at those but will be able to invent many more.
Constant drilling in tactical movements is of great benefit to the soldier.t
easy, however, for the enemy to learn what is going on through the spies
send out or, as is likely, from our men deserting to them. The result is that,
1bhough well observed and correctly done, drills are often found to be without
3 Actually, the drill described by us in the constitution devoted to it is sufIts simplicity by itself makes it adaptable to any formation without disdosing our entire plan of battle.
4 If a good opportunity for more extended drilling and exercises presents
then it is necessary for each division, that is, each tourma or droungos or
wunt's bandon, to practice various formations and drills by themselves. There is
!he one prescribed for actual use and those additional ones which, although not
11lways necessary, may be useful on certain occasions.
PG 107:946
Strat., 6.praef.
1lOAflLKWV 1!apaCJK\JWV MWA om. VBE I L!]' A VBE 1<' MW 3 flAETa~ CJOL MW tr'l'
A VBE 7 1!AeLW MW 1!A[ova A VBE ITipoemvo~CJT]~ MW 7!pocremvo~CJT]~ A VBE I ih' i\v
De ot iiv M cn:av W A VBE

11 euxepw~ ... y[ve-rat
12 arro MWAV imo
<pau>..i<ecr6at A VBE
20
8 flOVWV MW flOVOV A VBE
9 1!AeLW MW 1!Adova A VIll
MWV TOt~ ex6poi~ UKOAW~ y[ve-rat A TOt~ ex6pot~ y[vTUL UKOAW~ Ill
BE
15 ~flWV MWV
~flLV
ABE
16-17 1lOU~ALKi<w9at
17 rrowucra MWA V rroLOUflEVJ] BE
ecrn MBE ecrnv WAV
22
XPT]CJLflOU<; MW XP!]CJLflW~ A VBE
M\\
18 Kall MW om. A V Ill

1.
Sections
2-15
derive from Strat. 6.praef.
438
25
30
35
40
45
Battle Formations of the Romans and Various Peoples
Constitution 18
s. "Iva -rft Kcw-rn -ra~et Kal yuflvaaiq. yvwptafla '(otov bme8ft, Kal ol ~ti:v
a-rpanw-rm -r~v ota<popav EKU<JTT]c; n:apa-ra~ewc; yvwpi~oumv tv auv118Eiq. nilv
KlV~(JEWV ytVOf.LEVOl, Kal fl~ ~EVO<pWVOU<JlV we; OUK ElOOTEc;, o-r' liv a8p6wc; au-roit,
ayyeA.8ft nc; n:apa-ra~tc;, fl~ o'loam 0 T~V f.LEAAOU<Jav ni~LV un:o TOU <JTpaTTjyo\l
yivw8m KaT' au-rov TOV TOU n:oAEf.LOU Katp6v.
6. Eialv oiiv ota<popal TWV TU~EWV TWV Kala <JX~fla YLVOf.LEVWV -rpe1c; wv pill
~ XPELWOT]c;, fi-rtvt Kal 'Pwf.Laiotc; xp~a8m auvTj8Ec;. Kal ~ !lEV tmtv ~TLc; aotaKpi
-rwc; exouaa -ra -rawam, Tou-r' eanv, OUK de; KOupaopac; ~TOl n:poKAamac;, Kal
Ol<pEV<JOpac; ~TOl tKOLKouc; otnPTJPEVT], O.nva XP~ tn:l !lliic; n:apal-ra~ewc; TUHflV,
Kal OUKETl de; -rpe1c;, aAA.a de; ouo poipac; OtatpElV, t<p' 4> KlVOUVTWV TWV Otl!l
KEpa-rwv we; n:poc; KUKAW<JlV, Kal n:poc; UAAT]Aa tmKAlVO!lEVWV Kal t!ln:EptA.ap
~av6v-rwv EUKatpov xwpiov, TO f.LEV Oe~lOV Kepac; t~w-repov, TO OE apta-repov
taw-repov n:apepx6!1EVOV KUKAOElOWc;, T~V tvav-r[av aAA.~A.wv tA.auvwmv, llv
-rp6n:ov ev T<fl !lapTltp f.LT]Vl n:OT oi Ka~aAAaptot n:at~OV.
7 'H OE UAAT] ta-rl n:apa-ra~tc;, o-r' liv tn:l f.Lliic; Ta~ewc; TQ(J(JOVTat un:o Koupao
pac; Kal Ol<pEvaopac;, otnPTJ!lEVac; 01;: -rae; !lOLpac; an:o a' ~ u' n:oowv aAA.~A.wv
an:oOtWTWTac;, Kal tv Tft KlV~<JEl <JUV tA.aa(q. TWV Koupa6pwv t~EPXO!lEVWV h;
KUTUOLW~lV, eha un:ompE<pOVTWV, OT !lEV eic; TU OtaA.et!l!laTa, ~TOt de; Ta EUKUI
pa xwp(a au-r~c; e~EAL<J<JW8at, Kal a11a TWV Ot<pEV<JOpwv XWPELV KaLa TWV tx8
pwv, n:OTE OE un:omp<povmc; 8t' au-rwv TWV Ota<JTT]flUTWV cmtpxw8at, Kal tn:l n\
aKpa LOU !1Epouc; <pa(vw8m -roue; tK TWV ouo !lEPWV Koupaopac;, EKa<JTOV tile;
t-raxe 11 .
8. 'H 0 ETEpa n:apa-ra~(c; t<JTLV OT' UV tn:l !llCt<; n:apaTU~EWc; TQ<J<JOVTal, Kal ll
!lEV !lEO'T] !lOlpa eic; Ot<pvaopac; y(vnm, ai OE Ka-rpw8ev au-r~c; !lOLpat elt;
KOupaopac;, d-ra T~c; tA.aa(ac; we; de; tmo(w~tv ytVO!lEVT]c;, ~ !lEY !lE<JT] !lOtpa tv
36 ad f!UpT[w des. W
28-29 Strat., 6.1.
37-39 Strat., 6.2.
s. Each formation and drill should be identified in a special way so the

~oldiers
who are trained in these movements may recognize the difference between each battle formation. Thus the words will not be strange to them because
of ignorance. Whenever a certain battle formation is suddenly announced to
them, they will know the plan which the commander intends to implement
when the time comes for battle.
6. Now then, there is a threefold division of simulated formations. The first
Is a useful one that even the Romans were accustomed to use. 2 In this one the
units are not split up, that is, not divided into assault troops, also called proklastai, and defenders, also called ekdikoi. They are formed in one battle line, not
divided into three moirai as heretofore but into two. The two flanks move out in
an encircling maneuver, heading toward each other, and surrounding an open
!!pace. They continue along as in a circle, the right wing on the outside and the
left on the inside, and thus ride into the opposite section of each other's line. The
cavalry used to play at this sort of thing in March.
7. Another formation has them drawn up into a single battle line, some as
assault troops and some as defenders. 3 This is divided into moirai separated
from each other by about two hundred or four hundred feet. The assault troops
charge out in pursuit, riding at a gallop, and then turn back. Sometimes they
filter into the intervals, that is, the clear spaces in the line, join together with the
defenders, and then charge out against the enemy. At other times, they turn
around and march out through those same intervals; the assault troops from
both divisions then show up on the flanks of the meros, each man in his original
position.
8. Still another battle formation has the troops drawn up in one battle line,
with the middle moira composed of defenders and the moirai on both sides
composed of assault troops. 4 Maintaining their pace, as though in pursuit, the
45-47 Strat., 6.3.
MW yvwp[<wmv AVBE 25 ~evocpwvoiimv ... eiMw:; MW ~ev[<wvTOI

MW aicpvtO[w<:; miToT<:; rrapaTa~[<:; n<:; ayyeft.Sij AVBF
26 o[oam MA VBE o'(oamv W 28 tpeT<:; wv AVBE tptaawv MW 29 ~n<:; MW ~ AVBE
MW wae Avm:
3 o ~Tot MW ~youv AVBE 3 2 ana MWV aU' ABE 1 tcp'
34 xwp[ov MW Tcmov AVBE 35 eft.auvwmv MW EAQUVELV AVBE 37 Ta~ew<:; MW om.
AVBE 38 a' ... u' MW OLUKOO'lWV ~ TETpaKOO'LWV AVBE 38-39 aAA~AWV arroOtean!Ha~
M an' aAA~AWV Otean!Ha<:; AVBE 40-41 OLUAelflflUta ... UlJTfj<:; M BtaxwptO'flUTU U\JT~<:
AVBE 41 Twv 8tcpeva6pwv M toT<; Otcpevaopm AVBE I Kma twv M Kat' avTwv AVBE
46 avtfj<:; M avToT<:; AVBE
24 yvwp[<oumv
AVBE
439
25-26 a6p6w<:; ... rrapam~L<:;
2.
Strat. 6.1.
3 Strat. 6.2.
4 Strat. 6.3.
440
Constitution 18
i:naKOAoued we; 8t<pvaopa<;, a[ 8 EKaTpw8v flOlpat W<; Koupoo,ll

i;~pxov-rat. dTa i:v T<Jl lJTIOGTpE<pLV ~ fli:V flla flOlpa flEVl, ~TOL i:fl~paOUVLt
so ~ 8 UAAT] CJUV i:A.aai<;t unoGTpE<pL we; i:nl TOU<; 8t<pvaopac;, KalmiALV KLVOtHJqt,
T~<; anofltvO.aTJ<; we; npoc; Toile; 8t<pvaopac;, ~ CiAA.TJ we; de; cmavTTJGLV TPEXOI'1h!
8t' l':voc; flEpou<; i:nepxnm, Kal T<Jl Tp6mp Tounp flia napa flLav ai flOtpat
np6awnOL aAA.~A.wv eupiaKovTat, fl~ auyKpououam l':auw1<;.
9 "Eon 8 Kat UAAfj OflOLOTpono<; auT~<; de; TO i:vavTiov TaCJGOflEVfj, lU\li
55 an, T~v fli:v flEGflV flOtpav Koupaopac; xouaa, Ta<; 8 l':KaTpw8ev Mo ~toip<h,
8t<pEvaopac;, i:v Tate; dpfjflEVat<; Ktv~awtv.
10. 'H flEVTOL auv~8fl<; 'Pwflaiot<; T<i~t<; Kat yuflvaaia aUTfl npo<; nav
i:Jmf]8da ~fllV <paivnat, TO"UT' anv, oT' av etc; Mo TCt~l<;, de; npOflCtXOU~
~Ofj80u<; TCtCJCJTat uno Koupaopa<; Kat Ot<pvaopa<;, Kat nA.ayto<pUAaKac; n:
6o unt:pKt:pama<;, Kat i:v8pouc; Kat VWTO<pUAaKac;, KaTa TOV npwnv A.exeevTa
cp6nov.
11. Xp~ ouv ~ Ta<; eipfjflEVac; 8ta<popa<; Twv napaT<i~ewv i:8i~nv Tov mpnn'v,
Yva fl~ nou~A.tiKi~T]TaL ~ avayKatOTEpa, ~ T~<; npWTfjc; T<i~ew<; yuflva~OflEVl)~
<5uTpav TCt~LV fl~ <ppLV fld aUT~<;, CtAAa flOVfjV T~V npWTfjV UVU n\aytn
65 <pUACtKWV Ktlt unt:pKt:pamwv Of]AOVOTL Kat i:v8pwv Kat VWTO<pUACtKWV,
nA.Eov ~fllV Cl11AOUCJTpov Kat avayKatOTpov <paivnat, aA.A.a TOT avTl
8wTpa<; TCt~W<; 6A.iyouc; Ka~aAA.apiouc; GXflflaTLKWc; ornaeev LCJTCtV, Yva npo<;
8t0.GTflfla i:Kdvo i:ei~wvTat npoa<peuym oi T~<; npwTfl<; T<i~ewc;. 6floiwc; 8
Kat T~v 8wTpav T<i~tv yuflvO.~nc;, Kat 6A.iyouc; i:v TCt~L T~c; npwTfj<; T<i~n'''
70 nOLfi<;, ~TOL npoT<iaanc; tva i:8i~fjTaL ~ 8wTpa waauTwc; TOU<; T~<; npWTfj<; TCt~t:tll\,
KaTa<peuyovTa<; de; auTouc; Mxweat.
12. LluvaTOV 8 ioiw<; Kat TOUc; nA.ayto<puAaKa<; Kat TOU<; unt:pKt:paaTa<; l
i8iav T<i~tv Kat yuj.lvaaiav npo wu nOAEf!OU not1v Yva Kat i:8i~fjTat 6 mpm1''
ni~l
58 ad
<rrpo>flaxou~
de novo inc. W
48 8Lcpvcropa~ M Otcpevcrwp AVBE I t':Kmepw8ev ... Km)pcropa~ M ~ Ctf!cpo-repwv -rwv fltl'"'"

w~ Koupcrwpa~ Av ~ EKUTEpwv TWV f!Epwv BE 52 rrepxnm ME trrepxov-rat AVB I rrapt'(
f!Oipat De rrapaf!ia f!Oipa codd. 53 cruyKpououcrat t':aumi~ AV yKpououcrat t':au-roit, M
cruyKp6oucrat BE 54 Kal M om. AVBE 55 an MVBE crnv A I xoucra M exou"'tv
AVBE 59 -racrcrnat urro MW -racrcrl]TUl rrpo AVBE I Kai' MW om. AVIII
6 3 rrou~A.tKi(!]Tat MW cpauA.i(T]Tat AVBE 65 O!]A.ov6n MW om. AVBE 67 OXI]f!UTIK''
MW v crx~flUTl AVBE 68 ioia MW om. AVBE 69 yuf!VCt(!]~ MW ioia yuflvacrn~ AVII!
70 rrot~~ MW rrot~cret~ AVBE I rrpo-racrcrl]c; MW rrpo-ra~etc; A VBE I oeuTepa MVBE oeun I'"
TOU WA 71 auTouc; MW au-r~v AVBE 72 ioiwc; MW ~fllV AVBE 73 TU~lV MW Tltl,:v
-reAVBE
Battle Formations of the Romans and Various Peoples 441

moira follows along in formation as defenders, the moirai of assault
on both flanks move out. Then, in turning back the one moira stays in
or slows down on the outside while the other turns and races back as
to the defenders. The wing that had halted begins moving again as
toward the defenders. The other quickly moves out as if to meet it,
off to one side and, in this way, one moira at a time, they end up facing
other but without colliding.
y. There is another one similar to this in which the troops are drawn up in
Ot1posite manner, that is, the middle moira consists of assault troops and the
wings of defenders, but it follows the same movements.
1 <>. Finally, the formation and drill customary for the Romans is, in our
, suitable for use against any people. 5 It is formed of two lines, a front
line and a support line, with assault troops and defenders, flank guards
tflankers, ambushers and rear guards, according to the manner described
u. It is, therefore, necessary to accustom the army to the above-mentioned

~Hl~>r~>nt
types of battle lines, so that the truly essential one may not become
<to outsiders>. If the front line is being drilled, do not bring the second
with it, but just the first line and that without flank guards and outflankers,
Without ambushers and rear guards. This strikes us as the simplest and most
plan. Moreover, in place of the second line, station a few cavalrymen to the
Nttr to represent it, so that the troops in the first line may get used to that
dli!hmce in seeking safety. Likewise, you may drill the second line by itself if you
l!t!lticm or put in front a few troops on the site of the first line, so that the second
muy get used to receiving the men of the first line if they seek refuge among
them.
1 2. It is possible for the flank guards and outflankers to practice their own
formations and drills separately before the time of combat, so that the army may
s. Cf. Strat. 6-4; Const. 7
442
Constitution 1R
npilt; Tcu; KlVll0Sl<:;, KUL ~ll'1 noupAlKt(tuVTW de; TOUt; t:xOpouc; ui xpw08nc; ildl ,, ,
75 TL1~Elt;, TOUT' i:'onv, Yvu oi unspnpcwm[, ijyouv oi t:nl TOU <'ic:~lOU ,up011C: ill,,,
r~v KUKAWOlV rwv noAc:piwv i::oniJn:<:;, c:hs unor6.0owvTm /.,uv8uvc'Jvtwc, '
8c:~lqJ Kpun, she: EK n/.,uyiou napl1TCt00l0VTl1l ioo~lTWmuc;, C\r' av KatpCl<:; Y' \'I
Tm T~c; unepKep6.0Sl0<:;, nl Mpu KAl\'UVTW:; mhou.:;, shu C)(JOV cmmn:1 ll XI'''"
8t6.onwu nc:pmnTOUVTU<:;, ounuc; fie; 6p8<'lV anOKU0l0Ta,uvouc; KlVflV E\' rui.l I
so Knl onou86.(nv, wouvfl r~v rwv vavriwv t6.~tv neptAa!Jp6.vnv.
13. f16.AtV 8 Touc; n/.,ayto<pUAaKac; TOUC: KaTa TOU apl0Tpo0 !JEpouc; TllO<~<
!JEVOUc;, O!JO[wc; nl GKOUTCtplY KAlvavmc;. dm OGOV analTl ~ xpda 8tt't011Ji'"
m:pmmouvrac;, OUTLu<:; fie; 6p86v Ctnl)Ka8(oTao8m, Kat 0TtU0SlV, W0l1Vd I
vaVTt<.p Kt'pan TWV unc:pKepaorwv E~l00UG8m.
85
14. Taurac; 8 00l rae; Ota<popac; TWV napaTCt~WV unwrwava!JfV, orpn llj
y, [va v Kmpt!J UKatpiac; 8i~nc; Kal EV auraTc; YUi1YCt~W8m TO orp6.TEU!1l1, hcli
EXELV n/.,dova !lntp(av T~c; rwv noAt'ilwv mKTlK~c;, wore Kal i:'v nm noH<Xhl<
npl0TCt0Wl XPlWOlc; 00l Upl0KW8m, C\r' CtV oihwc; ~ xpeia KaAft.
15. Kal rt'pac; Oi:: Ota<p6pouc; napaTCt~ELc;, Kal C\aa ot'ov npCt00LV (J unp II
90 TOU oiKELOU 0Tparo0 Kal KaTa TWV T(0AEi1lWV we; v K8t'aL OlUTCt~O!lfY, CHh!!,
an6 Ota<p6pwv 8vwv EK T~c; ndpac; 'PwilalOl v yvwaL napt'A.apov, tva ytV(\1
0Knc; Tautac; v TqJ OEOV'tl !lfY Katpt!J XP~08at uni::p Oaurou, vior Oi:: '((PV
T(0A!1LWV auraTc; XPW!lEYWV uni::p aurwv, I CtVTlilflXUVii08at Kat' aurwv.
16."Ia8t oiiv, arparllyt, OTl ou !lOYOV au auroc; 6<pLAlC: dvm (JT(OUOtl(O',
95 Kni <jllAWV r~v narp(Oa, Kai uni::p r~c; 6p8~c; rwv Xptanavwv T(l0TWC: ETOl!lOC:, rl
oihwc; ruxel, Kal aur~v r~v 'l'DX~V rt8vm, ana Kal roue; un6 (J navrac; apxov
rae; Kai rwv arpaTtwTwv anav TO nA.~8oc; TotouTouc; napaaKua~tv yevtaOm,
tva oi !lfV ovrc; nl TOU aUTOU KaAOU TOlOUTOl i1EVW<JlV, roue; Oi:: il~ ovrac;, ooov
rxnc: ouvailt:wc;, Ota T~c; a~c; mi1Atac; Kal anouo~c; yu11va~oiltvouc; 11~ ailotptlv
74 1IOU~AlKl~WVTal ... exElpou~ MW cpauA.i(wvtaL TOl~ exElpoi~ AVBE
77 EK MW EK roil
AVBE 79 anoKaEltoTaflEVOU~ ... Ta~EL MWVBE anoKaEliomoElm A 80-83 11]v
oneuonv MW om. AVBE 85 imEOT]flUVUflEV MW UTIT]yopeuoaflEV AVBE 86 tv'.
euKatpia~ MW euKmpia AVBE 1 auTai~ MW TauTm~ To oTpaTeufla npo~ To AVlll
87 wme ... Ttm MW om. AVBE 88 neptoTaoem ... KaA.~ MW yap ev neptoTaoem xpet<AH'Int,
aumt eupeEl~oovTm AVBE 89 npaooetv MW npanetv AVBE I TE MW om. AVIII
92 tauTa~ MW TauTa~ waTt:: AVBE I evioTE MW noA.A.aKL~ AVBE 93 XPWflEVWV ... tauniv
MW om. AVBE 94 'loSt MW yivwoKE AVBE 95-96 d ... TUXEL MW om. AVIll
96 TLElevat MW TLEltvm e1 ouTw~ TUXTJ AVBE 97 napaoKeua~nv MW napaoKeua<WI<.
AVBE 98 E1IL ... flEVWOLV MW TOLOUTOL flEVOUOLV enl T~~ auT~~ apET~~ AVl\1
98-99 ooov ... ouvaflEW~ MW om. AVBE 99 YUflVU(Of!Evou~ MW om. AVBE
4cU
'Hlle accustomed to their movements and that the actual battle line to be
., ' d is not made known to the enemy: First, the outtlankers, that is, the men
l.ilto11ed by the right meros for the encirclement of the enemy, may either be
"' .11\'ll up under cover behind the right tlank or drawn up on the flank even
" I tit the line. Whether they are drawn up on the flank or even with the line,
htn the time comes for their enveloping movement, they incline to the spear
.111d then ride out the necessary distance or as f~1r as is called for. Thus, returning
dttntly to their original position, they move in formation and strive to envelop
llic ,nemy line.
i,'
13. Again, the flank guards who are drawn up by the left meros should, in
like manner, incline to the shield, ride out the required distance as far as neceslittry, and so return directly to their original position, moving rapidly in order to
on the same line as the opposite wing of the outflankers.
14. We have pointed out these various battle formations to you, 0 general, so
!h<tt in time of leisure you may accustom and drill your army in them and
i!tquire a great deal of practical experience of military tactics. Thus, in certain
f'!'et1uently occurring situations, when necessity calls, you will be able to deter!ltlne what is useful.
15. We will now set forth and propose to you a variety of additional battle
for you to put in practice, on behalf of your own army and against
enemy. The Romans have come to learn about these formations from experience with various peoples; we hope that you will become familiar with them and
tl\itke use of them at the proper time on your behalf and that, when the enemy
i\re using them on their behalf, <you will learn> how to devise countermeasures
~~lrmations
16. Be well aware, therefore, 0 general, that it is not you alone who ought to
a serious promoter and lover of the fatherland and defender of the correct
ft1lth of Christians, ready, if it so transpires, to lay down your very life, but also
!\II the officers under your command and the entire body of soldiers should be
ready to do the same. May those who share the same noble <ideal> remain such.
for those whose training has not led them <to share that ideal>, then, as
much as possible, your care and concern <should make sure> that they are not
6. Strat. 6. s; "incline to the spear" = right, "to the shield" = left.
444 Constitution 18
100
Uj<; TOlaUTf]C: apn~c;, aAA.' dvat au-roue; <plAOmhpuSac; Kal UnetEllc; TOle; apxon
Gtv, ~ Ot' ay<'tnf]V ~ Ou':t <p6~ov.
17. Elvat Of aUTOUC: Kat Kap-rplKOU<; npoc; TOU<; novouc; Kat lJltOflVlV
105
110
115
120
unp T~c; nmp[Ooc; noA.f10U<;.

18. Kal au-roc; o ~ouA.ft T Kal a-rpaTfJYL<;t f16.AAOV Ta nona TWV anoutktl,P
flVWV 00l KaTopElou Kal TCt~wc; tmflAOU U!J.a T(il uno 0 mpm(il, Kal !J.Tl llp<'!
aouc; Kal nponndac;.
19. Kal tEl[~wEl naVT<; OflOU o[ Ota XptaTOV TOV 80V ~flWV Kal untp (1\ly
YVWV Kal <ptAWV Kal nmp[Ooc; Kal TOU OAOU TWV Xptanavwv Elvouc; aywvtl,!'l
flVOl UKOAWC: uno<pplV Kal OL'Jif]C: OXAfJaLV, Kal OanCtVf]C: v0taV, Kal 'JitlXOI!i,
Kal KaUflaTOc; tm<popav, Kal npoc; Ta tfln[movTa, we; LK6c;, &tva YVV(tllll~
tyKapTptV, f0Tl yap TWV anoKL~J.VWV fllOElwv fK T ewu aUTOU Kal tK T~~
al>Tou ~amA.dac; ~11wv nap' Uf!WV tpyaa[a. Kal yap Kal ~f1lc; Ota -r~c; untp
tmf!OVOU flPlf1Vf]C: auyKaKonaElOU!J.V u!J.lv.
20. fVOU o [Kav6c;, dy nva 0Ufl~ft tv Katp(il AUnfjpCt, tnl noA.u T(t\)l!~
KpUltTlV ano TWV nOAfllWV, Kal yvva[wc; tflflVlV Kal Kapn:plv tv tu!t;
npl0TCt0Wl, Kat mu-rac; de; TO tvav-r[ov ano0lKVUflV f16.AAOV ~youv ic; uflupl
av Kat anaflnav.
21. 'Haav yap -rtva -rwv tElvwv, oia -ra IIpmKa <puA.a noT npoc; 'Pw~J.a!m~
flaXO!J.Va iim:p, o-r' av tv Toic; Onvoic; tvmnn:v, !J.f]OE -r~v OWTf]p[av, ~V fJUXOVHt
eau-roic; yvaElm, npo-rdvLV ElA.ovm, aA.A.a Kal -raU'tf]V napa TWV txepw\1
au-rwv npo-rdvwElm tKOXOflVa. -roaouTOV tv au-roi<; ~ -rwv OflVWV Kapn:p[a.
22. "Iva o Kal naA.tv Ta npwf]V dpTjflVa flTp[wc; avaK<paAatW0Wf1V (101,
KaEl6nA.t~ -rov mpa-rov -roic; onA.OLc; Ka-ra -rov ~Of] aOL otoptaEltv-ra -runov, ~<:ttl
f1CtAl0Ta -ro~ap[OLc; Kal aay[nmc; nALOat. flya yap onA.ov Kal opaa-r~plOV ,,
118-132
Strat.,
445
lacking in this very virtue. Rather, they should become lovers of the
ht<rlnnd and be very obedient to their officers, either through love or through
They should endure heavy labor and bear up well in wars for their father11!. For you, though, it is by planning and strategy that you will attain most
goals you are striving for and, at the same time, by your concern for disciin the army under your command rather than by boldness and headlong
g. Accustom everyone, all together, who are engaged in the struggle for
our God and on behalf of relatives and friends and fatherland and for the
Christian people, to bear readily the distress of thirst, the lack of necessithe burden of cold and heat, and to endure with courage whatever terrible
may chance to fall upon them. For your labors <gain> the rewards stored
<for you> by God himself and by Our God-given Majesty. Indeed, by our
lltcflauiaM solicitude on your behalf, we too share in your suffering.
:to. Even if at times some harmful things happen, for the most part, do your
to conceal them from the enemy. Remain brave and steadfast in <adverse>
!iituations, even turning them around to the opposite; show yourself in good
and not suffering.
21. There were certain peoples, such as the Persian tribes, who fought
the Romans/ Whenever they fell into terrible adversity, they did not
W>Ult to propose means for their salvation that they wished for themselves, but
would receive proposals for it from their enemies. So great was their
!llltdurance of adversity.
22. Let us once more briefly recapitulate what we have previously said to
Provide your army with the weapons according to the regulations already
to you. In particular make sure you have a large number of bows and
11.1.
T~<; ... apet~<; MW TOU TOLOUTOU KUAOU AVBE 103 T~<; AVBE om. MW 105 OTflll tl\1
MW a-rpa-rou AVBE 107 Kal. .. 1!(lVTE<; MW e8i(ea8at 0 m'tvta<; AVBE I oi MW lOll~
AVBE 108-109 aywvt(OflEVOl MW aywvt(OflEVOU<; AVBE 110 KUUflUTO<; MW !\ \'!'
XUUflUTO<; B 111 EK MW om. AVBE 114 dye MW eav AVBE I TUUTa MWA auta VIlle
116 nepta-raaeat MAVBE nepta-raaemv W 119 flax6fleva MWA flUXOflevou<; VBE I
MW ouoe AVBE 120 EUUTOl<; MWA au-rot<; VBE I eeA.ov-ra MW ~eeA.ov AVII!'
121 EKOEXOflEVa MW e~eoexov-ro AVBE I tv MW ~v AVBE 123 aOl OLOpta8evta MW
Plleev-ra aOl AVBE 124 JtAeLOat M JtAeLOatV wAVBE I opaat~ptov MW tvepyat(lf (l\
100
AVBE
7 For 21-23 cf. Strat. 11.1. On the various ethnic groups, see J, Wiita, "The Ethnika in
llrrantine Military Treatises" (Ph.D. diss., University of Minnesota, 1977 ).
446
Constitution 18
125 -ro~Eia,
130
135
140
145
150
Kal f.t<:'t\tcna Ka-ra TWY l:apaKqYtKwY 8YwY Kal Koup-rwY, ol<:; n) nav t q.
YtKf]<; y \niot T~<; nap' au-rwv -ro~Eia<; Khat.
2 3. Kal yap Ka-ran: au-rwY -rwY -ro~OTWY yuf.lYOUf.J.fYWY y nj) ~aAALY tlj\
aayinaY, a\\a Kal KctTa -rwY 'lnnwY TWY Kct~a\AapiwY f.lya iaxuoumY ai
-rou ~f.lnpou 1 a-rpa-rou ~aU6f.1Ym aayinm, Kal no\A~y T~Y ~A<i~qy tnt
x8po1<; nap~oum, TwY no\unf.J.~TWY nap' auwt<; 'lnnwY Ota T~<; auvexnh
TO~eia<; acpctYl(Of.J.fYWY, Kctl EYTUElY TOU U\jluxou TWY d<; TIOAff.J.OU<; E~l!'l'<l\
npo8Uf.J.OUf.J.fYWY l:apctKqYWY QYCIKOTITOf.J.fYOU.
24. Ou yap OOUAEl<(t Kctl O'TpctTEl<(t EKO'TpaTUOUO'll:ctpaKqYoi, a\Aa (jJlAOK! I'
oi<;t f.lUAAOY Kal \w8~::pi<;t, ~ -ro n\oy indY, \na-rd<;t Kal -r~<; au-rwY nianH".
f.lUAAOY OE inLy amO'Tlct<; Tft OElO'lOUlf.lOYl<(t, w<; EYTctDEla KctKa TIUO'XOYT<;
~f.lWY Kal 80Y ~yoiJYTat TIOAff.J.lOY EXLV Kctl T~Y (qf.J.LCIY fl~ unocpplY.
25. Kal o-r' CtY flEY npo<; TIOAflOY KlY~O'n<;, UYU (jJOO'O'UTOU fl~ UTIAlKtl!ll,
oxupou, f.lUAlO'TQ ~ Kal n,\qa[oy ~ EYTO<; um:ipxn.:; T~<; TIOAflLCI<;. o-r' CtY 0
TOY TIOAflOY yyian<; -rpacpoY TIOll Kctlli,\,\qy aacpaAlQY Ola xapctKO<; W<; OlJVll
O'at aKpl~W<; OLa T~Y EK npl0Tam:w<; EY Katp<iJ flCtXfJ<; KctTacpuy~Y.
26. 'Ynooei~w o O'Ol hpa<; Kal TWY EY flCtXn napa-ra~WY OLacpopa<; w.:;
6,\iyOL<;. an flEY yap n.:; napa-ra~t<; fl<lxq.:; y -rptalY 'iaOL<; f.lpwt -raaaof.lYq, "'''
Kctl UYW nou EflY~0'8qf.1Y, TOUT' EO'Tl, flE()'(p Kal 0~lqJ Kctl apLO'Tp<jJ. y o Hj1
flE()'(p flEPl EXL axpl -rnpctKOO'lWY ~ TIYTaKOO'LWY UYOpwY ETilAfKTWY KctT!'1
npt00'lctY, Ta 0 ~6.8q T~<; TOLctuTq<; TU~W<; OUX WplO'f.J.fY4J f.lETptp yiYTctl, UAA;'t
flUAAOY oi Kct~a\AapLOL y i::KUO'Ttp TUYflCITL EY Tft npw-rn Kctl 0UTp<;t Ta~u
-raaaov-rm. Kal To flETwnoY -r~<; -ra~ew<; '(aoY Kal nenuKYWflEYOY a-rL T~Y fd
UTIOO'KU~Y Kal TOY TOUAOOY om0'8Y KctTa YWTOU T~<; napa-ra~ew<; EXL, Kctl Ct~l'
y Kmp<iJ fl<lxq.:; 6 oihw.:; napa-raaa6flYo<; xn no,\efliou.:; Kov-rapa-rou.:;, tl~c,
ouax~::pd<; Kal -rpaxei.:; tonou.:; T~Y napa-ra~tY 6cpei,\L -raaaetY, Kal -ro~OL<; KXP~'I
125 Koup-rwv
MW
-roupKwv
AVBE
130 nape~oum
MWVBE
nape~oucnv
447
For archery is a great and effective weapon against the peoples of the
racens and the Kurds, who place their entire hope of victory in their archery. 8
23. Indeed, against the archers themselves, defenseless at the moment of
the arrow, and against the horses of their cavalry, the arrows shot by our
are extremely effective and will cause severe harm to the enemy. When the
so highly prized by them are destroyed by the continuous archery, the
is that the morale of the Saracens, who had been so eager to ride out to
is completely beaten down.
24. For the Saracens do not go on campaign out of servitude and military
but rather for love of gain and freedom or, to put it better, for robbery
for their own faith, rather, superstitious regard for their non-faith. Because
this, when they suffer evil from us, they think God has become their enemy
they cannot bear the injury.
25. When you march out to war, do not set up your camp unless it is strong-
fortified, especially if you are near or within enemy territory. Whenever you
;~pJJru;acn the enemy, dig a ditch and make it more secure with a palisade, fitted
tn<il'PrtnPr
as tightly as possible so it will be a place of refuge from the difficulties
26. Let me briefly explain some further differences in battle formations for
you. One such formation is drawn up in three equal divisions, as we recalled
above, that is, middle, right, and left. In the middle division station up to four
hundred or five hundred elite troops, according to availability. There is no
determined measure for the depth of such a formation. Rather, the cavalrymen
in each tagma are drawn up in a first and a second line, with the front of each
line equal and in close order. Put the equipment and the baggage train behind,
to the rear of the battle line. If, when you are drawn up in formation and combat
has begun, you find yourself facing enemy lancers, then you ought to draw up
your battle line in difficult and rugged terrain and make use of archery. Because
1\
131-132 TWV ... avaKOTITOf!EVOU MW avaKOTITOf!EVOU (avaKOTITOUf!EVOU E) TWV ek; TIOAEfiOI>c,
!'#pxw8m npoOuf!OUf!EVWV crapaKJ]VWv AVBE 134-135 f!iiUov ... OetcruSaLf!Ovia M\\

OEtalOaq.J.ovia f!UAAOV Oi; ElllELV amcrtia~ AVBE 135 vmu8a KUKU Va,Hung. vmu8a nixn
M v-reu8ev -raxa WAVBE 137-138 cpocrcrcnou ... oxupou MW oxupou UTIA~KTOU pt)
anALKUal]~ AVBE 138 ~ Kal MW av AVBE 139 tov MW om. AVBE I -rpcicpov MW
crouoav AVBE 139-140 xapaKo~ ... aKpt~w~ MW cr-ra~apwv AVBE 141-142 w~
6\iyot~ MW om. A VBE 143 iivw TIOU MW avw-rtpw AVBE I ean MVBE ecrnv WA I Klli.
MW om. AVBE 145 oux MW ouxl AVBE 147 ta-ri MVBE eanv WA
8. On archery, see AnonStrat, 44-47 and p. 4, n. 9 The more reliable MSS, MW, have
Kurds (Koup-rot), whereas the later A has Turks (ToupKot). Both were noted for their ferocity
and effective archery, and the Byzantines sometimes got them mixed up. See Moravcsik, Byzantinoturcica, 2.169; McGeer, Dragon's Teeth, 237-238. Basil I returned from his victorious
Eastern campaign of 876-877 with many Kurdish and Saracen captives: Skylitzes, Basil.Mak.
13.
448
155
160
165
170
175
Constitution 18
aem, 'tva Tft OUGKOAl<;t TWV TOJtWV, 8twrraCJ11EVWV atnwv, OUK EUAtJTLO~ Kat lll\1'
,\w~ al6p11at Twv KOVTapiwv KaT' auTwv yivwvwt.
27. Kat tav 6p(l 6 aTpanwo.:; oTt rrpo~ 8vo~ xn 8ep116\lfuxov, 6<pdA1 "''
110VOV rrpo T~~ ~11Epa~ TOU JtOAE~lOU Ta<.; ump8ECJl<.; Kat avapoM~ Jt0lLCJ8at ['I'
11Ctxrl~ tav 11UAL0Ta yv(i> on ETOlf.lOl eim Kat Ct~L611axot ol tvavTtOl, 8f]AOVtHl I\
8uapaTOl~ TOJtOl~ a<p6pw~ CtJtALKEUWV, aHa Kat KaT' auT~V T~V ~11Epav T!j.
11UXTJ~ tv Kmp(i> 11CtALCJTa 8pou..; Kat m:pt T~V 8epi10TEpav wpav T~<.; 8dAf]~ T<'lll
Ta~ 0u11PoAa~ JtOLdTW, \'va Tft TOU ~AlOU (ECJEL Kat Ttp TOU Kmpou rrapaaupfltp to
epaau Kat eui1WOE~ TWV CtVTLTaTTOflEVWV auT(iJ rraU<Jf]Tal.
28. TaUTf]V 0 T~V TQ~LV, ~v rrpoOtcypa\jfaflEV, CtVTlTQTTETQl apl1o8iw..; Jt(lhlj
Ta~t..; tm11eA.w..; auvTnawvTJ Kat Torro~ 611aA6~ Kat yu11vo~ 8ta Ta~ Twv KovTn
piwv 6pl1a~, Kat ~ KaTa xeTpa Kai wxtw~ I 0U111tAOK~ xwpt~ avapoA.~~, 8ta Til
axpe(ou~ tK TOU tyyu~ Ta~ poAa<.; TWV aaytTTWV yivw8m, Kat 11~ EXLV TOll~
TO~OTa<.; KOVTUpta ~ <JKOUTCtpta.
29. 'Eav 8 tv Tft aul1rrAoKft T~<.; 11CtXTJ~ Kai w8f]<JL<.; rrp6..; auTou..; yvf]Tat, Kal
rrpo~ auvTo11ov <puy~v 6p11~awm, pA.ap~aovwt 11eyaA.a, tav 11~ ytvwaKwm n'u;
ai<pvtoiou~ urroaTpo<pa~ KaTa Twv tm:pxo11evwv auToi~.
30. 1\.AA.a Kat erreAU<Jl~ Kat KUKAW<JEL~ Ota TWV urrepKepamwv KaTa nilv
rrA.ayiwv Kat ToiJ vwmu T~~ rrapaTa~ew~ auTwv ytv611evm pA.a\jfoum Ta 11EYL<JTa
QlJTOU<;, ei 11~ lipa exwmv tv Tft rrapaTCt~El rrAayw<puAaKa<; a~[ou~ 11YUAf1
erreAU<Jl CtVTLKUTQ<JT~Vat.
31. ~La TOUTO ouv, w~ e'lpf]TUL, XP~ ev Tat<; TOLaUTQl~ 11axm~ Kat rrapaTCt~EOl
TOJtOU~ O!laAou<; Kat avaKEl!lEVOU~ Kat 'laou<; emAeywem, ll~ exovm<; TEA11aTa f\
6puwaTa ~ eai1VOU<;, 'lva 11~ 8taamhm ~ TQ~t<;.
32. 'E11rrapaaKeuou 8 Kat Toi11ou ovm~ Kat rrapaTnay11evou ToiJ mpaTou,
11~ U1tpTtewem T~V <JDI10oA~v, eav lipa Kat M~n 11UXTJV auyKpOUCJQl 8TJI10<JlWt;
KaTa T~v ~11epav Toi:i noA.e11ou.
33. Ta<; 8 au11PoA.O.<; ~Tot npoaKpouaet<; ev m1~ 11axm~, npo~ To 11eTpov Tf]<:
aayina<;, 'iaa<; Kal nuKva~ KaTa A6yov Kat auvT611ou<; oei notdaem, 'lva 11~ rfJ
MVBE datv WA 160 TaUT!]V ...

AVBE 162 xwpl<; MW xwpi<; imepetaew~
Kai AVBE 166 6pf.L~crwat MVBE 6pfl~aoumv W 6pf.L~awatv A 169 ~A6.1jlouat MA VBE
~Aa\jlouatv W 170 exwmv MW xouatv AVBE 171 breA.evaet MW emopof.L~ AVBE
172 napaTa~ecrt MAVBE napaTa~ecrtv W 173 TEAf.laTa MW naAf.laTa AVBF
175 Ef.lTiapaaKEUOU ... ETOlf.LOU MW eTOlf.LOU Of: AVBE 176-177 auyKpouaat. .. TIOAEflOlJ
MW GUf.l~aA.etv O!]f.LOG[av AVBE
151 OUGKOA[a
MW ouaxepda AVBE
155 dat
avnrane-rm MW TaUT!] oe T~ TU~El UVTLT<iaaerat
449
of the difficult terrain the lancers will be widely scattered about and it will not
lw feasible or easy for them to charge with their spears against your line.
27. If the general should see that he has to face a very warlike people, then,
hd(Jre the day of battle, he ought to postpone and delay combat, setting up
nunp without fear in places difficult of access, especially if he knows that the
me my are prepared and set for battle. 1ben, on the very day of battle, especially
In summer and around the hottest hour of the afternoon, let him initiate hostililies. The heat of the sun and the heaviness of the season will put an end to the
holdness and high spirits of his opponents.
28. This formation, which we have previously described, is effectively op~losed by an infantry formation carefully drawn up in line, as well as by level
and open terrain for the charge of the lancers, also by hand-to-hand fighting
and coming to blows swiftly without delay, because shooting arrows in such
close quarters achieves nothing, and the archers do not have spears or shields.
29. If the battle is at close quarters and they are forced back and rush into
immediate flight, they will suffer the greatest harm if they do not know how to
turn back suddenly against their pursuers.
30. Direct attacks and encirclements by the outflankers against the flanks
!lnd the rear of their battle line cause them the greatest harm, unless they have
flank guards in that line capable of standing up against a very strong attack.
31. For this reason, therefore, as mentioned, to prevent the formation from
being scattered about, it is necessary for battle formations of this sort to choose
level, flat, even ground where there are no marshes, ditches, or bushes.
32. When the army is all drawn up in formation, well prepared and ready, on
the day of battle, do not defer the engagement, if clashing in pitched battle
seems to be the correct decision.
33. It is necessary to regulate the engagements or clashing together in battle
in proportion to the pressure exerted by the arrows. Are they steady, thick, and
450
180
18 5
190
95
2oo
Constitution 18
ppaMnrn Tf]c; GUflTIAOKf]c; Ota Tf]c; auvexouc; TO~eiac; T<DV vavTiwv rr.\eiova 1\1
pt.\T] Kal Tote; aTpanwTmc; Kal Tote; 'lrrrrOLc; EfliTEWatV.
34 'Eav OE nc; ava:yKT] )'EVT]Tal, 'lva v ouaxepeaTEp<.p TOT<-p ~ flUXTJ ytvqrw.
KUAOV an TOU<:; flEv v rre(tKfi TU~el KaTUGTf]aat, Touc; oi: rrl ni>v 'lrrrrwv, Kal fill
T~v rraaav rrapaTa~tv v TOLOlYTOLc; aVWflUAOLc; TorrOLc; Kapa.\.\apiouc; ~t6vm
T0lOUVTa rrapaTaGGelV.
35 Ai yap TWV KOVTapaTWV yxetp~aetc; KaTa TWV TO~OTWV, we; e'LTIOfleV, l\lv
fl~ 'iaOL KUL a8taarraaTOl watv, P.\<iPTJV T0AA~V EK TWV aaytTTWV U<plGTaVTUl, j\q\
rrpoc; T~V GUflPo.\~v avaKOTTOVTal. OlO Kal 6f1aAWTEpou OEOVTUl n'mou v T\llt.
flUXatc; oi KovTapiotc; XPWflVOL
36. 'Eav 8 KUTaVO~an 6 aTpaTT]y6c; OTl OUK EGTlV a~t6flaxoc; 6 aTpat!H,
UUTOU rrpoc; Touc; vavTiouc;, ou 01 aUTOV flUxeaem TIOAEflOl<:; Of]f10Gt0lc;, aAAtl
<p600Lc;, ~youv ETIADGGl, Kal KAOTiatc; KaTCt TWV x9pwv Kexpf]a9m aa<paAlll!i
Kat eUGXTJflOVWc; cSta TOTIWV ETILTT]Oeiwv de; TO fl~ 0f]AOUa9at ~ TOte; vavTtOt<; It
Tote; toiotc; TOY GKOTIOV, Ot' ov yivnm ~ urrp9eatc; Tf]c; Of]f10Gtac; flUXTJ<:;, '(va fl~
TODTou Tote; flEV rroAef.!iotc; auTou 9apaoc;, T<jJ 8 .\a<!J ainou 8et.\ia yvT]Tat.
37. Tac; 8 ~Al~tc; ~youv Tete; maTpo<pac; Kat avaaTpo<pac; v Tate; urrox\jl
p~aeat fl~ Ot' O'!'Wc; TIOLta9m TWV vavTiwv, a.na Ota TWV rr.\ayiwv aUTWV avu
GTpE<pLV, Kal Touc; VWTouc; I ainwv ClTIOAUflpavetv. nva yap TWV Wvwv, ola Kttl
Ta Twv Tiepawv, noT fl~ pou.\6f1Va Ota.\uetv T~v Ta~tv auTwv, UK6.\wc; Totl~
vwTouc; al>Twv rrpooiowm Tote; KaT' auTwv urroaTp<pouatv oiovel <puyof.!axoflV
Tee;, ana Kal oi urroxwpoUVT<:; Kal UJtO<peuyovTec; mhouc;, d pou.\Tj9wmv
avTtaTpt:<p6f1VOt t:ic; O'!'tv Twv 8twK6vTwv ainouc; .\9tv, p.\amovTm auvTTtlY
f.!EVOl<:; aUTOt<:; TiepmiTITOVT<:;.
183 an MVBE eanv WA
KU1'U<J1'~<JUL MW KU1'U<J1'~VUL AV KU1'U<J1'~<Ja<J8at Ill
184 CtVWf!UAOl<; MW Of!UAOt<; A VBE
AVBE
188 avaKomov<m
AVBE
187 'l<JOl. .. Mt6.<JTIU01'0l MW 'lam Kal a&t6.orratol
avaK6mwvmt
MW
189 oi
MW
190-191 a~t6f1UXO<; ... mhou MW o a<pa<o<; mhou iKavo<; AVBE
l5rwoa[ot<; MW TIOAef!Ol<; llT}f!O<JlOl<; <JUflTIAEKWOm AVBE
fl~
A Vlll
191 f1UXW6at
192 KEXpJiaOal MW xp~oHw
AVBE 193 Kal EU<JXfJflOVW<; MW om. A VBE 194 f!UXTJ<; A VBE om. MW 195 a\JT<w'
MWA om. VBE 196-197 imoxwp~aem MVBE imoxwp~awtv WA 197 notEiaOm MW
rrotEiaOm
napa
AVBE
200 npol5il5wm
rrpol5iowatv
200-201 <puyoflaxouv<E<; MW <puyoflaxouvm AVBE
npol5il5oum
AVI\1
202 O'!'LV MW np6awnov A VBE
4 51
llipld? Otherwise, the slow pace of the engagement and the constant archery of
lht enemy may cause a greater number of arrows to fall upon the soldiers and
horses.
34 If, for compelling reasons, the battle occurs in a fairly difficult location, it
well to station some men in infantry formation and others on horses. In such
terrain do not draw up the entire battle line with cavalry only.
35. The assaults of lancers against archers, as we have said, unless they are
lined up and not dispersed, will sustain great damage from the arrows,
they will be stopped short of contact in battle, for those who use spears
t'fquire more level ground in combat.
)6. But if the general becomes aware that his army is not ready for combat
his adversaries, he must not engage the enemy in a pitched battle. He
rather, make use of ambushes, raids, and surprise attacks against the
He should do this in a safe and respectable manner on favorable terrain
~0 as not to reveal, either to the enemy or to his own men, his reason for
postponing open battle. That would only make the enemy bolder and his own
troops more cowardly.
37 Wheeling or turning about or reversing direction should not be made
b~tore the enemy's front but to turn back their flanks and to take their rear.
Some peoples, such as the Persians, unwilling to break up their formation,
sometimes readily exposed their rear to forces wheeling around against them as
though fighting in flight. However, if the forces withdrawing and pretending to
fl~e before them should want to turn about and attack the front lines of their
pursuers, they will be hurt on running into their well-ordered lines.
~!llt:ven
452
205
Constitution 18
s. Ta f.LEY yap nvv 8vwv, olov oi ToupKot, tv mt<; otw~wtv cmiKTw<; i:mri
3
8t:VTQl TOt<; OlWKO~lEVOl<;, o8t:v Kat UXPE0Tpov ~AaJtTOVTQl napa TWV OlWKO
f.LEVWV UTCtKTW<; imoxwpoUVTWV Kat llTIOCHpe<pOVTWV.
39 Ta oi: npaw<; Kat O"UVTTay~tl:'Vtll<; OlWKOU0l, OlO ouo XP~ TOU<; avaaTp{
<pOVTa<; Kat' auTWV Ot' 0\jiEW<; ETHH]0UlV pxwElm, aA.A.a Kat Ola TWV nA.ayiwv
Kat KaTa Tou vwTou mhwv nOtlaElm T~v i:rrA.eumv, (6.:; f.LOl e'lpf]Tat.
210
4o. 'End oi: ToupKwv i:~tv~aElf]v, ouK a06Ktf.LOV Kpivof.LEY ml orrw<; mhoi
rrapataTTWVTat Kal brrw<; a0Tot<; avnrrapaTa~aaElm, Otov Otaaa<p~am Ott\
f.lTpia<; rrdpa<; avaf.LaElovT<;, OT OUf.Lf.LCtXOl<; atJTo1<; txpTJO"Ctf.LEEla, BouA.yapwv
Ta<; ipf]YlKa<; napa~E~f]KOTWV 0TTOV0Ct<;, Kat Ta T~<; 8pqKfj<; xwp[a KaTaOpa[ll'lV
Twv, oi<; ~ oiKT] i:n~A.Elouaa T~<; d<; XptaTov TOY 8t:ov rrapopK[a<;, Twv oA.wv
215
Tov ~amAta, Taxo.:; <pElaaav i:mEldvm T~v Tlf.LWp[av Kal yap TWV ~f.LHl:'pwv
OUVUflEWV Kata LapaKT]YWV aaxoAOUf.LEVWV ToupKOU<;
~ Elda rrp6v0la avrl
'Pw11aiwv KUTa BouA.yapwv i:arpaTt:Ua, nA.oTf.Lou m6A.ou T~<; ~f.LWV ~amA.t:ia~

Tov"IaTpov auTou~ 6tarrt:paaavT6~ T Kal O"Uf.lflax~aavTo~, Kal Tov KaKw~ Kata
Xptanavwv 6rrA.taElVTa BouA.yapwv aTpaTov Tptal flCtXat~ KaTa KpaTo<; vt:vLKTJ
220
KOTU<;, waavl OT]!llOU<; i:~arr00TlAUO"U KUT' a1JTWV, 'iva fl~ EKOVT<; 'PWflULOl
Xptanavol Xptanavwv BouA.yapwv a'i[.LUO"l xpa[VOLVTO.
41. Ta LKUElLKCt TOLVUV ElvT] fllCt<; dmv,
rroA.Uapxa T KUL arrpaYf.LOVa, VO[.LaOLKW<;
w<; drr1v, avaaTpO<p~<; T Kal TU~W<;,

w<; i:rr[rrav ~LOUVTa. f.LOVa 0E Ta TWV
BouA.yapwv, rrpOO"ETl oi: Kal TCt TWV ToupKWV, T~<; Of.LOla<; <ppovT[~oum TU~W~
225
TrOAf.llK~<; iaxupoTpa<; TWV aAA.wv LKUElLKWV i:Elvwv Ta<; KaTa avammv f.LCtXU<;
rrowuf!Eva T Kalllovapxouf1Va.
42. AAA.a BouA.yapwv T~V ev XptaT4J eip~YT]V aarra~O!lEYWV KUL KOlVWVOUVTWV T~<; ei<; auTov rr[aTEW<; 'Pwlla[ol<;, flHa T~v EK T~<; rrapopK[a~ rrdpav oux
~YODflEEla Kat' auTWV xLpa<; 6rrA.[~LV, errl TO Elt:1ov ~Of] TU Kat' EKelVWY avap204-359
Strat.,
11.2.
210-221
Skylitzes Leon.Phil., 12.
euxepcrn:pov MW EUKOAW~ AVBE 207 OtWKOUat MVBE OlWKOUatV wA 208 ot' ...
E7llT!]0EUlV MW Eic; n:p6awn:ov AVBE 209 KUTU ... vwrou MW 6ma6ev AVBE I w~ llOl
MW Ka6w~ AVBE 210 Ei1V~o6!]V MW Ei1V~o6rwev AVBE I OUK ... KpiVO!lEV MW oov
ein:dv AVBE 211 auToTc; MW auToTc; XP~ AVBE I Otov otaaacp~aat MW om. AVBE
212 ava11a66vTEc; MW TOUTO 11a66vTec; AVBE 214 n:apopKiac; Va,Hung. 7!apotKiac; MW
u~pewc; AVBE 214-215 TWV ... Taxoc; MW om. AVBE 217 EoTpUTUO M EOTPCtTEUOEV
WAVBE 2 18 8ta7!paaavT6c; TE MW 8ta11paaav TOTE AVBE 220 t':~aTiooTdAaoa
WA VBE t':~aT!OOTdAac; M 221 xpaivotVTO M xpaivwvTO w xpaivwvmt AVBE 222 Eiatv
MW EOTlV AVBE 223 VO!lUOtKWc; ... t':1li1laV MW !lOVUOlKWc; we; E1ll TO 1!AelOTOV AVBE
228 7!apopKiac; MW 7!apotKiac; AVBE 229-230 avapTWVT<; MW avaTt6vTc; AVBE
205
453
JS. When it comes to pursuits, some peoples, such as the Turks, are dis-
nrderly in attacking those pursuing them, and so they are very easily harmed by
lixce pursuing them that withdraws and wheels about in good order. 9
J9. Other peoples carry out pursuits cautiously, maintaining their formation.
this reason, forces turning back against them should be careful not to attack
!hem in front but to make their attacks on the flanks and in the rear, as I have
40. Since I have mentioned the Turks, we do not judge it out of place <to
describe> how they form up for battle and how one should form up to fight
~,igainst them. Let us put in writing what we have learned from a certain amount
experience when they were our allies. At that time, the Bulgarians had
disregarded the peace treaty and were raiding through the Thracian country10 Justice pursued them for breaking their oath to Christ our God, the
tmperor of all, and they quickly met up with their punishment. While our forces
were engaged against the Saracens, divine Providence led the Turks, in place of
the Romans, to campaign against the Bulgarians. Our Majesty's fleet of ships
supported them and ferried them across the Danube. <Providence> sent them
out against the army of the Bulgarians that had so wickedly taken up arms
against Christians and, as though they were public executioners, they decisively
defeated them in three engagements, so that the Christian Romans might not
willingly stain themselves with the blood of the Christian Bulgarians.
41. The Scythian nations are one, so to speak, in their manner of life and
their organization; they have a multitude of rulers, and they have done nothing
of value, living for the most part as nomads.u Only the nation of the Bulgarians,
and also that of the Turks, give thought to a similar military organization, which
makes them stronger than the other Scythian nations as they engage in close
combat under one commander.
42. Since the Bulgarians, however, embraced the peace of Christ and share
the same faith in him as the Romans, after what they went through as a result of
9 For 38-73 cf. Strat. 11.2. By Turks, Leo means Magyars, who were raiding, and
beginning to settle, in a region called Tourkia by the Byzantines, more or less corresponding to
modern Hungary. Skylitzes (Leon.Phil., 3) calls them Hungarians, Ouyypot.
10. About 894. Skylitzes, Leon.Phil., 12.
11. Scythians: a generic term for the nomadic peoples north of the Black Sea. The Suda (1:
704) calls them Russian (Pwc;).
454
Constitution 18
nvv-rn; OTpaTTJY~~ta-ra, ot' bnt:p o(m: T~V Q\JTWV Ka8' ~flWV napaTa~lV, oun: IIJ'
~lflnpav Ka-r' eKeivwv, aT ota T~c; fltiic; nioTewc; aoe.\<pwv imapxovTwv Kal 1"''
~flTEpatc; dKlV nayyAAOf1EVWV ElOTJY~CJWl, Otaypa<plV n'wc; npo8Ufl0Updln
43 I1pl o n1c; TWV ToupKWV Ota8oewc; T Kal napa-ra~wc; fllKP(fl 1 'i'
Bou.\yapwv ~ ovoev Ota<ppOUCJT]c; ~OT] poupv, bn noA-6avop6v ECJTl Kal EAtl0t
235 pov Tou-ro -ro 8voc;, ~tAETTJV f16vov notOUflvov napa Tac; a.\.\ac; no.\un:A.u1t
Kat T~V n)nop[av TO avopiwc; OtaKdo8at npoc; -roue; io[ouc; tx8pouc;.
44 Tofno -ro[vuv we; flOVapxoupVOV, Kat anT]Vtc; Kat ~apeiac; -rae; notvac; i IIi
TOte; apap-ravopevOtc; nap' atJTWV EK TWV apxovTWV aUTWV U<plCJTCtflVOV, 0\,lh
aycmn aAAa <pO~(jl KKpaTT]flEVOV, -roue; n6vouc; Kat flOX8ouc; yrvva(wc; <ppoum.
240 npoc; o KaUflaTa Kat npoc; 'i'Dxoc; av-rexov-rat, Kat T~<; AOtrr~c; TWV avayKa(wv
EVOta<; VOflaOLKOV unapxov.
45 Tirpirpya o im TU ToupKWV <pDAa Kat Kpumov-ra T~V ~OUA~V aunirv,
a<ptAa o Kat ama-ra OVTa, Kat Ota T~<; anAT]CJTtac; TWV XPTJ!-LClTWV KpaTOUflYil
opKOU nrpt<ppovouat, 1-l~T auv8~Kac; <pUAaTTOVTa fl~T OWpOtc; apKOUflV(I,
245 ana nptv TO oo8v OE~WVTat, m~OUA~V flATWCJL, Kal O.vaTpon~v nvv auvtlq.
KWV.
46. Kat Touc; mTT]Oriouc; Katpouc; ortvwc; a-roxa(ovTat Kat anouM(oumv oil
ToaouTov xrtpt Kat ouv<if1t -roue; x8pouc; KaTanof-1-l~am, ooov ot' ana-rTJc; K(l\
ai<pvtOtaCJflOU, Kal Ota T~<; Twv O.vayKaiwv onvwarwc;.
250
47 'OnAi(ov-rat o ana8iot<; Kat AWptKLOl<; Kal TO~Olc; Kal KOVTapiotc;, o8rv ltv
Tal<; !-LUXate; OtrrAOUV ap!-la ol TIAfiOV<; aUTWV m<ppovTat, ev TOt<; W!-LOl<; til
KOVTCtpta O.va~aaTa(ovT<;, Kal TU TO~a ev Tal<; xrpal KaTEXOVTc;, Kal Ufl<pOtt
pot<; KaTa T~V O.navTwoav xpLav KXPTJ!-LEVOl, 0LWKOflVOl 0 !-LUAAOV npon
poum TO!<; To~otc;.
255
48. OuK auTOl 0 !-LOVOV OTIAO<popouatv, 0.,\,\a Kal o[ 'lnnOt TWV Efl<paVttlV
mo~p4J ~ KevoouKA4J Ta Eflnpoa8rv !-LEPTJ aKnovTm.
49 TioAA~V o flAETTJV Kal UCJKT]OlV nOtOUVTat nt:pl T~V enl TWV 'lnnwv
230
To~dav.
231 lite MW w~ AVBE 232 elKelV (~KelV) brayyeAAOf.!EVWV MW trsp. AVBE I elOI]y~m:m
MVBE dcr!]y~creatv WA 233 scr. mg. rcepl ToupKwv W 233-234 f.!lKpw ... tpoiif.!eV MW
~Ill] epoiif.!eV f.!lKpov ~ oullev ~~ nov ~ou\yapwv llta!jlepoucr!]~ AVBE 236 T~V eurcopi(\\'
MW eurcopia~ AVBE 239 !jlEpoum M !jlEpoumv W !jlepet A om. VBE 240 rcpo~ 1 MW om
1
AVBE I anexovTal MW icrxupw~ UVTEXel AVBE 240-241 ~~ ... imapxov MW rcpo~ TI JI'
AOlTC~V TWV avayKaiwv vlletav AVBE 244 TCepl!jlpOvoiicrt MVBE TCepl!jlpOVOUO'lV w!\
245 f.!EAnwm MAVBE f.!EAnwmv W 249 crTevwcrew~ MWA mevwcrewv VBI
253-254 rcpo<epoiim MW XPWVTat AVBE 256 KevllouKAW MW KeVTOUKAOl~ AVBE
45 5
b~<aking
their oath, we do not think of taking up arms against themY We now

l!ln any military action against them to God. For the present, therefore,
Inasmuch as we are brothers because of our one faith and because they promise
!P yield to our advice, we are not eager to describe either their battle formation
llflainst ours or ours against theirs.
43 We will now speak about the disposition of the Turks and their battle
!imnation, which differ from the Bulgarians a little or not at all. The Turks are
Vt~ry numerous and independent. More than on wealth and other forms of
t%Ji;!ravagance, they focus their attention only on conducting themselves bravely
tgainst their own enemies.
44 This nation has a monarchical form of government and is subjected to
7ruel and oppressive punishments by their rulers for their offenses. They are
ltWerned not by love but by fear and they steadfastly bear labors and hardships.
bear up under heat and cold, as well as the further lack of necessities, since
they are a nomadic people.
45 The Turkish tribes are meddlesome but keep their plans to themselves.
'lhey are hostile and faithless. Possessed by an insatiable desire for riches, they
$!COrn their oaths and do not observe agreements they have made. They are not
!llltisfied by gifts; even before they receive the gift, they are making plans to
break their agreement.
46. They cleverly estimate suitable opportunities and they strive to defeat
their enemies not so much by brute force as by deceit, surprise attacks, and
deprivation of necessities.
47 They are armed with swords, body armor, bows, and lances. Thus, in
combat most of them bear double arms, carrying the lances high on their
shoulders and holding the bows in their hands. They make use of both as need
requires, but when pursued they use their bows to great advantage.
48. Not only do they wear armor themselves, but the horses of their illustrious men are covered in front with iron or quilted material.
49. They devote a great deal of attention and training to archery on horseback.
12. The Bulgarian Khan Boris was baptized in 864 and, despite some resistance, was
t(Jllowed by his subjects. See "Bulgaria" in ODB.
456
Constitution 18
so. AKOAOU01 8 atrroic; KQL rrA.~eoc; aA.6ywv, irrrrap[wv KQL <popa8[wv, iipll
260 iJEV rrpoc; Ct1tOTpo<p~V KQL yaAC1KT01tOGLC1V, iiiJCl
8 Kal8ta 1tA~0ouc; <pC1VTC1Gll1V
51. A1tAlKUOUO"l 8 OVK fV <pOGGcmp, WG1tp oi 'PWflCllOl, aAA.a iJEXPl flEv
! !j
Tou rroAtflou ~iJpac; 8twrrapiJvot Kma yv11 Kal <puA.ac;, Touc; Yrrrrouc; ~6aKu\
T<; 8tf1VKW<;
tv 0pl KQL XlflWVl, tv 8 Kmp<iJ 1tOAE~lOU TOU<; avayKa[ouc; 'i711t0\l>,
KUTEXOVT<; Kalrr8tKAOUVT<; 11Af1Giov Twv ToupKtKWV TVTWV <puA.anoum ~LiXI"

265 Kmpou T~<; rrapaTCt~W<;, {mo VUKTQ T~<; rrapma~W<; arrapx6f1VOl.
52. Tac; 8 ~iyA.ac; QlJTWV Ct1t0 iJC1Kp60V aAA.maA.IA.~A.ouc; JtOlOUCHV, de; T<'l
UK6A.wc; auwuc; D1tOiJEVLV ai<pvL<StaGflOD<;.
53 'Ev
8 Tfi flCtXD OVX we; oi 'PWiJCllOl rrapmCtGGOUCHV tv TplO"t flEpWlV, a,\A'
fV 8ta<p6p0l<; flOlpmc; 8pouyywTl GUVQJtTOVT<; CtAA~ACll<; TCt<; flOtpac;, fllKpov 6n'

270 aA.A.~A.wv Olimaflvac;,
wm fltav <paivwem rrapaTa~tv.
54."Exoum 8 e~w T~c; rrapaTa~wc; ouvafliv Ttva
eK rrptaaou, ~v rrpoc; ~y
KpUflflCl EK1tEfl1tOUCH KUTCt TWV CtflAW<; CtVTlTCl<J<JOflEVWV QUTOL<;, ~ Kat i<; ~0~81
av TOU ~apOUflEVOU flEpouc; <puA.anoum. TOY 8 TOUAOOV QUTWV oma0v
rrapaTa~W<; EXOUO"l 1tAT]O"lOV ~ 8~lq. ~ apt<JTpq. T* rrapaTa~W<; W<; Ct1t0 EVO~ lj
275 8wTpou fllAlOU, Ct<plEVT<;
tv auT<iJ Kal 6.\iyT]v rrapa<pUAClK~V.
55 TioA.A.aKt<; 8 Kal au~wyvuvT<; ToD<; rrptaaou<; TWV Yrrrrwv KaTa vwTou,

~youv oma8v Tfl<; rrapaTa~W<; UUTWV, JtOlOUO"lV i<; <pUAQK~V QUT~<;. Kal Ta ~tt:v
~a811 Twv aKtwv T~<; rrapma~w<;, ~youv mu<; mixouc;, aopimw<; rrowum, 8ta T(l
1tC1XLQV dvm T~V rrapam~tV ~a8ou<; flUAAOV <ppOVTl~OVT<;, Kal '(aov 1tOlOUO"l Ktll
280 1tUKVOV TO flETWJtOV.
56. Xaipoum 8 flUAAOV Tal<;
cmo
f1T]K68v flCtXCll<; Kal ev0pm<; Kal nih;
KUKAW(JGL KaTa TWV fVQVTlWV Kal Tat<; E<JXT]flUTl<JflEVCll<; urroxwp~(J(Jl Kal

avnmpo<pai<; KQL Tal<; 8tW1tU<JflEVUl<; Ta~WLV.
57 'Dmv 8 TpE\j!WGl TOU<; txepou<; QUTWV, rravm fV 0UTEP'!J neeam, K<ll
285 Ct<pt8wc; mTL0VTUl, ouoev ELpov A.oyt~OflVOl ~ TO OLWKLV. OUK apKOUVTi.H
yap, W<J7tp o[ 'PWiJClLOl KUL TCt aA.\a 0VTJ, Tfi flTpi~ KC1Ta8tw~l, Kai Tfi niJv
261 ev MW ev tEA VBE 264 tEVtWV MW tEVOWV AVBL I
Cj>UAUHOUO'lV WA 265 anapxof!EVOL MWVE apxof!EVOL AB
266 aUmaAA~AOU<; MW CtAAEJtUAA~AOU<; KUtJtUKVU<; AVBE 271 EXOUO'l MAVBE exoumv
w 272 EK1tEf!1tOUO'l MA VBE EK1tEf!1tOUO'lV w 273 <pUAUHOUO'l M <pUACtttOUOLV WA
<pp6.ttOUO'l VBE I omcrSev MW omcree AVBE 274 exoum MVBE exoumv WA I OE~Hl ..
aptcr-repa MW trsp. AVBE 275 a<pLEVtE<; MW KUtaAlf!JtCtVOVtE<; AVBE 276 Kal MW 0111.
AVBE 276-277 KUTa ... ~youv MWVBE om. A 281 eveopat<; MW eyKpUf!f!UO'LV AVBF
282 KUKAWO'EO'l MWVBE KUKAWO'EO'LV A 284 TL8eacrt M neta.mv w -riSevtal AVBI
286 f!ETpia. MW O'Uf!f!i"rpw AVBE
259 a\6ywv MW om. AVBE
<pUAUHOUOL
MVBE
457
50. A huge herd of horses, ponies and mares, follows them, to provide both
lnod and milk and, at the same time, to give the impression of a multitude.
51. They do not set up camp within entrenchments, as do the Romans, but
Up until the day of battle they are spread about according to tribes and clans.
lhey graze their horses continually both summer and winter. When time comes
lbr battle, they take the horses they think necessary, hobble them next to the
Turkish tents, and guard them until it is time to form for battle, which they
begin to do under cover of night.
52. They station their sentries at a good distance one after another so as not
to be easily subjected to surprise attacks.
53. In battle they do not line up as do the Romans in three divisions, but in
l!everal units of irregular size, linking the divisions close to one another although separated by short distances, so that they give the impression of one
battle line.
54. Apart from their battle line, they maintain an additional force that they
send out to ambush careless adversaries of theirs or hold in reserve to support a
hard-pressed section. They keep their baggage train behind their battle line, to
the right or the left of the line about a mile or two away, detailing a small guard
for it.
55. Frequently they tie the extra horses together to the rear, that is, behind
their battle line, as protection for it. They make the depth of the files, that is, the
rows, of their battle line irregular because they consider it more important that
the line should be thick than deep, and they make their front even and dense.
56. They prefer battles fought at long range, ambushes, encircling their
adversaries, simulated withdrawals and wheeling about, and scattered formations.
57. When they force their enemies to take to flight, they put everything else
aside and are ruthless in their onslaught. They think of nothing else except the
pursuit. They are not content, as are the Romans and other nations, with pursu-
458
290
2 95
Constitution 18
XPflflC.'rrwv apnayfi, a.\.Aa flEXPL TOOOUTOU f11lKLVTaL, EW<; QV n:Aiw<; T~V T(tl\'
x6pwv KQTCtAUOLV TIOL~OWVTaL, T!Ct0!1 w:6ooc.p EL<; T01JTO KXPflflEVOL.
58. 'Eav 0 TLV<; TWV x6pwv UlJTWV 0LWKOflVOL EL<; OXDPWflU KaTa<puywm,
0110U0Ct~OUOLV CtKpl~W<; KQTQVOOUVT<; T~V TWV avayKatWV i:'VOLaV, Kat TlilV
'(nnwv Kal TWV avopwv, Kal npoaKapTEpoumv, 'lva Tfi OTVOTI1Tl TOUTWV Xflf)C.tl
awvTm TOv<; txepou<; 11 Ei<; Ta apaKovm mhoT<; a0f1<pwva To0Tou<; ayaywm
npwTov fli::V tA.a<pporcpa nva m~JFODVT<; Kal TOT, auvn6f1EVwv mhot<; ni1v
txepwv, Tepa fld~ova npon6amv.
59. TauTa f.!i::v Ta Twv ToupKwv ~ell Toamhc.p f.!Ovov Ota<ppovm Twv BouA
yapwv, oac.p T~V XpLOTLavwv OUTOL aanaaCtflVOl nianv Kal TOt<; 'Pwfla'iKOl<; n'
6\.iyov flT~a.\.AovTO ~60L, TOT TO iiyptov Kal VOf.!GOLKOV T(il aniaT<.p auvano
~aAOVT<;.
300
305
310
6o. 'EvavnofJTat oi:: 110Afll0l<; ToupKOL<; evona ~OOK~<; OLa TO 11A~6o<; wv

E11l<pEpOVTaL aAOywv.
61. Kai tv Katp(il oi:: OUfl~OA~<; TCt~L<; 11~LK~ OUVTETUYf.lEVfl flCtALOTa a\JTOU(
~Aa'iJEL, w<; tvavTia aUTWV Ka~aAAap[wv OVTWV Kai fl~ KaTa~aLVOVTWV ano TWV
'lnnwv. I ouoi:: yap aT~VaL 11~fi KapTEpoumv, W<; <JUVTpa<pEVT<; ETIOXL<J6at Tote;
'lrtTIOL<;.
62. 'Evavnofnat 0!:: mhot<; Kai T6rto<; 6f1aA6<; Kai YYUf1VWf1EVO<;, Kal o~ Kal
TCt~l<; Ka~a.\.AaptK~ Kai TtTtUKVWf1EVfl Kai CtOLaOTCtTW<; QDTOL<; CtKOAou6ouaa.
63. 'EvavTLOUTaL oi:: Kal EK xnpo<; <JUflTtAOK~ flETCt TWV OTtAWV, Kai e<pOOOl
VUKTptval aa<paAw<; YLVOf1VaL, oiov 'lva o[ rtpoa~aAOVT<; QDTOl<; ev f.!i::V exoum
flEpO<; TTaYf.lEVOV, TO oi:: hcpov flEpO<; tyKpUTtTOflVOV.
64. Aurtd oi:: aUTOU<; a<p6opa Kal OT' av TLV<; t~ QlJTWV rtpoa<p0ywm TOl~
'Pwf.!aiot<;. ytvwaKoum yap OTL iiamTov XL yvWflflV TO 6vo<; a\nwv, Kai <ptAo
Kpol<; dOL, Kai EK TtOAAwv <pUAWV auyKiflVOL, Kal on Ola TOlJTO OD TtOLOUVTat
A6yov auyycvwv Kal T~<; d<; aAA~Aou<; Of.!OVOta<;.
288 flE96ow MW lllJXUV~ AVBE

292 ayaywm
MVBE
ayaywmv
295 flOVOV MA VBE flOVW W
459
lng their foes a reasonable distance and plundering their goods, but the Turks
press on without respite until they have brought about the complete destruction
nf their enemies, employing every means to achieve this.
58. If some of the enemy they are pursuing should take refuge in a fortified
place, they make careful efforts to discover any shortage of necessities for horses
1111d men. They wait patiently so they can wear down their enemies by the
llhortage of those items or get them to accept terms favorable to themselves.
'their first demands are fairly light, but then, when the enemy agrees to these,
they impose others that are heavier.
59. These characteristics of the Turks are different from those of the Bulgarians only inasmuch as the latter have embraced the faith of the Christians and
gradually taken on Roman characteristics. At that time they threw off their
liavage and nomadic way of life along with their faithlessness.
6o. Hostile Turks are greatly hurt by a shortage of pasturage, because of the
large number of horses they bring along with them.
61. When it comes to battle, an infantry force in close formation opposed to
their cavalry will inflict the greatest damage on them. They do not dismount
from their horses and, since they have grown up riding on horseback, they do
not last long on foot. 13
62. They are also at a disadvantage on level, unobstructed ground, as well as
when a cavalry force follows along after them in a dense, unbroken mass.
63. Hand-to-hand combat with weapons also hurts them, as do attacks made
11afely at night, in such a way that one section of our attacking force maintains its
formation while the other section remains in hiding.
64. They are also seriously hurt when some of them desert to the Romans.
They realize that their nation is fickle and they are avaricious and composed of
so many tribes and for this reason they set no value on kinship and unity with
one another.
290 1'WV 1 ... EVOELaV MW AEl\jllV 1'WV avayKaiwv AVBF
WA 294 npon9eamv
296 Kal MW om. AVBE
MW
npocrn9eamv
AVBE
297-298 cruvano~aA.ov-re~ MW
OU!l~UAOV1'E~
AVBE 301 OU!l~OA~~ MW OU!l~OA~~ flUAl01'a au-rou~ ~Aa\jiEl AVBE

302 w~ evav-ria MW evav-ria ouoa AVBE
305 .YYUflVW!1Evo~ AVBE yeyuflvaOflEVO~ MW I o~ Kal MW om. A VBE 306 Kall MW
om. AVBE 310 npoocpuywm MWVBE npocrcpuywmv A 312 Elm MVBE etmv WA
313 A.Oyov MW A.Oyov ~ cppov-rioa AVBE
301-302 flUAtcr-ra ... ~M\jlet MW om. AVBE
13. Cf. Strat. 11.2.19. Ammianus Marcellinus (31.2.6), writing about the Huns, notes a
similar characteristic: "Their shoes are formed on no last and so prevent their walking with a
free step. For this reason they are not at all adapted to battles on foot:'
460
315
320
Constitution 18
6s. 'OA.iywv o Taxa TOU npoa<puydv cmapxo!lEVWV Kat (jllAO<ppOVOUjlEVlll\'

nap' ~jlWV nA.~8oc; mho1c; naKOAou81 Oto Kat ~apwc; <ppouow en\ TOte; llll
mhwv avaxwpoumv.
66. 'OT' av ouv ~ouA.fl8fi nc; npoc; a1houc; eyyiam npoc; !lCtXfJV, np6 y~: navnov
fXElV a1JTOV oov n\c; ~[yA.ac; ETrljlfAWc; Kat GUVXtc; uno OtaGTf]jlCtTWV oA.iywv.
~:ha !lfPL!lv~am Kal npowTp~:n[am Ta fie; OeuTpav n!xfJv TuyxavovTa, ~youv
fl~nOT Tpon~ YEVf]TaL TWV UVTlTIOAfjlOUVTWV mhotc;, Yva Kal oxupov TOTIO\'
KaTaVO~an EV Katp(\J nptaTCtGWc; Kat OanCtVf]V E<pfupn OALYWV ~flpWV, i ph
OuvaTOV an Kat TWV aA6ywv, end naVTWc; TWV avOpwv, Kat jlCtAtaTa T~V TOll
UOaTOc; Unop[av, Elm Kat TOY TOUAOOV Ota8~an, we; tv T(\J n~:pl aUTOU K<paAatip
~jllV
dpf]Tat.
67.
Kal eav jlEV GUVfGTl nf~lKOc; GTpm6c;, tv Tfi np<.inn jlclAtaTa llaxn tv omp
325
6 aTpaToc; tv auvf]8dq. -rou 8vouc; yivnm, eKTa~m auTov KaTa Tov Of)A.w8vrc1
~f.llv tv aAA.otc; Tp6nov, TOUT' eGTlV, WGT exflV Touc; Ka~aAA.ap[ouc; imoTnay
330
jlfVOUc; TOLe; n~otc;.

68. Et o flOVOV Ka~aAA.aptoi fimv o[ avnmaaOjlfVOl auTOtc;, Kal a~LOflUXO!
npo<; T~V EKflVWV OUVajllV, KaTCt TOY A.~:x8vTa Tp6nov Kal aUTOV ev T(\J nepl
Ta~~:wc; A6y~.p Ta~fl
335
ai>Touc;.
69. IIAiovac; o ev Tote; nA.ayiOLc; a<popial Kal XPfJGLjlOUc; ev T(\J VWTI.p yap
aUTWV apKOUatV o[ AyOjlfVOl Ot<pvcropc; Ka~aAACtplOl, ~TOl oi fKOLKOl. Touc; llt
Koupcropac;, ~Tot npoflaxouc;, ll~ nA.ov Tptwv ~ Tmcrapwv aaymo~6A.wv TJ]c;
napaTa~wc; TWV Ot<pva6pwv ev Tate; OLW~fat xwpi~mem, jlf]OE KaTUTPEX1\'
aUTWV. navTwc; o Kal anouo~v not~<Jf]Tal Iva ev YUjlV(\J Kat '(aq> TOnq> KaTCt Til
ouvaTOV auT(\> T~V napaTa~lV EKTa~n, evea !l~Tf uA.m fial oacrdm !l~Tf naAjlaT(!
!l~Tf KotAa0c; evoxA.ouat, Ota TCt napa TWV ToupKWV emVOOUjlfVa eyKpUjljlaTa.
70. Kal TU<; ~iyA.ac; o EK OtaaT~flaToc; KaTa TWV Twcrapwv !lfPWV T~c; naptX
65. When a few begin to desert and are kindly received by us, a large number will soon follow them. For that reason they bear a grudge against those who
depart from them.
66. Now then, when you wish to advance against them for battle, you must,
;tbove all, have frequent watches on the alert and not far apart. Then make your
plans and advance preparations in the event of second fortune, that is, in case
your forces, fighting against them, should be put to flight. Search for a strong
position in the event of an emergency and find provisions for a few days, if
possible also for the horses and certainly for the men, especially plenty of water.
'Then, make arrangements for the baggage train, as we have written in the
chapter about it.'4
67. If an infantry force is present, especially in the first engagement, when

the army is becoming accustomed to that nation, draw it up according to the
method described by us elsewhere, that is, with the cavalry lined up behind the
infantry. 15
68. If the troops drawn up for combat against them consist only of cavalry
who are ready for battle against their forces, line them up in the manner described in the book on formations. 16
69. Set apart a numerous and capable force on the flanks. To their rear, the
cavalry called defenders, or ekdikoi, are sufficient. When in pursuit, the assault
troops, or promachoi, should not distance themselves more than three or four
bowshots from the battle line of the defenders, and they should not outrun
them. A concerted effort should be made to draw up the battle line, as much as
possible, in an open and even place, free of thick woods, marshes, or hollows
that could serve as cover for ambushes prepared by the Turks.
70. Post scouts at some distance from all four sides of the battle line.
340 Ta~~:wc; nOL~<Jft.
3 1 4 rrpocrqmydv MW npocr<peuyetv AVBE 315-316 errl...avaxwpoiimv MW om. AVBI

317 ~oUAJ'j8~ ... eyy1crat MW n~ ~ot>AJ'j8~ rrpocreyyicrm aumi~ AVBE I ye MW om. AVBl
MW <JUVTelVOVTU AVBE 320 au-rot~ MW UUTOU~ AVBI

327-328 W<JLE"' m:<oi~ MW LV(l W<JlV oi KU~a\Aaptol omcreev TWV rre<wv AVB!
329 f!OVOV MW f!OVOl AVBE 332 ev2 "' VWTW MW omcr8ev AVBE 336 KaF MW 0111
AVBE I JtOl~<Jl'jTat MW 1tOl~<JTUl AVBE 338 f.l~T MW f.l~Te Be AVBE I evoxA.ouOI
MAVBE evox\oiimv W 340 rrot~<Jet MW rrot~crm AVBE
461
319 -ruyxavovm
14. See above, Const. 10.

15. See above, Const. 7 41-45.
16. Probably Sylloge tacticorum. See Const. 19, n. 15.
Constitution 18
462
71. 'Eav 0 evoexeTat, KQAOV eanv, Yva ~ oua~aTOV TIOTaflOV ~ TI<XAflaTn I]

AlflVT]V KaTa VWTOU T~<; napani~ewc; rxn, Yva 6 VWTO<; aa<paA.wc; <pUAUHETUl.
72. Kal eav KaA.wc; TO TOU TIOAeflOU ~eA.8n, fl~Te KaTaTpexetv mhwv cmA.t]
aTW<; fl~Te UflEAW<; OLaKela8m. ouoe yap,
345
we; TO AOLTIQ 8vT], T~V TIPWTT]V ~Tn!l
flEVa flaXT]V UTIOA~youat -rou TIOAEflOU, ana flEXPL<; liv KaTa KpaTo<; TaTietvw8t0
atv, ETIITT]OEUOUat Ota TIOAAWV Tp6nwv KaTa TWV x8pwv aUTWV eyxetpetv. eav t'ii
GUfl!JlKTO<; eanv ~ Ta~L<;, Kal TIAetouc; eialv oi ne~o(, oeov np6vowv ev TO[.;
TOLOUTOL<; TIOLta8at T~<; UTIOTpo<p~<; TWV a.\6ywv. OU yap naVTW<; auyxwpouvnu
oi Ka~anaptOt eyyt~OVTWV TWV ex8pwv xopTaGflaTa TWV aA6ywv auvayetv.
35 o
73 Ai\TT] Toivuv ~ noAEflLK~ Te Kal auv~8T]c; Twv ToupKwv auvaaKT]atl;
we; etpT]TUl, KaTa TLVa fllKpa, TO o' ana e~WflOLW

Tal. ~flei<; oe TOtJTOU EVEKEV GOL TaUTT]V {meypa\jfaflEV, oux we; ToupKOL<; napu
OLa<pepeL T~<; TWV BouA.yapwv,
Taaaea8at flEnovn, oihe yap ye(TOVE<; eiatV oihe fl~V TIOAefllOL VUV, a.\Aa Kll\
flO.AAOV UTI~KOOL 'PWflULOL<; anouM~ouatv avaOetKvua8at, aU' tva xotc;, lll
355 aTpaTT]y, eioevm Ta Kama Twv ota<p6pwv napma~ewv Kal mpaTTJY'lflaTwv,
Kal v Katp<iJ T<iJ npoa~KOVTl XP~G8at aUTOL<; GUVTOflW<; npo<; 0 Tl liv ~OUATJ8fi<;,
Kal ooKLflaanc; To XP~atflOV m'lc; EK noU~c; yuflvaaiac; napa nmv <peuptaKo

flEVOL<; mpaTT]Y~flUGL T Kal napma~WLV ~ OT Kmpoc; anaLTft, Kal avnaTpan:v
wem npoc; aun':t TO evaVTLOV 8ta T~<; flEAETT]<; rrpOT]GKT]flEVO<; Kal YUflVUGaflEVOt;
360
74 Eial
oe
nva TWV 8vwv, OLOV <Dpayyot Kal Aoyyi~apOOL, naA.m f.!CV
aae~eiq. KpaTOUflEVa, vuv oe T~V aA.T]e~ TWV XptGTtavwv rr(anv aarra~OflEVa, (lJ\1
TO flEV <pLAta, TO 0 UTI~Koa Tft ~flWV EK eeou ~aatA.eiq. Tuyxavouat. Kal TOUTOl<;
0 eiat TIOAEfllKQ iOLWflUTa, TO flEV EK napa86aewc;, TO 0 Kal auTft Tft GUVT]8d<,l
360-440 Strat., 11.3.
exTJ MW exm AVBE I 6 VWTO~ MW ra omaeev !Jff'lj

I cpuA.cm:eTUl MW <pUAaTTTJTUl AVBE 343 e~tA.eTJ MW O.rro~~ AVlll
345 arroA.~youm MW arrorrauouat AVBE 347 rrA.eiou~ MW rrA.eiove~ AVBI
348 rravrw~ auyxwpouvrat MW trsp. AVBE 349 tyyt~6vrwv MW l1AfJ<JLa~6vrwv AVlll
350 roivuv MW om. A VBE I Te MW om. AVBE I cruvacrKfJ<JL~ MW yu~Jvacria AVBl
351 TWV AVBE om. MW 351-352 Kata ... e~WIJOlWTUl MW ra Oi; iiUa OIJOLU eicrtv AVBI
352-353 rraparaaawem !JfAAOVTl MW trsp. AVBE 353 oih 1 MW ouoe AVBE I oi'rn
!J~V MW ouoe AVBE 354 avaoeiKvua8m MW dvm AVBE 354-356 EXOl~ ... tt MW
ytVWOKTJ~ EKUOTOU eevou~ rrapara~tv Kal crrpaTTJY~IJUTa Kal ev TW rrpoa~KOVTl Katplt>
rroAA.aKt~ i:mtfJOeUetv aura rrpo~ ovrrep AVBE 357-358 ro1~ ... arratt~ MW ~ AVBI,
359 to ... yu!JvacrO.!JeVO~ MW ore Katpo~ arratre1 ota r~~ !JeAftfJ~ raura rrpoyu~JvaaO.!JeVn<;
AVBE 360 A.oyyi~apoot MW A.ay6~apoot AVBE 362 ~flWV ... 8eou MW trsp. AVBF I
ruyxavoum MVBE ruyxavouatv WA 363 elm MAVBE eiatv WIt~ MW r~ aurwv AVBL
463
71. If it can be done, it is good to have a river that is difficult to ford or

marshes or a lake behind the battle line so that the rear is securely protected.
72. If the battle turns out well, do not be too hasty in racing after the enemy
or behave carelessly. For, unlike other nations, this one does not give up the
struggle when worsted in the first battle but, until they are completely beaten
down, they try all sorts of ways to assault their enemies. If the formation is
mixed, consisting mostly of infantry, you must still be concerned about finding
tbrage for the horses. For when the enemy are getting close, by no means are the
cavalry allowed to send out foraging parties.
73. Therefore, these military practices and characteristics of the Turks differ
from those of the Bulgarians, as mentioned, in only a few particulars but are
similar in others. We have given you this outline, 0 general, not because you are
preparing to face the Turks in battle, for they are neither neighbors nor enemies
to us at present, but instead they are eager to show themselves as subjects of the
Romans. Still, 0 general, you should have a good knowledge of each one of the
various formations and military practices and, at the proper time, make use of
them without delay against anyone you wish. Experiment with what has been
useful among those stratagems and battle formations that a great deal of experience has led some individuals to discover. Then, as the situation requires, after
carefully practicing the drills and exercises, take the proper military measures to
counter theirs.
7 4. There are some nations, such as the Franks and the Lombards, who had
formerly been bound by impiety, but have now embraced the true faith of the
ChristiansY Some are friendly while others are subject to Our God-given
Majesty. They have distinctive military practices, some of which are traditional
342 KUTU VWTOU MW omaeev AVBE I
AVBE
17 Sections 74-92 derive from Strat. 11.3. Franks was a general name for Western Europeans; Lombards meant those in the various principalities of southern Italy, nominally under
Byzantine rule.
464
Constitution 18
CJ'1Jfl<pWVa, am:p rcapa9~00f1EV OOL, ilJ mpaTfly, OU xaptv T~<; aunliv EKOTpaTflU~
365 -rcwc; yap Twv eipf1veu6vTwv Kal aUflflaxwv Kal 6f1o9p~aKwv Kal urcf1K6wv;
aA.A.a tva Kal EK TWV TOLOUTWV Wtf1WV Kat aumaaewv, Kat e'{ ye od, Kal EK TWV
TOlOUTOl<; evaVTLWV, e'( TL OOL M~n XP~OlflOV avaA.e~aflfVO<; Kat ~flAWanc; Kat exn;;
ev Katp{il Ttp rcpoa~KOVTl YYUf1VaOf1EVOV KaTa TWV OTCOLWVO~TCOTE OOl UVTLTC(l
370
pmaTTOflEVwv rcoAflLWV.
75 Kal yap Kal I.KA.a~OL ~aav rcoTe, cne rcpav KaT4JKouv Tou"IaTpou, ov Klll
t.avou~wv KaAODflfV, oic; Kal rcpoaercoA.f1ouv 'PwflaiOL rcm9flVOL, VOflaOLKtTl~

Kal auTwv TOT &a~wvTwv, rcplv ~ rcepmw9~vm Tov'1aTpov Kal urco Tov ~uy<'lv
T* 'Pwfla"LK~c; e~oua[ac; TOV eaUTWV auxva UTCOKALVUL. ouo TOUT<p o Ta Wtfll
rcpoc; Tac; flaxac; Kat TllV ctAAflV auv~9etav ayvwaTa OOl KaTUAfhJ!W, aAA.' wamp
375 flOl e'lpflTUl, rcavTU auAA.~ac; OtaypalJ!W, Ka9' oaov ~ ~fllV Mvafll<; eyxwpei, 'ivn
rcavmx69ev fli::ALTTfl<; OLKflV epavl~n KUL auAA.yfl<; TU XP~atfla.

76. <Dpayyot Tolvuv Kal Aoyyl~apcSot A6yov A.eu9eplac; rcepl rcoAA.ou rcotoiiv
Tat. aAA.' oi flEV Aoyyl~apOOL TO TCAEOV T~c; TOLUUTfl<; apeT~c; vuv arcwA.eaav,
rcA.~v Kal oiJTot Kal <Dpayyot Kal flaA.taTa 9paadc;
~aav Kal aKaTaTCAflKTOL, tv
380 Tole; TCOAEflOl<; TOAflflPOL Tf Kal rcpoTCfTfic;, de; OVfLOoc; exovTf<; T~V OflAtav t<Ul
T~V rcpoc; fllKpov avaxwpf1atV Kat TaUTflV oiovel cpuy~v ~YOUflfVOL. UKOAW<; Ot:
OLU TOUTO 9avaTOU KUTa<ppovot>at T~V KaTa xeipa flaXflV acpoopwc; Kat Ka~aA.
A<'tplOl Kal T(f~OL flaXOflVOl.
77 'OT' av yap, we; eiK6c;, ev Tille; Ka~afi.AaptKaic; flaXatc; mevw9watv, ~ tv(J~
385 auv9~flaToc; arcoKam~a[voum TWV \'rcrcwv auT<ilv Kal rceQi rcapmaaaovmt,
6A.iyot Taxa Kal rcpoc; rcA.Lovac; Ka~aAA.aplouc; fl~ OflALWVT<; ~ arcoA.yovTat Tt)~
flaXfl<;.
364-365 ~~ ... eKaTpm:eia~ MW Tou KaT' mhwv eKmpaTeiJcrm AVBE 365 Of!o8p~oKwv
MW Of!01ttcrTwv A VBE 365-366 aA\a MW aA.A' AVBE 366-367 8if!WV ... evavtiwv
MW om. AVBE 367 Ka\ 1 Ka\ 2 MW om. AVBE 368 orrotwvo~rroT MW om. A VB I
368-369 aOL avnrrapatanollevwv MW trsp. A VBE 370 ~aav MW om. AVBE I ih MW
om. A VBE 3 72 KaP ... ota~wnwv MW ota~wcrtv A VBE I ~ 7tepmw8~vm MW 7tEp6.om
AVBE 372-373 {mo ... imoK\tvm MW urro1:ay~vm pwf!alot~ AVBE 375 ~ AVBE om.
MW 376 f!EALHT]~ MW f!EALOO!]~ AVBE I epavi~lj ... aUAAEYTJ~ MW auvO.y!j~ AVBI
377 \oyyi~apoot MW \ayo~apoOL AVBE I A6yov MW <ppovTioa rroA\~v ~~ A VBE I mp\
378 \oyyl~apoot MW \ayo~apoot AVBE 379 Ka\3 MW om.
A VBE 382 Kam<ppovouat MAB KUTa<ppovouatv WVE I KaTa xetpa MW arro XElp(ilV
A VBE 384 w~
iK6~
MW om.
AVBE 386-387 arro\eyovTat. .. f!CtXTJ~
MW
rroA\ou MW om. AVBE
arrayopeuovn:~ T~v f!CtXlJV A VBE
465
111110ng them, while others derive from actual usage. We are transmitting these
to you, 0 general, not because of a military campaign against them-for how
<could this be> when they are at peace and are allies, coreligionists, and subJ~cts?-but in order that, from their usages and organization and, if necessary,
from their adversaries, you may select whatever might seem useful to you and
tmulate them. And, when the time comes, you will be well practiced <in facing>
ibsolutely any kind of enemy drawn up in formation against you.
75 Formerly there were the Slavs. When they dwelt across the Ister, which
we call the Danube, the Romans attacked them and made war against them.
'lney were then living as nomads, that is, before they crossed the Ister and bent
their necks under the yoke of Roman authority. But I will not leave you ignorant
of their usual methods in combat and of their other customs. Indeed, as I said, I
gather and explain everything to you, to the best of my ability, so that, like
the bee, you may bring together from all sides and collect what is useful.
76. The Franks and the Lombards place great value on freedom. But the
Lombards have now lost most of such virtue, although they and the Franks were
particularly bold and undaunted, daring and impetuous in battle, regarding any
timidity and even a short retreat as a disgrace, considering it just like a rout. For
this reason they calmly despise death as they fight violently in hand-to-hand
combat either on horseback or on foot.
77 Now, in the event that they are hard pressed in cavalry actions, they
dismount from their horses at a single prearranged signal and line up on foot.
Although few in number against many horsemen they show no fear and do not
shrink from battle.
wm
466
Constitution 18
78. 'OTIAL~OVTUL 8 O"KOUTCtptotc; Kat KOVTCtptOLc; Kat 0"1ta8tOLc; KOVTOn3pou.;,

IIIli
78. They are armed with shields and lances and rather short swords slung by
lltraps from their shoulders, although at times some carry them around the
aiml.
79 Xaipoum 8 f!iiA.Aov Tft ne~oflaxiq. Kat Tate; f!d i::Aaaiac; KaTa8po~wlt,
79 They take more pleasure in fighting on foot and in making headlong
Kal tnt nov WflWV atmov 8ta A.wpiwv ava~aani~oumv. tvion: 8 TLVc; atrrwv
390 8ta~wvvuvTaL
nicraovTat 8i::
wptO"f!EV(fl Kal
tv m"ic; flUXatc; etT ne~ol

tv TU~L ~ tv f!Olpatc; ~ tv
ehe Ka~aA.A.aptoL ouK
tv
f1ETP4J nvl
f!Epem, Ka8anep 'Pwf!aLOL, aAA.a K<lt!'i
<j>UACtc; Kal Tft npoc; aA.A~A.ouc; auyyevdq. T Kat npoanaSdq., TIOAAUKLc; 8 Ktil
395
Q"UVWflOO"l<;J.. o8V Kat
tv
Katpc.iJ 1tplGTUO"Wc; <j>LAWV tvaTIOALCp8EVTWV O"UVt:KIV
Mveucrav aMo"ic; noA.A.aKtc; tv Tft flUXn T01houc; tK8LK~aavTec;.

8o."Iaov 8 TO flETWTIOV T~c; napaTa~ewc; auTwv TIOLOVVTat KatnuKvov
mtc; fl<lxmc;.
81. Tac; 8 aufl~oA.ac;, ehe Ka~aAA.apwt ehe ne~oi, mpoopwc; Kat aKamcrxr
400
TWc; TIOLOVO"LV, we; f!OVOTOVOL KatTIUO"f]c; 8LAtac; aTIXOflVOL.

82 . .AnetSetc; 0 dat npoc; Toile; apxovmc; aUTWV, Kat f!UALO"Ta payyot, eAt\1
Sepiac; wanep avnTIOL0Uf1VOL, Kal i::Kouaiwc; t<p' oaov Katpov opiawatv ~ nupt;
TWV apx6vTWV 6pta8watv EKO"TpaTUOUO"l Kal f!OVOV, Kal TOUTOU napepxoflfVO\l,
d TUXOL auToilc; t1tlf1EVLV, ~apwc; q>EpovTec; TOV napaaUpf!OV TOU xp6vrw,

AUOUO"l T~V O"UVTCt~LV TOV t~TI0LTOU Kat avaxwpoumv tnl Toile; o'(Kouc; aUTWV.
83 . .Anpawovec; o dat Kalnaaf]c; TIOLKLAiac; Kal aaq>aA.dac; EKTOc; Kal T~c; toll
auf!q>EpovToc; yvWf1f]c;. OLO Kal Ta~ewc; neptq>povoum Kal f!UALO"Ta T~c; Ka~a.\An
plK~c;.
84. 'Ynoq>SdpovTat 8 Ota XP'lflUTWV eilK6Awc;, q>LAOKepoe"ic; ovTec;, i::~ tirv
410
neipq. fla86VTc;, 'LO"flV ano TWV t~ 'haA.iac; tvTavea TIOAAUKLc; napayevOf.LEVttl\1
tni TLO"l 0LOLK~(J0"LV, we; Tft tKdvwv t1tlf1L~iq., Olf!Ul, Kal TOUTWV ~ap~apw8vnuv
n: Kat auve8ta8vTwv.
8s. Aund oi:: al>Toilc; KaKona8La Kat (JUVTpl~~- oaov yap Tac; 'l'uxac; TOAflll
pac; Kat Spaadc; KEKTf]VTUL, TOQ"OVTOV TCt O"WflaTCt eunae~ Kat cmaA.a Kat KClflllV
415
etJKOAwc; q>petv ou 8uVUflVa.
395 vcmoA.wp9vTwv MW vanoA.wp9vrwv fleaw t<""

399 -4oo aKamaxecw<; MW aKpaTw<; AVBE 400 f1ov6mvot Kal MW o111
AVBE 402 wcmep MW om. AVBE I 6picrwatv MW opicroumv AVBE 404 cpepovm; MW
cpepouat AVBE 405 A.uoucrt MW Kal A.uovTE<; AVBE I mu ~ne6hou MW Tij<; EKcrTpani<l,
AVBE 406 Kal aacpaA.Eia<; MW om. AVBE 407 neptcppovouat MW KULacppovoPlll
AVBE 4 1o 'icrf!EV MW ytvwcrKof!EV AVBE I nau9a noA.MKt<; MW trsp. AVIII
411-412 w<; ... cruvE9tcr9vTWV MW Kal TOOOlJTWV Tft<; EKElVOU yvWf!Tj<; flETaA.ap6vtWV 11)
~harges.' 8
Whether on foot or on horseback, they draw up for battle not in any

measure and formation or in moirai or divisions, as do the Romans, but
to clans, their kinship with one another, or some common bond or
leagued together by oath. 19 As a result, when things are not going well and
their friends have fallen, they will often risk their lives fighting to avenge them.
So. In combat they make the front of their battle line even and dense.
81. Either on horseback or on foot their charges are impetuous and uncontrollable, hardheaded as they are without any fear at all.
82. They are disobedient to their leaders, especially the Franks, placing
freedom above all else. They willingly go on campaign for as much time as they
~,hall determine or that has been determined by their rulers, and only for that
period of time. If it happens that they are to remain <beyond that>, they bear
the extension of time grudgingly and break up the formation of the expedition
lllld withdraw to their homes.
83. They are easygoing and avoid anything at all complicated and security
measures and planning something beneficial. Thus, they despise good order,
ii!Specially when it comes to cavalry.
84. They are easily corrupted by money, greedy as they are. This we have
learned from experience, and we know from those who have frequently come
here from Italy on some business or other that by intermingling with them, I
think, even these have adopted their habits and become barbarized.
85. They are hurt by suffering and fatigue. Although they possess bold and
daring spirits, their bodies are pampered and soft and unable to bear heavy labor easily.
389 tvioTE MW noAA.aKt<; AVBE
txepwv AVBE
npo<; EKEivou<; cruvf]Sda Kal cruvavacrtpocpft AVBE
18. Cf. Strat. 11.3.3; Procopius, Bella, 6.25.12-14.

19. Cf. Tacitus, Germania, 7.2.
468
Constitution 18
86. ITpooht 0 A.urreT airrouc; Kal Kauowv Kal \jluxoc; Kal ~pox~ Kal vl\ud
8artaVT]f.Uitwv, Kal flUAtaTa o'ivou, n 0 Kal imp8eatc; rroAEflOU.

87. 'Ev 8 T<\J Katp<\J T~c; Ka~aAA.aptK~c; flUXTlc; vaVTLOUVTal au-roTc; t6Ttm
OUO~aTOl Kal 8aoe1c; 6tc1 TO elc; 6~lc; A.aaiac; err' eu8eiac; fleT<l TWV KOVtapktlV
420
ailtouc; yyuflvao6~vm.
88. 'YrtOflEVOU<Jl 6 Kal 6t' eyKpUflflUTWV ~A.a~ac; UK6A.wc; I KaTCt T t(tlV
nA.ayiwv Kal TOU VWTOU t~c; au-rwv rrapa-ra~ewc; ou yap rravu <ppov-r[(oum
~(y\.ac; ~ T~c; AOtrt~c; ao<paAlac;.
89. 'Eav 6 TlV<:; Kat OXTJflaTLOWVTat <puy~v, UKOAWc; 6taA.uov-rat, Kat ei ii<pvw
425
Kat' au-rwv av-rtotpE\jiW<JlV, UK6A.wc; au-roue; 8ta<p6eipouat.

90. IToAA.aKtc; 8t Kal VUKTEptval ETtAUOtc; urro TO~OTWV ~A.amoumv autO\)<,'
8teanaaflevot yap arrA.tKeuoumv.
430
435
91. Ei 8 Ttc; au-roTc; ~ouA.eu6T] rrot rrpoo~aA.ei:v oihwc; ei6tOflEVOlc; KUl

8taKlflEVotc;, OUK rxpTJTO KaT' au-rwv v flUXn 8TjflOOtq. rrapa-ra~et, Kal flCtAlO't\t
EK rtpOOlfllWV, aA.A.' UTUKTWc; 8t' eyKpUflflUTWV Kat KAOrt~c; Ka-r' aU-rwv rrpom'
~aA.ev Kal 8ta oo<ptOflCtTwv iiAA.wv o-rpatT]ytKwv ~ 8ta urrep6oewc; -r~c; flCtXIJ<;
8taaupwv TOV Katpov ~ Kal OUfl<pWVa elp~VT]<:; OXTJflaTt(OflEVOc; rrpoc; au-roue;, '(vtl
~ Tfi tWV 8arraVT]flCtTWV ETtlAel\jiEl ~ Tft TOU Kauowvoc; ~ Kal \jluxouc; tux<'JV
oxA.~aet TO 6paooc; au-rwv Kal TO np66UflOV A.anwon.
92. 'H 6 urrp8emc; Kal -ra ana flCtAtOTa 8Uva-ro rrpoc; au-roue; yevoHm
tOT, o-r' av elc; oxupw-rpouc; Kal 6uo~a-rouc; -r6nouc; ~TtAtKUV 6 1lOAEflto<;

EKelVWV a-rpa-r6c;, v6a, we; rxov-rec; KOVTCtpta, Kata TOU -r6nou yxetpeTv ETtlT!J
8dwc; OUK 8Uvav-ro. av 6 8ta TWV eipT]flEVWV OUK v~pyouv KaT' au-rwv, aAA.t\
6 rrpocren ... J..urrd MW J..urrd 6 AVBE I v6era MW Ad \fit<; AVBE 417 imp0EOI\,
41
rroAEflOU MW trsp. AVBE 419 6~et<; MW 6~eia<; AVBE 421 0t MW 6 ~Ait~a<; A Vlll I
~A.a~a<; MW om. AVBE 422 Tou ... rrapm:a~ew<; MW omcrOev T~<; rrapaTCt~ew<; airrwv
AVBE 423 !.om~<; MW !.om~<; mhwv AVBE 424 TtVe<; Kat MW Kat oi avnTacrcr6ftEVm
auTot<; AVBE I 6taA.Uovmt MW eKdvot T~v m}vTa~tv auTwv 6taAuoumv AVIll
425 avncrTpEif!WOlV MW UVTLOTpEif!WOlV oi T~V cpuy~v OX'lflaLtOCtfleVOl AVBE l6tacp8eiput<ll
MVBE 6tacp8eipoumv WA 427 Otecrrracrf.LEVOL MW 6tecrrrapf1EVOL Kal OrecrKopmcrp{v.,,
AVBE 42 8 e~ouA.euOfj MWVE e~ou!.~O'l AB 428-429 eiOtcrf.LEVOt<; ... OraKelflEVOt<; M W
trsp. AVBE 429 tv fLCtX'l MW om. AVBE 430 eK rrpoorpiwv MW ~ apx~<; AVI\1
o-431 rrpocre~aA.ev MW rrpocrt~aA.ev ~ AVBE 431-432 Ora' ... Katpov MW I)
43
3
imepTt0EfleVo<; Kal rrapacrupwv Tov Karpov T~<; flCtX'l<; AVBE 433 ~ Tuxov MW TUX<'>v 1\
T~ TOU lf!UXOU<; AVBE 435 urrtpOecrr<; MW urrtpOeat<; TOU rroA.tpou AVBE I iiAA.a MW iiAAu
TOTe AVBE 435-436 yevecrOar TOTe MW yivecrOat AVBE 436-437 rroAEflLO<; EK<iwv
MW rroAEflWV EKelVOU<; AVBE 43 7-438 W<; .. 6UvavTO MW eyxetpi<elV Kal mTi0wOui
mTfj6dw<; OUK 6UvavTO w<; exovTe<; KOVTCtpta AVBE
469
86. Moreover, they are hurt by heat, cold, rain, and lack of provisions, especially of wine, as well as postponement of battle.
87. When it comes to a cavalry battle, they are hindered by difficult and
wooded terrain because they have been trained to charge swiftly with their
lances on level ground.
88. They are easily subject to serious damage from ambushes along the
flanks and to the rear of their battle line, for they pay no attention whatever to
t~couts and other security measures.
89. Their ranks are easily broken by a simulated flight, and a sudden turning
back against them easily wipes them out.
90. Attacks at night by archers often inflict damage on them since they set
up camp all scattered about.
91. In the past, individuals who wanted to assault these people, with their
customs and manner of doing things, did not line <their own troops> up for a
pitched battle against them, especially in the early stages. Instead, they proceeded against them with well-planned ambushes and sneak attacks, as well as by
other clever military actions, or else they delayed combat and kept putting it off.
Or they pretended to make an agreement about peace with them, so that the
shortage of provisions or else the likely discomforts of heat or cold might put a
damper on their boldness and high spirits.
92. Delays and other actions against them could best be carried out at a time
when the army opposed to them pitched camp on rugged and difficult ground.
Because the Franks relied on lances, they were unable to launch an effective
attack against such a place. If <the army opposed to them> did not carry out any
470
Constitution 18
rrpo~ flUXT]V 1tUVTW~ wpwv, Ton: rrapTUO"O"OVTO rrpo~ aUT01J~, W~ tv tl\J mpl
440 rrapma~ew~ f<')T]AWO"aflV K<paA.aic.p.

93. Kal -ra LKAa~tKa 6 8v11 6f1ooim-ra T ~aav Kal 6f16tporra a.n~A.ot~, Kol
tA.e1>8epa, flT]OUflW~ oouA.oua8at ~ apxwem 1tt86f1Va, Kal flUALO"Ta OT rrtpnv
TOU 6.aVOU~lOU KanpKOUV tv tft io(<;t XWP<:l o8ev KUL tv-rau8a 1tpatw8vta
K\11
o[ovd ~taa8v-ra oe~aaem T~V OOUAeLCtV, oux -repc.p ~oew~ rrel8w8at ~eeA.ov,
445 UAAU -rp6nov nva tau-ro'i~. Kpe'inov yap ~youvto arro TOU lipxovto~ T~~ autwv
<pUA~~ cp8ipea8at ~ TOL~ 'Pwfla'iKOL~ OOUAUlV Kal U1t0KALVW8at VOf.!Ol~,
out\1
TOU O"WTT]piou ~a1tTLO"flaTO~ TOV aytetO"flOV KUTaOe~CtflVa axpt TWV ~flTEfltl!li

xp6vwv, TOUTO oaov KaT' UUTOU~ ei~ apxaia~ tA.eu8epia~ auv~eaav OlUTT]pOi)V
T~.
450
471
the above operations against them, but was intent on fighting, it would form
battle line against them, as we explained in the chapter on formations.
93 The Slavic nations have shared the same customs and way of life with
other. 20 They were independent, absolutely refusing to be enslaved or
i*'verned, especially when they dwelled across the Danube in their own country.
when they crossed over from there to here and, as it were, were forced to
slavery, they still did not want to obey another person meekly but in
k~me manner only themselves. For they deemed it better to be destroyed by a
of their own race than to serve and to submit themselves to the laws of the
ltHnans. Even after they received the sacrament of salvific baptism, up to our
OWn times, they just as strongly retained their ancient and customary indepen-
94 IIoMavopa T ~aav Kal KaKorra8eia~ i>JtOflEVov-ra, euK6A.w~ oi:: rrp!'H,
Kavawva Kal
\j!DXO~ Kai ~pox~v Kai O"WflUTO~ YUflVOTT]Ta Kai T~V TWV oarravq
f10.Twv i:voetav Kap-repouv-ra.
94 They were always a populous and hardy people, readily bearing up under
cold, rain, nakedness, and scarcity of provisions.
95. Tauta 6 6 ~fl-repo~ tv 8i<;t -rft A.~~et yev6f1Vo~ rrat~p Kal 'Pwfla(wv
95 Our father, autokrator of the Romans, Basil, now in the divine dwelling,
autoKpatwp BaO"LAlO~ TWV apxaiwv 8wv E1tl0" flTaO"T~Vat Kai, ypatKWO<H,
J~!ilrsuaded these peoples to abandon their ancient ways and, having made them
subjected them to rulers according to the Roman model, and having
jil'aced them with baptism, he liberated them from slavery to their own rulers
~tnd trained them to take part in warfare against those nations warring against
the Romans.n By these means he very carefully arranged matters for those
J}eo~~es. As a result, he enabled the Romans to feel relaxed after the frequent
upnsmgs by the Slavs in the past and the many disturbances and wars they had
IIUffered from them in ancient times.
455 Kallipxoum Ka-ra -rov'Pwfla.iKov -rvrrov urro-ra~a~, Kal ~amiaf.!an TLfl~aa~, T~~
OOUAia~ ~Aeu8pwa TWV EUUTWV apxovTWV, KUL atpaTU0"8at KaTCt tliJV
'PWf.!UlOl~ 1t0Aef10UVTWV tevwv e~waiowaev,
oihw
1tW~ E1tlflAW~ rrepl n~
TOlUUTa otaKiflVO~, OLO Kai Ctf1Plf1VOU~ 'PWflUlOU~ EK T~~ 1tOAAUKl~ arro LKM
~wv YVOf1EVT]~ av-rapaia~
I f1tOLT]O"V,
rrona~
im' EKelVWV
0XA~O"l~ Kal 1tOA!'
46o f.!OU~ To'i~ nO.A.at xpovot~ V1tOf1dvavta~.

96.'Haav oe, OUK olo' 01tW~ dne'iv, Tft <plAO~Vl<;t KaTaK6pw~ XPWf1Va TU niJV
LKAa~WV <pUAU, ~v OUOE vuv KUTUAl1telV EOtKaiwaav, aU' exoumv OflOLW~. toi~
441-492 Strat., 11.4.

439 twpwv MW ant~A.enov AVBE 440 napaTa~ew~ MW neptTa~EW<; AVBE 441 n
Of101'pona MW Kal OfiOTpona ~oav AVBE 442 oouA.oua6m ... 1tEL60fiEVU MW 1tEL66w V!!
cSouA.ouo6m ~ apxea6m AVBE 443 nepmw6ena MW cStanepaaavTa AVBE 444 oim I
MW om. AVBE 444-445 htpw .. , ma MW ~6eA.ov htpw nd6w6m aAA. AV1\l
446 OouAEUELV ... VOflOL<; MW VOflOL<; OouAEUELV Kctl imoKA.(vw6m AVBE 447 TO\>
aytaofiov MW ,c, awT~pwv ~amtafia AVBE 1 axpt MW f!EXPL AVBE 448 ooov MW om'"
1'0 AVBE 448-449 apxa(a<; ... 0LU1'T)pOUV1'E<; MW auv~6ELUV TT)pOUVTE<; apxa(a<; EAEU6tpl!1<,
AVBE 450 TE MW oe AVBE 452 EVOELUV MW AEhj!LV AVBE 453 ev ... yEVOfli'Vlh,
MW fictKaptwtaTo<; AVBE 454 auToKpaTwp MW ~amA.eu<; AVBE 456 atpmeuwOu
MW om. AVBE 457 e6vwv MW e6vwv OTpateueo6m AVBE 458-459 noAA.aKL~
yeVOfiEVT)<; MW yeVOfiEVT)<; 1tOAAUKL<; uno aKAct~WV AVBE 461-462 OUK ... ~v MW
qnA6~eva el<; imep~oA.~v Ta twv aKA.a~wv cpu A.a T~v eSt ToLaUTT)V cptA.o~ev(av AVHI
462 eOLKct(woav MW ~6EAT)OUV AVBE
96. The tribes of the Slavs-! am not sure how to say this-practiced
hnspitality22 to an extreme, and even now they judge it wrong to abandon it, but
20. Sections 93-102 derive from Strat. 11.4.

. ~I. The conversion of the Slavs, as a whole, is dated to the 86os. See F. Dvornik, Byzantine
lv11SStons among the Slavs (New Brunswick, NJ, 1970); A. P. Vlasto, The Entry of the Slavs into
Christendom (Cambridge , 1970) "Made them Greek", ypmKwaa<;:
'
apparently, they had to
>ldopt Greek customs, including, perhaps, the language, as did the orphans, who came from
various ethnic groups. Anna Komnene employs a more classical word to describe the same
process: EAAT)v(~w (15.7.9). See T. Miller, The Orphans of Byzantium (Washington, DC, 2003).
22. Hospitality toward strangers, <jlLAO~ev(a, an aspect of philanthropy praised and
practiced by religious Byzantines. See ODB, s. v.
472
Constitution 18
yap m~EVOUf!EVOl<; v a\rrot<; ~7tl0l Kat npaot y(voVTO Cf>LAO<ppOVOUf!EVOI

au-rou<; Kal oe~toDf!EVot otaa<ov-r<;, Kal Ka-ra otaoox~v
eK
-r6nou Ei<;
It
TtlltPv
napanjlnOVTE<; Kal a~A.a~et<; OlctTT]pciaem Kal UOtaAetTITOU<; oanUVTj<; UAAl)A0\11,

napeyyuWf!EVOl, W<; e'( y ot' CtjlEAEtav TOU unOOeXOf!EVOU <JUjl~aiT] TOV
~A.a~~Vctl, n6AEf!OV KaT' EKelVOU 6 TOUTOV napaeef!EVO<; EKlVEl, av-rl niattua,
ae~aa11ia<; ~you11evo<; -rou ~evou -r~v eKOiKT]<JLV.
97 'E06Kl o au-rot<; Kal -repov <JUjlnaea-rep6v noTE dvctt TOU<; YCtfl

470
aix!laAwa(q nap' au-rwv Aajl~aVOf!EVOU<; OUK aopia-rw<;, EW<; av ~OUAWVTctl,

oouA.dav Ka-rcixov, aHa jl<'iAAov v -rft yvwf!n TWV aixf!aAWTWV no(ouv, opi(ov
TE<; au-rot<; PTJTOV nva T~<; oouA.eta<; xpovov 'tva, f!ETU TOUTOV TOV 6ptaEl!:v Ill
xpovov, eav etA.wmv tv TOt<; ioiot<; avaxwp~<Jctl f!ET<l TlVO<; wpt<JjlEVOU jltaeoo
II,
av ~ouA.wv-rat nap' au-rot<; dvm, f!Evetv A.eueepou<; Kal <piA.ou<;.

475
98. 'Eaw<pp6vouv 0 Kal ai e~A.etctt aU-rwv f!CtAl<JTct KpctTatw<;, W<JT

noA.A.a<; au-rwv T~V TWV ioiwv avopwv TEAEUT~V ioiav ~yetaem Kal anonv!ynv
tau-ra<;, ll~ ouva11va<; <ppetv -r~v v XTJPel<t <w~v.
99.'Expwv-ro o oanavn KEYXP'P> f!CtAt<JTa <p(Aouv o Kal 6A.tyapKiav, ounxt
pw<; <pEpOVTE<; TOU<; aUou<; T~<; yewpyia<; n6vou<;, Ota TO A.eueeptw-rpav ~l(lA
A.ov <ptA.e1v au-ra -r~v otaywy~v notetaem Kallinovov, ~ auv noU<jl Konq> noA\t
TEAEtav ~PW!lCtTWV ~ XPTJf!CtTWV emK-ri<weat.
100. 'OnA.i<ov-ro 0 noTE jllKpOt<; CtKOVTtOl<; ~youv PTJKTctpiot<;, oualv EKMtw;
av~p, nv<; 0 Kat (JKOUTapiot<; f!EYCtAOl<; E1tljl~Ke<JlV, olov eupeoi<;. EKEXPTJVTO

Kat TO~Ol<; ~uA.ivot<;, Kat aayina<; dxov KEXPL<JjlEVa<; <papf!UKq>, onep eotl \'
463 tv
MW om. AVBE
I ~mot
465-466 Kall ... rrapeyyuWf!EVOL
MW om. A VBE 464 &taaw~ovw:; MW om. AVIH

MW -re Kal Otaaw~ov-re~ Kal cuStaAdmou~ oam'tv<i,
Kal
rrapa-rpxov-re<; aU~Aou<; -re rrapeyyuwf!evot Kal rrapmvouv-re<; a~Aa~~ -rov ~evoooxoupn"v
OUfl~aiTJ~Aa~~vat MW -rov ~evov ~Aa~~vat auv~11 AVIII

MW rr6AEf!OV eKivet Ka-ra -rou rrpoAa~6v-ro<; au-rov 6 -rou-rov rrapa<'lotn,
A VBE 468 ~YOUf!EVO<; ... EKOLKTJOLV MW 1'~V 1'0U ~EVOU EKOLKTJOLV AOYL~Of!EVO<; A vI! I
469 rro-re MW om. A VBE 470 AUfl~aVOf!EVOU~ MW Kpa-rOUf!EVOU<; A VBE I ~'we.
~OUAWV1'al MW om. AVBE 471-472 i:rroiouv ... pfj1'0V MW ave-ri8ouv wptOf!EVOV A VIII
4 72 1'~<; ... xp6vov MW xp6vov ~~ OOUAeia<; n8v-re~ au-rot<; A VBE I 1'0U1'0V M w It!
rrapeA8EtV AVBE 473 wptOf!EVOU MW GUf!<pWVTj8v-ro~ AVBE 475 8~Aetal MW
yuvatK<; A VBE I f!UAL01'a Kpa-ratW<; MW urrep~aU6v-rw~ A VBE 476 toiwv MW oil I
A VBE I 1'EAEU1'~V ... ~ye1a8at MW 'lotov Aoyi(ea8at 8ava-rov A VBE 478-479 ouaxcpwc,
MW OUGKOAW<; AVBE 479-480 1'0 ... ~ MW 1'0 ayarrav au-rou<; 1'~V EAeu8eptwttpctv
&taywy~v Kal lirrovov ou yap ~8eAov A VBE 482 aKov-riot<; ... pf]Kmplot<; MW ptmupiot<,
A VBE 483 flYUAOL~ MW flEYUAOt<; Kal AVBE I olov 8upeo1<; MW om. A VBE
otaawaat AVBE
466-467
467 eKeivou ... f:Kivet
473
htlld on to it as formerly. They were kind and gentle to travelers in their land,
were favorably disposed to them. They conducted them safely from one
to another in sequence and preserved them free from harm and always
supplied, commending them to one another. Indeed, if the stranger
li.Dtlcene:d to suffer some harm because of his host's negligence, the one who had
him would commence hostilities against that host, regarding
for the stranger as a sacred pledge.
7. From former times they held on to another very sympathetic custom.
did not keep those whom they had taken into captivity for an indefinite
as long as they wished. Rather, they set a definite period of time for their
and then gave the prisoners a choice: after this set period, if they
ired, they could return to their own homes with a certain assigned recomor, if they wished to stay with them, they could remain there as free men
friends.
98. Their women manifested particularly strong feelings. Many of them reprded the death of their husbands as their own and would have themselves
illffocated, <finding it> unbearable to keep on living as widows.
99 For food they made use of millet. They were truly happy and content
with very little and grudgingly bore the labors involved in farming. They far
~referred to have a much more independent way of life without any work than
\t~ acquire a wide variety of food or money with a great deal of toil.
100. Formerly they were armed with short javelins, or throwing weapons,
two to each man, while others had large, thick shields, similar to thyreoi. They
~lso used wooden bows and they had arrows smeared with a drug that was very
474
490
495
500
505
Constitution 18
evepyT]TLKOV. eav ll~ 6 Aa~wv T~V TIATJY~V ~ 8T]ptaK~V nin ~ Kat n:pov ~m10tw
avn<pap 11aKov ~ Kal napeueu neptK6'1'n -r~v TIAT]yf]v, npoc; -ro 11~ 8ta8pa~uw
TIUVTW<; yap av Kal TO OAOV <JWfla QTIOAAUTal.
101. Kal 8a<J<Jl 8 Kal 8ucr~aTotc; oiK1V Kat KaTa<pUYLV <jllAOU<JlV.
102. 'Onwc; 8 KaT' mhwv ETIOlOUVTO -rae; m8pof1a<; Kat <p68ouc; 'Pw~ltllm.
TOT 8LT]YT]<JUflT]V Ef11tpoaeev ev Tfl nepl QOOKTJTWV <p68wv 8taTU~l, Iva kill
au-roc;, mpaTT]y, ei Kat ll~ KaT' aUTWV vuv, aH' ~ KaTa TWV 6f10LWV auniJV
KaLa e-rpwv ~ap~apwv 1t0l0Uf1VO<; QOOKTJTOU<; <p68ouc;, e'( ye lipa XPTJ<JLfl<'lV
EK T~c; 8ta-rum.Dcrewc; EKelVT]<; eupe8fl, xnc; Kat TOUTO ~ ETOlflOU npoc; T~V OCO\l
crav xpeiav, we; npoyeyUflVa<JflEVOV.

103. 'EnL8~ 8 8ta<p6pwv WvtKwv napa-ra~ewv I -re Kal 8ta8crewv Eflvtwn
veucraf1V, <ppe ;\omov Kal -rou vuv evox;\ouv-roc; -rfl 'Pwfla.iKfl f]flWV noAmliJ
8vouc; TWV L:apaKT]VWV E1tlf1VT]<J8Wf1V KaTa MvafllV, onwc; T xoum <pU<Jf(ll!,
Kal onwc; TOLe; T OTIAOl<; ev TaLc; EK<JTpa-reimc; xpwvTm Kal TOLe; E1tlTT]8UflaO'l, 1\Hl
we; av e'LT] 8ov KaT' aUTWV aveonA[(w8a[ T Kal QVTl<JTpa-reuwem, Kat n\.;
-rou-rwv yxLpijcretc; noteLcr8m.
104. L:apaKT]VOlf1i::V oiiv 'Apa~c; eim -ro yvoc; napa -r~v e'Lcro8ov -r~c; Euoui
flOVO<; Apa~[ac; 1tOTi:: KelflVOV, T<fJ xpovq> 8 Kalnpoc; T~V L:up[av Kat IlaAato II
VT]V 8tacrnapv, npwm f1i::V olov fleTOLK[ac; xaptv, umepov 8, OT T~c; aurunv
8etm8atf10V[ac; yve-ro apxTJYO<; MouxOUfleT, Kal OTIAOl<; KpaTOUVT<; TWV It
eipT]flEVWV enapxtwv, Kal 0~ Kat MecroTIOTaflLac; Kat Aiyumou Kat TWV aAAwv
xwpwv, anep au-roLe; 6 Kmpoc; T~c; 'Pwf1a'iK~c; ano Ilepcrwv pT]flW<JWc; XUlflii\i
8wKe KaTa<JXLV.
495 M: ff. 401-403 versionem praebent aliam cui signum damus M' et cuius lectiones, ubi ab r,1
divergunt, notamus. inc. \eovto~ v xp1otw ~aatA1 aiwv(w ~aat\ew~ pwjlaiwv nw~ c5c:1 oapaKqvul
f1<ixea8at.
ne1cS~
475
~tlcctive. If the wounded man did not drink an antidote or take some other
r~medy to counteract the drug or immediately cut around the wound to keep
poison> from spreading, it would assuredly destroy the whole body.

They love to make their homes in overgrown and difficult land and to
refuge there.
101.
102. Previously, in the constitution dealing with unexpected ambushes, we

the manner in which the Romans made their attacks and ambushes
them. Now you, 0 general, even if you are not setting up surprise
against them but against peoples like them or against other barbarif indeed you should find something useful in that ordinance, then you will
something right at hand to meet any contingency, as though you had been
itrilled in it beforehand.
103. Since we have recalled the various foreign battle formations and
dispositions, then permit us now to call to mind as best we can the nation of the
Saracens that is presently troubling our Roman commonwealth.z3 What are they
really like? What weapons do they make use of in military campaigns? What are
their practices? How does one arm himself and campaign against them and thus
t:arry out operations against them?
104. The Saracens, therefore, are Arabs by race, who formerly lived near the
entrance to Blessed Arabia, but in time came to be scattered about toward Syria
and Palestine. 24 <They came> originally to find a place to live, but later, when
Muhammad founded their superstition, they took possession of those provinces
by force of arms. In fact, <they took> Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the other lands
at that time when the devastation of the Roman land by the Persians allowed
them to occupy those lands.
cSi: KTA.
485 fVEPYTJTlKOV MW
avmpTlKOV AVBE
A.a~wv ... 1tATJY~V MW 1tATJYEl~ AVIII
485-486 KUL ... 1tep1KO'\'T] MW etepov avncp<ip}lUKOV ~ napeu8u yupo8c:v 01UKO'\'T] AVIII
487 mivtw~ ... an6AA.unu MW to cp<ip}laKov AVBE
488 Kai
cSua~Cll.'Ol~ MW c5ua~Ct1.'01~ 1.'01!01~ KUL oaa0l AVBE
I Cj>lAOUOlV MW
oaac:at MW ayanwat AVIII
om. AVBE 489

MW cSi: Kai AVBE 492 iipa MW iipa c:up8~ AVBE 493 c:upc:8~ MW om. AVIll
493-494 oeouoav MW anmtof>oav AVBE 495 oi: MWA VBE om. M' I t MW o1n
AVBE 1 &a8eoc:wv MW 8wv AVBE 498 emtT]OeU}laal MW mtTJOEU}laatv AVI \1
499 w~ ... oeov MW 1!W~ f(j1.'l1tpE1tOV AVBE I av8onA.[~w8a[ ... avnatpatUE08m MW ''"!'
AVBE 501 scr. mg. nc:pl oapaKT]VWV W I yevo~ MW yevo~ e8vo~ AVBE 502 Kdprv<>v
AVBE Keq.tevou MW 503 o{ov ... xaplV MW w~ }lEtOlKO~ A VBE 503-504 ti).
}lOUXOU}l1.' MW UPXTJYO~ yevTO 1.'~~ autwv KUKOOal}lOV[a~ j.lOUXOU}l1.' AVI\1
506 pT]}lWOW~ AVBE om. MW
23. Saracens (Arabic: East) is a generic term for Arabs, implying Muslims.
24. Arabia: the southwest section of the Arabian peninsula, known as Felix Arabia,
EucSai}lwv Apa~[a, present day Yemen. Cf. DAI, 25.65.
476
Constitution 18
105. EiatOE m:pt !lEv To 8Lov ooKouvn:c; euae~dv, ~A.acr<ptWiav OE T~v mhwv
OOKouaav eua~nav anoOetKVUVTec;, ole; Xptmov !lEV TOV CtATj8tvov E>eov ~~:ul
510 TOU KOO'!lOU O'WT~pa KaAdv E>eov OUK avexovTUL, navToc; OE Kai KaKOU ep)'nt.i
TOV E>eov eivat ahLOV imoTieeVLUL, Kat1tOAE!lOLc; xaipelV A.youm TOV E>e6v, \!'1\t
OLaO'KOpni<ovm 8Vfj Ta Toi>c; 1tOAE!lOUc; etA.ovTa KatToi>c; oiKeiouc; OE VO~!Oil!l
anapa~cnouc; <pUAal'tOUO'l, T~V aapKa Al1talVOVTec; Kai 'JIUX~V CtTL!la<ovTEc;. 1 n
ouv TotaMn ouaae~ei<;t Ota T~c; ~llwv euae~eiac; Te Kat 6p8o86~ou nian:w~;
515 avTt!laX6!leVOL Kal Toi>c; 8eiouc; v61louc; Kal Toi>c; 1tOALTLKoi>c; noA.A.4J !li'iAAov
anapa~aTouc; Ota<pUACtHOVTec; KaT' aUTWV avnmpaTeUO!leea.
106. XpwvTaL 8 Ka!l~AOLc;, Tole; axeo<p6potc; aMwv, CtVTl Ct!la~wv Kal \mo
<uyiwv, ovOLc; Kal ~!lt6vOLc;, KalTu!lnavOLc; Te Kal KU!l~aAOLc; f.v mlc; napaTa~E(HV,
f.v ole; Toi>c; OLKeiouc; l1t1tOUc; tei<oum. Ota OE TOLOUTWV KTU1tWV Kal ~xwv TOl!t;
52o 'lnnouc; Twv avnnoAe!louvTwv auTolc; mpaaaovTec; Tpnoumv eic; <puy~v. 6.:\f.ct
KatTWV Ka!l~AWV ~ eta O!loiwc; Toi>c; 6.auv~8etc; l1t1tOUc; EK<pO~el KatTapaHel, Kill
np6aw ~aivetv OUK f.<;t..
107. Tac; 8 TOLaumc; Twv Te Ka!l~Awv KalTwv imo<uyiwv anoaKevac; Kal
nA.~eouc; noA.A.aKtc; <pavTaaiav xpwvTat, !laov !lEV Tou mpaTtwnKou nA.~em,,;
525 auTac; Ka8LO'lWVTec;, 1tUKVa OE <pAU!lOUAa livweev aUTWV E<pLO'lWVTec;, we; 001(!'\V
O'TpanwniJv eivatnA.~eoc; TWV EKelVWV oxA.ov.
108. E>ep!lolo eimT~v Kpamv f.v Towunp KAi!laTL 8ep!l4J KaTotKouvTec;.
109. XpwvTaL OE Kat ne<LKft O'Tpan<;t., Ai8io\jli <pam, YU!lVOtc; 01tAWV ~fl
npoa8ev Twv Ka~aXAapiwv napamnollvotc;, oiovei 'i'LAolc;. T6~a yap <ppovn;,;,
530 KalTOUTOLc; XPW!leVOL, ouaaVTTJTOL ooKoumTolc; f.nepXO!lEVOLc;.
llO. Toi>c; OE 1te<ouc; aUTWV <ppoumv ~ f.<p' l1t1tWV ioiwv oxoullvouc; ~ 01TW
eev TWV Ka~aAA.apiwv Kaefl!lEVouc;, OTe 1tAfiO'LOV T~c; auTWV xwpac; EO'Tiv 'l
EKO'TpaTeia aUTWV. XPWVLUL OE 07TAOLc; I Kal o[ Ka~aAA.aptOL TO~OLc; Kat arraeioH,.
KOvTapiOLc; Kal aKouTapiOLc; Kat rreAEKWL Kat navorrA.iav yap <popoumv, olov
5 35 A.wpiKta Kal KAL~avta Kal Kaaai8ac; Kal noOO'i'eAAa Kal Xetp6'JfeAAa Kai d n
et!O'e~dv f!Ev rrepl TO 9eiov ~A.acrcprlfltav ,\,

cmooetKVUOUO'lV T~V OOKOUO'UV atJTWV eucre~etav ot' on AVBE 511 UT!OTteev-rat M w
MyouO'lv AVBE I A.eyoucrt MW imoTt9evmt AVBE 513 cpuMnoucrt MWVBE cpuA.anoumv
A 517 TOi~ ... UUTWV MW ev Tal~ umwecriat~ UUTWV Kal AVBE 518 T De o codd
519 e9i<ouO'l MVBE e9i<ouO'lv WA 522 rrpoaw ... eii MW Ef17tpocr9ev rrpo~aivet o\'
cruyxwpei AVBE 528 ateio'JI( cpaO'l MW at9io'Jitv AVBE 530 oucr<ivTf]TOl M \V
oucrarr<ivTJTOt AVBE 534 rreMKecrt MW rreA.eKecrtv A VBE I KaP ... yap MW om. AVBL I
olov MW om. AVBE
477
As far as the divinity is concerned, they appear to show proper revu;e, but their apparent reverence must be recognized as blasphemy. They
bear to call Christ God, <although he is indeed> true God and savior of
world. They argue that God is the cause of every evil deed and they claim
God rejoices in war and scatters abroad the peoples that want to fight. They
their own laws as inviolable, fattening their flesh and bringing dishonor
eir souls. Fighting, therefore, against such impiety by means of our own
and orthodox faith and observing divine and civil laws as all the more
~'!in'""''"'' we wage war against them.
6. They make use of camels, asses, and mules to bear their baggage, inof wagons and pack animals. They use drums and cymbals in their battle
"' '''""'lv"'"' to which their own horses become accustomed. Such great din and
..
disturbs the horses of their adversaries, causing them to turn to flight.
Moreover, the sight of the camels likewise frightens and confuses horses not
to them, preventing them from advancing.
105.
107. Such hordes of camels and pack animals are often used to give the
impression of a great number. They place these in the middle of the multitude of
~toldiers and raise a thick array of pennants above them to give the appearance
very large crowd of soldiers.
Their temperament is hot because they dwell in such a hot climate.

They make use of foot soldiers, Ethiopians they say, drawn up in front
the cavalry, without armament, like light-armed troops.zs They carry bows
1md, when they shoot, they seem irresistible to their opponents.
108.
109.
110. They transport their infantry either riding on their own horses or sittlng behind the cavalrymen, when the campaign takes place near their country.
'I hey make use of armament, and their cavalry uses bows, swords, lances,
~hields, and axes. They wear full armor, including body armor, cuirasses,
508-509 dcrl ... ol~ MW ooKouO'l of:
25. Ethiopians: a generic term for dark-skinned Africans, from Sudan or elsewhere, who
tppear in Muslim armies on the borders of Syria and Cilicia in the 2nd half of the 9th century.
See Dagron, Guerilla, 179. The Suda (At 129) defines Ethiopian simply as "the black man" (6
f"{A.a~).
478
Constitution 18
en:pov KULa -rov 'Pw!la.iKOV -rp6rrov. -ra<; OE (wva<; au-rwv Kat -roue; XaAtVOll<,
-ra arra9[a apyupqJ rroLKLAAOU<Yl <jllAOTL!l6n:pov.
111. Oun: o OLWKOY-r<; ou-re OLWKO!lVOL Mouat -r~v -ra~LV aU-rwv. t:l
<YU!l~ii au-r~v A.ue~vat ot' au-rwv, cwua-ra-rOL Kat averr[a-rpO<pOL YLVO!lVOl
540
np awe~vat A.auvoumv.
112. E>paa1<; !lEY yap eim VLKCtV A.rri(ov-rec;, OLAOt o A.iav cmem6vn:c;
VlKf]<;. we; arro E>eou yap -ro rrav, ei Kat KaKOV e'lf], Atyov-re<; elvat ei
au-roue; evav-riov
Tl
rra9e1v,
we; cmo eeou 6pt(O!lEVOU OUK avnrr[moumv, aA.iul
rrpoa~oA.ft mpaA.ev-re<; xaA.wm -rov -r6vov. UTlVf]AOt o elm, Kal Ola -rou-ro
545 VUK-ro!laxia<; <pO~OD!lVOl Kat -ra EV au-ral<; ErrL'tf]OU!la-ra, !lUAL<Y'ta OT av
aAA.o-rpi<;t au-rwv Yii Ka-ra-rpxoum. Ot6rrep ~ ei<; oxupou<; -r6rrou<; avaxwpotlll!,
KUKel ~<; VUK'tO<; rrOLOUV'tat ~v <pUAaK~V, ~ rrept<ppaHOU<YLV ampaA.wc; -ro O'Tptt

't01l00V au-rWV,
W<Y-r
!l~ m~OUAUW9at -rai<; VUK-reptvai<; 'tWV EVaV'tlWV
~oA.aic;.
113. Tnpuywvov o Kat Errl!l~KT] TlOLOUV'tal ~v oiKdav rrapa-ra~LV
550
aa<paA.w-rpav Kal p<;toiw<; A.ue~vat !l~ ouva!lEVT]V EV -rai<; -rwv avnrrapa-rano

11vwv rrpoa~oA.alc;.
114. TaD-rn o <-rft rrapa-ra~et> xpwv-rm Kal EV -rai<; rropeiat<; Kat EV 111!1,
aua-raaem ~<; !lUXTJ<;, W<; errl rroA.u o 'Pw!laiouc; !ll!lOUV'tat, Kal Ka-ra -ra
CtAA\1
555 ax~11a-ra -rwv rrapa-ra~ewv -rft rreip<;t -rwv rrpoa~oA.wv olov yyeyu!lvaa11vot, !\ill
wv erraeov rrapa 'Pw!la[wv opav Ka-r' aU-rwv ErrL'tf]OUOV't<;.
537 TCOtKiHoum
MW
KUTUKOOJ.LOUO'L
540 tA.auvoumv MA tA.auvouat WVBE

Ctl1ATCioavT<; AVBE
AVBE
539 <'it'
l':auniiv
MW
542 TO ... Atyovn:<; MW Kal Ta KUKa KpivovT<; AVBE
CtAAU MW OUK CtVTLTCtTCTOUatV W<; Ctl10 eeou opyt~OJ.LEVOU aH' tv AVBE

i>TIVI]AOl MW T~v 6pJ.L~V auTwv i>TCoxaA.watv i>TCvWOt<; A VBE
<po~ouvTm AVBE
VBE
om.
/\VIII
541-542 CtJ1LTCOVT<; ... ViKI]<; MW T~V Vtl\qv

543
lt1<,
544 xaAltHli
545 <pO~OUJ.LeVOl M W
546 KaTaTptxoum M KaTaTptxouotv WM' KaTmptxwmv A Kmatprxw"l
avaxwpouat
MVBE avaxwpoumv WA
547 KCtKel
MW Kal tKd /\VIII
547-548 TCept<ppanoumv ... auTwv MW To oTpaT6TCeoov auTwv aa<paA.w<; TCept<ppanouotv
AVBE 550 oiKdav MW icSiav AVBE I w<; AVBE om. MW 551-552 pacSitu~
MW J.l~ OUVUJ.LEVWV UKOAW<; OtaA.u8ijvat tv taT<; lUll'
avTmapamaooJ.LEVWV AVBE 553 Tfi 11apma~t ci. De om. codd. 554 auaTaawt. .. f.1t1XIJ'
MW J.LUXat<; AVBE I TCoAi> MW To TCAdatov AVBE 555 11poa~oA.wv olov MW TCOAeJ.LWV rwv
11po<; Toi><; pwJ.Laiou<; AVBE 556 cSpiiv MW TCotdv AVBE
avtmapmaTTOJ.LEVWV
479
shin guards, gauntlets, and all the rest in the Roman manner. They
their belts and bridles and swords very richly with silver.
u. Neither when they are pursuing nor are being pursued do they break
formation. But if it should happen that they do so, they lose their cohesion
tt:re unable to return, only racing on to save themselves.
12. They are bold at the expectation of victory but very cowardly when
is denied them. They say that everything comes from God, even if it
be evil. If it happens that they suffer a setback, they do not resist since it
decreed by God. Overthrown by the onslaught, they are completely
They are given to sleep and for this reason have a fear of battle at night
that is connected with it, especially when they are raiding in a country
to them. And so they withdraw to strong places and there set up a guard
night or else they will securely fortify their camp so as not to be subjectt<) night attacks by their adversaries.
113. Their native battle formations are both square and oblong and so are
secure and not easily broken up by the attacks of their opponents.
14. They employ this formation while marching and in forming up for
They also imitate the Romans in many respects. It is as though they have
trained by experience in the other models of battle formations, so the very
they suffered from the Romans they are now busily putting into practice
them.
480
Constitution 18
llS.'Ev o Tal~ napcmi~WlV mhwv EUf!~xavoL Kal a-ra8epo[ <dat>, f!TjO l'li!'l
TUXO~ npoapoA.~~ 1tTOOUf!VOl TOll~ enepXOf!EVOU~ f!~T OlU npoanOlflT~V avnl\n
A~V
EKAUOf!EVOl.
560
116. IlpOOf!EVOUat o Tft napaTa~l cppovT~ Kal TU~ poA.a~ f!aKpo8u~lW1,
npo~ TOll~ 8paaw~ auTOl~ enepXOf!EVOU~, Kal ()T' av TOY TOVOV xaA.aaaVl!t
'(owm Twv aVTmoAEf!twv, TOT otavaaTavT~ euTovw~ !laxovTm. Tofno 0 noHH'
mv ou f!OVov tv ne(Of!axiq., aA.A.a Kal tv Tat~ KaTa 8aA.aaaav f!UXat~, eK XlfH ll\
uno TWV nA.o[wv 1-laXOf!EVOt, Kalf!ETU T~v TWV paAAOf!EVWV KaT' auTwv anonX!\
565 pwatv, ii auaKOUTa notOUVT~ KapTepOUat, 0XOf!VOl eu8w~ av[a-raVTal a8pt!!ll
Kal EK xnpo~ T~~ f!UXfl~ anapxovTat, npo~ ou~ el>f.lflXUVW~ 01npoapaAA.elV atL
117. XpwvTm o eupouA.[q. Kal KaTaaTaaL npo~ TU~ noAEf!lKU~ f!8000\11,
TWV aUwv cmavTWV 8vwv 00Klf!WTpov, w~ napa T TWV imoaTpaT~ywv t)~lWV
noAAaKl~ aiJTo1~ npoapaAA.ovTWV epwv~aaVT~ CtVf!Ct80f!EV. Kal 0~ Kal EK 1ltl\i
570 CtVVex8vTWV OlflY~OWV TOl~ npo ~f!WV pamAUatV avyvWf!EV Kal f!UAlOltl
napa TOU ~f!ETEpou 8etOTUTOU lnaTpo~ noAAUKl~ KaT' auTWV EKOTpaTUaaVllli,
1
CtKflKOaf!EV.
118. Aunci o TOUTO TO 8vo~ \jiU~l~ Kal XElf!WV Kal UTWV emcpopa[, Ot<'> Knl
tv Tot~ TOLOUTOL~ Katpol~ XP~ Ta~ KaT' aiJTwv auf!nAoKa~ nmela8m f!CiUov i\ !v
575 EUOlat~. Kal yap Kal Ta TO~a auTWV aa8v~ Ola T~V uypoTflTa, Kal TO OAOV roll
OWf!aTO~ aUTWV vw8pov Ota TO 'I'UXO~ Upe8~anm. noAAUKl~ yap ev Tal~ Kllttl
TOll~ TOlOUTOU~ Katpoll~ KaTaOpOf!at~ auTWV Kal A.nmdm~ KaTaAflq>8EVT~ unt't
Twv 'Pwf!a[wv Otecp8apflaav.
119. Xa[povT~ ouv Tal~ EUOlaL~ Kal Tal~ 8epf!OTEpat~ wpm~ TOT auA.Myov
580 Tat, Kal f!CtAlaTa 8pou~, Kal KaTa T~V Tapaov T~~ KtAlKta~ TOl~ eyxwpiott,
EVOU!lVOl T~V EKaTpaTdav noLOUVTal. TOll~ o' UAAOU~ KatpOll~ !lOVOl ol iK
557 crta6epol flf]OE MW yevva[ot fl~te AVBE I eicrt De om. codd. 557-558 flf]OL.n1x" 1
MWA fl~te Ota raxou<; VBEM 1 558 1lt00UflV0l MW om. AVBE I El!EPXOf!EVOU<; MW
EJ!EPXOf!EVOU<; <pO~OUflEVOl AVBE 558-559 rtpocrrtOlf]t~V ava~OA~V MW EOXT]f!UtliJ)l~\''ll'
ava~oA.~v Kal imp6wtv 7lOAEf!OU AVBE 560 rtpOOf!EVOUcrt oe MW U710f!EVOUcrt /)i; ,' \'
AVBE 1 cppovte<; ... f!UKpo6uf!W<; MW f!UKpo6uf!W<; cppovre<; ta<; ~o\a<; AV Ill
561-562 tOV ... UVTl7lOAfllWV MW t~V 6pf!~V autwv xaA.acracrav rowcrtv AV!ll
562 eut6vw<; MW eut6vw<; Kal yevva[w<; AVBE 565 a MW linva AVBE I KaptepolJtli
0eXOflVOt MW oxovtat AVBE 570 aveyvwf!EV MW om. AVBE 574 toT<; AVBE on
MW 575 uyp6tf]ta MW uyp6tf]ta eupe6~cretat AVBE 575-576 toi! mi>)lato<; MW
OWf!U AVBE 576 eupe6~cretat MW om. AVBE 578 twv AVBE om. MW 580 llfl
tapcrov MWAVB ttapcrov E
581 ol AVBE om. MW
481
115. In their battle formations they are inventive and steadfast and are not
by the rapid onslaught of their attackers nor do they become too

by simulated delays.
116. They stand steadfast in their formation, bearing up valiantly under the
fired by the forces boldly attacking them. When they observe that their
vn1><u1c" energies are drooping, then they rise up and fight strenuously. They
this not only in battles on foot but also in those on the sea, fighting at close
on the ships. After those who had been shooting against them have
,..,.,..,,_,.u <their arrows>, which they endure by forming a wall of shields, they
come together and in a body rise up and start fighting hand-to-hand. In
these people it is always necessary to be ready for anything.
117. They are more notable than all other peoples in relying on good counsel
tnd firm adherence to methods of warfare, as we have learned from our subordinate commanders who have often discovered this in launching attacks against
them. Indeed, we have read this in the accounts attributed to the emperors
bdore us and, in particular, we have heard it from our most holy father <Basil>
who had frequently campaigned against them.
118. This people is hurt by cold, by winter, and by heavy rain. It is best,
therefore, to launch attacks against them at such times rather than in good
weather. Their bow strings become slack when it is wet and because of the cold
their whole body will become sluggish. Often while making their incursions and
plundering raids at such times, they have been overcome by the Romans and
destroyed.
119. They flourish, therefore, in good weather and in the warmer seasons,
mustering their forces, especially in summer, when they join up with the inhabitants of Tarsus in Cilicia and set out on campaign. 26 At other times of the year
26. See Skirmishing, 7: "In that month [August] large numbers would come from Egypt,
Palestine, Phoenicia, and southern Syria to Cilicia, to the country around Antioch and to
Aleppo and, adding some Arabs to their force, they would invade Roman territory in
September:'
482
Constitution 18
the men from Tarsus, Adana, and other cities of Cilicia launch raids against
Tapcrou Kal 1\oavwv Kal niJv aA\wv T~<; KtALKta<; TIOAL<Jf.LUTWV -ra<; KUTa 'Pw~llltl\l\1
TIOLOUVTat KaTaOpOf.LCt<;.
120. Xp~ oi:>v au-ro'i<; TOT npocr~aA\Lv, Kal f.L<'tA.w-ra Ka-ra -rov XELf.LWVtl
no. Therefore, it is necessary to attack them as they are marching out to
sSs npa'ioav E~EPXOf.LEVOl<;, TOUTO o yv~<JTat av -ra cr-rpaTEUf.LaTU napa~tE!Vtll!ll\
TIOU TIAT]O"LOV a<JUfl<pavw<; Kal T~V e~ooov au-rwv ETil<JKOTI~<JUVTa T~V KU1:' airn&l\1
npocr~OA~V TIOl~<JWVTat. oihw<; yap otacp(kpoumv aU-roue; ~ o-r' av Of-LOU
cruvA.8wmv v noA.unA.T]8t<;t Kal Kamcr-racrL TIOAEf.LOU ~T]pTLO"f.LEVOL.

121. I:cpaA.Epov yap,
590
w<; TIOAAUKL<;
~f.LLV E'lpf]TaL, TO npo<; Of]f.LO<JlOV n:OA!:f!ll\'
an:OKLVOUVULV nva<;, KUV navu OOKOU<Jl TWV x8pwv 1tplHUlV T(ji n:A.~Eln
yap T~<; TIJXfJ<; aopa-rov.
122. I:uvayov-rat o ouxl an:o Ka-raypa<p~<; mpaTEUOf.LEVOl, aU' EKtlOWfi
yvwf.Ln EKOU<Jl<;l <JUVTPEXOVT<; TIUVOLKEL, TIAOU<JlOl jlEV W<JT un:p TOU ilihm
8vou<; f.LL<J8(ji an:o8avlv, TIEVf]T<; o Iva n T~<; npa(oa<; KEpO~<JW<JlV. aUt\ Mli
595
on:A.a UUTOL<; ol O"Ufl<j>UAETat XOPfJYOU<Jl, Kal yuva'iK<; f.LUAL<JTa Kal avop<;,

&a -roumu Kotvwvouv-r<; au-ro1<; -r~<; Kcr-rpa-rlac:;, Kal f.Ltcr8ov ~youf.LEVOI ,,~
Ka8oTIAL<Jat cr-rpa-rtwm<; ol OTIAL0"8~vat ot' acr8vLaV <JWf.LUTO<; fl~ OUVCtf.LEVOL !nil
mu-ra f.LEV I:apUKT]VOL, 8vo<; ~ap~ap6v T KUL am<JTOV.
123. 'PWf.LULOU<; o XP~ ou f.LOVOV mum E1tlTT]OEUlV KUL EU'IJUXOU<; Tfi n:pom
6oo p<Jl Kat <JTpanWTU<; Kat TOU<; OU1TW <JTpUTEU<JUf.LEVOU<; <JUVK<JTpaTUlV Klllt\
-rwv ~Aa<J<pf]f.LOUv-rwv -rov nav-rwv ~amA.a Xptcr-rov -rov 8ov ~f.LWV Kal <'n'
Ctn:UVTWV EVOUVaf.LOUV TOU<; unp au-rou <JTpaTEVOf.LEVOU<; KaTa TWV 8vwv,
Ktil
OTIAOL<; KUL owpot<; Kal Tal<; npo1tfln:TT]pt0l<; UXUL<;, ana KUL n:A.ov n -ro(nwv
n:paHELV, TO Kal TOU<; o'(KOU<; TWV <JUV n:po8Uf.Ll<;l Kal avop(<;t cr-rpa-rEUOf.LEVUl\1
6os cptA.ocppov1cr8m, Kal E'l n voov -rot<; cr-rpa-rEuf.La<JLv, ~ lnn:ot ~ avaAWflaTll
1\
n:avonA.[m, Kal -raum xopT]ydv ota Kotvwv(a<; Kal cruyKpo-r~crw<;.

124. Ei yap oihw yVT]TUL, n:av-rw<; n:OAUTIAU<JLWV un:apxwv 6 TWV 'Pw~tniltl\1
cr-rpa-ro<;, Kat KaAW<; T Kat
ETILAEKTOl
I ot'
w<;
n:po<J~KEV KU8WTIAL<Jf.LEVO<; Kat f.LUAL<JTa
om')(Jul
avoplav Kal YEVVULOTf]TU -ruyxavoum, f.LT]OEV TWV OEOVTWV { v
583 ad Kam15pof1it<; des. VBE

582 aMvwv MW
Erll<JKOTI~<Javm
aM\ac; A
aMvac;
Kata<JKOTI~<Javm
MW
VBE
A
s86 U<JUflq>UVWc; MW \a6pa[wc;
588 E~flptl<JflEVOl
MW
~tOlf1UOf1EVOl
i\
59o anoKlvl5uveuelv MW Klvouveue1v A 1 Kilv MW Kal A l15oKof>crl MW ooKwmv A I txHf'''"

De xe1pwv codd.l nepltteuelv MW nep10creuelv A 590-591 to ... aopatov MW litSTJAov y,',p
to
tfjc;
tumc;
595 XOPTJYOU<Jl
MW
XOPTJYOU<JlV
6oo crtpatEUOUf1EVOUc; MWA otpatEUOf1EVOUc; M 1

607 outw MW outwc; A
6o8 Kal 1 tE MW om. A
598 tE
MW
om.
;\
602 EVOUVUflOUV A evl5uvaf10UVta MW

609 tuyxavOU<Jl M tuyxavoumv
483
w;\
especially in winter. This can be accomplished if <our> armies remain in

out of sight somewhere nearby. When our men observe them marchtit, they can launch an attack against them and so wipe them out. <We can
attack> when all of our troops have come together at the same time in large
fully equipped for battle.
Ul. It is very dangerous, as we have frequently said, for anyone to run the
of a pitched battle, even when it seems perfectly clear that <our forces> far
,uu.uu<=J the enemy. The result of fortune is unseen.
22. They are not assembled for military service from a muster list, but they
together, each man of his own free will and with his whole household. The
<consider it> recompense enough to die on behalf of their own nation,
poor for the sake of acquiring booty. Their fellow tribesmen, men and
"'"vrc:ua11' women, provide them with weapons, as if sharing with them in the
llpedition. Because their physical weakness does not enable them to bear arms
themselves, they consider it a reward to provide armament for the soldiers.
'these, then, are the Saracens, a barbaric and faithless people.
123. The Romans, of course, must not only take care of these things, but the
lloldiers too must be resolute in purpose and those <citizens> who have not
tu:tually gone off to war must campaign along with them against those people
who blaspheme the emperor of all, Christ our God, and they must strengthen
those waging war on his behalf against the nations by every means, by arms,
gifts, and processional prayers, even doing more than this, kindly looking after
the households of the men who eagerly and bravely march off to war and, if the
armies are lacking something such as horses, expenses, or suits of armor,
providing these through communal solidarity and collaboration.
124. If this is how everything goes, the army of the Romans, well and
properly armed, will greatly increase, especially with a large number of men
chosen for their courage and nobility, and lacking nothing of what is needed, it
484 Constitution 18
610
will easily, with God's help, be crowned with victory over the barbarian Sara-
athotc; uan:p01JflEVOl, P9-0LWc; <JUV E>E!fl T~V Kata TWV ~ap~apwv L:apaKfjVWV
avao~<JOVTat
VLKf]V.
Ei yap -rft T 6nA.iat Kal flCtAta-ra -r6~mc; Kal ~A.wt nA.Eia-rmc;, Kal ot) Kill
t!fl TIA~8t Kat tft avopi9- Kat TOte; npoa~KOU<Jl aTpatf]Y~fla<Y( T Kat flTJXaV~~IWl;
TIA0VKT~<JOflV 'PWflalOl f!CtAl<JTa Kala ~ap~apwv, Kal T~V 8iav enl namv
~wf1EV <JUflflaxiav, Kal UK6A.wc; -r~v Ka-r' eKEivwv Ka-rop8wawf1EV viKfJV.
126. Touto yap TO Wvoc; Ota T~V, we; dK6c;, tAm(Of!EVT]V npatoav Kal TO
l KtvMvouc; TIOAEflOU, UKOAWc; de; TIOAUTIAT]8iav auvaynat ano
L:upiac; Kal flaA.at<JTLVfjc; cma<JT]c;, Kat nov avavopwv -raxa Ota -rae; TOI0\,1
61 5
620
625
630
635
eA.nioac; <JUVEPXOf!EVWV eKouaiwc; TOte; EK<JTpatEUOU<JlV.

Ei o, T~c; TOU E>wu ~fltV <JUflflaxouafjc; ~OT]8iac;, KaA.wc; OTIAl<JCtfltVOI
Kal napa-ra~CtflEVOl, Kat KaA.wc; Kat EU\jiuxwc; npoa~aA.6vtc; au-rotc; imep n]c,
\j!UXlK~c; ~f!WV <JWTT]piac;, we; Kal unep E>wu aUTOU Kat auyyVWV Kal TWV O.A,\wv
Xptanavwv CtOEA<pWV ~f!WV aywvt(Of!EVOl CtVEVOOlCt<JTWc; -rae; de; E>EoV eA.n[b(l<;
xof1EV. OUK CtTIOTU~Of18a, ana Kat ETIITU~Of18a TWV Kat' EKELVWV naVTlll<,
127.
VlKT]TfjptWV.
128. L11 0 <J, d TIOT Kal A.nmdac; xaptv KaTaOpCtf!W<Jl TOU Taupou evt6<;,
ETIITf]OEUElV au-roue; Kal EV tate; <JTva1c; LOU opouc; TOUTOU OlE~OOOtc;, o-r' L\v
UTIO<YTpE<pWat flCtAl<JTa KKOTIWflvOt, '(awe; Kat npa(oac; Ttvac; (!flwv ~ npayflCtTUlV
Entq>EpOf!EVOl. em~t~a(EtV yap oci e<p' U\j!T]AWV TIVWV t6nwv T0~6-rac; Kal <J<pt:V
oov~-rac; Kat ~CtAAElV Kat' au-rwv, Kal oihwc; notcia6at Kal -rae; Ota Ka~a\Aap[wv
npoa~o\ac;, ~ we; iiv ~ XPta KaAE<JOl ~ ot' eyKpUflf!CtTWV ~ ot' etpwv ETI!Tfjbi:'\J
f!CtTWV ~ nnpwv Kata KPTJflVWV KUAlOflEVWV ~ ava<ppay~c; ooou ano 0vopwv
Kat Ct0t~00EDTOU ytVOf!EVfjc;, we; avw nou ~fllV dpfjtat, ~ we; iiv OUVaTOV <JOt, ,;J
a-rpatT]y, Kata -rov -r6-r Katpov -r~v -rou npawa-roc; ota8mv Katavo~am.
129. 'Ev oe tate; napata~WlV aUTWV ou AUOU<Jl T~V TCt~lV, Kav nc; en,\011
au-rotc; ~ ouo ~ tpEtc;, axptc; ou ~ eapp~aoum KlV~<JaVTEc; Ot!fl~at ~ OElAlCt<JotH!I
Kal 6pfl~<Joum npoc; <puy~v. oto XP~ ~aa-ra~m -r~v <pooov au-rwv np6-rpov bt\1
TO~dac; T~c; Kat' aUtWV -roue; flnpoa8v T Kat fllKpov oma8V e<JTWtac; ~a\,\ov
me; Kat' au-rwv. oihwc; yap -rwv Ynnwv aMwv -ro~UOflvwv, -rwv AEYOf.!Evwv
614 ad ~ap~apwv des. W
610 paoiw.:; MW euK6A.w.:;
If, in our weaponry, especially our great supply of bows and arrows, our
~umbers and courage, and our requisite stratagems and machines, we Romans
~re far superior to the barbarians, and if we have the divinity as our ally in
~verything, we will easily achieve victory over those peoples.
126. Because of the booty they have reason to expect, and because they do
rlt>t fear the perils of war, this nation is easily gathered together in large numbers
inner Syria and all of Palestine. Because of such expectations, even the
tuwardly quickly choose to join up with those marching off to war.
127. If we are well armed and drawn up in formation, with God fighting
llong beside us, we charge against them bravely and in good spirits on behalf of
salvation of our souls, and we carry on the struggle without hesitation on
behalf of God himself, our kinsmen, and our brothers the other Christians, then
we place our hopes in God. We shall not fail to achieve, rather, we shall certainly
~~~hieve the glory of victory over them.
128. If they ever raid inside the Taurus in order to pillage <the area>, it is
necessary for you to deal with them in the narrow passes of that mountainous
region, when they are on their return journey and are particularly exhausted,
perhaps bearing along some booty of animals or objects. 27 Then you must
~tation archers and slingers on some of the high places to shoot at them and
thus have the cavalry attack. Or, as the situation requires, lay ambushes or
<~make use of> other means such as rolling rocks over cliffs or barricading the
road with trees and making it impassable, as we have described above. Or make
whatever arrangements you deem possible, 0 general, to deal with the situation
nt that moment.
129. When they are drawn up for battle, they do not break ranks, even if you
charge against them two or three times, up to the point when they either
become bold enough to move out in pursuit or become timid enough and rush
to escape. It is, therefore, necessary for you to withstand their attack first by
;trchery, with our men stationed in front and those a little behind shooting
11gainst them. For in this manner, with their horses, the so-called pharia, being
125.
125.
A 617 rroA.urrA.I]8iav M rroA.u rrA.~8o.:; A 620 ~flLV M ~flli>v 1\

A 623 avevoouicr-rw.:; M aOlGTUKTOU<:; A 624 OUK ... 1lCt\!Ht1r,
621 Kal KUAW<:; M yevva[w.:;
w.:;
OUK
U7tOTUXWfleV
626-627 KamcSpilflWGl. .. Kal

631 KaA.tcrot M KUAEGT]
avw-rtpw A
ana
M
Kal
E7tlTUXWfleV
OpUflWOW EVTO<:;
7tCtVTW<:;
TWV
Km'
EKelVWV
;\
TOU mupou m-rl6ecr8m au-rol~ ;\
A 632 KUAlOflEVWV A KUAWflEVWV M 633 <1>.:; 1 ... 7t0U M KUtlttll,
636 ~~ ... -rpel.:; Mom. A
637 ~acr-ra~m M ~aa-raam A
27. Skirmishing, 20-23.
---------------------------
486
Constitution 18
640 <pap[wv, Kal nl>v Ai0t6rrwv ~ Kal aHwv TO~OLWV atrrwv ou':t T~V YUflVWGLV auni>V
645
650
655
660
TrATJYWflEvwv, pq.o[w<; ei<; cpuy~v 6pfl~croum ouo1v veKev Kal mu<; lrrmw1,
rreptcrlfl<av ~ou/.6flVOI, rroAUTLflOU<; ovm<; Kal ouK euK6Aw<; rropt<oflvou<;, Kni
OLa T~<; TWV lnrrwv OW1'f]p[a<; Kal au-rol 0Ufl1tptcrtp<6flVOL. 1'WV yap lTr1t4lV
cmo/./.uflvwv 01a -rwv ~e!.wv, Kal f.!CtALOTa -rwv rrecpapflaKeuflvwv, cruvarr6Huv
mt Kal oi rroxouf1VOL au-ro1<; ~ Kal yv6v-re<; -rou cpapflaKou -r~v ouvaflLV Kal np''
-rou ~ATJ0~vm I cpeu~ovmt.
130. Ou 1'000U1'0V yap OO~T]<; 6pey6flVOL Kal OVOflaTO<; EK01'paTUOV1'at ol
TrA101'01 L.apaKT]VWV, oaov eurrop[a<; xaptv Kal TOU TWV ETriTT]OeLWV KEpOOU<; 0\J
yap yewpye1v o'loamv, Yv' v-reu0ev oi rrEVT]T<; ota<wmv, aU' ev -rft f.!axa(p,,
au-rwv Kal flOVTI ~ <~v ~ 8vflOKLV EK vou Trat0UOV1'at o0ev ~ arra~ Ka-r' auttiJV
VLKT] TrOAAWV e!.eu8epwaet KIVOUVWV 'Pwf.!a[ou<;, flT]KETI 1'0Af.!WV1'WV arreptcrK
mw<:; ~pxecr8at 1'WV 8Wf.!EVWV 1'0U<:; e~e/.06v-ra<; fl~ imomp\jtav-ra<;, CtAAtl
8pf]VOUflEVOU<; imo 1'WV LOLWV.
131. ~OK1 oe 1'01<:; KtAI~I L.apaKT]VOL<;, oaov xoum rre<LKOV rrpo<:; Ctfl<potEp(l<;
Krrat0euetv -ra<; f.!axa<:;, rrp6<; -re -r~v Ka-ra y~v ota -r~<; ~6oou -r~<:; ota -rou Taupoo
opou<:; Kal 1'~V Ka-ra eat.aaaav Ota TWV rrap' aU-rot<:; TrAOLWV, TWV AYOflEWllV
KOU!l~ap[wv Kal 01' fl~ rrpo<:; 1'~V ~netpov eKOTpa-reuoum, OLa 1'~<; eat.aaaqt;
~pxov1'at, rrpa[Oa<:; T TrOIOUV1'<:; Ka1'a 1'WV rrapa8a/.acrcr[wv xwp[wv. TrOAAaKlt;
o, ei oihw -ruxn, Kal vauflaxouv-re<;. OT oe ll~ Ka1'a eat.aaaav e~!.8wat, Ota t~<;
~rre[pou Ka1'a TWV 'Pwf.!a'iKWV xwp[wv EKOTpa-reuoum.
132. ~e'l ouv ETri1'T]pdv ae,
mpmT]y, 01a KaTaoK6nwv CtAT]0wv Kal flUV
eavetv 1'a Ka-r' au-rou<:; CtKpl~W<:; Kal ETOlflCt<ecrem cruv 1'4> apKOUV1'l mpa-rlfl, '{y'
o-r' av Ola eat.acrOT]<:; EKOTpa-reuwmv, aUTO<:; Ka1'a y~v, ei OUVUTOV, tv Tft L0l9
au-rwv rrpoo~at.n<:; aUTOL<:;. o-r' av OE rrl1'~<; y~<; EK<1TpaTU1V flEAAWOl, flT]VUon<:
1'1fl Kt~uppatw-rn 1'0U TrAOlflOU cr-rpa1'T]Y!fl, Kal flTa TWV im' au-rov opOflWVWV ela
mm-rw KaTa 1'WV Tapcrwv Kal A.oavwv xwpiwv, oaa KLTaL KaTa eat.aaaav. Oll
665
641 TIAflYWf.!Evwv M TIAflHOf.!evwv A I paoiw~ M cruvt6f1W~ A I 6pf1~croum ... eveKev M

<'>pf.!~O'OUO'lV A 642-643 OUK ... OlCt M fleTCt A 643 autol O'UflTIEplO'W~Of.!EVOl M EUUtO(I,,
TIEplO'W~ElV 6eA.ovte~ A I twv2 A om. M 645 ETIOXOUf.!EVOl auto!~ M em~a(vovte~ autou<; A
646 cpeu~ovtat M d~ <puy~v tpam)crovtal A 647 6pey6f1VOl M m6uf1oiivte~ A I
EKcrtpateuovtm M eKcrtpateuoumv A 648 Kal ... ETilTflOeiwv M om. A 651 A.eu6epwm 1
Ktvouvwv M trsp. A 654 KiAt~l M tv KlAtKia A 65 5 EKTiatoeuetv ... flUXa~ M trsp. A
656 6aA.acrcrav M eaA.anav A 657 KOUfl~Up(wv M KOfl~Upiwv A I fl~ ... EKO'tpatEUOUO'l M
Of: fl~ Kata Yfi~ EKO'tpateUOUO'lV A 659 d M eav A I E~EA6WO'l M ~A.6wmv A
66o ~ndpou M Yfi~ A I xwp(wv EKO'tpatEUOUO'l M xwpwv EKO'tpatEUOUO'lV A 663 io[a M
xwpa A 664 U\ltOL~ M om. A I f.!EAAWO'l M flEAAWO'lV A 666 aoavewv M aoaviwv A
at, as well as the Ethiopians or other archers being wounded because they
not wear armor, they will quickly rush off in flight. 28 They will do this for two
_NI\Sons, namely because of their desire to save their horses, which are highly
and not easily procured, and because they want to save themselves as well
tlmmgh saving the horses. For when the horses are wiped out by missile fire,
ft~>ecially by poisoned arrows, their riders perish at the same time or, because
know the strength of the poison, they will flee before being hit.
130. The majority of the Saracens do not go on campaign so much to attain
and fame as for the sake of providing for themselves and gaining material
10ods. For they do not know how to farm in order to save themselves from
lltlverty, but they are trained from childhood to live or die by the sword alone.
so, just one victory over them will free the Romans from a multitude of
dnngers. They will no longer be so bold and thoughtless as to march out
.Z:I\gainst us> again, when they observe that those men who had marched out
not returned, but are being mourned by their own people.
131. The Saracens in Cilicia place great value on thoroughly training all their
Infantry forces to engage in battle on two fronts, that is, on land along the road
leading out from the Taurus mountains and on sea by means of their ships,
(lllled koumbaria. 29 When they do not campaign on dry land, they sail out to
!lea, pillaging the towns along the coast and often, if it so happens, engaging in
naval battles. When they do not go out to sea, they campaign against the Roman
t~Jrritories on land.
132. You, therefore, 0 general, must keep an eye on them by means of
trusted spies. Find out exactly what is going on with them and be prepared with
t\ strong enough army. When they campaign by sea, you go by land and, if
possible, launch an attack against them in their own territory. But if the spies
n:port that it is their intention to campaign on land, then you should advise the
commander of the Kibyrraiotai fleet so that, with the dromons under his
~:ommand he may fall upon the Tarseote and Adanan territories that lie along
28. Pharia, from a Semitic root, designated the so-called Arabian horses, originally bred
hy the Bedouins, and highly prized in the medieval and modern worlds. Cf. Theophanes Cont.,
480.
29. KOUfl~Ctpta. Large ships; see
infra Const. 19; LBG, s.v.
488
Constitution 18
yap 1tOAU1tAfJ0ia mpatou tOt<; KtAl~l ~ap~apot<; eot[v, em:[ JH::p oi autol Kal Knn't
y~v
Kal Kat<':t 0aA.attav eKatpan:uovtat.

133 To 8 KE<pCtAULOV t~<; EKELVWV KataJttWOEW<; eatlV, tva Of!OU Kal Otl't
6 7 o nA.otf!ou at6A.ou tou iKavou Kal ot<':t ne(tKou otpatou ot<':t tou Taupou, t'ifla Ktl\
hpot<; ouatpat~yot<; tot<; apKOUat JtOL~on<; t~V Kat' autwv npoo~oA.~v KUI
E1tfAEUaLV, Kal outw tWV A.nmwv EKELVWV KataAfJLOn t~V xwpav, OLOV JtOtE ('l
~f!ftEpO<; f!aKaptwtatO<; Jtat~p Kal 'Pwf!a[wv autoKpatwp tv tOt<; autou XPOVO!~
OlCt KEAEUOEW<; autou 0da<; 1tE1tOlfJKE.
675
134 Tou<; 8 1tAfJaLCt(ovta<; tft Mwonotaf!L\{ I:up[a<; I:apaKfJVOU<; Ot' emtq
OEUf!Cttwv KatanoAEf!~OEL<;, ol<; txp~oato 6 Kat<':t tov f!LKp<fl napeA.06vta Katp<'w
t~V 0EOOOaLOU1tOAlV im' EKELVWV KatEXOf!EVfJV a<pEAOf!EVO<; atpatfJYO<;, Kal Tfl
~f!EtEP\t aut~v imota~a<; ~aatAEt\(. eJtELO~ 8 oi 'Pwf!a'LKOL t1t1t0l a~0w<; xovrc.;
1tpo<; tE ta<; Kaf!~AOU<;, Kal noAA.q> flUAAOV npo<; ta tUf!1tava ~xouvta Kal TU
68o KUf!~aA.a mupovtat, Kal Ct1t00tpcpovtat Ei<; tCt cm[ow, WatE Kal Ei<; cpuy~v Otl't
tou totoutou tponou noAA.aKt<; 6pf!i'iV 'Pwflaiou<;, oE1 0i(w0m tou<; twv otpatt
WtWV l1t1tOU<;, Kal f!CtALOta I tWV npwtootatwv Kal tWV apxovtwv, d<; tE TOUt;
KtU1tOU<; tWV tUf!1tCtVWV Kal tWV KUf!~CtAWV OlCt tOLaUtfJ<; YUf!Vao[a<;, Kal 0~ KOI
EL<; tO OUVEtVUl Kaf!~AOl<; KaL f!~ ~Evi(w0at tft 0\{ aUtWV. ELOL 8 Kal tepa, am:p
685 UV tl<; E1tlVO~OOl 1tp0<; tCt napovta OtaOK01tOUf!EVO<;.
135 LUVEAOVta 8 El1tEtV, anavta tCt npoetpfJflEVa 1tEpl t~<; taKtlK~<; 0ewpkl<;
an' apx~<; axpl tfAOU<;, ooa tE Ota tE tCt OJtAa Kal t<':t<; 01tALOEl<; Kal ta<; YUf!VUOl
a<; Kal ta<; napata~El<; ta<; JtOAEf.llKCt<; Kal ta<; iiAA.a<; atpatfJYLKCt<; f!E06oou..;
dpfJtUL, evEKEV tou I:apaKfJVWV 0vou<; ~f!tV Kal napfJyyA.0fJ Kal OtattaKTm.
690 tOUtO yap yettOVEUOV tft ~f!EtEp\{ JtOAltEL$, ouov ~ttOV tOU JtCtAUl IIepatKO$
0vou<; tot<; apxaiot<; ~aatAEUat, ta vuv ~f!tV voxA.E1 Kal napaA.unE1 tOI)<;
~f!Etpou<; U1tfJKOOU<; tO Ka0EKCtatqv, ou xaptv Kal tOV napovta t~<; 1tOAEf!lKllt;
Otata~EW<; avEOE~Ctf!E0a 1tOVOV. EUPfJVtal o ~f!tV npo<; tOt<; EipfJf!EVOl<; Kal etepu
napata~EWV ox~f!ata, Ol<; XPfJOCtf!EVO<;, ib mpatfJy, K(ltU tOU tOLOUtOU ~ap~o
695 ptKoiJ 0vou<; EUOOKLf!~OEL<;. eiol 8 taflta.
136. Tiot~OEl<; napata~LV 1tOlKLAfJV, w<; tv tU1tqJ EL1tELV, ano avopwv ,0' em
AfKtWV outw<; 1tpWtfJ f!EV atw napata~L<;, ~ AEYOf!EVfJ1tpOflaxo<;, avopwv ,w:p',
489
the coast. 3 For the army of the Cilician barbarians is not very numerous, since
!he same men are campaigning both on land and on the sea.
133. What most contributes to the downfall of those people is the simultaneuus assault of a strong battle fleet and of an infantry force through the Taurus.
'l\>gether with a good number of your subcommanders, launch your attack
llgainst them. In this way you will plunder the land of those bandits, as our most
blessed father and autokrator of the Romans once did in his days by his sacred
ct)mmand. 31
134. In waging war against the Saracens of Syria dwelling near Mesopohtrnia, adopt the methods employed by the commander, who, a short time ago,
recaptured Theodosioupolis, which had been occupied by them, and returned it
ttJ our dominion. 32 The horses of the Romans are unaccustomed to camels and
l'lte even more frightened by the noise of drums and cymbals and they turn
!\round <and move> to the rear. This tactic has often caused the Romans to rush
Into flight. It is necessary, then, to accustom the horses of the soldiers, especially
those of the front line troops and their officers, to the din of the drums and
cymbals by using them in drills and also to have camels among them so they
will not be scared by the sight of them. There are also other considerations that
une could discover by careful investigation of present conditions.
135. To sum it up, all that we have written about tactical theory from the
beginning to the end, all that was said about weapons, armament, drills, battle
fbrmations, and other military methods in connection with the Saracen people
has been transmitted and set forth by us. This people that borders on our
,:ommonwealth causes us no less trouble now than the Persian people of old did
to former emperors. They cause harm to our subjects every day. It is for this
reason that we have undertaken the present task of formulating instructions for
war. In addition to what we have already said, we have found other models of
battle formations that you may well consider employing, 0 general, against this
barbaric people. They are the following.
136. Vary your battle formation. To give an example, <take> about four
thousand picked troops. Let the first battle line, called promachos, consist of one
30. The Kibyrraiotai theme, in southwest Asia Minor, furnished a large number of ships
668 86.Aanav M 86.Aaooav A 671 apKOUOl M apKOUOlV A 672 oi!Tw M oi!Tw~ A I

KUTUAI]lOI] ... xwpav M T~V xwpav t~acpavio!]~ A 67 4 1[1[0li]KE M 1[E1[0li]KEV A 681 TO\l
A om. M 684 KUfl~Aot~ M KUfl~Aou~ A 689 oapaKIJVWV 8vou~ M 8vou~ nov
oapaKI]VWV A
690-691 oU.Si:v ... ~aatAEUat M om. A
A f.16vov M lnpo~ M ouv A
696
,o' M tEtpaKtOXtAiwv A
692 ou M ounvo~ A
693 n6vov
697 ,acp' M XtAiwv cp' A
nnd crews for the imperial navy.
31. This probably refers to the expedition of Basil I in 876-877.

32. Theodosioupolis (Arm.: Karin; Turk.: Erzurum), in Armenia, was taken from the
Arabs for a brief period in 754, then retaken by the Byzantines in 949 This note must refer to
the campaign led by the magister Leo Katakalon, in 902. See DAI, 45; Commentary, 173.
490
Constitution 18
~v de; -rpia Otmp~GEL<; 'icra !lEPTJ, OE~LOV, aptcr-rep6v, !lEGOV, WGT elvm Kal-ratll\1
700
705
710
715
720
arro avopwv <p', yytma aAA~AWV, TWV -rptWV TOUTWV TCt~EWV Tiapa-rnawEV(l)\1,
we; OOKelV !liav elvat T~V TCt~LV. T~V OE oeu-rpav TCt~LV TIOL~GEL<; UT0 avopwv ,(1',
~v de; o' Otmp~aEL<; llEPTJ UT0 evoc; aaymo~6A.ou aH~A.wv OlLGTCt!lEVa, watt
dvm a\na UT0 avopwv av', OTilGW T~<; rrpWTTj<; Trapa-r<i~ewc; [aTallEVWV WGT, t:l
ye TOUTO <JD!l~ft, T~V TipWTfjV \moTIOOt<JaL TU~LV, imoOxea8m auT~V ev TOit,
Kvolc; au-rwv T~<; Otmpaewc; TOTIOL<;, Kal oiov !liav (JUV au-role; yivwem rrapt\
TU~LV. Ta yap 0' !lEPflT~<; 0UTpac; TU~EW<; -rp[a JtOLEl KEVa xwp(a, Ei<; artep o[ T~<;
rtpWTfj<; TCt~EW<; !..86VT<; <JUGT~<JOVTaL Tft OeUTEp<;t. ertl TUUTaL<; OE JtOL~<JEL<; K<ll
VWTO<pUAaKa<; avopac; <p', ouc; Otatp~<JEL<; eic; !lEPfl WKaTa oupav, ~TOL OE~LOV KCt\
apta-rep6vYa-raaem Oi:: au-roue; OJtl<JW T~<; oeu-rpac; Trapa-r<i~ewc; eic; -rptTT]V TCt~lV,
xov-rac; EKUGTOV llEpoc; ava crv', W<JT Kal ev Kmpc.!J xpeiac; au-roue; Trpoepxo
!-LEVOU<; voucr8at Trpoc; ~o~8etav Tft OEVTEp<;t rtapa-ra~El, tJJtOOEXO!lEVn li']V
rtpWTTJV. -rau-rac; !lEVlOl -rae; -rp1<; TCt~EL<;, ei Kal otnPflllEvac; Ota T~V xpeiav wpi<Jtl
!lEV, aA/..' oiJv ~VW!lEVa<; Tft eyyUTfjll Kal -role; tmEp aAA~AWV ayWVl<J!lUGL KaTll
VOOU!lEV, Ota TO LOU <JX~Ila-roc; euenov eTil TOUTOL<; (Jl~(JEL<; Kal -ra AEYO!lEV(l
Kpa-ra KaTa xLpa, Kal E!lrtpocreev T~<; TipWTfj<; T<i~ewc; -roue; !lEV AEYO!lEVOU<;
urrepKepacr-rac; Ka-ra TO OE~LOV lllpoc;, -roue; OE TIAayto<puAaKa<; KaTa TO euwvu
!lOV Kal -raum E<JTW<Jav ano a' avopwv, W<JT dvm ETOl!lOU<; eic; TO KUKAW<JCU
T~V ertepxollEVT]V TWV JtOAE!llWV rtap<im~LV -roue; UrtEpKepacr-r<ic;, eic; OE TO KWAU
<Jat T~V art' EKelVWV KaTa T~<; <J~<; TCt~EW<; KUKAWGLV -roue; EUWVU!lOU<; rtA.ayto<pU
AaKac;, ~ -raxa Kal au-roue; eic; KUKAWGLV -ro[llouc;. Kal rtpoc; TOUTOL<; T(OL~<JEL<; l::v
Ka-rpq. TIAEDpq !1UKp68ev -rawam
arto avopwv a', W<JT eic; eyKpD!l!latCI
yevcr8at, v8ev KUKet8Ev T~<; rtapa-r<i~ewc; eic; TOJtOU<; Kpumouc; eyKaeT]!lEVOU<;,
~ OTil<JW !lEV T~<; Trapa-r<i~ewc; mwmc;, a8p6wc; OE KULTO 0~ AYO!lVOV opouy
yta-rl EKJtTjOWVTac;, Kal KaLa TWV rtA.eupwv TWV JtOAE!llWV enepxo!lEVOU<;.
702 ad lOTaflvwv de novo inc. W
A Kal M 699 <p' M rrevmKoaiwv A I -ra~ewv M rrapa-ra~ewv A 700 ,a' M XtAi<<'V

A 701 o' M -raaapa A 702 av' M O!aKoaiwv rreVT~Kov-ra A 703 lmorrooiaat MW
6ma6orrooiaat A 704 KEVOL<; ... TOTIOl<; MW otaxwp[Of!UOlV ainwv A 705 &' M -reaaapn
wA I KEVCt xwp[a MW Olaxwp[Of!UTU A 706 Ta~ew<; MW rrapma~ew<; A 707 <p' M
rrevmKoaiou<; WA I WM ouo WA I Kata oupav MW om. A 708 6rriaw MW i\ma6ev i\
709 exona<; ... f!EpO<; MW exovm<; EKU<JTOU f!EpOU<; A I av' MW OtUKO<JtWV 1(Vt~KOVTU A I
Kal MW om. A I xpeia<; MW xpeia<; Kal A 712 aywviaf!UOl MA aywviaf!UOlV w
715-716 EUWVUf!OV MW aptatepov A 716 a' av&pwv MW avopwv OlUKO<Jiwv A I EtOLf!OU~
MW i:tOlf!OU<; tOU<; urrepKepaata<; A 717 tou<; urrepKepaata<; MW om. A 720
M c'illo
WA I a' MW O!aKoaiwv A 721 rrapata~ew<; A om. MW 723 Kal MW om. A
698 ~v
491
thousand five hundred men; divide them into three equal divisions, very close
to one another, that is, right, left, middle, so each will have five hundred men.
When drawn up in formation, these three lines will appear as one line. You will
make the second line of one thousand men, and divide it into four divisions
ijeparated from one another by one bowshot; these will thus consist of two
hundred fifty men. Station them behind the first battle line, so that if the first
line happens to retreat, it may find refuge in the empty spaces between the
tlivisions, and with them it will seem to form one battle line. For the four
divisions of the second line make three empty spaces in which the men of the
first line may take their stand and receive the support of the second line. In
nddition to these, post five hundred men as rear guards and divide them into
two divisions in the rear: right and left. Post them behind the second battle line
llll a third line, with each section having two hundred fifty men. In time of need
have these sections join together and move forward to support the second battle
line, which has already received the first. These three lines, then, though we
defined them as separate by necessity, nonetheless we still consider them to be
united by their closeness and their struggles on behalf of one another, on
kH:count of the good arrangement of the model. In addition to these, station the
~(Hailed horns close by and, in front of the first line, the so-called outflankers
by the right division and the flank guards by the left. These should amount to
two hundred men. The outflankers should be prepared to encircle the advancing
line of the enemy, while the flank guards on the left are to prevent the endrdement of your line by the enemy, or perhaps they too should be ready to
lake part in the encircling <of the enemy>. In addition to these, also post two
tngmata of two hundred men on each side at a distmce to set up ambushes,
lying in wait in hidden places on this side and that of your battle line. Or they
may be stationed behind the battle line ready to charge out all at once, in what is
1:alled a droungos, and attack the flanks of the enemy.
492
725
730
735
740
745
Constitution 18
137."Emwaav 8 Kal v -rot<; -rptal Kevot<; flpeat -r~<; 8eu-rpa<; napa-ra~ew<;

-rayflaLa ano av8pwv p' ~youv av8pe<; -r', wa-re 8oKetV OUVf]flflEVf]V elvat Kal
aim'Jv -r~v TU~lV. OVTOL 8, ei apa xpeia KaAE<10l imoxwp~aat -roue; -r~<; 1tpW1"fJ~
-ra~eW<; ei<; -ra eipf]flEVa -rp[a Keva <xwp[a>, imoxwp~aoumv on[aw, OflOU 8 Kctl
avame:Aoum -roue; OpflWVLa<; npo<; <puy~v, Kal ma-rp'!'OUaLV ei<; -r~v OLKelC!V
au-rwv -ra~LV, -rot<; vw-ro<pl>Aa~LV Ufla YLVOflEVOL 8ta -r~<; 6n[aw imoxwp~aew~,
onep ou fllKpav pon~v 1t0l~<1El1"0t<; O.ywvL~OflEVOL<; W<pEAlflOV.
138. Oi 8 AOL1t0L p' av8pe<; ea-rwaav Ufla -r0 mpa-rfjyt\> flETU -r~<; i8[a<; au-rot!
1tpOEAEU<1EW<; '(va, 01t01"' UV Ollfl~ft xpdav yeva0at ~Of]0~aa[ LLVL ~apOUflEVtr1
flEpel, 6.noa-re:AA6flEVOl iKaV~V pon~v napxwmv au-r0 Kal ava'l'ux~v 8ta 1"~1.;
aUTWV tKaV6-rf]TO<;.
139. Kal oihw<; flEv ~ naaa npwTTJ Te Kal 8eu-rpa Kat-rp[-rfJ -ra~L<; -r~<; napa
-ra~eW<;, Kat 8~ Kat oi n:Aayto<pUAaKe<; Kat tmepKepaa-ral Kat VWTO<pUAaK<; -re Kal
eve8pm Kat oi f1E<10l -rwv KEVWV -r6nwv, Kat 8~ Kal oi v U1tO~OTJ0EL<;l flelU 'tOll
a-rpanwou -rnayflEVOL, v OAOL<; ,8' O.v8paat nav-re<; OflOU -raneaewaav.
140. '0 8 a-rpa-rfjyO<; T~V flEOT]V ex-rw -ra~LV T~<; 1tpWTT]<; napa-ra~ew<;, Kal
8ta-ran-rw Kat opa-rw -ra oeov-ra, KUL LaUTf]V ex-rw npo<; ~o~Oetav, e'( 1tOU Kal
8m flel~OVO<; 8uVUflEW<;, EK1tEf111WV Ufla -rou auv ain0 a-rw-ro<; -roupflapxou,
~LOL -rou 1tUAaL flEV unompaT~you vuv 8 flEpapxou KaAOllflEVOU. Kal yap KaO'
eKa<JLOV flEpO<; Efl1tpoaeev -roupflUPXfJ<; 6<peLAel npo-raneaem, Kal nl 1tUV'tWV
'tOUTWV 0 a-rpatf]y6<;.
141. 'Ex-rwaav 8 -ra flEPfJ Kat-roue; i8[ou<; 8pouyyap[ou<; Kal-rou<; un' EKEi
vou<; KOflf]Ta<; Kat-roue; AOL1tOU<; apxov'ta<; Ka-r' apn~v eKa<JLOV auvea-rw-ra<;, Kal
teuvov-rac; -roue; mpanw-rac; Kat 8teyeipov-rac; npo<; -r~v npoKeLflEVfJV flUXfJV.
725 -rayflma A om. MW I p' MW Kmilv A I t'

MW -rptaK6mot A I crUV!JflflEV!JV MW f!iav Kal ~VWflEV!JV A 726 -r~v A om. MW I
{moxwpijcrat MW om. A 727 -ca~ew<; MW -ra~ew<; 6mcr8onoo~crav-re<; A I KEVU MW xwpi.t
ci. De 8taxwpicrfla<a eicreA8etv A 727-730 OflOU ... w<pEALflOV MW Kal vw8~crov-rm Tot,
vw-ro<pUAU~LV Kal UflU flEV ei<; -rpi<T]V napam~LV cruv au-roi<; yev~crov-rat UflU Of; KUL TOll>,
724 Kevoi<; f!Epem MW 8taxwpicrf!a<H A
<pel>yetv ~OUAOflEVOU<; CtJtOKWAUOOU<JlV
anep ou fllKpW<; -rou<; aywvL(OflEVOU<; W<jlEA~OOUatV ;\

731 p' M Ka-rov WA 733 pon~v MW
728 avacr-reAoucrt M avacr-rdAoumv W om. A
~ofJ8etav A
733-734 8La ... iKav6<!J<O<; MW om. A
736-737 Te ... eveOpOl MW
KUL
otaxwptcrfla<wv A 1 -rou MW
TOUpflapxou MW
tmwn
oi
-rwv
-rw A
-roupf!CtPX!J A
735 Kal -rpi<T] MW om. A
eyKpUflflCtTWV A
737 KVWV -r6nwv
742 -rou MW
-rw A
unocr-rpm~yw A I f!Epapxou KUAOUflEVOU MW flepCtpX!J KUAOUflEVW A
MW
a-rww.
unocr-rpa-r~you MW
738 ,8' MW -re-rpaKuJXLAiot<; A
741
13 7. In the three empty spaces of the second battle line station between one
hundred and three hundred men so that it appears to be one continuous line. If
It becomes necessary for the soldiers in the first line to retreat into those three
t~Mpty spaces, then the men <stationed there> will draw back and, at the same
Ume, restrain the men rushing into flight and make them turn back to their own
line. In withdrawing to the rear, they join up with the rear guard. This will be
beneficial and of no small importance to the men who are struggling.
138. Station the rest of the one hundred men with the general and his own
ftltim1e. Whenever the need arises, they can assist any division under pressure.
l)ecause of their numbers, when they are sent out, they may well bring sufficient
~trength and a respite to such a unit.
139. And so the entire first, second, and third lines of the battle formation, as
well as the flank guards, the outflankers, the rear guards, the ambushers, and the
men in the middle of the empty spaces, together with the support troops stationed with the general, all these together add up to four thousand men in
tbrmation.
140. Let the general have the middle position of the first battle line, where he
can see and make arrangements for what is needed. Let him have this support
unit so that, if ever a greater force is needed, he may dispatch it together with
the tourmarch stationed with him, or the officer formerly called lieutenant
seneral, now known as merarch. A tourmarch ought to take his place in front of
each division and the general over all of these.
141. The divisions should have their own droungarioi. The counts under
their command and the rest of the officers, each one according to his valor,
should be stationed with him to strengthen the soldiers and to arouse them for
!he impending battle.
494 Constitution 18
8 rwaov <~<; npw<f)<; Ta~w<; 8tmp~aL<;, Kal<o f.LEV ainou, ~youv c(\
<ptTOV f.LEpo<;, acpoptoH<; d<; TOU<; AYOf.LEVOU<; Koupoopa<;, oaou: f.LUA,LOLU yt v~
OKl<; avopdou<; Kal 1JTOAf.LOU<;, TO 8 8tf.L0lpov f.LEpo<; TU~l<; l<; TOU<; AYOf.l
142 . To
750
vou<; Otcpvoopa<;, 'iva oi f.LEV KUTU np6awnov Tl:f.Ln6f.LVOL w<; np6f.LUXOL n/\8wat
KaTa TWV noAf.LlWV I OpouyytaT[, 0 onv Of-LOU avU L<l~W<;, Kal d f.LEV <pE'\fWOlV
ainou<;, aKoAou8~owm Kal oi 8tcpvoop<;, ~youv oi ~of)Ool Kal i:'KOLKOL, ~lll
Movt<; T~V TCt~lV alhwv,
755 Koupaop<;,
ai\A'
ElJLUKTW<; npl11aTOUVT<;, d 8 ~apf)8WatV oi
~youv oi AYOf.LVOl Kal npoKAUOTat, dca imoo<pE'\fWOLV, 'iva uno
MxwvTat auTOU<; oi Otcpvoop<; f.LELCt TU~W<; Kal avam1\/\wat TOV: noA~[ou<;:

d 8 n Kal n/\ov Kal oi T~<; 0UTpa<; TU~W<; uno~of)O~oouat, Kat npoon 01
vw<ocpuAaK<;, Kal oihw<; 8tw~oum mu<; noAf.Liou<;, i:K Otaoox~<; <~v ~o~Oewv
napa no/\Awv unoOXOf.lVOL ou yap f.LOL OoK1 v f.LL9- f.L6vn napa<a~L anoKLV
~ f.LlU Of-LOU Kal q>uyL vmu8a 8, d Kal

~ npw<f) nov~oL, a/\A' ~ OU<pa tmwaa pwf.LaAm6Lpov ~of)O~o~ d, 8 K~l
airr~ nov~oL, a/\A' ~ <phfJ ana8w<; rrA.8n, Kal oihw<; npo<; <pEL<; arra8w;
napma~l<; ~ f.lla TWV noAf.LlWV rrovouoa UKaTaywvLOTO<; yivnat, Kal mxtw.;
A.u8~aTat, Kal d<; cpuy~v opf.L~OL, ouf.LnV6vTwv 8T]Aov6n KaTa TO vc5x6f.LVOV
760 0UVUlV aacpa/\<;, Of-LOU yap novouoa
765
Kal<wv n/\aywcpuAaKwv Kal<wv unpKpaoTwv, f.LUAtma TWV eipf)f.LEvwv <npa

KlOXlALWV avopwv i:mAEKTWV OVTWV, Kal Otacpp6vTWV Tft
a~8pi<;t Kal ~ft ~~)\
TOU<; noAEf.LOU<; apTft, onp 6cp[Al. ou yap rrpo<; av8panoOWOf) mpaTOV f)~llV
np6Kllat ~ OLUTU~l<;,
770
ai\Aa
npo<; iKavov f.LHUXLp[oao8at on/\ov Kal i:K8Uf.llll~
aywv(oaa8m.
143 TO.<; 8 UKLU<; T~<; TOLaUTf)<; napma~EW<; nOL~Ol<; uno av8pwv OEKa Tt!
~a8o<;, ~TOl TO naxo<; auTWV, WOT dvm Ka8' f:KUOTf)V UKlUV apxovTa<; ouo, T6V
T Ay6f.LVOV A.oxay6v, ~youv 0Kapxov ~ rrpw<ooTUTfJV ~ np6f.Laxov, Kal nlv
oupay6v, o<; i:onv i:'axmo<; TOU mixou Kal KaAELTal nVTUPXfJ<;, ou<; Kal f.LUAlatO
iKaVOU<; dvm XP~ Kal av8pdou<; Kal KmacppaKTOU<; TOt<; apf.L6(oumv onAOL<; Kl1i
775
oihw<; , 0u ~a8ou<; <wv aKtwv Tmyf.Lvou, TO i:nl f.LETwnov i:'Kmf.La npo<; n/\Ctto';
KaTCt (uy6v, ooov av anavT~on, TUH08at Kal KaLCt J1AUpav.
748 ad Ta~ew~ des. W

Kal M om. A 757 imopo!]8~croucrt M i:JtLpo!]8~croucrtv A 759 ou A oi M
755
759-760 f!Ol. .. acr<paA.e~ M 8oKl f!Ol acr<paA.~ EV f!lU f!OVT] napaT6.~l U1t0Ktv8uvUlV i\
6 pwf!aA.at6Tepov M lcrxup6Tepov A 764 O"Uf!TIVEOVTWV M cruf!TIVouvTwv A 7~5 nc'V'
7 1
M cruvepyouvTWV A 767 cmep M wcrnep 8~ Kal A I av8pano8w8!] M av8pano8w8!] K~1~
xu8a1ov A
M napa A
767-768 ~f!lV np6KlTat M trsp. A
768 EK8Uf!W~ M npo8Uf!W~ A
776 KUTn
495
Divide the number <of men> in the first line, assigning part of it, that
l~. a third, into the so-called assault troops, men whom you know to be especially brave and courageous. Designate the second part as the so-called defenders.
1lle assault troops are sent against the front. As promachoi they should attack
enemy in irregular order, that is, all together without any formation. If they
force them to flee, the defenders, that is, the support troops and ekdikoi, will
.,ursue them without breaking their formation, but riding along in good order.
Dut if the assault troops, also known as proklastai, come under pressure, they
will then withdraw so that the defenders may receive them in order and hold
back the enemy. But if there is something more, the men in the second line shall
move to help, and the rear guard as well, and in this manner they will pursue the
!iUlemy, continuously receiving help from many sources. I do not think it is safe
#(> take such great risks with only one battle line. When the first finds itself in
difficulties, at that time it also turns to flight. But here <in our scheme> even if
the first finds itself in difficulty, the second line is standing there, ready to assist
It most vigorously. If this line is in difficulty, the third, still unharmed, will move
up. In this way, against three unharmed battle lines the one line of the enemy
wUl be in difficulty, will be easily overcome, quickly break ranks, and turn to
flight. The flank guards and the outflankers, of course, must cooperate in this
operation, especially in unison with the above-mentioned four thousand men,
1111 elite troops, as they should be, outstanding for bravery and valor in warfare.
f~or this constitution of ours is not intended for an army of slaves but for one
that will take weapons in hand and enthusiastically engage in combat.
143. Make the files of such a battle line ten men deep, or thick, so that in
!lllch file there shall be two officers, the one called group leader, also dekarch,
protostates, or promachos, and the ouragos, who is the last of the row and is
Lalled pentarch. It is necessary that these men be particularly qualified and
brave, and equipped with the appropriate armor and weapons. With the depth
of the files formed in this way, arrange the extent along the front according to
width, line by line, as much as is called for, and also by the flank.
142.
496
Constitution 18
144. 'Errl Of TfJc; vuv imo0aewc; ~ !J.fV rrp<in'l Ta~tc;, ~nc; Kal eic; Tp[a !J.EPil
144. In this present proposition the first line, divided into three divisions,
c5tatpe0~aTat, Ka0' EKUO'TOV !J.Epoc; ~L aK[ac; TrVT~KOVTU, ava c5Ka exouaav tb
will have in each division fifty files, ten deep for each row, from the group leader
or protostates to the ouragos at the end. Thus, all the files of the three divisions
M the first line come to one hundred fifty, totaling one thousand five hundred
men. Let the second line have in its four divisions some twenty-five files each, so
all the hundred files will total a thousand men. <Let the rear guard, that is, the
third line, have some twenty-five files, for a total of five hundred men.> The
flank guards will have ten files, one hundred men. Likewise the outflankers ten
files, one hundred men. Furthermore, the ambuscades, or ambushes, on this
side and that of the two divisions of the battle line <should have> some twenty
files: so, forty files or two hundred men. All together, four hundred men. The
troops stationed in the empty spaces of the second battle line, who, as said,
restrain those who are fleeing, will make up three divisions of ten files, that is,
one hundred men, or three hundred all together, as well the one hundred men
stationed with the general.
145. With the exception of the assault troops, the three battle lines will be
formed by files; the rest of the units, that is, the flank guards and the outflankers
who are designated for the encircling movements, as well as those for the ambushes, the ambushers, and the others, will not always take their place in strict
formation, but will advance according to need, sometimes in this fashion and
sometimes in irregular formation, or as the circumstances of combat require.
146. From these four thousand men in formation all the officers, elite men,
will be selected according to their rank, 1,346 in the following manner: Soo
pentarchs, 400 dekarchs, So pentekontarchs, also called tribunes, 40 kentarchs
or hekatontarchs, 20 counts, 4 droungarioi and chiliarchoi, 2 tourmarchs, altogether 1,346 major and minor officers. And in this way, for one theme let brave
~a0oc; KUTU (JTLXOV, arro TOU A.oxayou Kal rrpwTOGTCtTOU

780
we;
you,
we; TOU axaTOU oupa~
eLVat Tac; o:\ac; aK[ac; TWV TplWV !J.EpWv TfJc; rrpWT'lc; TCt~Wc; pv', ~TOl
avc5pac; XLAlOUc; KUL TtVTUKO(JLOUc;. ~ Of oeuTepa TCt~tc;
txeTW
OLU TWV TWO'<ipwv
auTfJc; !J.Epwv aK[ac; ava e'LKO(J[ Kal TrEVT, Tac; rraaac; aK[ac; f:KUTOV avc5pac; XLAt~
ouc;. <oi Of VWTO<pVAUKc;, ~youv ~ TptT'l TCt~tc;
txeTW aK[ac; ava e'LKOO'l Kal TrEVT,
O!J.OU avc5pac; TrVTUKO(JLOUc;.> oi Of rrA.ayLO<pVAUKc; ~oumv aK[ac; c5Ka, avopac;

785
EKUTOV O!J.O(wc; KUL oi imepKepamal aK[ac; c5Ka, avopac; EKUTOV, rrpoaen Of Kal
oi eveopot, ~youv TU eyKpD!J.!J.UTa, v0ev KUK10v TWV
avo !J.Epwv TfJc; rrapani~
~ewe; ava UKLWV dKOatV, aK[ac; TWO'apaKOVTa, ava avopwv OLUKO(JLWV, O!J.OU o
avc5pac; TTpaKoa[ouc;. Kal oi v TOte; Kvoic; <TOrrOLc;> OLWTWTc; TfJc; 0UTepac;

rrapaTa~ewc;, o'lnvec;,
790
we; dp'lTUl, Kal Toile; <peuyovTac; avaaTEAAOUatV, E(JOVTal TU
Tp[a !J.EP'l arro aKLWV c5Ka ~youv avopwv EKUTOV, O!J.OU avopwv TptaKOO'lWV, Kal
oi TQ O'TpanwQ rrapeaTWTc; avc5pec; EKUTOV.
145 1\.U' ai !J.fV Tpeic; rrapaT<i~etc;,
I ~nP'l!J.EVWV TWV Koupa6pwv, urro aK[ac;
mx0~0'0VTal, TU Of A.oma TCtY!lUTa, ~youv oi rrA.ayLO<pUAUKc; Kal oi imepKe~
eK Twv yKpD!J.!J.<'tTwv
~TOl o[ eveopot, KUl oi A.omol OUK ael (JUVTTaY!J.EVOl (JT~(JOVTUL, ana rrpoc; T~V
pama[, ~Tot oi rrpoc; T~v KDKAwatv myevTec;, Kal o~ Kal oi

795
xpe[av TrOTf !J.EV OUTWc;, TrOTf Of c5pouyytaTl ETrAU(JOVTat ~
we; arrami ~
TOU
TrOAE!J.OU rrep(amatc;.
146. LUvaxe~aovTat TOLVUV arro TWV OUTW TTUY!J.EVWV o' XLALCtOWV avopwv
o[ rravTec; apxovTec; KUTU T~V UUTWV TCt~lV avopec; E1llAKTOl ,UT!J.<:;' OUTWc; rrev~
8oo
497
Tapxm !J.fV w', oeKapxm 0 u', rrevT'lKovTapxm c5 oi Kal Tpt~ouvOL KaA.ov!levot

rr', KEVTUPXOl ~youv EKUTOVT<ipxm ll' K0!J.'lTc; K', opouyyaptol Kal XLAiapxol 0',
TOUpf.L<'tpxm
w. O!J.OU apxovTec; !J.lKpol <Kal> flYCtAOl ,UTf.L<:;'. Kal OUTWc; !J.fV err\
TOU voc; 0!J.aTOc; m:\eya0waav avopeiot aTpaTLWTat Kal TrAfJpOUTWGUV T<)

M i:Katov m:vt~Kovta A 783-784 ol. .. TievtaKocriou~ Va,Hung. om. MA
2
dKo<Jt A 785 Kat6v 1 M OtaKocriou~ A I OEKa M e'LKom A I i:Kat6v M
6taKocriou~ A 786 ol ... ~youv M om. A 787 e'tKomv M etKom A 788 Kevoi~ ...
OLWTOJt~ M 6taxwpi<Jf1U<Jl oi: ecrtGne~ A I T01IOL~ ci. De om. codd. 790 OEKU ... EKUTOV A
i:Kmov M 792-793 e~IJPIJflEvwv ... -raxe~crov-rm M imo aKia~ -raxe~crov-rm TiapeKto~ -rwv
Koupcrwpwv A 793 ~youv M om. A I oil M oY -re A I oF M om. A 795 ~Tot ... veopot M
om. A 798 outw M OUTW~ A I o' M tecrcrapwv A 799 avope~ A om. M I ,UTfl<;' M XLAIOI
tptaKocriot -rwcrapaKovm e~ A 8oo w' M 6KtaK6cnot A I u' M -rnpaK6mot A I KaA01JflVOI
M A.ey6f1VOL A 801 1!' M oyoo~KOVTU A I fl' M -rwcrapaKOVTU A I K' M eLKO<Jl A I o' M
-rcrcrape~ A 8o2 W M Mo A I Kall ci. De om. MA I ,UTfl<;' M xiA.tot tptaK6m01
780 pv'
784
oeKa M
-rwcrapaKov-ra e~ A
498
Constitution 18
AYOf1eVOV a-rpaTLWTlKOV 8fla, ~-rot -rwv -re-rpaKLOXLALWV -rov apt8f10V f1tlAEK1'WV

8os Kat fVOTIAWV Ka~aAAap[wv Kat yevva[wv Late; ape-rate;. 1'0 0' liAAO 7IA~8oc; fK 1'0U
8fla-roc; eic; e-rpac; n1~etc; Kat xpt:lac; Ka1'aflept~cr8w, we; liv (JOl OoKft, wa-rpall")YE, -ro A.um-reA.ouv npoc; -rov eKaa-rme Katp6v.
147. Kat -rau-ra flEV dpfJ-rat, tav lipa 6A.[yoc; ta-rtv 6 -rwv noAefllwv cr-rpa-roc;
<~> \mp -rov aov ~ '(aoc;. ei 0 7IOAUTIATJ8L<;t nA.eoveK-ret 6 tvav-r(oc;, -r6-re Ka-ra
81o -rov 6pta8v-ra aot -r{mov tv -rft npoOfJAw8e[crn napa-ra~et, ~ omA.waetc; -ro
a-rpa-reUfla aTIO e-rpwv 8ef1Ct1'WV 1'WV OUaLpa-r~ywv OOU, Wale yeva8at 1'~V
miaav napa-ra~tv xtA.taowv 6K-rw, OfJAov6-rt Ka-ra -rov elpfJflEvov n)nov f1ept~Of1E
vou -rou oA.ou a-rpa-rou, nA.~v f16vou -rou noaov Kae' Kaa-rov -rayfla -r~c; -ra~ewc;
npoa-rt8ef1EVOU. ei o fl~ Ol7IAWOat flOVOV apKft, Kal-rpmA.wcretc; avv-raaawv Kat
815 hpouc; ovo a-rpa-rf}youc; lifla -rotc; \m' au-roue; a-rpanw-ratc; oihwc; f1tlAEK1'0l<; Kal
Ka-ra<ppUK1'0l<;, wa-re Mo Kat OEKa yevcr8at XlALCtOac;. Kat ou-rwc; Ka-ra -rov
eipfJflEVov livw8ev n)nov Otaf1epta8~ae-rat oA.oc; 6 cr-rpa-r6c;, -rpmA.ouf1vwv
OfJAOVOTl -rwv t<p' eKaa-rn -ra~et a-rpanw-rwv Ka-ra 1'0 livw TIOU wpLOflEVOV noa6v.
148. Kat ei flEV npoc; 6A.[youc; Kat avope(ouc; 7IOAef1LOU<; exnc; -rov aywva, Kal
820 OOKel aot XP~OlflOV, Ka-ra ev 8fla fK1'Ct~ac; -rpetc; TIOL~Oetc; napa-ra~etc; ava XLAl'
aowv -reaaapwv KaLa -rov pfJ8v-ra n)nov, ~ Kal nAet6vwv XLALUOWV KaLa 1'0
noaov ~c; -rou a-rpa-rou eunoplac; Kat-rft f1EV fll~ npocr~aAetc; au-rotc;, ~ npocr~aUov-rac; imooe~n au-roue; Kat f7It -raU-rn fKelVWV aaxoAOUflEVWV, ei flEV
-rpanwat, Kal ou-rwc; Otw~etc; acr<paAwc; ei o avna-rwat, -r6-re Kat ~ e-rpa TIOL~at>
825 Tat npoa~oA~V ~6ma8ev au-rwv ne:\8ovaa, Kat OUTW<; Ka-repyaa8~aov-rat ol
TIOAEfllOl. ei o Kal npoc; LUU1'TJV I av-r[axwmv, aU' ~ -rphTJ tneA.eovaa ~ omaeev
~ fK nA.ay[ou, Kallifla -rate; liUatc; KUKAwaaaa -roue; tvav-r[ouc; nav-rwc; aip~aEl
au-roue;. ou yap liaapKOl eiatv oi TIOAEfllOl, KUV 1'0 epacroc; aU-rotc; wanep XPWflCt
830
nep(Ket-rat.
149 Ei o npoc; 7IA~8oc; 7IOAef1LWV Otaywv[~wem flEAAetc;, -rae; -rpetc; napa
-ra~etc; -rae; ano o' XLALUOWV eic; fllaV, we; dpTJTaL, cruva~etc; Kat-rpmA.aataaetc; n'l
noaov ~c; npoetpfJflEVTJ<; fK1'Ct~ewc;, Otaflep[~wv Ka-ra A6yov, we; np6Ket1'at, de; n
npwTfJV Kal oeu-rpav napa-ra~tv, Kal etc; vw-ro<puAaKac; Kal eic; nA.aywcpuA.aKac;
819 ad Kal de novo inc. W
809 ~~ ci. De om. codd. I noA.unA.Ij8ta M noAAiiJ
nA.~8et A 815-816 Mo ... xtA.uioa~ M owoeKa xtA.taoa~ yEveoem A 818 iivw ...
wplOf.Utvov M avw-repw dpfjf.IEVOV A 824 avnoniiot M avrtOl:WOlV WA 825 ~6mo8ev
MW omoeev A 826 QVl:LOXWOlV MW anav-r~oouatv A 827 aip~OEl MW nope~oet i\
807 -ro A.uorreA.ouv M wc:pEALf.tOv dvat A
831 -ra~ A om. MW I o' MW -reooapwv A I d<; MW w~ A

soldiers be selected and let what is called the military theme be filled by elite
nnd armed cavalrymen, four thousand in number and noble in their qualities.
The other troops from the theme should be divided up among other formations
1md needs, as appears most useful to you, 0 general, for each situation.
147. These prescriptions stand whether the enemy's army is small, larger
than yours, or equal to it. If your adversary is greatly superior in numbers, then
<act> in line with the model set forth for you in the battle line just explained,
double your army with your fellow commanders from other themes, so that the
(!ntire battle line will total eight thousand. The whole army, of course, should be
divided according to the prescribed model, except only for the numbers added
llccording to each tagma of the line. But if doubling alone should not be enough,
then triple the number, lining up with yourself the two other generals with elite,
nrmed soldiers under them. This results in twelve thousand. In this way, the
l!ntire army will be divided according to the above-mentioned model, that is,
tripling the soldiers in each line according to the number prescribed above.
148. If you face combat against a small but brave enemy force, then, if this
8eems helpful to you, draw up one theme and make three battle lines of up to
four thousand, as in the model given, or even more thousands according to the
quantity <required> for easily provisioning the army. Have one line charge
ttgainst them or, if they charge, receive them. If they turn away, you will pursue
them in safety, but if they resist, then the other line will launch a charge against
them, coming from their rear. In this way, the enemy will be overpowered. Even
If they hold up against this, the third line can attack either from the rear or the
flank and, together with the other lines, having encircled them, they will utterly
destroy them. After all, the enemy are not without flesh even though they wear
their boldness like their skin.
149. If you are preparing to engage a large enemy force in battle, join together the three battle lines of four thousand men into one, as said, and you will
I riple the number of the aforementioned formation. Divide it in the regular
manner, as laid down, into the first and the second battle lines, into rear guards,
500
Constitution
18
Kal i<; UrtepKepama<; Kal i<; vopou<;, ~TOl eyKpUf.lf.laTa, Kal ei<; Ta aA.Aa, (Llt,
835 npoeipf1Tal, T<.iyf.lata, Kat oihw<; ~lETa nha~[a<; Kal auvTaaew<; rtot~m::t<; TT)v
npoa~oA~v ota twv Xeyof.lvwv Koupa6pwv, ~-rot Twv npoflaxwv T~<; rtpwTq;;
1'U~EW<;, ~ Kal TWV UrtepKepacr-rwv ~
w<; av
~ xpe[a KaAE<JOl, Ka8w<; (JOl Kal
tv tf)
rtepl TOU TtOAEf.lOU Otani~El OtWptcr<.if1E8a. Ei o Kal ETl TtAelOVE<; dmv oi TtOAef.llOI,
Kal xpda TtOAA<j) TtAelOVO<; OTpatoi:i, a-rwaav Kal oi Aomol TWV avaTOALK(lJV
840 8ef1ClTWV crTpatfjyol rtpo<; T~V TOlaUTfjV xpdav ETOlf.lOl, Of.lOLW<; TOV OlKElOV
mpa-rov ETtlAE~Uf.lEVOl Kal OlaKp[vavT<; TOU<; XPfiOlf.lOU<; i:trto TWV axpdwv, (ll~
axpl Teacrapwv XlAlUOWV, W<; e'lpfjTal, tcp' EKU<JT(fl 8f.la1'l Ola T~V vuv EmKpaTil
crav-rwv 1'WV crTpanWTWV CtYUf.lVacr[av T Kal Ctf.lEAEtaV Kal 6Aty6Tf1Ta. Kat OUTO!
nav-r<; rtA~8o<; OOKLf.lWV crTpanwTwv cruAAe~oum, Kal rtapacrT~croumv lif.la om
845 KaTCt TWV TtOAEf.llWV, W<JT Kal urtep Ta<; TplUKOV1'a XlAlUOa<; KaTa<JT~Vat TOth.;
6cplXovm<; avopdw<; Kal eu'l'uxw<; KcrTpa-reunv Kma Twv txepwv.

150.
Kal-rai:iTa f.lEV OlWptcr<.if.Le8a Tft Uf.lWV voo~OTfj1'l, Taxa ouo Katv6v Tl
napa T~V 06~av exovta, i:tA.A' ~
i\
wv, W<; e'lpfj1'al, 1'0l<; rtaAatOTEpOl<; EVTuxovm;
~v8oXoy~craf.lEV, Kal f.lE1'piav n1pav eK18ev cruA.Ae~avT<; cruf.Lcpwvw<; EKeivm.;

850 OlTa~Uf.l8a. Kal ETepa o TtAel<JTa ouv~crn tcpeupelV EVTU8ev Aaf.l~UVWV Ta<:;
i:tcpopf.LU<;, lirtep, W<; e'lpfjTal, OUT ypacpnv Kae' v ouvaTOV OUT T(i> rtap6vtl
cruv-r<lyf.laTl Ota T~V <JUVTOf.llav EVTU~at ap~OOlOV. e~ov o (JOL Cj>lAOTtOVOUVTl KCd
T<j) TtAUTEl TWV TaK1'lKWV Ef.lf.lEAET~cravn Kal 1'0laUTa Kal TOU1'WV ETl opacrnKtil
Tepa Kal npocremvo~crm Kal otanpa~acr8m 8eov xov-rt ~of186v ota 1' T~<;
ek
8 55 auTov n(an:w<; Kal T~<; ei<; T~v ~f.lELEpav ~amXeiav i:ty<.irtfj<; Kai ota8crew<;.l
837 KaA.ecrot MW KUAEGT) A I crot A om. MW 844 cruAA.~ouat MW cruAA.e~oumv J\

848 M~av MW ooKT)atV A 850 nA.Lcrm MW nA.lcrm -rowu-rcrrpona A 852 i#>v MW
e~wn A 853 -rw nA.Cm:t MA -rw noA.q.ttKwv napacrKeuwv cSt<im~t~ tS' nepl vau1.1axla~ nA<im
w I e!.l!.lEAET~cravn MW e!.l!.leAETWVTl A I KaF MW KUL ETl A
501
thmk guards, outflankers, ambushers or ambushes, and the rest of the units, as
#!ready explained. Thus, with good order and a united front, you will have the
troops, as they are called, or the promachoi of the first line launch their
or even the outflankers, or do as need requires, as we have prescribed in
constitution concerning battle. But if the enemy are even more numerous
ltld you need a much larger army, have the remaining generals of the eastern
' nmrw., stand ready for such a necessity. In like manner, each one should muster
own army of four thousand men from each theme, after having separated
the useful troops from the useless, as we said. <This condition> has been
brought about by the prevailing lack of training, by carelessness, and by the
l!mall number of soldiers these days. All of these <commanders> will stand
together by your side against the enemy and will assemble a multitude of
trustworthy soldiers, so that those who are obliged to wage war bravely and in
good spirits against the enemy add up to more than thirty thousand men.
150. We have presented Your Excellency with these regulations. Perhaps
they contain nothing new or extraordinary. As noted above, however, we have
gathered together what we came across in older authorities and thence, having
harmoniously brought together ordinary experience with those authorities, we
have issued <these regulations>. Taking these as your starting point, you will be
%\ble to discover many other things in this <book>, things that, as we said, owing
to the limitations of space, it is not possible to write about individually or to
Include conveniently in this present constitution. But it is possible for you,
dedicated to this task and reflecting on the broad field of tactics, to devise and
put into action such practices, as well as those still more effective than these,
with God as your support, because of your faith in him and your love and good
disposition toward Our Majesty.
ITOAEMIKON ITAPALKEYON L1IATA3IL I8'
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION XIX
Ilepl vauflaxia<;
About Naval Warfare
a'."HOT] 0 m:pt vau!lax[a<; Ota1"a~Oflea, ouOE:v flEV tv 1"0l<; naAatOl<; 1"aK1"l~

KOl<; 7tpt aU.~<; KKaVOVl<JflEVOV UpOV1"<; acp' WV 0 <JTIOpCtOT]V aveyVWflV Kctl
5 Ota flHp[a<; ndpa<; <ou vuv Kmpou rrapa <wv rrA.wt!lwv mpa<T]ywv ~11wv ave11a~
eoflV, 1"U flEV 7t7tOlT]K01"WV, 1"U 0E rtrtove61"WV, avaA.f~CtflVOl fllKpCt nva Kctl
O<JOV flcpaatv Oouvm 1"0l<; Kat trrt eaA.aa<JTj<; !laxeaem Ota 1"WV 7t01" AYOflEVWV
<plTJPWV, vuv o OpOflWVWV KaAOUflEVWV, flEAAOU<Jl tv 6/..[yot<; Otopt<JWflea.
w. Tipw<ov 11v ouv, w<~<; vau<tK~<; ouva11ewc; a<pa<TJye-~o'l yap Kat rrpoc;
10 a oeov <ov A6yov rrot~aaaem-<~<; vau!laXtK~<; t!lrrnp[ac; Kat<a~ew<; tmm~~
flOVCt (J dvm XPWV, Kat1"U<; 1"WV aepwv Kat1"WV 7tVWflCt1"WV KlV~<Jfl<; rtpo<JK07t
dv 1" Kat rtponOEvm Ota -~<; 1"WV <paLVOflEVWV amepwv Kat tv lia<pot<; <JTjfllWV
rte[pa<;, Kat1"WV Kae' ~AlOV 1" Kat <JA~VT]V ytVOflEVWV <JTjfla<JlWV, Kat 0~ Kat<~<;
1"WV Kmpwv tvaUay~<; -~v aKp[~nav tmytVW<JKLV, W<; av exwv rtpt <aut'
15
tfl7ttpwc; aacpaA~<; Kat aK[vOuvo<; arto 1"WV -~<; eat..aa<JT]<; OtacpuA.ann XLflWVWV.
y'. KamaKwaae~vm o Kat OpOflWVa<; Od apKOUV<a<; rtpo<; vau!lax[av Katt\
1"WV avna<pa<WOflEVWV rtAWlflWV 7tOAfllWV, Kat npo<; ~v tKlVWV Otaew[v n:
Kat Ka1"Ct<J1"a<JlV, Kat1"WV <JWV 7t0t~aaaem -~v Ka<a<JKW~V OUVa1"~V rtpo<; artav
<a, tKefvotc; av<t 11axwem.
JtOAfllKWV ... L6' w AEOVTO<; ev XPL<JTW ~U<JlAl aiwviw PWflULWV <HpUtf]YlKCt M VUUflaxlu
A.ovto<; ~amA.ew<; A 2 rrcpl vauflaxia<; MW om. A 3 ~<'l'l <'le M ecp~~<; 0 to1!Twv ~<'l'l W
om. A 1 <'ltam~6f1c6a MW ~ouA6f.Lc6a <'ltata~acrem rrcpl ~<; A 4 rrcpl mit~<; MW om. A I
cup6vtE<; MW cilp0f1V A 5 flCTpia<; MW 6,\iy!]<; A I crtpUTI]YWV ~f.IWV MW trsp. A
6 rrcrrov66twv MW rra66vtwv A 7 t'f.Lcpacrtv MW acpopfl~V A I f1CtXE06at MW f1CtXE060i
f.LEAA.oumv A 8 f.IEA.A.oum M f1Houcrtv W om. A 9 t~<; ... crtpat!]y MW crtpat!]ye t~~
VUUTlK~<; 0UVCtf1W<; A 9-10 ~<'51]"' Jt0l~cracr6at MW om. A 10-11 T~<; ... Kall MW od
dva[ 0 emcrT~flOVU T~<; VUUflUXLU<; f.LJtclpta<; KUTUTCt~cW<; Kat rrpOOKOJtclV KUt rrpoytVWOKlV A
11-12 rrpocrKorrdv ... rrpocLDEVUL MW om. A 13 Ka6' MW KUTCt tov A I Kal2 MW Kal t~v A
I Of]flU<JlWV M Ol]flclWV w emOI]f1ElWOWV A I KUt <'li] MW emytvWOKlV DE A 14 i:m
YlVWOKElV M YlVWOKElV w om. A I tai!T' M TUUTU WA 15 acrcpaA.Tj<; ... DlUCjlUAaTTI] MW
&acpuMTTI] aacpaA.~<; KUt UKiv<'luvo<; arro TWV T~<; eaMcrcr!]<; A 16 8 MW <'le <'leT A I ocT MW
We will now set down ordinances for naval warfare. While we found no
regulations about it in the older tactical books, still from what we have read here
ltnd there and what we have learned from the ordinary experience of our fleet
commanders at the present time, their successes as well as their failures, we have
8elected a few examples, enough to give this presentation to those who intend to
do battle at sea on what were once called triremes but are now called dromons.I
We will present these regulations in a few words.
2. First, therefore, 0 commander of our naval force-for we must now address this treatise to you-you ought to be skilled and experienced in naval tactics and combat. You should <know how> to make allowance for the movements of air and the winds and to anticipate them by examining the visible stars,
the stellar signs, and also the indications relating to the sun and the moon.
Indeed, you must have an exact knowledge of the change of the seasons. And so,
experienced in these matters, you may safely and without danger guard against
the sea's storms.
1.
3 It is necessary to outfit the dromons in numbers sufficient to engage the

enemy fleet drawn up against you, according to its disposition and condition.
You must equip your own fleet, making it ready in every respect to fight against
them.
Kal A
17-18 <'lta6wiv ... Kall MW om. A
1. Const. 19, as it appears in A, has been edited by A. Dain, together with other writings
on naval warfare: Naumachica (Paris, 1943). See H. Ahrweiler, Byzance et la mer (Paris, 1966);
E. Eickhof, Seekrieg und Seepolitik zwischen Islam und Abendland (Berlin, 1966). On dromon
("runner"), see Ahrweiler, 409-418; Eickhoff, 135-148. The most detailed work on the
dromon and the Byzantine navy is J, Pryor and E. Jeffreys, The Age of the Dromon: The
Byzantine Navy ca. 500-1204 (Leiden-Boston, 2006); this includes texts and translations of
Greek and Arabic sources.
504
Constitution 19
0'. 'H 8 TWV 8pOf1WVWV KUTa(JKfU~ fl~Tf: liyav E<JTW 11UXta, tva fl~ apyol
yevwvrm tv Tate; tA.acrfmc;, fl~n: A.fav de; A11TOTT)TU t~ELPYa<JflEVT), tva fl~ aaH!
v~c; ouaa Kai cra8pa p<;t8fwc; imo TWV KUfl<XLWV Kai -rJic; TWV tvaVTlWV cruvap\l
~We; T Kai Kpoucrt:wc; 8taAULat. ana <JUflflELpov txe-rw T~V tpyacrfav 6 opll
flWV, tva Kai tA.auVOflEVOc; fl~ A.fav 6.py6c; tanv, Kai KAUOWVL(Of.!EVO<; ~ 11apa Ti.ilV
25 txepwv cruyKpOUOflEVO<; icrxup6Lepoc; OLUflEVn Kai lippT)KTO<;.
'. 'Exe-rwcrav 8 Kai mivm -ra 11poc; t~apTL<JflOV OpOflWVO<; Ct11apaALma K\tl
8mA.a, oiov auxevac;, KWITiac;, (JKUpflOUc;, crxotv[a, Kapua, Kai -ra lipflEVU ol
au-rwv Kai Kepa-rapta, Kai Katapna, Kai 6n6cra liA.A.a ~ vaunK~ -rexv11 rrpih,
XPELUV Ct11ULTl. txe-rw 0 KUL tK 11pl<J<JOU ~UAa TLVa tyKOlALU, KUL <JUVtOac;, Ktd
30 <JLU111TLU, KUL 1Tl<J<JUV, Kai uyp6mcrcrav, Kai VUUTIT)YOV !J.ELa 11UVTWV TWV tpyaAt:!
wv UUTOU, eva TWV tA.a-rwv otov <JKmapvou, TAe-rpou, 11ptovoc;, Kai TWV Of.!OlWV,
c;'. 'Exe-rw 8 miv-rwc; TOV crf<pwva KUTa T~V npwpav Ef111pocr8v xah<j) ~fl<PI
<JflEVOV, we; 8oc;, Ot' ou TO t<JKfUU<JflEVOV 11Up KaTa TWV tvav-rfwv CtKOVTt<J\ll,
Kai livw8V 8 TOU TOLOUTOU <Jt<pwvoc; \j!EU80TIULLOV a110 <JUVLOWV KUL aim\
35 11pLTTLXl<JflEVOV cravfmv, tv tP <JT~<JOVTat livOpec; 110Afll<JTai Tote; trrEpXOflEVot';
6.110 -rJic; 11pwpac; TWV 110AfllWV CtVLLflUXOflEVOl, ~ KaLa -rJic; 110Afltac; VT)O<; oAq1;
~aAAOVT<; Ot' O<JWV liv tmvo~<JW<JLV OTIAWV.
('. AHa Kai -ra A.t:y6flVa ~uA.6Kacr-rpa 11pi -ro f.!Ecrov 11ou -rou Kamp-rfou l:v
Tote; flEYl<JTOl<; OpOflW<JlV tm<JT~(JOU<Jl 11plTTLXl<JflEVU cravfmv, t~ wv livope~
40 nvec; TO !J.EOOV -rJic; 110AfllU<; VT)O<; CtKOVTt(JOU<JlV ~ A.teouc; flUALKOU<; ~ <Jt0T)p<1
~apt:'la, oiov !J.<i(ac; ~t<pot8Lc;, Ot' wv ~ -r~v vauv 8ta8pu\jloumv ~ -roue; uTioK1
flvouc; cruv8A.acroumv cr<po8pwc; Kam<pep6flVa ~ n -rt:pov tmxucroumv i]
tfl11pJicrm 8uVUflVOV T~V vauv TWV tvav-rfwv ~ -roue; tv a\nfj 1TOAfllOU<; 8avani)
<JUl.
45
T)'. "EKacr-roc; o TWV 8pOflWVWV Ufl~KT)c; E<JTW Kai <JUflflETpoc;, xwv flEv TCt<,
AEYOflEVac; A.acrfa<; ouo, T~V T KUTW Kai T~V livw. EKU<JTT) o tA.acrfa EXET(Ll
(uyouc; to A.axtcr-rov TIEVT Kai t:'(Kom tv oic; oi KWTIT)A<imt Ka8m8~crovmt i.il<;
ELVat (uyouc; wile; liTiav-rac; KUTW flEV dKO<Jl Kai 11EVT, livw o OflOLW<; dKO(JL Kal
20
iiyav MW navu A 22 pa8iw~ MW taxew~ A 22-23 auvap6.~ew~ ... Kpouaew~ MW

A 24 apy6~ E<JTlV MW trsp. A 28 Kepat6.pta MA Kt:pUTlU w
31 teA.etpou MW TUJ.m6.vou A 33 aKovTt<Jm PG aKovtiaOL MW aKovticret A 38 noP
MW om. A 39 em<JT~<JOU<Jl MA E1tl<JT~<JOU<JlV w 40 TlVE~ MW TlVE~ d~ A 41 ~apfin
MW ~apea A l116.~a~ MW f!U~ia A 42 auv6A6.croumv MW auv6A6.aoum A I Tl hepov M W
trsp. A 43 evavTiwv MW noA.ef!iwv A I noA.ef!iou~ MW om. A 45 r]' MW om.t\
46 i:Ka<JTT] ... EA.acria MW ~ i:K6.<JTTJ A 4 7 nene ... e'iKom M e' Kal e'LKO<Jl W Ke' A
48-49 e'iKom2 nevte MW Ke' A
20
auyKpoucrew~
Naval Warfare
505
4 The equipment of the dromon should not be too massive, which would
make it slow in maneuvering, nor should it be too lightly outfitted, which would
it weak and easily shaken by the waves and broken up when the enemy
dash against it and crush it. But let the dromon be outfitted in a balanced
so that it may not be too slow in sailing and, when buffeted by the
or rammed by the enemy, it may remain stronger and unbreakable.
5 Nothing required for the outfitting of the dromon should be omitted, and
should be two of each item. This includes tillers, oars, pegs for oars, ropes,
and their sails and their yardarms and furnishings, and as many other
as are required for the exercise of the naval art. There should also be some
lumber for the belly of the ship, and planks, hemp, pitch, and liquid pitch.
A shipwright should be on board with all his tools, some of forged metal such as
1:\n adze, a drill, a saw, and the like.
6. By all means, it should have a siphon, bound in bronze, and placed up
front on the prow, as is customary, so that it can project the prepared fire against
the enemy. 2 Above this particular siphon there should be a sort of platform
made of planks and walled around by planks. Station combat troops there to
ward off attacks coming from the prow of the enemy ships or to shoot whatever
weapons they may choose against the whole enemy ship.
7. On the largest dromons erect the so-called wooden castles with their wall
of planks somewhere around the middle of the mast. 3 From these <vantage
points> our men will shoot millstones or heavy pieces of iron such as those
shaped like swords. These will either break up the enemy ship or, landing with
great force, crush those on whom they fall. The men may also hurl other things
capable of setting the enemy ships on fire or of killing the troops on board.
8. Let each dromon be of good length and proper size with two oarbanks, as
they are called, one below and one above. Let each row have at least twenty-five
benches for the rowers to sit on. All told, therefore, there should be twenty-five
benches below and, likewise, twenty-five above, making a total of fifty. On each
2. Prepared fire, also known as liquid or Greek fire, was a petroleum-based substance, put
under pressure, ignited, and discharged through bronze tubes, called siphons, engulfing the
enemy in roaring flames and thick black smoke. See R. Partington, A History of Greek Fire and
Gunpowder (Cambridge, 1960), 1-41; Pryor-Jeffreys, 607-631; J. Haldon and F. Byrne, "A
Possible Solution to the Problem of Greek Fire;' BZ 70 (1977): 91-99; J. Haldon, "Greek Fire
Revisited: Recent and Current Research;' in Byzantine Style, Religion, and Civilization: In
Honour of Sir Steven Runciman, ed. E. Jeffreys (Cambridge, 2006).
3. On the location of this fort or fighting platform see Pryor-Jeffreys, 229-238.
so6 Constitution 19
Naval Warfare
rrvn:, 611ou v'. Ka8' eva 0 airrwv Mo Ka8~a8waav oi KWTif]AaTouvT~, ek ph

50 8e~La, d~
8 aptan:pa
w~ eLVat TOD~ arravta~ KWTif]AUTa~ O!lOU Kal TOD~ QUTO(It,
Kal CJTpaTIWTa~ TOU~ T avw Kal TOD~ KUTW av8pa~ p'. e~w 8 TOUTWV TOV KEV
Tapxov Tou 8p611wvo~ Kal Tov To <pAa!lou.\ov KaTexovTa, Kal Toil~ Mo Ku~epvt)
Ta~ niJv TOU 8p6!1WVO~ auxvwv, ou~ KUAOU(JL Kal rrpWTOKapa~ou~, Kal e'i TlWI
eTepov Mov ei<; T~v Tou KEVTapxou UTif]pw(av. Twv 8 rrpwpwv AaTwv ol
o lhepo~ 6 n't~ ayKupa<; ~a.\Awv KUh't

8a.\aaaav. eaTw 8 Kal 6 rrpwpeu~ avw rrou T~~ rrpwpa~ I Ka8~!lVO<; evon:Ao~.
55 TEAEUTalOL Mo 6 !-!EV e<JTW mcpwvaTwp, 6
Kal 6 TOU vauapxou 8, ~TOL TOU KEVTapxou, Kpa~~QTO~ n:l T~~ TIPD!lVf]~ ytvi:
aew, O!lOU !lEV acpopLO!-!EVOV 8etKVUWV TOV apxovta 0!-!0U 8 Kal <pUAaTTWV
Katp(\J CJU!l~OA~<; an:o TWV ptTITO!lEVWV ~AWV n:apa TWV EVUVTLWV, E~ OU Kal tt\
60
EKQCJTQ ~AETIWV rrpo~ T~V xpelav ayw8at KEAEUCJOL 6 apxwv TOV 8p6!lwva.
8'. Kal fTepot
o 8p6!lWVe~ KQTa<JKeua(a8waav
CJOL TOUTWV !lel(OV~ <'nn'i
8taKOOLWV xwpouvT<; av8pwv ~ T(ALW TOUTWV ~ EAUTTW, KQTQ T~V xpelav TllV
8ouaav errl Katpou KQTQ TWV EVUVTLWV wv oi !lEV T(VT~KOVTa et~ T~V KCtn\1
e.\aa(av
urroupy~aouow, o[
o EKQTOV
Kal T(VT~KOVTQ avw ECJTWT<; arraVTt\
65 evon:AOL !lUX~<JOVTat TOt~ TIOAE!lLOL<;.
t'. Kal en 0 KQTa<JKEUU(J1~ 8p6!lwva<; EAUTTOU<; 8pO!llKWTUTOU~ oiovrl

ya.\a[a<; ~ !-!Ov~pet~ AYO!lEVOU~, TaXLVOD~ Kal EAacppou~, oiarrep xp~an ev n
Tal<; ~(yAm<; Kal Tal<; aAAat~ TaXLVQl~ xpelat~.
8tKf]V, QLTLV~ T~V QT(O(JKEU~V arraaav TWV mpaTIWTWV ~aaTa<JW<JlV [va !l~ Ot,
auT~V ~apouvmt oi 8p6!-!WV<;, Kal !lGALO'Ta ev aywvo<; Katp(iJ. C>T
8 xpe(u
!llKpCi~ 8arraVfj<; ~ OTIAWV ~ UAAf]~ UAf]~, EKet8ev avaAa!l~UVW(JL TU~ OtOLK~0'1~,
tP'. Tov
o TWV 8pO!lWVWV apt8!lOV Kal TWV ev QUTOL~ CJTpaTLWTWV QVeLKU
CJTOV E<JTL Kal li8f]AOV 8top[aaa8at. ~ yap KaTCt TOV Katpov xpela rrpo~ T~V TOW
75 QVTL!lUXO!-!EVWV TIOAE!lLWV OUVU!llV, w~ av an:atT~an Kal TO TIA~8o~ TWV 8pO!lOl
49 v' MA m:vt~Kovta W
50 Kal MW om. A
51 p' MA EKatov W
nne of them let two oarsmen be seated, one on the right and one on the left, so
that all the oarsmen, who also serve as soldiers, those above and those below,
'tlme to one hundred men. In addition to these are the centurion of the dromon
llld the standard-bearer and the two pilots at the tillers of the dromon, whom
they also call steersmen, and whoever may be needed to assist the centurion.
Pinally come the two officers in command at the bow; let one operate the siphon
und the other be responsible for dropping anchor at sea. Let the commander at
the bow be armed and stationed somewhere above the prow. The pallet of the
!!hip's commander, or of the centurion, should be at the stern, making the
~ommander visible by himself and at the same time protecting him during battle
frt)rn the missiles hurled by the enemy. 4 From there the commander of the
dromon can observe everything and give orders to meet any contingency.
9 You should also outfit other dromons larger than these with space for two
hundred men, more or less, depending on what is needed against the enemy at
the time. Fifty men will serve on the lower row of benches and one hundred
fifty, armed and stationed above, will fight against the enemy.
10. In addition, you will outfit smaller dromons, very fast ones, like those
called galleys or monoremes, swift and light, which you can use for scouting and
other operations requiring speed.s
You shall also build other ships for transport of material and horses.
Much like a baggage train, they will carry all the equipment of the soldiers so as
not to weigh down the dromons, especially in time of battle. When a small
outlay of weapons or other supplies is needed, they may distribute them from
those vessels.
11.
ta'. Kal ETEpa~ 0 vau<; TIOL~CJEL<; <popTf]YOD<; Kal irrrraywyou<;, o[ovel TOUAOOll
70
507
55 6' MA om, W
56 eaA.aaaav MW eaA.aaaav ~youv ta criorwa A I 1lOU MW om. A 57 Kpa~~ato~ w;\

pa~oc; M 59 -ra MW om. A 6o iiyea8m KeA.eucrot MW f!CtAtcrta KeA.eucret A 62 nA.dw
MW nA.eov A I tA.attw MW i:A.anov A 63 nevt~Kovta MW v' A I etc; A om. MW
64 Katov ... nevt~Kovta MW p' Kal v' A 66 Kal... BE MW E-rt 6 Kal A I i:Mno\'~
opof!tKwtatou~ MW f1LKpotpouc; yopywtatouc; A 68 -raxtvaic; MW crnouoaimc; 1\
69 olovel MW om. A 70 ~acrtacrwcrtv M ~acrtacrouatv WA 74 i:crn M i:crnv WA
12. To determine the number of dromons and the soldiers on board is

uncertain and well-nigh impossible. For, in addition to the strength of the
enemy arrayed against you, the needs of the moment are what should set the
requirements for the number of dromons as well as for the number of troops on
4 Centurion's pallet: Kpa~~atoc; generally means a bed or couch (see Imp Ex, C 504, and p.
234), It was also called the commander's tent (OKT)V~), and was probably a small platform
under an awning in the ship's stern (Dain, Naumachica, 5.5). See Pryor- Jeffreys, 215-216.
5 A galley, in Leo's time, designated a smaller, faster ship, intended primarily for scouting.
See Pryor-Jeffreys, index, s.v. In March 949, for example, galleys were sent to Syria to find out
what the Saracens were up to (De cerimoniis, Bonn ed. 2, p. 657). Vegetius (4.37) calls them
li/Jurnii and recommends a form of camouflage, coloring the ships and the sails blue, with the
sailors wearing blue clothing.
sos Constitution 19
Naval Warfare
vwv. Kal 1t<lALV TOV apt8!-LOV TOU EV au-roT<; Aaoi.\ KaTa TO 1-LEY80<.; TWV TrAOlWV Kni
T~V oeouaav
tv au-roT<; TrOA!-LlK~V OTALO"LV oihw Kal T0l~O"L<.;.
so cray[na<.; Kal ptKTapta Kal
ana. Kal To~a exov-ra<.; KU\
d -rt XPtw8<.; rrpo<.; rr6At:!lov iht:pov, 8ta -ra<.; avayKL1i
a<; rrt:plGTUO"L<.;. mcpt:pa8waav 8 Kal rrt:ptna orrAa TrOT yap Kal ALT0VlttlV
orrAwv, EKtSv oi mpanwTat rrop[aov-rat. TU 8E TOtaii-ra rrAo'ia Kal lip!lalu
tx-rwaav Kal llayyava Kal TU ana orrAa rrpo<.; xpdav, i TUXOL, 1-l~TrOT ETrlAtl
TrOUO"l 8ta TO 6A.tyouaSat au-ra EV Tal<; 1-LUXat<.;.
t8'. 'EKTO<.; 8 TWV a-rpaTLWTWV, fl-rot TWV livw eAaTWV, O<JOL liv datv arr6 n
ss
TOU KVTapxou Kal E<p~~<.; I ew<.; TOU eaxa-rou, KaTa<ppaKTOl E<JOVTat orrAa exov
T<.; oiov aKou-rapta, 11vauA.a, -ro~a, aay[na<.; EK rrt:ptaaoi.\, arraS[a, ptKTaptu,
Awp[Kta, KAL~avta, i Kal ll~ omaSt:v
ana.
TrCtVTW<.; E!-LTPO<JSv, Kacrcr[on-,,
xnp6\jiAa, Kal !-LUALO"Ta oi E!-LTIPOO"St:v EV Tft rrpoa~oAft T~<.; !lCtXTJ<.; KaTa XLptll,
90
0"U!-LTAKO!lVOL Kal aywvt(O!lVOL. oi 8 ll~ exovT<.; Awp[Kta ~ KAL~avta TrCtYHtlt,

cpopt:hwaav TU AYO!lVa vwptKCt, arrt:p arro 8mA.wv KV80UKAWV y[vTal. Kni
OUTOL omaSt:v TWV aAAWV O"KT0!1VOL TO~Ol<.; XP~O"OVTat, Kal :\[Sou<; of. xetpo
TrAT}S1<.; TAlO"TOU<.; tx-rwaav flmt KOXAaKa<.; EV TOt<; OpO!-LWVlOl<.;, ouarrt:p Kan't
TWV TrOA1-llWV ~anovT<.; oMf.v flnw TWV anwv OTAWV avo[aoumv. orrAa y(\p
95 dmv oi :\[Sot t:urr6ptma Kal avt:nm~.

t'. M~ !-LEVTOL ou-rw ~an-rwaav -rou<.; :\(Sou<; 11<'>vov, wa-r T~v aK!-L~V Tf)<,
au-rwv OUVCt!lW<.; EV TOUTOL<.; EK8arrav~aat, Kal O"T~Vat TOU AOLT0U, ~ Kal TU OT!AU
TU ~ano!lVa arrOKVW<Jat, 1-l~TrOT oi evaVTLOl O"U<JKOUTa TrOl~<JaVT<.; Kal Tll~
~oAa<.; 6rrwaoi.\v 8~Ct!lVOL, d-ra -rou-rwv TAT}pwSv-rwv Kal -rwv ~anovT\tlV
100
arroKa!-LOVTWV, a8p6ot avaO"TCtVT<.; arrap~WVTal Tat<; arraSat<.; Kal TOL<.; !lVa\JAOil,

alluvaaem. Kal warrt:p aK!-LaLOTt:pot Tft aSpoq. KLV~0"1 avacpavEVT<.; Kal
TOll,
KK!lTJKOat a-rpa-rtw-rat<.; m-rt:SvT<.; iaxup6Tt:pot yvwv-rat, Kal pq.8[w<.; autoi''

Ka-rarroA1-l~awm. cptA1 yap -ra mtaii-ra -ro ~ap~apov.
81 m::prn:a MW m:ptcrcra A 82 rropicrov-rat MW AO.~wmv .\

MW em\e(rrwmv KaTUOUTlUVWflt::Va A 87 plKTCtpla MW
pm-rapta A 88 Ef!TlpocrSev MW Ef!TlpocrSev TlETUAa exov-ra A 89 KUTU MA KUTU til~ w
91 iinep MW iirrep Kal A 92-93 xetpOTlAT]Seic:; MW OUVUflEVOUc:; arro xetpwv p(rrrecrSat i\
94 twvl MW om. A I ~TTW MW EA.anov A I avo(croumv MW aurouc:; KUTU~Aa'iJOU(JlV ;\
96 oihw MW oihwc:; A 96-97 CtKfl~V ... ouv<'tf!ewc:; MW ovvaf!LV aurwv A 99 -rourwv M W
rwv ~eA.wv A 101 wcrrrep aKf!at6repot MW aKorr(arot A 102 Kt::Kf1TJK6m MW
KeKomaKom A 1 paoiwc:; MW euK6A.wc:; A 103 Ka-rarroA.efl~crwcrt M KatarroA.efl~croumv WA
so ptKrapta MW ptmapta A
83-84 emA.drroum ... au-ra
board, to be determined by the size of the ships, and by the combat armament
for them. And so you shall do this.
13. Furthermore, the ships transporting equipment and horses shall have a
IUlri1Cient number of sailors, who should not be without weapons, but equipped
bows and arrows, javelins, and whatever else may be useful in battle,
u~Pe11<11ng on the press of circumstances. Let the ships carry extra weapons, so
when the soldiers run out of them, iliey may be provided on the spot. Ships
this sort should have heavy weapons and artillery as well as the other weapt)flS that may be needed, so they will not fail if they run short of them during
~4lUired
ty'. Tipoa-rt 8 Kal -ra aKwocpopa Kal irrrraywya rrA.o'ia -rou<.; ev mho1~
apKOUVTa<.; e~OUO"l vaU-ra<.;, oM aU-rou<.; avorrA.ou<.;,
509
t~ombat.
14. Besides the soldiers on the upper bank of oarsmen, all present, from the
eenturion right down to the lowest private, shall wear armor. They shall have
weapons such as shields, heavy spears, bows, arrows in abundance, swords,
jivelins. They shall have coats of mail and plate armor, if not in back, then
t:ertainly in front; also helmets and iron gloves, especially those fighting in the
fhmt ranks caught up in battle and struggling in hand-to-hand combat. Those
who do not have coats of mail or plate armor should, by all means, wear the
!!Urcoats, as they are called, made of a double layer of quilted material. These
men will find cover behind the others and use bows. Also they should have a
very large supply of rocks or stones that can be held in their hands on the
dromons. Hurling these stones at the enemy will be no less effective than other
weapons. For stones make weapons that are never lacking and are easy to find.
15. Nonetheless, do not let them restrict themselves only to throwing stones.
They will expend the best part of their force in doing that and will end up
standing idle and run out of weapons to throw. The enemy might then join
shields and be barely affected by the missiles. Then, when these <stones> have
all been discharged, the enemy may rise up in a body and begin to defend
themselves with swords and spears. As they join together they find new energy
;md attack the exhausted soldiers and may well prove stronger and easily
overpower them. Barbarian peoples delight in this sort of thing.
Constitution
510
Naval Warfare
19
t<;'. 'Ynof.Lvoum yap IapaKf]VOl -r~v ~[av -r~c; npoa~oA.~c;. Kat o-rav anoKa105
f16v-rac; 'iowm Kat -rwv onA.wv Kvw6v-rac;, ~ aaytnwv ~ A.tewv ~ Ttvwv Tpwv,
TOT O.vanf]OWVT<; Of.LOU T KaTanA~HOUO"l, Kat Tate; EK XLpoc; ana ana6[wv Kal
f.LEVaUAWV npoa~oA.alc; eupwa-rwc; Kat UKf.LaLOTpov enpxovTal.
t('. f1to cpuA.O.nw6at XP~ Ta TOLaUTa, Kal flETa TOU otov-roc; O"Konou notda6at -r~v npoa~oA.~v Iva f.L<lAAov ol noAEf.LLOL mi6wm -ra npoc; ~Aa~TJV ytv6f.LVa ~
110
ol ~fl-repot a-rpanw-rm. oel yap au-roue; -r~v oiKdav aKf.L~V Kat -rae; ~oA.ac; cpuA.a-r-retv an' apx~c; axpt TEAouc; ~c; f.LCtXTJ<;, Kat f.LETpeiv TWV evav-r[wv T~V Ota6wtv,
Kat oihwc; T~V f.LCtXTJV 0LUO"KUCt(lV.
LTJ' Tipoc; -roU-rOLc; cppov-r[aLc;, a-rpa-rT]y, Kat -r~c; owuaf]c; -rwv a-rpanw-rwv
OanCtVf]<;, WO"T EXLV au-roue; Ta avayKala Iva fl~ TOUTWV ALin6f.LVOl ~ a-ramall5 awmv ~ ev Tft iolq. xwpq. OVT<; -roue; O"UVTAWTac; Kat Unf]KOOU<; ~f.LWV -rupav
VOUO"l Kat CtOLKOUO"l uno T~c; anCtVTJ<; TWV O.vayKatwv O"UVAaUVO!lVOL, O.A.A.' e'( yt::
Ouva-r6v, ev TCtXL T~V nOAf.Ltav KaTaA<i~nc; y~v, Kal e~ au-r~c; anav-ra Ta eJtLTT]0La noplan.
t6'. TiapayyetAl<; 0 Kat Tole; apxoum flf]OEva TWV un' au-roue; a-rpaTLWTWV
120
CtOLKiV, ~ TO olovouv owpov nap' au-rwv Aafl~CtVlV ~ -rae; AYOf.LEVac; auv~6ta<;,

nept yap ~c; a~c; evoo~OTTJTO<;, Tl XP~ A.tyetv
we; ouo' ev6Uf.LT]6~va( Tl TOLOUTOV
otov, fl~ Tl ye Otanpa~aa6at, fl~T owpov TO oiov O~nOT ano fllKpou ~ flEYCtAOU
O.v6pwnou TOU un6 0" TAOUVTO<; Aafl~CtVlV TO auvoA.ov;
K Toile; o a-rpanw-rac; O.vope[ouc; emA.tyou Kat pwf.LaAouc; Kal eunpo1
125
6Uf.LOU<;, Kat f.LCtALO"Ta -roue; de; Ta avw TOU Op6f.LWVO<; TaHOf.LEVOU<;, olnvec; Kal
ana XLpoc; Tole; noAfltOl<; O"Uf.LnAEKOVTat. i 0 Ttvac; TWV a-rpaTLWTWV avav
Opouc; emyv<!Jc;, TOUTOU<; eic; T~V KCtTW eA.aa(av TEW<; napanf.Ln, Kat e'( nOTE Tl~
nA.~yn ~ ntan TWV a-rpaTLWTWV, TOY EKLVOU -r6nov EK TWV KCtTW e~ O.vayKT]t;
130
avanATJpwaLc;.
Ka'. Xp~ yap 0" nav-rwc; iovm T~V EKCtaTOU TWV un6 0" a-rpaTLWTWV e~tV
Kat Ota6emv Kat T~V UAAT]V npoc; avope[av nOLOTf]Ta. wanep ol KUVTJYETat TWV
104-105
trsp. A
108
anoKaf16vta<; MA anoKaf16VrE<; W
106
115-116
121
110
107
npocr~o\aT<; MA OUf11lAOKaT<; W
UKfl~V MW llUva}lLV A
I ~o\a<;
MW
-rupavvoiiaL ... crn<ivT]<; MW -rupavvwcrtv Kal allLKWOLV t~ OTICLVEl t'\
auvE\auv6f1EVOL MW avayKa<oflEVOL A
npocrA<i~T]c; A
rllwm MW rllwmv A 1-rtvwv hepwv MW
Km:an\~noum MW Ka-ran\~noumv A
llto cpuA<inw8at MW lltacpuA<inEcr8at A
~OUAU<; A
116
105
oUil' MW oUil A
Etmpo8Uf!OU<; MW npo8uf1ouc; A
WA om. M I avayKT]c; MA om.
125
122
117
noAEfl[av A om. MW
lleov MA om. W
118
124-125
taTTOflEVouc; MW tacrcro}levou<; A
nop[cr!] MW
pwf!aAeou~.
128
EK ... K<inu
511
16. The Saracens bear up under the force of such a barrage and when they
see that their opponents are getting weary and running out of weapons, whether
arrows, stones, or other things, then, all together they leap up and striking hard
they charge vigorously and with great force, attacking with swords and heavy
spears in their hands.
17. Therefore, it is necessary to be on your guard against such things and to
carry out the shooting with the proper goal: the enemy, rather than our own
soldiers, should suffer the harmful effects. It is necessary to conserve our own
strength and <regulate> the shooting from the beginning to the end of the battle, taking note of the disposition of our opponents. In this manner we should
prepare for combat.
18. In addition to the above, you will also take thought, 0 general, for the
required supplies for the soldiers so they will have what they need. Otherwise,
deprived of these things, they might rebel while still in their own country and,
impelled by the scarcity of necessities, lord it over our subjects and taxpayers
and do them harm. But, if it is possible, get to the enemy's territory swiftly and
provide for all your needs from it.
19. Announce to your officers that they should not treat any of the soldiers
under their command unjustly. They should not accept a gift of any sort from
them, including the so-called customary gratuities. As far as Your Excellency is
concerned, why is it necessary to say that one should not even think about such
a thing, let alone do it? Without exception, you must not accept any kind of gift
from any man under your command, whether of high or low rank.
20. Select brave and robust soldiers, highly motivated, especially those
stationed on the upper deck of the dromon, who are to engage the enemy in
hand-to-hand combat. If you find out that some of the soldiers are cowardly,
assign them temporarily to the lower bank of oars. If one of the soldiers should
be wounded or should fall, you can, when necessary, fill his place from among
the men below.
21. It is essential for you to know the condition and disposition of each
soldier under your command. What qualities does he possess that give promise
512
Naval Warfare
Constitution 19
KUVWV EKUO"TOU T<l~ tmTT]OEIOTT]Ta~ tmytvwaKOVT~ xouatv elJKaipw~ au-roue:;

rrpo~
o ~OUAOVTUt.
Kw. Oi\-rw~ ouv OtaEl~aw; EKUO"Ta, KaElw~ av auvion~ apKOUVTa rrpo~ T~V
135 rrpoKlflEVT]V tKa-rpa-reiav TOU~ T OpOflWVa~ Kal TOU~ tv au-rol~ a-rpa-rtw-ra~, T<l
T orrAa Kal -ra~ oarr6.va~ Kal T~V UAATJV tv -rpot~ JTAOLOl~ UTIOO"KU~V ~vnva
oiovel TOUAOOV tv aaq:>aAEat -r6rrot~ ae XP~ KaElta-rav, 6-rav Katpo~ tA.rri(e-ra( O"Ol
flUX'l~
Ky'. Kal rrpoan, e'( ye xpe(a TOtaUTT] KaAEO"Ol, wa-re Kal 'lrrrrou~ tv -role:;
140 irrrraywyol~ JTAOLOl~ rrpo~ tmpptq:>~V Ka-ra T~~ TIOAflla~ xetv nvwv Ka~aA~
Aapiwv. Kal arrAw~ rr6.v-ra t~ap-ri>aa~ ooomop~O"El~ oe6v-rw~.

KO'. Kal rrpw-rov flEV rrpo TOU UJTOKlV~O"at aytaaEl~-rwaav arravm -ra q:>Aa
flOUAa TWV OpO!lWVWV EKUO"TOU Ota Eleia~ TWV iepwv iepoupyia~ Kat eux~c:;
tKTVOU~ rrpo~ TOY TWV OAWV E>eov urrtp ei>oowaew~ TOU a-rpa-rof.J Ka-ra TWV
145 rroAfllWV. rrma Kal OtaAaA~aet~ rrpo~ arravm TOY A.aov Kal rrpo~ TOU~ apxov
-ra~ ioiw~ -ra Movm Kal 6.pf16(ov-ra I -rc.p Katpc.iJ. Kal oi\-rw~ rrpoEluflorrot~aa~ -rov
a-rpa-rov UJTOKlV~O"El~, aia(ou rrveuflaTO~ O"UflTIVEOVTO~ O"Ol Kat fl~ tvav-riou.
K'. Oux w~ -ruxev rr6.v-rwv TWV OpOflWVWV rropeUOflEVWV, aA.A.' tma-r~aw;
au-rot~ apxovm~, ~ KaTa rrv-re ~ Ka-ra -rp1~ OpOflWVa~ eva TOY A.ey6flVOV
150 KOflTJTU, OO"Tl~ vauapx6~ T Kal ~YflWV TWV urr' au-rov OpOflWVWV urrapxwv,
<ppov-riaet rrpoaexa-repov rrepl rr6.v-rwv euK6Aw~, Kal ota-r6.~et rrpo~ Kaam.

K<;'. Oi ot elPTJflEVOl apxov-re~ urr6 ae TAOUVT~ arro aofJ Kal -ra rrapayyfl.,
flaTa OE~OVTat, Kal TOt~ urr' aumu~ flTU0WO"OUat. Kal -raf.Jm flEV trrl TOU ~aatAl
KOU AYOflEV01J TrAWL!lOU trrl ot TWV EleflaTtKWV OpOflWVWV Kal opouyy6.pt0l
155 tma-r~aovmt, Kal TOUpflO.pxm, Kat auml -rc.p a-rpaTTJY<.i> urro-ray~aovmt, Kat -role:;
eKetvou rrapayyA.flaatv e'(~ouatv.

K('. OuK ayvow ot on rrep KaTa T~V OflOLWatV TOU ~aatAlKOU TrAWlflOU Kal o!
TWV aA.Awv Ele!lUTWV rrA.w'iflOl a-rpaTTJYOL opouyy6.ptot EKaAOUVTO TrOT -rol~
xp6vot~, Kal oi urr' au-rou~ KOflfJT~ flOVOV Kal KEVTapxot.
avw
aA.Aa vf.Jv ei~ a-rpaTTJYl
160 oa ~ EKUO"TOU TWV opouyyapiwv apx~ ava~E~T]KV, Kal OUTW KaAOUflEVTJ -ra1c:;
a-rpaTT]ytKal~ KUTUflep((emt ni~eatV.
513
of bravery? Do not hunters find out what each one of their dogs is best suited for
so they can make use of it to attain their goal?
22. You will, therefore, arrange everything according to what you consider
!!Ufficient for the expedition you are undertaking. This means the dromons and
the soldiers on board, as well as the weapons and supplies. You must locate the
rest of the equipment in the other ships, like a baggage train, in safe places
whenever the time of battle approaches.
23. Moreover, if such a need arises, see that you have horses in the horse
transports for a cavalry assault on enemy territory. Finally, after having made all
the preparations, you will set out in proper fashion.
24. First, before moving out, let all the standards of each dromon be blessed
by the sacred rites of the priests, together with prayers of intercession to the
God of all things for the safe voyage of the army against the enemy. After that
you should address all the troops, and the officers separately, saying what is
necessary and suitable for the occasion. Thus, arousing the courage of the army,
you will sail out with a favorable wind accompanying you, not an adverse one.
25. The fleet of dromons should not sail on in a haphazard way. Set officers
over them, one called count for <each group of> either three or five dromons.
As ship captain and leader of the dromons under his command, he will bear
responsibility for all the details and will make arrangements for everything.
26. The aforementioned officers serving under you will receive their orders
from you and will transmit them to the men under them. This applies to the socalled imperial fleet. 6 In the case of the thematic dromons, both droungarioi and
tourmarchs will be put in charge; they will be ranked below the general and will
obey his commands.
27. I am not unaware that, after the manner of the imperial fleet, the fleet
commanders of the other themes were, some time ago, called droungarioi and
their subordinates only counts and kentarchs. But now the command of each of
the droungarioi has been elevated to the level of general and this title now has
its place among the ranks of general officers.
143 ad Bela~ des. W

132 exouow A exouat M exwmv w 139 KUAEOOl MW KUAEOEl A 140 empptq>~V MW
emppirrmv WOTE A 140-141 TlVWV KapaA.A.apiwv MW KapaAA.apiou~ A 141 e~ap-ruoa~
MW cmap-riaa~ A 143 EKCt<JTOU MW om. A 147 aiaiou ... <JOl M ETlT!]Odou CtVE!.lOU
7!VEU<JUVTO~ A 148 7!CtVTWV M <'mav-rwv A 149 au-rot~ M au-rov~ A 153 !.lETaOW<JOU<JI
M !.lE-raOwaouatv A 153-154 enl ... Opo!.lwvwv Mom. A 156 d~oumv M vnaKouooumv
A 157 7!Ep Mom. A 158 iivw M npW!]V A
6. The imperial fleet was stationed in Constantinople and always ready for service; the
thematic fleet was provided, when needed, by themes such as that of the Aegean Sea and
Kibyrraiotai.
514
175
Naval Warfare
Constitution 19
KT]'. fU!lVCta1<; 8E Ota<p6pwc; -roue; n: nA.wt!louc; a-rpanwmc; Kat au-roue; TOlH;

op6!lwvac;, no-r !lEV Kae' eva eKa<JTOV livopa, no-r o Kat KaTa nA.t:[ouc;, wan
livnc; aH~A.wv tnpxw9m ana9[otc; Kat <JKOUmp[otc; XPW!lEvouc;. Kat aU-roue; 6
oA.ouc; op6!lwvac; KaT' aA.A~A.wv we; tnt napa-ra~Wc; tn~:pxo!lvouc; Kat nor~
OW!lOUVLac;, noT o anoA.Uov-rac; Kat Ota<p6pwc; KaT' aA.A~A.wv npoa~aUov-rw;,
no-r o aKOVTtotc; w9ouvmc; Ta nA.o'ia nl>v tvav-r[wv, W<JT !l~ nAT]<JlU<ovn:u;
0<J!1ElV. ou yap ad TO Ota Ka!1UKWV <JLOT]p&v 0<J!1ElV aA.A~A.ouc; -roue; avTl1TOAt
!lOUVTac; XP~<Jl!lOV Ota -roue; a<pUKTOUc; Kat avayKa[ouc; KtvMvouc;.
K8'. Kat -rpwc; o YD!lva<a9waav we; av tm~aA.n ~ (J~ tvoo~6TT]c; -rae; Kart\
TWV avnmiA.wv tvOX0!1Evac; tmvo[ac;, we; av tv-rt:ii9v t9[<wv-rat npoc; TOU<;
K-runouc; Kal -rae; ~oac; Kat -r~v liHT]v KLVTJ<JLV -roil noA.11ou, Kat 11~ 9powvmt <ll.;
ayu!lVCt<JTWc; Kat a9p6ov Kat napa M~av tnt mii-ra tpx6!1VOL.
A.'. Oihwc; ouv yu11vaa8v-rc; Kat Ota-rt:9v-rc; nA.t:ucroumv tv -ra~1 <JUVTJY
!1EVOL TO<JOUTOV, t<p' Q(JOV aA.A~A.otc; !l~ t!lnoo[<Lv ev T Tate; tA.acr[mc; Kat tv Tail;,
we; dK6c;, KaTa eaA.aaaav uno I TWV aVE!lWV ~[ate;. aU', oiovl nc; napa-ra~l<;
yt:yu!lvaa!leVT], oihw nopeua9waav Kat tv m'ic; OP!l'la[mc; 0 -rwv cm.\[K-rwv
<Kat> ~:irraK-rwc; -rov KaTanA.ouv nott:h"waav, Kat Ka-raye-rwcrav tvopo[vwc; t~op
!1WVTc; npoc; T~V ~T]pav ~ de; AL!lEVa nav-rwc; ~ de; ucpowov -r6nov, tv 4> (aA.q;;
180 au!l~atvou<JT]c;
185
ou KA.ua9~aov-rat.
A.a'. 111 0 a Kat -roil ave11ou -r~v tm<popav npoLOvm Ota nl>v <JT]!ldwv
KaLa -rov Katp6v. Katnpoc; mU-rTJV Kal -rov -r6nov -r~c; op!lT]<J[ac; tKA~aa9m. Kal
l !l~ nc; KaTnlyt avayKT], !1~ UVU nVU!laTOc; aia[ou Kat yaA~VT]c;, Kat aa<pa
A.oiic; t.\n[ooc; <JWTT]p[ac; tmppt1TTLV <JWUTOV de; aV1TlT~0LOV nA.ouv. a!..A'
u<popaa9m Kat -rae; A.t:yo11evac; napa -rwv vau-rtKwv napaa'l!lacr[ac; -rwv limpwv
Kal ocra ana 0\J!l<j>Epovm, Kat OUTW 1t0lt<J9at T~V nopdav.
A.W. 'Ev o TOte; anALKTotc;, i !lEV tv Tft io[q. op!ldc; xwpq., Kal !lT]Ova <p6~ov
exLc; ano nilv noA!llWV, Kal OUTW !lET' ULa~[ac; avanauw9at TOV a-rpa-rov Kal
tv vuKTt Kat tv ~!lEN !l'lova -rwv tmxwp[wv ~Mmovmc; ~ UOtKoiivmc; ~ Kap
nove; apna<ovmc; ~ cp8lpov-rac;.
189 ad -rwv de novo inc. W

162 l5t Mom. A
163 Kal Mom. A lrr\eiouc; M rrhiovac; A
169 U<pUKTOU<; M U<pEUKTOU<; A
I avayKaiouc; A avayKUlOUaLV M
172 6powv-rm M mpaaawv-rat A
codd.
181 T~V M om. A
fle-r' M oihwc; flETa A
164 iivnc; M Ka-revavna A

170 ET!l~CtAij M VO~O'l A
173 rrapa 06~av M rrapa06~1J A
183 avayKT] M avayKijV A
178 Kall ci. De om.
185 rrapa Mom. A
188 ounu
515
28. You shall exercise the soldiers of the fleet and the dromons themselves in
different ways, sometimes each man by himself, sometimes in larger groups, so
they may confront one another using swords and shields. Also exercise entire
dromons by themselves in attacking one another and in pretending to attack in
battle formation, sometimes closing tightly, sometimes breaking away, and
~etting upon one another in various ways, and sometimes repelling enemy ships
with spears to avoid getting close and linking up. It is not always helpful for
adversaries to use iron shafts to link up with one another because of unavoidable and compelling dangers.
29. Let them also be exercised in other ways, by putting plans that seem
teasible, such as Your Excellency might devise, into action against the foe. As a
result, they will become accustomed to the noise and the shouting and the rest
of the turbulence of war and they will not be terrified as though they had no
training but suddenly and unexpectedly ran into all this.
30. Therefore, after they have been so trained and equipped, have them sail
in formation, in unison, just far enough apart to avoid getting in each other's
way, as they set out and face the likely force of the winds at sea. Let them
advance like a well-trained battle line as they sail forth from their bases and let
them make the return voyage in good order. Let them also put into shore in
good order, sailing toward land or, at least, toward a harbor or anchorage, so
that, if a storm should arise, they will not be swamped.
31. You must be able to forecast the direction of the wind by certain seasonal
signs and, depending on <what you learn>, select your place to anchor. Unless
there is some compelling urgency, do not launch yourself into sailing when
conditions are not right, that is, without a favorable wind, a calm sea, and a
secure hope of safety. Study carefully what sailors call the indications of the
stars, as well as other helpful elements. Then begin your voyage accordingly.
32. If you drop anchor at a base in your own country and you have no fear
of enemy activity, then you may rest your army in good order night and day, not
harming any of the inhabitants or treating them unjustly or seizing or destroying their crops.
Naval Warfare
Constitution 19
516
A.y'. Et o EV Tfl 1!0A!..ll<J. Yfl TCAT]atO.(w; ~ 1!0Af.LLOU<; nape1va[ TIOU A.nl(et<;,

TIUVTW<; xpewv
Kal ~lyA.a<; EXLV f.LaKp68ev Kal KaTa y~v Kal KaTa eo.A.aaaav.
Kal aypunvw<; OtaTeALV Kal KaTT]O<paALOf.LEVOV Kal ETOlf.LOV elvat npo<; napaTU~lV.
noHal yap ai Twv noA.ef.Liwv m~ouA.al, Kal yap ~ KaTa y~<; eup6vTe<; cre 6p
195
f.LOUVTa ~taOOVTUL, et TUXOL o eimop~cravT<;, Kal Ta<; vau<; Ef11tp~croumv ~ Old

eaMcrcrT]<; avacpavevT<;, npocr~OA~V T(Ol~OOVTUL VUKTO<; Kal ~f.Lepa<;. Kal av
UVETOlf.LO<; v ETOLf.LOl<; eupe8fl<;, npoTep~croumv oi EVUVTLOL KaTa crou. ei
ot crt::
ETOlf.LOV eup~croumv, anpaKTO<; alJTOL<; ~ ETCL~OUA~ yev~crnat.

A.O'.'Enelo TouTwv crUf.Lf.LETpw<; f.lv~cr8TJf.LEV Te Kalotem~O.f.Leea, <pepe A.omov
200
Kal onw<; napaTa~et<; Kal Ta<; npocr~oA.a<; Ta<; v Tat<; f.LUXat<; not~cret<;, w<; i::v
cruv6\jlet otoptOWf.L8a Ka8' ov Tp6nov Kal v Tat<; KaTa y~v noAf.LtKai<; npocr
~oA.ai<;
avw TIOU OlTa~Ctf.L8a.

A.e'.'OTav Toivuv A.ni(nai crot TIOAEf.LOU Katp6<;,
wmpaTTjy, cruveA.86vTwv
TWV OTpaTLWTWV KaTa Ta<; Ta~l<;, EKUOTWV OtnpTJf.LEVWV unavayvwcre~crTCH

205
aUTOL<; Ta OTpaTlWTLKa E1tlTlf.Lla, anep ~f.LLV I EV T<f nepl T~<; KaTa y~v OTpaTLWTl
K~<; yuf.Lvacria<; e'lpT]Tat Kal mppwcret<; auToi><; A.6ym<; npocr~Koum napopf.LWV
Kal naA.et<pWV npo<; TOV<; aywva<; '(va, TO f.LEV Ota TOV <p6~ov TWV E1tlTlf.LLWV, TO ot
Ota T~V T~<; a~<; EVOO~OTTJTO<; napalvemv, avOpetOL Kal UTOAf.LOl yevwvTat, Kal
210
tv
TOL<; f.LEAAOUOl TCOAf.LlKOL<; KlVOUVOL<; EK xetpo<; aywvt(Of.LVOL.

A<;'. Xp~
0 f.LCtAAOV Ot' tcp6owv f.LEV Kal aA.Awv E1tlTT]0Uf.LUTWV T Kal
ot
crTpaTTJYTJf.LCtTWV f.L8o8euetv KaTa TWV TIOAf.LLWV ~ ot' OAOU TOU un6
TCAWlf.LOU
OTOAOU ~ Ota f.LEpou<; aUTOU. f.l~ f.LEVTOL xwpl<; avayKT]<; f.LEYUAT]<; tnl TOUTO KaT
enetyouOf]<; el<; Of]f.LOOLOV 1!0Af.LOV creauTOV mppt1tTlV. nona yap Ta T~<; A.eyo
215
f.LEVT]<; TUXTJ<; UVTtppona Kal Ta TOU TIOAEf.LOU napaoo~a.

A.('. twx Toum XP~ cre ael napacpuA6.necr8m Kal f.L~ npo<; OfJf.LOcrla<;,
w.;
e'lpf]TUL, napaTa~l<; ano8pacruve8at, f.LUAtOTa EV TCAOLOL<;. OTIOU OWf.LOUVTWV O.A.
A~AOU<; a<pUKTO<; ~ EK Xetpo<; ylvnat Kal ~tala ~ f.LUXTJ> Kal OUK eon ouvaTOV TO\)
OUf.L<pEpOVTO<; f:mA~\jlecr8at.
215-216
Demos.
61.20.
lli: MAll' w 192 xpewv MW XP~ A I eaA.aaaav M eaA.anav WA 193 rrpo<; MW Ek

eimopijaavn:<; MW om. A 196 rrotf]aovTm MW rrOLTjaouatv A I KaP M ~ WA
197 aveTOLf.LO<; WA hotf.LO<; M 202 iivw rrou MW om. A 204 i:KaaTwv lltT]pT]f.LEvWV A
eKaOTTJV lltTJPTJf.LEVW<; MW 206 ainou<; MW mhou<; Kal evtaxuaet<; A 210 XP~ MW llei A
212 f.LEpou<; MW f.LEpo<; A 214 aVTipporra MW tvaVTLWf.LUTU A 217 iicpuKTO<; . ., f.LUXIJ
MW iicpeuKTO<; KUL Pta(a Tj fK xetpo<; f.LUXTJ yiveTaL A 218 tmA.Tj1jteo8m MW tmA.apeaem A
33. But if you approach enemy territory or if you expect the enemy to be in
the vicinity, it is absolutely necessary for you to station scouts at some distance,
both on land and on sea. You must persevere in your vigilance, remain secure,
1md be ready to get into formation. For the schemes of the enemy are many. If
they are on land and find you lying at anchor, they will overpower you and, if
they find the opportunity, they will burn your ships. If they should appear at sea,
they will launch an attack by night or day. If the enemy finds that you are not as
well prepared as you should be, they will have the advantage over you. But if
they find you prepared, their scheme will end up accomplishing nothing.
34 Now that we have done our duty in reminding you of these things and
have set down the above regulations, we come to prescribe, in summary fashion,
the manner in which you should form the battle line and launch attacks in combat. We will do this as we did earlier when giving orders about combat operations on land.
35. Well then, general, when you expect that the time has come for battle,
assemble the soldiers by ranks and have the military punishments read clause by
clause to each rank separately, just as we have stated in the section about
military training on land.? With appropriate words you will then encourage
them, arousing and stimulating them for their struggles. Thus, both because of
fear of punishment and because of the encouragement given by Your Excellency,
they will be brave and courageous, even as they face the dangers of fighting
hand-to-hand.
36. It is necessary for you to take action against the enemy more by sudden
attacks and by other methods and stratagems, whether with the entire naval
force under you or only with part of it. Certainly, apart from some urgent
necessity forcing you to do so, you should not throw yourself into a pitched
battle. For many are the reversals of so-called fortune. What happens in battle is
not what one expects.
37. For this reason, you must always be on your guard. Do not be so absolutely daring, as has been said, to form up for a pitched battle, especially in
ships. 8 When they become linked together, a fierce hand-to-hand battle is inevitable and it is not possible to obtain any real advantage.
191
517
195
7. See Const. 8.
8. Demosthenes 61.20.
518
220
225
230
Naval Warfare
Constitution 19
At( Kat TUUTU flEV cpuA.anw8m ei fl~ apa 8appei~ Kat 4> nA.~8et nvv
Op0f1WVWV, Kai -rft avope[q Kat onA.[on Katnpo8Ufll<;t TWV o-rpanw-rwv Ka8unp-repo<; dvm -rwv noA.ef.![wv.
A.0'. Ou-re yap nA.~8o~:; nA.oiwv ou-re flye8o<; Ka-rop8woet noA.eflov ei fl~ -rou~:;
tv UUTOL<; nOAflOUVTU<; exoumv U'!'UXOU<; Kat PWflUAEOU<; Kainpo8Uf10U<; ei<; T~V
KUTa TWV tvaVTLWV tyxefpl]OLV, Katnpo ye TOUTWV ei fl~ T~V 8lav UflEVlUV Kat
OUflflUXiav exwm Ota Ka8apOTl]TO<; ~(ou Kal OLKULO<JUV!]<; npo<; T TOU<; <JUVTA<JTa<; Katnpo<; TOU<; nOAfllOU<;, ~Tl<; ta-r(, TO fll]OEv avomov tv TOt<; aixflaAWTOl~
Otanpanw8m ~ atoxpov ~ acptMv8pwnov. Kai TO fl~ CtOLKOUflVOV fl~ CtOLKeLV,
TOU<; o aOLKOUVTa<; flTa T~<; TOU E>eou ~O!]Seia<; aVTUflUVW8at.
fl' 'Eav o JT(lVTW<; anamhat Kat flUX!]<; Katpo<;, Ota-ra~el<; TOU<; OpOflWVU<;
nOLKlAW<; Kat Otacpopw<;, Ka8w<; a.v 0 T Katpo<; Kat 6 -rono<; anm-rft. wme tav
8appft~ Ka8unp-repo<; e1vm -rwv noAfltWV, w<; flOL dp!]TUL, Kat Ota -rou-ro npo~
flCtXTJV OUfl~aA.e1v, w<; tA.ni(wv aip~oetv au-rou<;, fl~ tv Tft ioiq oou yft nA.t]aiov
nOL~on~:; T~V flUXTJV tv tA.niooumv oi o-rpanw-rm, TO 0~ AYOflVOV, KUTU~UAW
<JUVT~ ow8~vm, aHa I flUAAOV nAl]OtOV T~<; nov vav-riwv y~<;, \'va mhoi T~V
ow-rT]piav eA.niaav-re<; tv -rft ioiq yft -r~v cpuy~v napa -rou~:; aywva<; npoTLfl~owv
-rm. mpaTLWTT]<; yap ei<; 0lAlUV tv avayKn noAEflOU nepm[mwv T~V <JWT!]piav
Ola ~~ cpuy~<; tA.nt<Jl, Kai -raxtw<; PL'I'l Ta onA.a Kai ouoev auT~<; npoTlfl~OTUl.
6A.iyot yap oi tv Kmp4J napa-ra~ew<; -ro ano8ave1v imep -rou aM~w<; cpuye1v
npoKpivov-re~:;, ehe tv -rot~ ~ap~apm<; dnn~:; d-re tv TOt<; 'Pwflaim<;.
flU'. Tipo 0 T~<; TOU noAEflOU ~flpa<; XP~ ae ~ouA.euw8m fleTa TWV uno (J
apxov-rwv Tl oei npa~al. Kat onep avacpavft Ola T~<; KOlV~<; YVWflT]I:; XP~OlflOV,
TOUTO <JTOLX~<JUL Kai napayyeiA.m TOt<; apxoum TWV OpOflWVWV, wme UUTOU~
dvm hOLflOU<; tKTAE<Jat Ta ~ouA.eu8ev-ra. e'( ye apa fl~ anav-r~on YVWfll] tvav-r(a tK T~<; tcpooou TWV noAfllWV, aAA.a Kat TOT ETOlflOU<; dvm nav-ra<; acpopwvTU<; ei~ TOV <JOV OpOflWVU, wme t~ aU-rou A.a~eiv OT]flelOV Tl, ei apa npa~m Oei,
Kai TOUTOU oo8v-ro<; o~ew<; yeveo8m TO uno&tx8ev.
flW Tiav-rw<; yap Oei ae, mpa-rt]y, OpOflWVa exetv TOY 'LOLOV t~ anav-ro~
TOU mpa-rou tmAEKTOU<; exov-ra TOU<; o-rpa-ru.lna<;, fly8et Kai avope(q Kai ape-rn
235
240
245
519
38. You must indeed observe this unless you are confident that the number
of your dromons as well as the bravery, condition, and eagerness of your soldiers
are vastly superior to those of the enemy.
39 For neither the number of ships nor their size will assure success in
battle unless they carry fighting men who are robust, stout of heart, and eager to
~ngage the enemy. Above all this, they must have the divine benevolence and
alliance. That depends on their purity of life and their justice in relating to
property owners, as well as to the enemy, that is, doing nothing unholy, shameful, or inhumane to the prisoners. If you have not been treated unjustly, do not
act unjustly; with the help of God, ward off those acting unjustly.
40. If the time for battle is definitely upon you, line up the dromons in a
Varied and diverse manner, as both the time and the place may call for. Thus, if
you are confident that you are far superior to the enemy, as I have said, and, for
this reason, ready to advance into battle in the hope of overpowering them, do
not engage in fighting close to your own country. There the soldiers will hope to
be saved by making wooden rafts, as they say. Instead, do battle close to the
country of the enemy. Soldiers who had hoped for safety in their own country
will prefer flight to combat. A soldier who, under pressure of battle, falls into
t:owardice will hope for safety in flight and he will quickly toss away his arms
and value nothing more than flight. When the time comes for forming up for
battle, few judge it better to die than to flee ingloriously, whether you are
speaking of the barbarians or of the Romans.
41. Before the day of battle you, together with the officers under you, must
make plans about what you have to do. Whatever this common counsel judges
advantageous should be presented in detail and announced to the officers of the
dromons so they may be prepared to put those plans into action. In the event of
an enemy attack, of course, a contrary plan may have to be adopted. Everyone
will then be prepared to look toward your dromon in order to receive a signal
about what they must do. When this has been given, they will promptly carry
out your orders.
42. By all means, 0 general, it is necessary for you to have your own dromon. The soldiers on board are to be the elite from among the entire army, men
220 6nA.iaet Dain KA.icret codd.

225 exwm MW exouat A
231 Ka8unep-repo<; MW
238 imep MW om. A
223 pwJ.laA.Eou.:; MW yevvaiou.:; A
226 ta-r( MA EOTlV
emKpa-recr-repo.:; A
224 ye MW om. A
230 1!0lKlAW<; MW T!OlKLAOU<; A
236 nepmimwv
243 eK-reA.Ecrat MW EK1lATJpwaat A
MA nepmimwv el W
243-244 ye ... tvav-ria MW
nep J.l~ tvav-riov n anav-r~cret A 244-245 acpopwvm.:; MW ano~A.enov-ra.:; A 245 et MW

om. A jnpii~at &d MW notfjcrat npoa~Ket A 246 &oeev-ro.:; MA &etx8ev-ro.:; W
520
Constitution
Naval Warfare
19
outstanding for their size, bravery, virtue, and special armament. The dromon
should be superior to all the others in its size and speed as a sort of head of the
entire battle line. You should make ready such a dromon, called pamphylian, for
Your Excellency.9
Kal tft ann TiaVOTIAL<;l 8txovm<; Kal TOV 8p6flWVa 8 fly8l Kal TaXUTf]Tl TWV
250 liA.A.wv cmavtwv 8ta<ppovta, W<; iit K<paA.~v TLVa T~<; napata~ew<; cmaafj<; Kai
Kataat~am tov t~<; a~<; v8o~6tf]TO<; tmoiitov 8p6flwva, to 8 A.ey6flVOY
TIUfl<pUAOV.
flY' 'OflOLW<; 8 Kal TOU<; liA.Aou<; UTIO ae apxovm<;,
Q(JOl
exoumv un' autou<;
nva<; 8p6flWVa<;, ~ autwv mA.~a<J8at liv8pa<;, Kal EXLV f.v toT<; oiKelOl<;, wan:
255 Kal autou<; Ota<pEplV TWV liA.A.wv. Kal tOUTOU<; o navta<; Kal TOU<; AOLTIOU<; npo<;
TOV aov UTIO~AETIlV OpOflWVa, Kal nap' autoii pu8fl[(w8m Kata TOV TOU TIOAE
flOU Katp6v, ei fl~ ye lipa hep6v n napaoo~ov twv ~e~ouA.wflvwv ava<pavft,

Kal 8fjtat fl868ou tepa<;.
flO'. ElYat 8 <Jf]fldov lataflevov f.v tiP ac.p 8p6flWVL, dte ~av8ov dte <pA.aflOU
260 AOV lt n ihepov, i<; TOTIOV nep[oTITOV, '(va 8t' autoii <Jfjfla[vovt6<; <JOU t[ 01
npattLV, eu8w<; f.mA.afl~UVWVtal TOU M~avto<; pyou ol AOLTIOL, lt CJUfl~UA
AlV ei<; TIOAfl0V XP~ dt avaxwpdv UTIO TIOAEflOU ehe ~eA.[aaLV ei<; KUKAW<JlV
Kata twv noAflLWV dte i<; ~o~8naY Katanovouflvou flpou<; auv8pafl1v dn
apy~aat T~V f.Xaa[av lt I m8oiivat ei<; taxo<; T~V KLVfj<JlV dt eyKpUflfla 8ov
yeva8m dt aTIO f.yKpUflflato<; ~eA.8dv ~ liA.Aa TlVU Ka8' EKa<Jta UTIO <JfjflLWV
TOU <JOU OpOflWVO<; anavm unooxwem a<popwvta<; OTIW<; 8ov TIOlelV.
fl Ou yap ouvata[ Tl<; f.v TOlOUTqJ Katp4> UTIO <pWV~<; ~ ~OUKLVOU napayy\.
1
AlV ta OEOYta Ola T TOY 8poiiv Kal TOV tapaxov Kal TOV T~<; eaA.a<Jafj<; ~xov
Kal toY aA.A.oY Ktunov t~<; t auyKpouaew<; Kal KWTifJA.aa[a<; twv OpOflWVWY, Knl
noA.Ac.p fliiA.Aov t~<; ~o~<; twv TIOAflOUVtwv.
fl<;'. To 8 CJfJfldov uno<JfJflatvetw ~ 6p8ov lataflevov ~ f.nl 8e~ta ~ btl
aptatepa KAlVOflYOV Kal f.nl 0~lU TIUAlV ~ f.nl aptatepa flTa<pep6flYOV
t;
nva<J<JOflVOV ~ U\ji0UflVOV ~ taTILVOUflVOV ~ OAW<; a<patp0UflVOV ~ flTatt8E

flEVOV ~ 8ta T~<; f.v aMc.p K<paA.~<; UAAOT liA.Aw<; <paLVOflEVfj<; aA.Aaaa6flVOY
i\
275 &a ax11 flatwv ~ ota xpwflatwv.
249 llttxovm~ MW &mptpovm~ A 1 -raxtrt!]<L MW yopy6<!]TL A 250 ihe MW om. i\

253 exouow MA exw<nv w 256 pu8Jl1~wem MW puefll~ETal Kal Kavov[~wem i\
258 OE!]Tal MW otnm A 260 1tep[omov MW U'!'IJAOV A 264 tmoouvm ... KlV!]OlV MW
mxu-repov EAUUVELV A 265-266 OTjJlElWV ... OpOflWVO~ MA TOU oou OpOflWVO~ Kal TWV an'
au-roii O!]JlelWV U1lUVlU w 266 Otov MW od A 268 epouv MW 86p~LOV A 269 TOV'.
3
K<U1lOV MA -rwv iiAA.wv K<U1lWV W 270 JlftAA.ov MW 1tAEOV A 271-272 ~ ... KALVOJlEVov
MW KALVOflEVOV ~ E1l' apto-repa A 272 1l<lALV MW 1l<lALV JlETa<pep6flEVOV i\ I
flETa<pEpOJlEVOV M om. wA 27 3 TU1lELVOUf.lEVOV ... a<patpOUf.lEVOV MW XUf.Ll]AOUJlEVOV 1\
nav-reA.w<; enmpo\Jflevov A
521
43 Your subordinate officers, who also have some dromons under their
command, should do likewise. They should select men from those dromons and
enroll them among their personal troops, different from the others. All of these
and all the rest should look toward your dromon and pattern their movements
on it in time of battle, unless, of course, something else, quite different from
what had been planned, should impose itself, and require another way of proceeding.
44 A standard that can be seen all around should be flown on your dromon:
a flag, a pennant, or something else, so that when you give the signal for each
action that needs to be taken, the other ships may quickly carry out the order,
whether it be to engage in battle, to retreat from battle, to form a circle around
the enemy, to hasten to assist a section that is hard pressed, to slow down their
movement, to increase their speed, to set up an ambush or charge out from an
ambush, or to take some other action. Looking to all of the signals from your
dromon, they find out how they are to proceed.
45 At such a time it is impossible for a person to issue the necessary commands by voice or by trumpet because of the shouting, the confusion, the
roaring of the sea, the rest of the din caused by the collision and movement of
oars on the dromons and, much more, the cries of the combatants.
46. Let signals be given by raising the standard up straight or inclined to the
right or to the left, transferred again to the right or to the left, shaken or raised
high or lowered, completely taken down, or altered by making its head appear
different at different times by changing its shape or its colors.
9 Leo defined the pamphylian as a larger, faster ship for the commander of the entire
tleet. They soon became more plentiful and smaller. On the expedition to Crete, in 949, the
imperial fleet included sixty dromons with 230 rowers each and forty pamphylians, twenty
with 160 men and twenty with 130 men. The thematic fleets had the same number of men per
ship. Ouranos, reflecting the word's etymology, 1tav <p\JA.ov, uses it in the sense of a ship's full
complement: 1l0l~Oat TOV 1l<lf.L<pUAOV, 1lUf.L<pUAEUOI] TOV op6f.LWVU (Taktika, 6.41). Its relationMhip with the Asian province of Pamphylia is not clear. See Pryor-Jeffreys, index, s.v.
522
Naval Warfare
Constitution 19
fl<'. OI6v non: -roi~ naA.moi~ tnp6.nno. tv yap noAEflOU Katpc.'P CH]f1iov
dxov -r~~ ouf!PoA.~~ a'ipov-r~ -r~v AYOflEVTJV q>otvtK[8a. ~v 8 -ro AYOflvov
KaflAaUKLOV, tnl Kovmp(ou U'!'OUflVOV, flEAav T~V XPOLUV, Kal aA.Aa TLVa Of!OLO
-rp6nw~ uno8tKVUflVa. aoq>aAEOTpov 8 -raxa 8ta l~~ OWUTOU XLP0~ Ta
OT]flia uno8tX8~onat.
flf]'. Kal oi.\Tw~ EOTW OOl ~ tvpyLa,
mpaTTjy, nov TOLOUTWV OT]flllVV
YYUflVaOflEVf], WOlf nO.vm~ TOU~ un6 0 apxovm~, OOOl 8pOflWVWV ~youvmt,
EXLV T~V ndpav aoq>aA~ nov TOLOUTWV uno8LYflUTWV, Kal 8ta Tl y[vnat fKC\.
a-rov Kalno-r Kalnw~ Kal fl~ 8taoq>6.A.Aw8m 'iva, npl mum KaAw~ tyyuflvam't
28 5 flEVOt, tv Katpc.'P XP[a~ !iTotflOL yvwv-rm npo~ -ro 8taytvwoKtv aU-ra Kalnpcn:
Ttv -ra 8t' mhwv KAU6flVa.
f18'. T~v 8 TWV 8pOflWVWV napam~tv EV Katpc.'P npoapoA.~~, l Y apa, w.;
E'ipf]TaL, TOOaUTT] nO.pwnv avayKT] ~ KaTa Xipa~ T~V VLKT]V EA1tl<l~, 1t0l~0Eit;
Ka8w~ av ouvL8n~ Ctpf168tov -rc.p Katpc.'P Kat Tc.'P -romp 1tp0~ T~V TWV 1tOAfllWV
290 1tapaaKU~V Kat napam~tV. OU yap VUV EOTl AEYlV CtOq>aAW~ 1tpt TWV TOT!
28o
95
flAAOVTWV anavT~aw8at.
v'. IIo-r flEV flf]VOt8w~ olov ~fllKUKALOU TU~lV, TOU~ flEV aA.Aou~ 8p6flWVW.;
v8v KCtKi8v, ol6v Ttva Kpa-ra ~ xdpa~ Kal flUAlOTa EV -rc.p aKp4J npoO.yov-rnt;
-roil~ aAKtf1WTpou~ Kal fld<ova~. tv 8 -rc.p KOLA'f' -rou ~flLKUKA(ou, oiovd nvv
Kq>aA.~v, -r~v cr~v tv8o~6Tf]Ta, wm n6.v-ra I nptaKOTIiv Kal 8ta-r6.nLv Kal
8totKiv Ka(, d nou 8i Kal PoTJ8da~, tmKoupiv fl8' wv &.v pouA.n tnl -roun11
UKatpouv-rwv. TO 8 ax~lla TO flf]VOL8~ ytvcrew WOT TOU~ Efl1tl1tlOVTC\i;
1tOAflLOU~ EVTO~ Ct1tOKAElG8at l~~ KUKAWOW~.
3oo
va'. IIo-r 8 napa-r6.~L~ Ka-ra f!ETWTIOV tn' U8[a~ WOT, xpda~ KaAOUat)-;,
tmn(mLv -roi~ noAfliot~ Ka-ra npwpav, Kal 8ta -rou nupo~ -rwv atq>wvwv E!11tPt1
<Lv Ta~ EKElVWV vau~.
I T!OAEf!OU A T!OAeflW MW 277 a'lpovT~ MW a'lpovT~ ti~

U'!'O~ A 278 f!EAUV A epu6pov MW I xpotav MA xpoav w 278-279 OflOlOTporrw~ MW
KUTU TOV Of!OlOV Tporrov A 279 OEUUTOU MW a~~ A 280 urrol5etxe~aTat w t\
urrol5ex6~ae-rat M 284 15taa<paUw6at MW a<paUw6at A 285 15taytvwaKetv MW
yvwpi~etv A 285-286 rrpanetv MW rrpanetv auVT6flw~ A 287 E'l ... iipa MW dmp A
288 ~ MA Kal w I KUTU xetpa~ MW \JKOAW~ A 289 Katpw ... TOT!W MW dvat rrpo~ T fl\1'
Katpov Kal Tov Torrov KalA 291 arravT~aw6at MW auf!~~awem A 292 olov MW oluv
atYf!UTOtl5w~ d~ A 293 nva Kepam MW trsp. A 294 aAKtflWTepou~ MW taxupOTtpov<;
A 1Koift.w MW ~a6et A 296 e'l W ~ M 6 A I Kal M om. WA I ~of16da~ MA emKoupia~ W I
emKoupetv M Kal ~o116la~ W m~of16eiv A I errl TOUTW MW ei~ TOi!To mho A 298 tvtfl~
MW eaweev A 299 KUTCt f!ETWT!OV MW LOOflETWT!OU~ TCtc; vai!~ A 300 ET!lT!lT!TElV MW
276 errpane-ro MW ey(ve-ro A
EflT!lT!TElV A 300-301 EflT!p~~ElV MW KUTUKULElV A
523
4 7. This sort of thing was sometimes done by the ancients. For in the time of
combat they used to raise the signal for battle, called the red flag. There was also
the so-called kamelavkion, black in color and raised on a spear. 10 And there were
other <ways of signaling> of that sort. The signals will quickly and more securely be transmitted <when given> by your own hand.
48. You should devote yourself, 0 general, to being proficient in the use of
such signals, so that all your officers in command of dromons may become
thoroughly acquainted with signals of this type. What does each one mean?
When and how <are they to be used>? And so they will not be led astray. Thus,
they should be very well practiced in using these signals and, in time of need, be
prepared to recognize them and to carry out the orders transmitted by them.
49. If indeed, as was said, you are under very great pressure or you expect
that victory is at hand, then you will line up the dromons in time of battle as you
deem appropriate to the time and place, and corresponding to the armament
and battle line of the enemy. At this moment, it is not possible to speak with any
assurance about what one may run up against at some future date.
50. Sometimes <adopt> a crescent-shaped or semicircular formation, with
the dromons on one side and on the other, somewhat like horns or hands, with
the stronger and better dromons leading them, especially at the extremes. But in
the concave space of the semicircle, as a sort ofhead, should be Your Excellency,
so that you may carefully observe, arrange, and manage everything. If there
should be need of assistance somewhere you may attend to it with whatever
means you think most opportune. The crescent-shaped line should be formed so
as to cut off the enemy who have fallen into the encirclement.
51. Sometimes <you will form> the front in a straight line so that, when
necessary, you may fall upon the enemy with your prow first. Then, with the fire
from the siphons, you can set their ships ablaze.
10. The kamelavkion originally meant a head covering, a turban perhaps, so that, unrolled,
it resembled a flag. Although black, it incorporated various colors and designs to make it
effective in giving signals. The Arabic adaptation of ibn Mankali (ed. A. Shboul, in PryorJeffreys, 653) suggests changing red to blue or some other color. See Pryor-Jeffreys, 397-399;
E. Piltz, Kamelavkion und Mitra (Stockholm, 1977).
5 24
Naval Warfare
Constitution 19
vw. ITo-re
oe Kat
eic; Ota<p6pouc; f.LEp(~wem rrapa-ra~Lc;, ~TOL Mo ~ -rpel<.;,
Ka-ra 1'~V 1T0001'T}Ta 1'WV un6 0 OpOf.LWVWV. Kat -r~c; fllUC, napa-ra~ewc; OUfl~a,\
AOUOT}C,, ~ UAAT} dorrwelTat KaTa 1'WV TrOAfllWV ~Of} Efl1111AYf1EVWV, ~ omo8ev
305
~ KGTU rrA.eupav, Kat Ota T~c; ~OT}8e(ac; T~c; neA.8ouOT}C, Ka-r' aUTWV cme(rrwatv oi
TrOAEfllOl TOU TOVOU.

vy'. ITo-re
Kat Ot' eyKpUflflaTOC,. cmorrA.aVWflEVWV yap 1'WV 110AfllWV Kal
oe
Ef111lrrTOV1'WV,
we; 6A.(yOLc; ava<pavev a8p6wc; 1'0 eyKpUflfla Kat 8po~oav aUTOll<;,
eKA.uoL -rov -r6vov -r~c; tvmaaewc;.

vo'. 'AA.Aon: oe Ot' A.a<ppwv KatTUXLVWV OpOf.LWVWV OUfl~aAAOVTWV au-rot<;
310
Kat rrpoorrOLOUf.LEVWV <puye1v KaKelvwv tv -rft Otw~et KOTrOUf.LEVwv Kat ~ta~oflt

vwv f.LEV, fl~ KaTaAafl~aVOVTWV oe -roue; <peuyov-rac;, ~ Kat 1'LVWV T~c; ouvexela;;
U1101'f1VOflEVWV, hepo( oou Op6f1WVC, UKOTrOL Kat avarrenaUflEVOL KaTa HtlV
KKOTrWflEVWV 6pfl~Oav-rec; aip~OOUOLV aUTOUC, ~, ei Kat TU ouva-ra 1'WV txepwv
315
11Ao1a napeA.8civ ioxuoac; TLC, Tole; ao8eveo-repOLc; m-re8ft.

ve'. ITo-re oe OUfl~aAwv Kat iKavwc; EK xetpoc; 110Afl~Oac; -raTe; evav-rim;;
vauot flEXPL UKpac;
arroAuOELC, flfv 1'0UC, OpOf.LWVac;, -repouc;
K011WOWC,,
oe mi,\tv
na<p~OLC, 1'0LC, 110AfllOLC, eupwa-rouc; TOle; KK011WflEVOLC, Kat EKAU8ciat tc'lv
TOVOV uno -r~c; f.LUXT}C:, Kat oihwc; 1'~V KaT' alhwv VlKT}V rreptrrot~on f.LUALOTa
320
o!
1'0UTO y(vTal OTUV neptneunc; au-roc; T(i> rrA.~8t TWV OpOf.LWVWV urrep 1'0tlt;
TrOAfllOUC,.
vc,'. ITo-re oe <puy~v rrpoorroLOUf1VOC, fleTU OpOf.LWVWV TUXLVWV npoc; O(W~lV
EKKaAeon -roue; 110AfllOUC, KUTU rrpUf.LVaV xwv auTouc;. KCtKUVOl 6pfl~Oavn~
0LWKLV OLUAUOOUOL T~V TQ~LV alhwv. Kat OUTWC, aveunompe'!'ac; -raxoc; 0L<J11ap
325
f.LEVOLC, Tole; OLWKOUOL, flUALOTa Kat 11AEOV fKlVWV op6f1WVac; xwv, ene\en~
308 ad w~ des.
w
I Efl7lE7lAEYflEVWV MA 7l7lATJYflEVWV W 305 K(H<\
I Ct7!El7lW<JlV MW cmayopeuou<JtV A 306 t6vou MW flUXWOm
npo~ 6A.iyou~ A I 8po~aav M mpa~av A 309 tvataaew~ M tvataan'"'
304 eiam:admt MW Efl7l<Jitut A

7lAEUpav MW EK nA.ay(ou A
A
308 6A.iyot~ M
autwv
310 taxtvwv
taxutatwv
<JXI]flatt~OflEVWV <puy~v EKElVWV

aHijA.wv t~~ auvexda~ A
A
of:
311 7!pO<J7lOLOUflEVWV ... KCtKElVWV
312-313 t~~ ... a7lOTEflVOflEVWV M Ct7lOK07!0UflEVtliV
314 KEK07lWflEVWV A KaTU<JK07lWV M
I aipijaoU<JlV M VLKTJGO\Ifl!V
I Ct7!0AU<JEL<; Du
317 iiKpa~ K07lW<JEW~ M toii tEAElW~ K07!W8~vat toU<; evavt(ou<; A
anonA.ij~EL~ codd.
318 tna<pijaet~ M
318-319 eKA.u8ei<JL ... t6vov
tmnEfl'iJEt<; A
eKA.u8eiatv
eupwatou<; M
319 nepmotij<J!]
320 7!EptttEU!]<; ... OpOf!WVWV M nept<J<Jottpou~ auto<; iiXTJ~ OpOflWVa<; A

oi.\tw<; auvt6f!W<; A
I tO.xoc; Mom. A
325 nA.tov M nA.dovac:; A
aKomatou~ /\
epya<JI]
l\
324 oi.\nv~
525
52. At times, divide your formations in different ways, either two or three,
depending on the number of dromons under your command, and while one
battle line is attacking, the other will fall upon the enemy, already heavily
~ngaged, either from the rear or from the side. Such an auxiliary force coming
upon them will cause the enemy to lose their fighting spirit.
53 Also sometimes <you will arrange them> into ambushes. When the enemy are attacking and in some disorder, the ambush suddenly appears before a
few and confuses them. This will cause the force of the enemy impact to slacken.
54 At other times, have light and fast dromons attack them and then pretend to flee. As the enemy pursue, they will grow weary and feel the pressure
because they are failing to overtake the fleeing ships; some will also be cut off
from the rest <of their fleet>. Other dromons of yours, then, whose <crews> are
.rested and not weary, will charge out against the exhausted foe and overpower
them. Or, if one <of your dromons> has been able to slip past the more powerful enemy ships, it should then set upon the weaker ones.
55 At other times, when you have attacked and for some time engaged the
enemy ships at close quarters until you are absolutely worn out, have your
dromons sail away and, in turn, set other strong ones upon the enemy, now
exhausted and whose eagerness for battle has slackened. In this way you will be
victorious over them. This will surely come about when you have more dromons
than the enemy.
56. Sometimes, in pretending to flee with your swift dromons, you will
provoke the enemy at your stern and, as they charge out in pursuit, they will
break up their formation. In this case, especially if you have a larger number of
dromons, you will quickly turn around against your pursuers, who will be in
526
330
335
340
345
350
Naval Warfare
Constitution 19
a1rro1c.; KaLa npwpav Ka[, ~ Kae' eva ~ Km:a Mo, emiywv -roue; aouc.; op6f1WVth,
-r(i> vl nA.oiq> -rwv noA.t:fliwv, alp~crt:tc.; I T~v viKTJV KaT' mhwv.
v~'. I1poa~6.AALV o 1tOAfllOll; XPWV EV vaUf.laxi~, Kal OTaV n>xn aUTOll~
vauay~am Kal OTaV ano ~UATJl; OtaTapaxeevTl; UTOV~aoumv, ~ EV VUKTL ETtEA
eovTa Ef11tp~am Tal; EKElVWV vauc.; ~ EV Tfi xepcrq> acrxoAOUf!EVWV ~ we; av ~ xpetn
KaAEOOL, Kal au-roc; mvo~<1ll; Kal 7t0l~<1ll; Tal; npoa~o\.6..;.
VTJ' llOLKlATJl; yap OUOTJl; T~l; TWV avepwnwv YVWf.lfJl;, MuvaTOV nva n\
eA.A.ov-ra
Ef17ttmtv tv -raTe; Totau-rmc.; napa-r6.~wtv ~ npoytvwaKLV ~ npoAtyt:rv
11
anav-ra. OLO ouo Tal; KaT' aUTWV fl800ULV UVTL1tapaT6.~Ll; ev T(i> napbvt I
A6yq> OuvaTOV, aUa T~l; 8lac.; anavTa Tau-ra npovo[ac.; avap-riiv, Kal OEW8Ul
TOU ewu 'iva ev TOll; TOLOUTOll; 6~E<1l Katpotc.; Kal ~OUAUW8at Kal Otavo1aHm
Mva-ra[ Ttl; Kal np6.TTLV Ta oeov-ra.
v8'. nona o Kal E7tlTTJOEUf1aTa TOll; JtaAaLOll; KGL 0~ Kal TOll; VWTEp<HI;
E1tVo~eTJ KaTa TWV 7t0Af1LKWV JtAOLWV Kal TWV ev aUTOl<; 1tOAf10UVTWV. OlOV rl'l
T E<1KUa<1f1EVOV nup f.lTa ~povT~<; Kal KaJtVOU nponupou Ota -rwv atq>WVl!lV
1tf11t0f1VOV, Kal KaJtVL~OV aUTU.
~'. Kal TO~O~OAtaTpat 0 ev T Tat<; 1tpUf1VaL<; Kal Tal<; npwpmc.; Kal KaLa T<llV
Mo JtAEUpwv TOU op6f1WVO<; EK1tEf11tOU<1aL aayh-ra<; f.llKpa<; Ta<; AYOf1EVa<; flUI<l;;
Kal efJp[a fTp0l E1tVOTJOav EV xu-rpm.; KKAl<1f1EVa, Kal KaTa TWV JtAOlWV ttiJV
1tOAf.llWV pL1tTOf1Va, oiov O<j>L<; Kal exiovac.; Kal aaupa<; Kal aKopn[ouc.; Kal n'l
Of.lOLa -rou-rwv io~6A.a, wv auv-rpt~Of!EVWV Ta 8fJpia 06.Kvoum Kal OUflq>Bdpoum
Ola TOU lou TOU<; 1tOAf1lOUl; eaw0v TWV JtAOLWV.
~a'. Kal xD-rpac.; o aHa<; aa~EOTOU 7tA~pt<;, wv pt7tTOf1EVWV Kal auv-rpt~1o
f!EVWV, 6 T~<; acr~EOTOU UTflOl; <1Uf11tVLYL Kal <1KOTL~l TOU<; 1tOAf1lOUl;, Kalfll:yt!
Ef17t60tov yivnm.
~w. Kal Tpl~OAOL o aLOfJpat pL1tTOf1VaL v -rot<; JtAOlOll; -rwv 7tOAfllWV m'!
fllKpa AUJt~aoumv aUTOU<;, Kal Ef11tOO[aoumv npo<; TOV KaTa T~V wpav 6cpdXov
-raaywva.
disarray. Attack them from the prow, positioning one or two of your ships
against one of the enemy's, and you will achieve victory over them.
57 It is necessary to move forward against the enemy in naval battle when
they happen to have suffered shipwreck and when, after having been tossed
about by a storm, they will have lost their effectiveness. Or come upon them by
night and set their ships on fire, or <attack> when they are occupied on shore,
or you yourself will devise and carry out the assaults as the situation demands.
58. The human mind is very complex. It is impossible for a person to discover what will happen in these battle formations or to foresee or foretell
everything. In the present treatise, therefore, it is not possible to devise a way for
our battle lines to counteract theirs, but to make all these things dependent on
divine providence and to pray to God that in such critical moments one is able
to take counsel, to think things through, and to accomplish what is needed.
59 The ancients, as well as more recent authorities, devised many weapons
for use against enemy ships and against the fighting men in them, such as
prepared fire with thunder and fiery smoke discharged through the siphons,
blackening them with smoke.
6o. Or catapults <placed> in both the prow and the stern and on the two
sides of the dromon, discharging small arrows that are called tlies.U Still others
conceived of animals shut up in pots to be hurled against the enemy ships.
Among these would be snakes, vipers, lizards, scorpions, and other such
venomous creatures. When the pots are shattered, the animals bite and by their
poison wipe out the enemy on board the ships.
61. And other pots filled with unslaked lime. When these are hurled and
shattered, the vapor from the asbestos chokes and blinds the enemy and proves
to be a huge annoyance.
62. Iron caltrops hurled onto the enemy ships will cause them no little annoyance and will keep them from dutifully engaging in the battle at hand.
327 alp~crw; ... a\m:Ov M vtK~OEt~ airrou~ A 328 xpewv M XP~ A 331 Kal not~ott~
not~OT] M 334 f!E800EUElV M om. A 335 aA.Aa ... avap-rav M f!E800EUElV aA.A' ei< n)v
Sdav np6votav anav-ra tauta avatt8Evat A
337 ouvma( n~ Mom. A
1
336 Katpo1~ M Katpo1~ Mvata( Tl~
338 VEWTEpOt~ M VEOl~ A
nponupou Dain npocrndpou M npondpou A
3 s2 e11nooiooucrtv M e11nooiooucrt A
527
340 ecrKEUUOf!EVOV M eOKEt>aot(IV

341 Kanv(~ov M Ka-raKa(onn A
11.
See supra, Const. 5, n. 3
l
Constitution 19
528
355
36o
~y'. 'Hf!dc; Ot KAUOf1V Kai nupoc; aKwaaflvou nA.~petc; aKov-r[<wem Knl

XDTpac; KaTa T~V ll1t00LX81aav f!E8000V T~l:; U\JTWV OKUaa[ac;. iiJv OUVTpt~)<,
f!Evwv Ef!npTJae~awem p<;t<'i[wc; Ta nA.ola Twv noA.ef![wv.
~o'. Xp~aaa8at 0 Kai Tft ann fl86o<.p twv <'ita xetpoc; ~aAA.of!tvwv !llKp(iJv
atcpwvwv omaeev tWV OLOT]pii>v OKOUTap[wv napa TWV mpatLWTWV I Kpa-rou
11tvwv, anep xetpoa[cpwva A.tyeTm, napa t~c; ~f!WV ~amA.dac; liptt KaTWKuao
f!EVa. pt\jloum yap Kai mhO. TOu aKwaaf1vou nupoc; Kata twv npoawnwv niv
noA!lLWV.
~'. Kai tp(~OAOl o !ld<ovec; OLOT]pa1 ~ EV acpmplotc; ~UALVOLI:; ~AOl 6~u~
E!ln1tT]Y!lEVOl, atunn(otc; o Kai Tp<;t uA.n EVlAT]flflEVOl E!lnupta8vm Kal Kafll
twv noA.ef!lwv ~aA.A.611eva, eha nlntovta tv To1c; nA.olmc; <'ita noA.A.wv f!Ep(ilv
365 E!l1tp~aoumv
auni.
AAA.a ei Kal <'ita To a~tam ol noAt!ltot nat~aoum t~v autwv cpA6ya o!
nA.e1aTot TOile; n6oac; nA.T]y~aovtm Kat' aM~v t~v UKfl~V Tou noA.11ou, Kal m'
f!tKpov eatm To1c; vavTiotc; 11n6owv.
~<'. LwvaTOV o Kal Ota TLVWV yepav(wv AYO!lEVWV, ~ TLVWV 6f!OLWV 7mq
0Uf!CtTWV yafl!laTOlOWV KUKA<.p npt0Tpq>Of!EVWV ~ n(aaav uypav nenupw
f!EVT]V ~ OKU~V ~ nva ETEpav UAT]V emxuaat TOll:; nOAfllKOll:; nA.olotc; Ota ni>v
opof!wvwv OW!lODflEVotc;, Kai tou flayyavou aTpecpof1vou Kat' autwv.
~T]'. L'.uvaTOV 0 Kal avaTpE\jlat 6AOKAT]pOV T~V vauv tWV nOAfllWV, (:,\v
nA.wpav napa nA.wpav o~aac; aut~V t4J op6f!WVL, Kai tWV noAfllWV cp' i'v
!lEpoc;, we; dw8am, npoc; T~V EK Xtpoc; f!CtXTJV auvopaflOVtWV, Kal OOKOUVTWV
nepdowem t~V auTWV vauv t4J op6f!WVL, ntA.en !lEV hepoc; op6f!WV Kala Tl)>,
n:\eupac; ev tft npUf!VD t~c; noAfl(ac; Kai taUtT]V w8~an acpoopwc; tft auyKpm
aL, Kal 6 flEV op6f!WV OUVTJ8ft A.uaac; autov TOU OeOf!OU unoxwp~aat !llKp!'lV,
WOT fl~ LVat we; eplOfla t~c; noA!lLac;, ~ap~an 0 6 hepoc; OpO!lWV m'ton
OUVCtfll <Kal> nCtVTWI:; 6.vmp\jll aihavopov t~V noAf!LaV vauv. od
Kavovlam Tov OWf!OV !l~ navTwc; Kat' ia6tT]Ta yevtaem, O.A.A.a f!LKpov acpElvm
~<;'.
370
375
380
Naval Warfare
529
63. But we command that pots full of the prepared fire, according to the
prescribed method of their preparation, should be hurled; on shattering they
easily burn up the ships of the enemy.
64. Make use also of the other method, that is, of the small siphons thrown
by hand from behind the iron shields held by the soldiers. 12 These are called
hand siphons and have been fabricated recently by Our Majesty. These too will
throw the prepared fire into the face of the enemy.
65. Also larger iron caltrops or sharp nails hammered into wooden spheres,
then wrapped in hemp or some other substance, set on fire, and thrown against
the enemy. Falling in various places, they will set the ships aflame.
66. However, in order to extinguish the flames, the enemy will stamp on
them and very many will injure their feet at the very height of battle and this
will be no small hindrance to the enemy.
67. It is possible to use the so-called cranes or similar gamma-shaped
contrivances that revolve in a circle. When the enemy ships are bound to your
dromons, turn the machine around against them and pour on them either
burning liquid pitch or a net or some other material.
68. It is possible to overturn an enemy ship completely if you tie it up
side-by-side to your dromon. The enemy will race to one side, as they usually
do, to engage in hand-to-hand fighting and they will seem to pit the whole force
of their own ship against the dromon. Then another dromon should come up
against the side of the enemy ship toward the stern and crash into it, giving it a
strong push. <Our first> dromon then, having gotten itselfloose from the chain,
will be able to pull back a little, so it will not provide support for the enemy ship.
The other dromon will then bear down with all its might and completely
overturn the enemy ship with all hands. It is necessary to make sure that the
chains are not absolutely equal but should allow for a little more space on the
354-3 55 crKcuacrf!vou ... xuTpa~ M <JKEUacrToii yeyef!t<Jf!EVa~ xuTpa~ bnppimea8m ~~~~'
A 356 Ef!Ttp!]<J8~crea8at. .. rroAef!iwv M euKOAW~ Ta rr\oTa nov rro\qilwv

362 ~e' A ~<;' M 363 tvetAI]f!f!EVOt Dain tvetAI]f!f!EVI] codd. 366 ~~
~(' M lrraT~croum ... q:>A6ya M T~v auTGJv q:>A6ya rraT~croucrt A 367 UKf!~V M <Juf!Po\~v
369 ~(' A ~'1' M 370 YUf!f!UToetowv M YUf!f!aTOetoGJ~ A 371 hepav UAI]V M trsp. ,1\
372 KUl Mom. A 373 ~!]'A ~e M I avaTpbjtat. .. vaiiv M OAOKA!]pOV TOV vaiiv avarplljn!(
A 374-375 t<p' ... eiw6am M trrl v f!Epo~ w~ e8o~ exoucrt A 376 btepeillea8at ... vaOv
trraKouf!Pi(etv To eauTGJv rr\o1ov A 377 rr\cupa~ M rr\cupa~ T~~ A 378 lluv!]fh)
(j\JV1]8~ M 379 epel<Jf!U M UKOUf!Pl<Jf!U A 380 aihavllpov M <JUV UUTOL~ TOL~ avllpam A
aiJTGJv
KUTUKa~cremt A
12. A hand siphon is illustrated in cod. Vat. Gr. 1605, fol. 36, reproduced in Sullivan,
Siegecraft, and Pryor-Jeffreys.
530
Naval Warfare
Constitution 19
yuf1v<'t nva nA.wpa Kata npuf1vav r~c; noAf1[ac;, ot' wv f1nwwv 6 op6pltlV
we~aL npoc; T~V avatpon~v TWV TCOAf1LWV T~V vauv.
~e'. Tipoc; rourotc;, Kal ro vuv mvo11eev, f.l~T uno r~c; Katw rou op6f1wvot;
385 Aaa[ac; Ota TWV OTCWV TWV KWTCLWV e~ay6f1Va f1EVauAa KaTaU<pCtTTflV TOtlt;
TCOAf1LOU<; TWV A[av f10l avayKa[wv OOKfl.

o'. AA.A.a Kallhrpov TOUTWV avayKatOTpov,
r'(
yr xnpwv fU<pUWV emn!xot
to ota r~c; Karwerv rou op6f1wvoc; A.aafac; rft imoonxedan f1860q;, ot' l'lml'
napaaKwaan TCAT]ae~vat Maroc; t~v vauv rwv noAf1LWV.
390
oa'. Eial oe Kal Etrpa Tote;

ETCLTT]0Uf1aTU, Kal en
oe
I apxafotc; ETCLVOT]8VTa EV
t4J TCAWlf.lqJ TCOAffllf'
E1tlVOTJ8~vat 0UVCtf1Va anrp ev t4J nap6vn TeliXfl
ypa<pLV Ota T~V O"UVTOf.llaV CtVOLKflOV. TLVU
oe Kal CtO"Ufl<pOpov Ota TO p~ rrou~lAt
Kt<wem TOte; TCOAf1LOL<; Kal f1UAAOV EKdvouc; autotc; xp~aem Ka8' ~flWV. TO Ytlp
UTpaTTJY~flaTU ana~ KaTaVOT]8EVTU, CtVTLUtpatT]yfia8at Kat KaTaf18oOuw0w
395 rrapa TWV TtOAf1LWV ouvatat aU' EKaUTOV TO ETCLVOTJ8ev f!EXPL T~c; rrpa~Utlt,
EXLV ev f1UUTT]pt<p.
opr. 'Ev oe t4J
O"UVLAT]f1f1EV<p TWV Tf apxafwv taKTLKWV Kal mpaTTJYTJflCt HtiV
PtPAt<p <TJTWV Tl<; rup~Ufl Kal Ta TOUTWV rrAdova. ou yap ouvat6v,
we; r'lpf]flll,
npoc; Kama ra Ef1rr[mnv f1EAAovra ota to linnpov a\JTwv ypa<pnv ra iKava.

400
oy'. TIA~V Kf<pCtAULOV drrdv, eatwaav oi Op6f1WV<; E~WTtALUf1EVOL TfActult,

an6 Tf mpanwtwv avopr[wv Kal EK xnpoc; f1Ctxwem OUVaf.lEVWV, Kal t4J t l)t,
'VUX~<; rrapaUT~flaTL TOAf.ll]pii>v, Kal rrmatOEUf1Evwv Kal yryuf!VaUf.lEVWV.
obrnt
oe emwaav Ka8wrrALO"f1EVOL OTCAotc; 6rrofotc; Kai 6 EV tft ~T]p~ UtpaTLWTTJ<; brtAI

ae~vat OtwptUTaL, Ol]AOVOtl Kata<ppaKTO<;. Kal OUTW TCCtVT<; oi T~c; livw EAUOll!<,
405 6nA.ta8~aovrat.
oo'. Tipoc; oe T~V TWV exepwv TtOLOTT]Ta Kal TCOO"OTT]TU TWV TCAOLWV, Kal at)n'lt,,
watpatT]y, OLU<JKfUCtUfl<; roue; op6f1WVac;, we; av f.l~ EAaTTOVa atpatov t'xn

~f1trpoc; op6f1WV tou noAf1LOU, oattc; f1CtAtata ric; ia6naA.ov A.8dv rutpm(~r tm
531
side of the enemy ship toward the rear so the dromon can make its impact in
that place and capsize the enemy ship. 13
69. In addition to these, it strikes me as very important-this is how we
think about it nowadays-not to stick large spears out through the holes for the
oars in the lower rowing bench to kill off the enemy.
70. There is, however, something else that may prove more effective. If you
come upon men with natural manual dexterity, follow the prescribed method in
preparing to fill the enemy ship with water through the holes for the oars in the
lower rowing bench of the dromon.
71. There are also other contrivances devised by the ancients to use in naval
warfare and still more possibilities are conceivable. But it is not practical to
write about these in the present volume because of its summary nature. It may,
moreover, be harmful, for some matters should not be made known to the
enemy lest they turn around and employ them against us. Once stratagems have
been invented, it is possible for the enemy to take countermeasures and strategies against them. Each invention, then, should be kept secret until put into
action.
72. If one searches through the encyclopedic volume of ancient tactics and
stratagems, he will find more than these.' 5 Because of their unlimited number, as
already noted, it is not possible to address fully in writing each one of the future
eventualities.
73 Nonetheless, to sum it up, let the dromons be arrayed completely armed,
with brave soldiers, able to engage in close combat, emboldened by courage of
soul, well-instructed and well-trained. Arm them with weapons similar to those
prescribed for soldiers on land, that is, they should be heavily armed. All those
in the upper bank of rowers should be armed in this way.
74 You should personally see, 0 general, to the arrangement of the dromons, with a view to the quality and number of enemy ships. Our dromon
should not have fewer fighting men than that of the enemy, but more if possible,
400 ad rrA~v de novo inc. W

385 6nwv M 6nwv ~-rot -rpumwcnwv A I ~ay6fttVn
EK<pep6f!eva A 386 J..[av M mivu A 387 o' A om. M I -rou-rwv M -rou-rou A 390 ou'
oW M 391 -reuxet Mom. A 392-393 nou~ALKi~eaSat M <pauJ..i~eaem A 393 Ke!voth,
xpijcrSat M EKELVOL<; xpijcrSat au-roi<; A 394 KTaVO!]Stv-ra M KaTaVO!]Siv-ra MvaVltl!
395 ouva-rm M om. A 397 oW A oy' M I auvetAl]f!f!ivw ... -re M om. A 399 yp6<jlm
ypa<petv aAA.a A 400 oy' A oo' M 406 ocS' A oe' M om. W 407 w<; 1\v MW
KaSonALO'EL<; 01tW<; A 408 lcr6naA.ov MW '(O'TjV f!UXlJV A I eu-rpen(~eTaL MW ETOLf!U(etat i\
384 ~8' A om. M lll~te M wa-re A
13. On the impracticality of this maneuver see Pryor-Jeffreys, 204-208.

14. The meaning of this and the following paragraph is not clear. M writes: "important ...
not !Q" (f!~Te), whereas A has "important ... !Q" (wa-re). See Pryor-Jeffreys, 405-406.
15. "Encyclopedic volume'' must refer to the Sylloge tacticorum. See supra, Const. 18, n.
16, and Pryor-Jeffreys, 176.
532
410
415
420
425
430
Constitution 19
flUXTJV, Ota TOU de; 6.:\.\~A.ouc; OWflOU, aU' i ouvatov Kat nA.e[ova. Ctfl<pOtEpwv
yap avopdwc;, el TlJXOL, flaXOflEVWV, oi TIALOV<; npotep~aouow.
oe'. 'Eav yap auvopqc; xnv toile; noA.efl[ouc; noA.uavopoufleva nA.o1a Kni
nA.dova atpatov {mooex6flVa, ouc; lawanc; Kal ainoc; toile; aoilc; OpOflWVac; iv
nA.~eet. EKAE~n o ano TIUVTWV toile; ap[mouc;, Kal ~ ainwv E~OTIALO"LC; n']v
apKouaav OUVaflLV Ota OpOflWVWV TALWV Kal CtAKlflWTUTWV WO"T, d ou [I<'
tuxot, ~ twv ouo tov atpatov de; eva Efl~L~6.aw:; ~ EK n6.v-rwv mA~n wi~<,
ap[mouc;, we; e'ipT]Tat, Kat yev~O"OVTat axpt Kal OtaKOO"lWV mpatLWTWV h Ktti
TIAelW Kata Op6flWVa eva., we; av Kal t{i> TIA~8t Kal t{i> flyeen Kal Tfj tJ\jiUXt\l
twv T opofl<.Ovwv Kal twv atpanwtwv Ka8unptepoc; twv noAflLKWV nAoiwv
YVOflVO<;, ailv Ek{i> t~V Kat' alhwv anoA~'f!n VlKT]V.
o<;'. l!.1 0 ae Kal flLKpotepouc; t~onA.[~etv op6flwvac; Kal A.a<ppotpouc; n(v I
auv~ewv, wme Kal OtwKovtac; KataAaf1~6.vetv toile; noAEfl[ouc;, Ka.l OtWKOflEVot,,
fl~ KataA.afl~6.vwem, I Kal toutouc; xnv tv Katp{i> t~c; <lpflo~ouallc; mhot.
xpe(ac;, WO"t ouva.aem autouc;, ~ Opiiaa[ KaKOV Tl tote; txepo'lc; ~ fl~ naOtw
KaKOV Tl na.p' autWV.
o~'. MtKpoilc; o Kal flYUAOU<; Op6f1WVa<; Kata T~V TIOLOtTjta tWV noAqtltM
tevwv Kata.O"KEUU0"1<;. ou yap 6 aut6c; EO"TLV O"tOAO<; tWV TIAOLWV tWV t LC1f'll
KT]VWV ~ap~6.pwv Kat twv AYOflEVWV Bope[wv :LKu8wv. oi flEV yap :La.pm<qvu\
KOUfl~ap[otc; xpwvtat fll~OO"l Kal apyotepotc;, oi o OLOV CtKattOL<; EAUTTOOI 1\\11
tA.a<ppotepOL<; KO.L mxlvotc; ol LKU8at. Ota TIOTaflWV yap elc; tOV Eu~mov t' II
n(movtec; n6vtov ou Mvavtm fleL~oat xp~aaaem nA.olotc;. Kai taiha flEV
napat6.~ewv dp~aew.
OT]'. 'Otav 0 cmaUay~vm ~ouA.n t~<; flUXT]<;, flT]VOt0wc;, we; dpT]tO.l, I

nap6.ta~lV TWV OpOflWVWV TIOL~aac;, oihwc; {moxwp~anc; Ota to aa<paAtc; Elvm
Naval Warfare
533
especially if one is getting set for an evenly matched battle with <the ships>
bound to one another. When both forces are brave, if it comes to fighting, the
more numerous will prevail.
7 5. Now if you should observe that the enemy has ships with a large number
of men and a larger army on board, you should make your dromons equal in
number. Select the best from among all of your men and arm a sufficient force
of them on fully equipped and strong dromons. In such a situation, either put
the soldiers from two ships aboard one or else, as was said, from your whole
torce select the very best so they will add up to two hundred soldiers or more
for one dromon. The result will be that, in the number and size and enthusiasm
of the dromons and of the soldiers you will be superior to the ships of the enemy. With God's help you will gain victory over them.
76. You must also equip smaller and lighter dromons than usual that can
pursue the enemy and catch up to them but if pursued themselves will not be
caught. You should have these at a time when they are particularly useful either
to cause some harm to the enemy or not to suffer any harm from them.
77. Get large and small dromons ready that match the kind used by hostile
ethnic forces. For the fleet of ships of the barbarian Saracens is not the same as
that of those called Northern Scythians. 16 For the Saracens make use oflarger
and slower <ships called> koumbaria, whereas the Scythians use ships that are
smaller, lighter, and faster. Because they come into the Euxine Sea from
rivers, they cannot use larger vessels. These are enough remarks about battle formations.
78. When you wish to withdraw from battle, form the line of your dromons
in a crescent shape, as we said. Make your retreat in this manner because such a
420 ad -rwv des. M

OWf!OU~ A 410 d -ruxm MW om. A I npon:p~croucnv MW
A 411 oe' A oc;' M I noA.uavopoufieva ... Kal MW om. A 412 oil~ tmiH!fh,
De OUOlUOEL~ codd. 413 e~OJ!AlOEL~ MA KaTaOT~OEL~ w 414 CtAKlf!WTUTWV
oxup01:6:-rwv A 415 -r6v crtpa-r6v MA TWV cr-rpatwv w 417 JlAelW MW TCAElOVE~ A I
om. MW 417-418 mP ... Ka8unptepo~ MW -rwv opoflwvwv Kal -r~ ev\jlvxlu
cr-rpanwtwv emKpatecr-repo~ A 419 UTCOA~\jilj VlKI]V MW VlK!]V ClTCOAU~!]~ A 420 m;'
MW 423 opacrai ... exSpot~ w KUKOV n J!OL~Om TOU~ exepou~ A 423-424 na8elv"'
na8e1v n KaKOV A 425 o~' A om. w 426 ecrnv w eon A 427 ~ap~6:pwv w 0!11
A.eyofivwv W A.eyofievwv pw~ ~youv A I crapaKlJVOi A om. W 428 oi 8 A oi ~appaptH
w I eAO:nom w f!LKpOt~ A 429 mxivoL~ w yopyot~ A 430 f!Ei<ocrL. .. TCAOlOL~ w
exLv nA.oia A 431 napa-r6:~ewv W t6:~ewv A 432 O!]' A om. W
409 OWf!OU MW
imepvLK~croumv
16. Saracens: see supra, Const. 18. Koumbaria is from the Arabic; see Pryor-Jeffreys, 513,
n. 61. Northern Scythians, in this case, designates the people known as Rhos who sailed down
the Dnieper to the Black Sea in small ships. The later manuscript, A, as well as the paraphrase
of Ouranos, specifically calls them Rhos (Pw~). Their route is recorded in DAI, 9, pp. 56-62;
see DAI Commentary, 16-31. Cf. Const. 14, n. 10.
534
435
440
Naval Warfare
Constitution 19
TOlOUTOV crx~f.la tv Tate; l'Olau-rmc; I Kal npo68mc; Kal imoxwp~cremv, we; TlVf<,
niiv naA.mwv f.lapTUpoum -r<f> -rp6mp -rounp XPTJ<JCtf1evoL
o8'. Me-ra 8 T~V AU<JlV l'OU 1tOAEf10U Otov ae, w mpanJYE, l'Ct, we; EiK<'H,
Kep8f]8vm alto l'WV 1tOAf1lWV A.acpupa t~ 'iaou Otaf.lep[~eLV TOt<; cr-rpanWTal<; Kllt
apt<J1'01tOltV Kat <plAO<ppovetcr8m aU-roue; Kalnav8aw[av 1t0lt<J8at Kat euwxiov
elc; au-roue;, Kalmuc; f1EV aptcr-reucravmc; Kal 8wpewv Kal1'lf1WV Ct~lWO"al, l'OU<; 'll
1'l ava~lOV a-rpanw-rou 1t0l~Gavm<; tmnf.l~O"al 8e6v-rwc;.
1t'."Ia8t 8, a-rpa-rf]ylt, 01'l1tA~8oc; 8pOf1WVWV avav8pouc; txov-rwv GTpaTtltl
-rae; oU8v iaxua, oM' av Kalnpoc; 6A.iyouc; llax~crwv-rm -roue; tvav-riouc; av8ptt
ouc; Kat EU'!JUXOU<;. oihe yap 1tOAU1tAf]8[a av8pwv KaTa 6\.[ywv icrxuaet, i f1~ Kol
Tft npo8Uf1L<;l Kal 1'ft 01tALO"el a-rpanw-rm CtAf]8etc; cmoOeLKVUVTal. -r[ yap Olll\
tpyaaov-rm Oetvov Kal 6A.iym AVKOL npoc; noAA.ac; I xtA.taoac; JtOlf1V[ou;
na'. ~to XP~ ae opav anavm f1eTa aKpt~dac; cma<JT]c; -ra -rwv tx8pwv, t'''
8taKetv-rm, Kal ou-rwc; -r~v -re -rwv 8pof1WVWV Ka-raaKeu~v Kal-r~v -rwv <JTpaTH'
l'WV 01tAlO"lV Kal TO 1tA~8oc; au-rwv Kal-ro f1ltye8oc; Kal-ra ana tm1'T]8eupctl<l
Ctpf1o8[wc; Kal'a l'WV tvav-r[wv napaaKeua~etV. exav 8 Kal f.llKpouc; 8p6f1WVW,
Kal mxcic;, ou npoc; 1tOAf10V t~W1tAl<Jf1EVOU<;, ana npoc; -rae; ~[yA.ac; Knl !!l
jlaVOCtl'a Kal-rac; aAA.ac; anav-rwaac; Of10LW<; xpe[ac;, Kal en l'Ct 1' f.lOV~pta \qt
f1Va Kal-rac; yaA.aiac;, JtA~V Kal au-roue; tv6nA.ouc; 8ta -ra -ruxrtpwc; <JUf11tl7tTOV1'tl
nw. Ka[ ae 8 au-rov 8ta 1tCtV1'WV dvm 8et anou8atov Kal yevva[ov kill
a-rapaxov Kal 6~uv tv Tate; avayKa[mc; f1CtAl0"1'a l'WV npawa-rwv tYXelp~aeoi
Kalnpa~E<JlV 'iva Kal Be<f> euapw-roc; Kal-rft ~f11'Ep<;t tK eeou ~amAEL<;t I UXfll1
a-roc; -re Kal 00Klf10<; avacpavelc; mpa-rrty6c;, Ctf1<p01'epw8ev Kp8~anc; Ta<;
TWV JtOVWV Ctf!Ol~ac;, tK eeou f1EV f1lG8ouc; aeava-rouc; imp 1'~<; aU-rou KAI)po
VOf1[ac; aywvt~Of1EVO<;, t~ ~f1WV 8 Kal 8wpeac; Kal 1'Lf1a<; Tac; 1tpOOTJKOU<Jal;,
'!JW00f1VO<; l'~V KA~O"lV, aAA.' CtAT)8~c; mpa-rrty<'>c; Kal wv Kal KaAOUf1EVO<;.
<ny'.> Toaau-ra Kalnepl vaullaxiac; we; tv O"UVO'!JEl f1E1'piwc; Eip~aew.
445
450
455
460
434-435 TtVE<; ... -ro{rrw W f!UpTupoiiai nvE<; TWV naA.atwv T01JTW TW <p6nw A
om. W
ava~tOV
437 OtUf!Epi(EtV W OtUf!Epi(Etv ev A
w trsp. A
441 11'
A om.
w I raet w yivwaKE A
443 1!0AUT!ATj6ia
446 na' A om. W I 6piiv W auvopiiv A I cmaaTJ<; W n<iafj<; A
Kal TUXEi<; opOf!WVU<; A
OUf!TltTlTOVTa
w<;
EiKo<; Kal KaTa TUXTJV Ef!Tlimovm
const. XX
A CtAfJ6&<; W 460 ny' ci. De om. codd.
4411
w rtAr)Hm,
449-450 op6f1wva<;,,,
450-451 TCt f!UVOCtTU A TCt<; oanava<;
455-456 EUXPTJOTO<; scr. titulum
436 oil'
438-439 KaF ... Kall W om. A
452 f\l,Xf!PW't
A 453 nW A om. W
458 owpea<; . Tlf!U<;
w trsp. A
459
535
formation is safe in these circumstances both for advancing and retreating,

according to the testimony of the ancients who have made use of this method.
79 After the conclusion of the battle, it is necessary for you, 0 general, to
divide up the spoils likely to be taken from the enemy equally among the
soldiers. Provide special dinners for them, give them favors, prepare a banquet
and festivities for them. Bestow honors and gifts on those who have distinguished themselves and inflict the appropriate punishment on those who have
acted in a way unworthy of a soldier.
So. Realize, 0 general, that a large number of dromons with unmanly soldiers on board accomplishes nothing, not even if they should be fighting against
a small number of the enemy who are brave and courageous. Nor will a large
number of men against a few accomplish anything unless they show themselves
by their enthusiasm and armament to be true soldiers. What terrible things will
a few wolves not wreak against many thousands of sheep?
81. Therefore, it is necessary for you to observe with total accuracy the
disposition of the enemy, and so prepare the outfitting of your dromons and the
armamaent of your soldiers, their number and size and the rest of the equipment in proper fashion against the enemy. Also have small and fast dromons,
not equipped for battle, but for scouting, <conveying> orders, and other needs
that may occur, and still others called monoremes and galleys, which are armed
for situations that arise by chance.
82. In everything you yourself must be serious, high-minded, calm, and
sharp-witted in your endeavors and actions, especially under the pressure of
events, in order that, having shown yourself to be well pleasing before God and
having shown yourself before Our God-given Majesty as a most capable and
proven general, you may gain from both the deserved rewards of your labors:
from God immortal rewards for your struggles on behalf of his inheritance, and
from us appropriate honors and gifts, because you have not made false your
title, but you are a true general and are called such.
<83.> As in a summary, let this be enough said about naval warfare.
ITOAEMIKON ITAPALKEYON iliATA3IL K'
PREPARATION FOR WAR, CONSTITUTION XX
I1epl Ota<p6pwv yvwf.UKWV KE<pa:\a[wv
About Various Concise Sayings
a'. METa o Ta<; ip'lflEVa<; 1tapayyeA.(a<; T Kat Otani~Et<;,
wa-rpaT'ly, xpt}ll'
Tfi <Jfi tvoo~OTTJTl Kat Tal<; ~0'1 pTJS'l<JOflEVat<; tyK1nvm YVWflUl<;, ac; tK 1tOAAttl\'
JtaAULWV Kat o-rpaT'lYtKWV <JUVTUYiJCtTWV O.vaA.e~<lflEVOt, <JUVO\j!EW<; xaptv TW\'
ip'lflEVWV tvmuea 1tapme8dKaflEV. tK TOUTWV yap Kat tTit Ta<; flel~ovac; 1tpa~u .
T~<; TaKTtK~<; Sewp(a<; O.va~~VUL ouv~on, KaTa TOV oocpov 1tapOtflta<JT~V ~(1(11
A.ea oocp<fl yap O.vopt O.cpopfl~ otoo11vTJ oocpw-repov a11epya~nat.
w. 'Ev 1tpWTOt<; !lEV tyxELpetv flEAAWV O.vayKa(wv 1tpawaTWV, wa-rpaT'ly, P'l
10 xwpt~
<JEUUTOV TOU 1tA~8ouc; nov tv TOt<; pyote; 1tOVOUVTWV, O.A.A.a Kal atm'!c,
O.napxou TWV TOLOUTWV tyxetp~<JEWV Kat <JU!11tOVl TOt<; pyote; KaTa TO ouvan'lv
<JOt, ehe Tpacpou<; 6pu<J<Jt<; e'iT 1tpO<JXWVVUEl<; e'iT 1tOAtOpK(at<; tm~aAAEt<;
ftH
o11A.wv KaTa<JKeuaic; ehe !l'lXaV'lfl<iTwv d-re cppoup(wv O.A.woem, npoc; d n pyov

XPEtWO<; tmvo~ow; Kal KOtvwcpeA<; ~ 1tOAl ~ a-rpaTEUflaTL 1tpax8'l<J0!lVOV,
15
TOUTOU xepolv io(at<; 1tpw-ro<; U1tapxou. tK TOUTOU yap W<J1tEp aiOOUflEVOt Kal ol
<JTpaTLWTUl 8Epfl6n:p6v <JOt imaKOU<JOVTUl Kat TO npaHO!lEVOV euxepeon:pov
TAE<J8~<JTUL. d o Tt<; Kal TWV tmT'lOelWV <J1taVt<; tvoxA.~<JEt, 1tpWTO<; au-roc;
tyKpmdac; T~V Kap-rep(av tTILOEt~OV, '(va Kat TOt<; U1t0 xeipa KODtp'lV Kat EUKOAW
-rpav T~V UTIOflOV~V T~<; avayKTj<; tpyaon. tv Of Tal<; KaTa Ta<; flaxac; 1tapa~O\l
20
A.mc; tK xetpoc; ou 11nA.oKa1c; cpuA.aooe oeau-r6v, Yva -rfi flEV yvwfln Kat -rfi otan't~n
Kat -raTe; aAA.mc; oteu8T~oemv tv au-r<fl -r<fl 6~1 -rou Katpou <JUflTiapfic; flEV, Knl
TWV TOLOUTWV O.ywvwv tcpamn, fl~ !lfVTOt O.cpuAaKTW<; oihw Kal tmKtVOUVWt;, I'll'
fl~ TOUTOU xpda KaAfi, Ota xetpwv t!l1tAEKD TOU<; 1tOAEflLOU<;. ou TO<JOUTOV
yt1p,
M W A PG 107:1013 1 ad rroAEfllKWV de novo inc. M

8 Prov. 1:5.
9-29 Strat., 8.1.1; cf. Polyaen. 433
w ll]' M t8' A 3-4 xpeov ' .. EVOO~C>TfJTl MW XP~ T~V cr~v EVOO~OTfJTU A 9 avayKullt'V
rrpyf.!UTWV MW avayKLOl<; rtpO.Yf!CIGLV A 13 O.A.waem M aA.wcremv WA 13-14
XPELWOE<; MW trsp. A 16 6epflOTEp6v MW EUKOAWtepov A 17 ETrlTfJOelWV MW xpdwv
1 8 rrioet~ov MW rric5et~m A 19-20 rtapa~ouA.ot<; MW rrapa~6A.ot<; A 21 autw ..
MW aut~ T~ o~UTfJTl A I GUflTrp~<; MW cruvurrO.pXfJ<; A I flfV MW om. A 22 E<parrtq MW
flETfXfJ<; A 1 oi.\tw MW oihw<; A 22-23 OTE ... KA~ MW om. A 23 EflTrAfKfj MW
GUflTrAeKfj A I TOU<; TrOAEfllOU<; MW TOl<; TrOAEfllOl<; OTE fl~ TOUTOU xpda KCIAel A
1 K'
After the commands and the constitutions given above, 0 general, Your
Excellency ought to familiarize yourself with the sayings presented here, which
we have gathered from many ancient authorities and military treatises. We lay
these before you as a way of summarizing what is written in this book. These
will enable you to move on to greater applications of tactical theory. According
to the wise king, compiler of proverbs: a starting point given to a wise man
results in his becoming more wise. 2
1.
First, if you intend to carry out critical operations, 0 general, do not set
yourself apart from the multitude of men laboring at their tasks. But you should
take the lead in such operations and toil along with them in the work as best
you can, whether you are digging trenches or piling up mounds of earth or
undertaking siege operations or preparing weapons or machines or capturing
forts. Moreover, if you think that some work that is useful and beneficial to the
city or the army should be done, then, with your own hands, be the first to get it
started. The soldiers, as though put to shame, will end up obeying you more
fervently and will complete the project more readily. If a scarcity of supplies
causes a problem, you be the first to show your patient endurance and selfcontrol, in order that you may bring the men under your command to deal
2.
1. Among the many forms of word play enjoyed by the Byzantines was the acrostic. In a
literary composition the initial letters of each paragraph or verse were combined to form a
phrase or epigram. By taking the first letter of each of the 221 paragraphs (except the first) in
Canst. 20, J. Grosdidier de Matons ("Trois etudes sur Leon VI;' TM 5 [1973], 181-242) has
deciphered the following: EV OVOflCITl TOU rratpo<; Kai TOU uiou Kai TOU ay(ou TrVEUflCITO<; T~<;
O.yia<; Kai 6f.!ooucriou Kai rrpocrKUVfJT~<; tptaoo<; tou vo<; Kai f.16vou aA.fJ6tvou 6eou ~flWV Mwv
6 eipfJVlKO<; EV XPLGTW UUTOKpatwp TrlGTO<; EDGE~~<; EUflEV~<; UELGe~acrto<; auyoucrto<; Kai
too6rrvvwa ~amA.eu<; pwfla(wv. (In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, the holy, consubstantial, and worshipful Trinity, our one and only true God, Leo,
peaceful autokrator in Christ, faithful, pious, kindly, ever revered Augustus and **********
emperor of the Romans.) He has shown that the underlined letters, which make no sense,
replaced the name of Leo's brother and co-emperor, Alexander, aA.e~avopo<;, by order of Leo's
son, Constantine VII, whom Alexander had tried to have castrated.
2. Proverbs 1:5.
53 8 Constitution
Concise Sayings
20
W<; f.!Ol Kal UYW rrou dprrrm, <JlJflTAKOflYO<; W<; d<; TWY mpanwTWY W<pA~cmc;,
25 O<JOY dye <Jllfl~ft n TOLOtlLOY T<JWY ~Aa'!'L<;. TO yap flEAAOY aopaTOY.
y'. N6f1o<; ytYeaew To'i<; crTpanwmt<;,
wcrTpanw, 6 Tp6rro<; 6 cro<; Kal ~ mpi
TU rrpaKTEa <JT0\JO~ <JOU. oihw<; yap T~<; LOU oiKlOlJ apxoYLO<; apn~<; 6 urroxri
pto<; flflY'lflEYO<; KUL TOY 80Y 8pUTtJ<Jl Kat TOt<; KAUOflEYOl<; \maKOUO"nut
Kal W<; cmo ewu mum OXOflYO<; TAE<Jl.
30
o'.'DmY TO TA~8o<; TWY <JTpanwTWY rrl ya TOT0Y (JUYax8ft, TOT 01 Of

rrap' ainwY <lflap-raY6flYa flUKpo8uf.!W<; <ppLY Kal fl~ Ta<; rr~EIAum:t<;
Ill
1\ul
KULUKpl<JEl<; cmapatT~TOU<; TOL'icr8m, \'ya fl~ ~ KOLY~ AUT'1 Ei<; <JUYapmv 1\dl
a-ra~[ay (JlJYCt'!'n UUTOU<;, aAA.a KaT' 6A.Iyoy flUAAOY KUTa TWY rrpoKmap~aVTt<l\'
TWY TOLOUTWY CtflUPT'lflCtTWY rrot'io8m T~Y rra[OumY.

35
worpu
oe TAeOY, WO'LE 0' dvm arrAOUY y Tfi Otaywyft Kal KOlYOV v Tfi owi ill
E'. N~<pLY Kal yp'lyoplv Kal rrpo<; Ta aA.A.a TUYLU KAUOflEY <JOL,
nw, TO
flLa TWY urr6 a mpanwTwY. Kal rraTptK~Y <J EXLY crLOpy~y rrpo<; auTou<; pr ~~~
rrpa6Tf]TO<; Kal Ta rrpayflma Kal TOU<; A.6you<; rrotOUflYOY, Ei fl~ n<; ayayl\nl<~
xpda Kal O'Ufl<pEpoucra rrpo<; TpaxuT'lTCt (J KUAeO''l XP~ 0 Kal (JlJYXW<;
t'li,'t
40 O'alJTOU Ta Tpl TWY UYUYKULWY UUTOL<; rrapatYlY Kal otaAtywem. <ppOYTl<H !<,
oe Kal T~<; arra8la<; UUTWY Kal T~<; UAA'l<; OLOLK~<JW<; Kal arroTpo<p~<;. EKTb..;
LOUTWY ou OUYUTOY EO'Ll KpaT~<JUl mpaTOU KULa O'LU<JW<;. v o Tal<; 0LK<1tl\ll,
ET~AU<J0'l Kan1 TWY Ctf.!UpLUYOYTWY Ooy 0' <pO~poY dvat Kal Ta<;
llflX<1<,
flUAL<JTa TWY a-ra~tWY, KKOTTLY Kal fl~ UYUflEYLY, wm rrl fld(oYa Tltlll<h,
45 rrpoK6mLY. Kal yap mpaT'lyou rrpoTEPTJflCt on To aKaTarrA'lKTOY aun)v tuh,
<JTpanWTUL<; <patY0'8at Kal OlKULOY, Kal T~Y UOLKlUY arracraY arro T~<; nlllnll
yop(a<; EKKOTTLY, Kal LOU<; aotKOUYLU<; UflDYaaem Kal aYT'lPCt<JTOU<; TOll<,
crTpanwm<; Kal Tou<; cruVTA<JTa<; y rram otaT'lPE'iY.
c,'. OuT TO <ptAavepwrrov UKa(pw<; OUT TO UT'lYE<;
a~LOY an <JTpmqynu,
so aA.A.a TO <JLU8f.!t(LY y Katp4J Ta TQYLU, Kal oihw<; rrl TOt<; Ctflap-ravo~n Vnh,
rrayLY Ta<; TLflwpla<;, m~Atrroy-ra Kal T~Y Tou rrpa~aYTO<; otaYotaY Knl
KmpoY Kal ToY T6rroY Kal ota rro(ou Tp6rrou rrpaxe'l Kal 8ta rro(ay alTinv ~n!
25 !soc. Ad Demonicum, 29.3.
30-34 Strat., 8.1.2.
35-48 Strat., 8.1.3;
35 mivm A om. MW
37 ae2 MW om. A
Onu~.
more readily and easily with the crisis. But in the hazardous hand-to-hand
engagements of battle, protect yourself so that, while you, at the height of the
crisis, are standing by with your mind intent on managing and setting the other
things in order, and you are focused on such struggles, you do not leave yourself
unprotected and subject to danger by engaging the enemy in close combat (as
long as there is no compelling need). For, as I remarked earlier, you will not so
much help matters by engaging in close fighting, as one of the soldiers, as you
will cause harm, if something such as your falling should happen. For what is to
come is unseen. 3
3 Let your manner, 0 general, as well as your zeal for the task at hand, be as
a law to the soldiers. The subordinate is thus mindful of the good qualities of his
officer and he will reverence God and obey orders and he will carry them out as
though he had received them from God. 4
4. When the multitude of soldiers has been assembled in one place, then you
must be magnanimous in dealing with their offenses. Do not be unmerciful in
your judgments and punishments. Widespread resentment might draw them all
together and discipline would suffer. Be more lenient, rather, and punish <only>
the men who have initiated such crimes.
s. In addition to everything else, we order you to be sober and alert, 0
general. Even more, let your way of life be simple; share the life of the soldiers
under you. Show a fatherly affection toward them. Be mild in manner when you
speak and when you take action, unless expediency and compelling need
require you to act more harshly. You must always make sure to give advice and
to discuss essential matters with your men in person. You must be concerned
about keeping them from harm, about other administrative matters, and about
their food. Without these it is impossible to maintain discipline in an army. In
justly punishing offenders you must inspire fear. At the first sign of a disciplinary problem, put an end to it without delay before it becomes more serious.
The superiority of a general is shown by his appearing to his soldiers unshakeable and just, by eliminating injustice from his territory, turning away persons
who act unjustly, and keeping the soldiers and the taxpayers free from all harm. 5
6. It does not become the general to be tenderhearted in dealing with the
men when it is not appropriate; neither should he be harsh with them. But he
49-54 Onas. 1.4.

34 rra[<'lfuow MW tm#A.eumv A
tanv WA 43
MW
EJte~eAeUGeat
MA erre~eAeUGeatV
45 tan M EG't'LV
wA
42
50 TU
539
3 Strat. 8.1.1; cf. Polyaenus 4.3.3; !socrates, Ad Demonicum, 29.3.

4 For 3-4 see Strat. 8.1.1-2.
5 Strat. 8.1.3; Onasander 1.4.
540
Concise Sayings
Constitution 20
mhou TOU npayj.laTO<; T~V 7t0LOTT]Ta, Kat oihw<; ent Ta<; owuaa<; Tlj.lWpll1<,
55
epxwem.
('. Mya npoTEPTJila aTpaTT]you TO OUj.lj.lETpw<; Otamicr8m Kat aypuTtVlV
K(lt
ev Tat<; VV~t j.lUAAOV pouA.euwem Ta Ttpt TWV avayKa[wv. Kat yap euxepwc; i:v
VVKTt TAlOUTal pouA~, OLaV~ \j!VX~ EK TWV e~weev eopupwv ~pq.tft.
11' AA.Aa
q>~j.ll( TOt<; exepot<; Kat Tepa npaH, Kat TU Ttpt TWV avayKaiwv
Kpumwem oovm ll~ TtOAAOL<; avaT[8ou, aU' 6A.[yot<; Kat TOt<; YVTJaLWTEpotc,
6o
aov j.lUAAOV. TO yap oihw<; e~aTtaTiiV TOU<; exepou<; avayKatov CtTt0cLX8TJ TtOAA(l
Kl<;.
8'. To pouA.euwem ppaoew<; Kat aacpaAw<; Kat oaa 06~1 Tft pouA.ft ll~ CtVll
paA.A.wem TOU<; Katpou<; Ota nva OKVOV ~ OLA[av avayKatOTaTOV eanv. ~ yctp
0LA[a ou j.lOVOV OUK aacpaA.e<; npiiyj.lCt eanv, aUa Kat T~<; TOU KaAOU evavwi
65 aew<; E7tlVOLU.I
t'. wlcr8t OTt TO !l~T' ena[pwem ev Tal<; UTUXLaL<; ll~T TtCtALV KaTaTtLTtTlV { v
Tal<; OU<1TUXLat<; eppWj.lEVOU E<1Tt A.oyLOj.lOU Kat \j!UX~<; avope[a<;, Kat OUVafltVljc,
aacpaAW<; EV TOt<; avayKaLOL<; TtCtVTOT 7tpCtyj.la<1LV mpaAAlV.

ta'. To Ota pouA~<; j.liiAAov Kat atpaTT]yta<; KpaTLV TWV exepwv aacpaA.c; tpul
70 OOKl Kat W<J>EAlj.lOV ~ TO xetpt PtO.(wem Kat OUVCtj.ll Kat npo<; TU<; KaLa npbnt(l
nov !laxa<; U7tOKLV0UVUlV. TO j.lEV yap j.l8' EKOU<1LOU YVWj.lT]<; y[vfTat, Kal
w<; i\ v
6 npocrpaA.wv TO OUj.lq>Epov ytvwaKn, TO oi:: j.lETCt TlVO<; (T]j.lta<; TtCtVTW<; EXlV
EKPamv.
tW. OuK avayKai6v ecrnv, W<; ~ Tttpa 0LKVU<1l, TO Tal<; aumt<; EYXLPT1otnl
75 KaTa TWV exepwv avvexw<; KXP~crem, KUV 7tOAACtKl<; oo~n<; ev aum'l<; UTUXIIV
Ota yap T~<; cruvexe[a<; npoa7tlVOOUVT<; oi exepot Ta evavT[a Kal Kavov[(ov 1II,
OUj.lq>Opa<; 7tOAACtKl<; npocrayouat Tat<; TO taUTat<; KaT' aUTWV empoA.at<;.
ty'. 'YnepTtewem ~ avapo.uwem npo<; Ta <j>T]j.ll(Oj.lVa KaKa ~ ooA.qx\ !<Ill
en[pouA.a ou O[Katov ouoi:: npnov ouoi:: Katacppove'lv aUTWV KUV T Ttpl
So
exepwv A.ywvmt KUV T Ttptlo[wv. aUa j.liiAAOV anouoa(etv (J XP~>
Hil\1
wOTf)l' i lj
69 paragr. ta' et tW trsp. M

55-57 Strat.,
8.1.4.
69-73 Strat., 8.1.7.
58-61 Strat.,
8.1.9.
62-65 Strat.,
8.1.5.
66-68 Strat.,
78-82 Strat., 8.1.10.
53 ainou ... rrot6-rT)Ta MW mho To rrpity[La orroi6v tan A
56 Tat~ vu~l MW vul\ ll
ought to take into account the proper time for everything. Thus, he should
inflict punishment upon malefactors after considering the attitude of the offender, as well as the occasion, the place, and the manner in which he did the deed.
What caused him to do it? How serious was the offense? Then, he may proceed
to a fitting punishment. 6
7 That general is truly outstanding who is temperate in his way of life and
vigilant. He prefers to deliberate about critical problems at night, for it is more
productive to finalize plans during the night when one's soul is free of external
disturbances/
8. Spread rumors among the enemy <about one thing>, then do something
else. When it comes to essential matters, share what ought to be kept secret not
with many but rather with your more intimate circle. It has often proved necessary to deceive the enemy in this way.s
9. It is essential to be cautious and to take your time in making plans and,
once you have come to a decision, it is even more essential not to put it off to
another time because of hesitation or timidity. Timidity, after all, not only is not
a safe way of acting but also brings about the opposite of the good.9
10. Be aware that a healthy mind is not unduly elated by good fortune or
overly depressed by ill fortune, and that a valiant spirit is always able to engage
safely in critical activities.
11. I believe that it is safer and more advantageous to overcome the enemy
by planning and generalship than by physical force and power and the hazards
of a face-to-face battle. One engages in the first of his own volition and, on
taking the initiative, knows what is to his advantage, whereas the other always
results in something harmful.
12. It is not necessary, as experience shows, always to employ the same
modes of operation against the enemy, even though they frequently appear to be
successful. Because they are used constantly, the enemy will adapt to them and
devise contrary measures and, in return for such attacks against them, they will
often bring misfortune upon us.
13. When it comes to rumors of impending evil or traps or treachery, it is
not right to postpone or defer action-but it is wrong to pay no heed to such
rumors, whether they relate to the enemy or to our own forces. Instead, you
6. Onasander 1.4.
62-63 oaa ... Katpou~ MW 0.06~aVTa dvat atl[L<pEpovm ll~ imepTi6w6at Kal rrapaK~l<l~*IV
7. Strat. 8.1.4.
66 [L~Te A [LT)OE MW
8. Strat. 8.1.9.
oeiKvuatv W
69 paragr. ta' et tW trsp. M
79 TWV A om. MW
71 [L6' A [LeT' MW
74 oe!KvtHl!
541
9 For 10-12 see Strat. 8.1.5-7.
Constitution 20
542
Concise Sayings
y, f.U::8oOULV Kal KUTa11UULV atrra rrplv de; pyov A.Elwow, i:JT Taxa ouoi
UVa<JTfAAELV Tai)Ta ouvacrat.
to'. ITot~(Jl Elapaoc; Tole; OTpaTtWTatc;
on
tv
tv
Katp{il rroAtf.LOU ayyeA.ia tpxof1EVIJ
aA.A.mc; T6rrotc; Touc; rroAef.Liouc; vevtK~Kaf.LEV. oihwc; yap Kal Ta oetAl't
85 <ppoV~f.lUTa OtavaaT~<JOVTat,
Kal TQ avopeia f.LCtAAOV Elapa~croumv, ayath\v
OUf.lPOAOV TO T~c; VlKfJ<; OVOf.La Kal T~V rrpd~tv
we; tK E>eou O~Ctf.lVOL.
te'. A11aT~<JLc; f.LCtAAOV TOuc; 110Af1LOU<;, tav ota rrpoa<puywv arr6 aou npiH,
110t~Oat KQTQ T<OV txElpwv Tl
WV <JU pouAeun
alJTOU<; tvaVTta <pTlf.ll<rnc;
ycq
amaT~aavT<; Uf1A~croumv ~ 11laTUOUVTc; aaTOx~aovmv. Kal TQ f.LEV cra ~()\l

90
AUf.laTa TAWEl~aovTat, Ta of: tKeivwv arrpaKTa arrop~crOVTat.

u;'. To KpumetV TQ arrayyeAAOf.LVa UTUX~f.laTa oaa <YUf.LPaivetV e'iwElev,
eiK6c;,
tv
ltl(,
11A~Elt aTpaTOU Kal TQ tvaVT[a TWV UAfJElwv 110tiv arrayyA.Aw0w,
aTpaT~YfJf.LCt
<ppoV~f.LaTa crTpaTt(() [l(l\'
tanv avopoc; Ef.l<ppovoc; Kal UVt<JTCtV
KaTarrirrTovTa ouvaf.Lvou.
95
t~'. 'PWf.LfJV tvTLElfJat aTpUTfJYO<; ~TTfJElvn aTpaT(il, tav 110tKLAOL<; Tp6rrotc;
1\lll
eA.rrimv ayaElaic; ota T A.6ywv Kal 8t' pywv f.LEElooeucrn mhouc; TO yap KUTOVI
oi~av Kal tmKeicrElat Twv ~TTWf1vwv T{il rrA.~Ela Kal ota TOUTWV elc; arr6v01m
15. You will successfully deceive the enemy if you make use of defectors
from you to them, for they can report just the opposite of what you are planning
to do against the enemy. Either they will not believe it and become careless or
they will believe it and take the wrong action. Your intentions, therefore, will be
accomplished, whereas theirs will end up achieving nothing. 12
16. While reverses are quite likely to occur, an intelligent man employs the
stratagem of keeping reports of them secret from the multitude of the army and
causes reports stating the opposite of the truth to be circulated. Thus, he is able
to raise the low morale of the soldiers. 13
17 The general instills strength in a defeated army by handling them in
tEl'. 2:uyKaAU11TlV crotrrpoa~KEL Tac; OetAtac; TWV aTpaTtWTWV Kal f.l~ npo,\fl
pwc; tA.tyxetv, Yva f.l~ Ka-rarrimn -ra <ppov~flaTa ainwv rrav-reA.wc; Kal mm:tv1'JU
19. It behooves you to keep quiet about the cowardice of our soldiers and
n( '0-rav tv Katp(p rroA.f.LOU rrapa Twv mpanwTwv
Uf.LapT~flaTa yivwv ll!L
Otov rrpoarrOLeiaElai (J ayvotav mhwv Kal Ttwc; atna rrapopav.
I flTU oi.
l!'lv
Katpov T~c; TOU 110Aff.LOU A.Uaewc; TOU<; aiT[ouc; TWV aTUOWV oaov auyytv(tHH'il'
To oiKmov ime~pxou.
105
must take steps to deal with them, 0 general, and put a stop to them before they
become realities, when you may not be able to hold them in check. 10
14. During combat, spreading the report that we have defeated the enemy in
some other place will arouse courage in the soldiers. They will dispel cowardly
thoughts and will stir up manly ones, taking the very word, victory, as a good
omen, and expecting to receive the reality from God. 11
various ways and with good hopes both in words and in deeds. To reproach and
threaten the multitude of the defeated will cause them to fall further into
despair, and strikes me as dangerous and extremely harmful.
18. When offenses are committed by the soldiers in time of combat, you
must pretend ignorance of them and overlook them for the time being. But after
the conclusion of the battle, subject to justice those whom you know to be guilty
of sedition.
ainouc; ayetV a<paAep6v f.LOt OOKi Kal A.iav tmp.>..aptc;.

100
543
pot eaUTWV U1100etxElwmv.

K'. KaTa<JKUaaac; aEluf.Liav TOte; 110Af.LlOtc; o-rav tv Katptp f.LETU TOY rr6A! fl\1\1
110t~crat OUVfJElftc; T~V Ta<p~V a<pavwc; TWV arro TOU (J01) crTpa-rou 11WOVTWV,
n1
OWf.LaTU TWV 11WOVTWV 110Af.LLWV tacrnc;.

83-86 Strat., 8.1.12; Onas. 23.1.
8.1.13.
95-98 Strat.,
8.1.14.
87-90 Strat., 8.Lll; cf. Polyaen. 2.1.3.

99-102 Strat.,
8.1.15.
91-94
not condemn them publicly so they may not become utterly dejected and their
morale sink even lower. 14
20. You will contribute to poor morale among the enemy if, in the period
after battle, you are able to provide burial secretly for the fallen in your own
army, but leave the bodies of the fallen enemy <without burial> . 15
103-105 Strat.,
106-108 Strat., 8.1.16.

86 <YUf!~OAOV MW ipyov A
rouTwv MW
TOiiTo
cruf!TIA!]p<bcrew~
A
1
93 Ef!cppovo~ MW <YUVETOU A
100 napopciv
A.ucrew~
101-102 i'tv ... OiKatov MW trsp. A
MW
ene~tpxou
Kamnimwm A
MW
om.
97 nov ... TIA~8et MW
napa~A.inetv
MW
A
macrewv
101 T~~
MW
101 ocrov Du w~ i'tv MW Ka8w~ i'tv A
103-104 npoxeipw~
MW
npocpavw~
(!\I'
MW
mmcrJl''rn,,v
102 '""'-'"'""'
104 KaTani-rnq
10.
Strat. 8.1.10.
u. Strat. 8.1.12; Onasander 23.1.

12. Strat. 8.1.u; cf. Polyaenus 2.1.3.
13. For 16-18 see Strat. 8.1.13-15.
14. Strat. 8.1.18.
15. Strat. 8.1.16.
544
Constitution
Concise Sayings
20
Ka'. AKtvouvw~ cpeu~n,
e'(
1roTe Katp6~ aot TotouTo~ yvfJTat Tou~ rroAE!JtOll<,
110 A.aOEiv, av rrupa rroAA.a aAA.axou avaKauan~ Kal v aAAq> T01tq> ~auxaan.:;. ui
yap ITOAEIJlOl rrl Ta rrupa xwp~aavT~ Ct1taTTJO~aovTat, Kal au TO rrpaKTfll\'

OtaVUCJ'El~, KaOw~
aot Kal EV aAAot~ imee1leea.
Kw. "Iva OE OlXOVOtav Kat lJITOVOtaV KaTaaKEUaan~ KaTa TV ma~pttll'

av8pwv v TOL~ ITOAEiJtOl~, OTav KUTUTpxn~ T~V ITOAEiJtav aou xwpav, ta ni
115
vwv xwpta
ll~ EiJ1tDpt~, ana Kat TtVa afjiJEla <plAta~ T~~ rrpo~ mhou~ ~ htn
ypaiJIJUTwv ~ 8t' Tpou Tp6rrou KaTaAtiJrrave. To mho 8 rrot~aet~ Kal av <'it,\

TWV KpaTOUIJEVWV rrapa aou aixiJaAWTWV Kpucpatw~ UlJTOl~ E1tlTTj8uan.:; 8q\o
ITOlElV 1tpt TlVWV arropp~TWV. El yap KULITOAAUKl~ Ta TOtaum yeyov6Ta q:>CtVt
pav CtiTUTI]V 8oKi TOL~ ITOAEiJtOl~ Kal 86:\ov ytvwem, aAA.' ouv ei~ imo\jfiav 1\(ll
120 otx6votav T~V rrepl TWV av8pwv EKelVWV ITUVTW~ EiJITEawatv.
Ky'. Tp6rrov eimL0Eia~ imo8ei~w aot wme Tot~ rroA.topKOUIJEVOt~ 8ta ~t:AI'I'
TWV arro TO~OU 1tEIJ1tOIJEVWV maTOAa~ EKITEIJTIElV, Kal 8t' aimilv A.w0ep(av
1\Ui
arra0tav mho[~ rrayyAA.w0at. TO mho 8 1t0t~at~ 8f]A01tOlWV mho[~ Kai
! \i'
aixiJaAWTWV acpaew~.
K8'. Oihe
125
Tal~ <ptAavepwrr(at~ TWV ITOAEiJtWV ~arrmfw0a(
ae 8ov oun:
!.'tv
ITOT rrpoaiTOlOUVTat avaxwpfjatV 8o:\epa yap CtL TWV exOpwv Ta ~OUAEUpo lll,
Kalrrpo~ TO OlKElOV O'UiJq:>Epov
vaVT(o~ Ta rravTa mvoe1, WOT TO EKElVUil
aUIJq:>Epov aaUIJq:>Op6v aot arro8etxO~vat, Kal 8ta T~~ vavT(a~ CtiTUTTJ~ Ef11t0llj<lll
aot ~.Aa~T)V.
K 'YcpopiiaOa( ae rrpoa~KEl Ta~ 8tw~l~ Ta~ ayovaa~ ei~ xwpta mn]l'i! i!l
1
130
rrpo~ yKpDIJflaTU. 8to Kal TO avaxwpeiv EUKa(pw~ TOY aTpUTfJYOV Kal J((\i\i\'
acpo8poTpav rrote1a0m T~v rrA.wmv KaTa TWV rroAEfllwv flUAtma an cnpt~
Whenever the time is right for you to elude the enemy, you may escape
without danger by setting many fires in one place and by lying low in another
place. The enemy will be deceived and head toward the fires and so, as we
explained to you elsewhere, you will attain your objective. 16
22. You may sow dissension and suspicion against the distinguished men
among the enemy. When you conduct raids in enemy territory, do not burn the
estates of those men; instead, leave behind some sign of friendship with them,
either in writing or in some other way. You will obtain the same results if you
secretly make use of captives held by you to make known certain secret matters
to those men. For if this sort of thing happens frequently, the enemy will look
upon it as obvious deception and trickery, with the result that they will certainly
fall into dissension and become suspicious of those menY
23. I will show you a way of convincing <them>. Send letters to the people
under siege, by arrows shot from bows, promising them freedom and immunity.
You can also convey the same messages to them by releasing captives. 18
24. You ought not to be deceived by humane acts of the enemy, not even
when they pretend to retreat. The intentions of the enemy are always treacherous. Your adversary devises everything for his own benefit. What benefits him
does not benefit you, and by contrary deceit he will cause you harm. 19
25. You ought to be cautious about pursuits leading to locations suitable for
ambushes. It is a particular characteristic of a good general to turn back at the
right moment so he can come back and attack the enemy more effectively. 20
26. Hesitation and a pale countenance are indications of cowardice. Whenever you see soldiers like this, even before interrogation, remove them from the
21.
TTJYLKOV.
K<;'. 'Yrr6vota OetA(a~ aTlv OKVO~ Kal wxplaat~. OTUV ouv TOlOUTOU~
135 Ttva~ TWV aTpanWTWV, Kat rrpo T~~ pwT~aW~, xwpt~ aUTOU~ T~~ avayK!tl<l,
122 ad TleflT!OflEVWV des. W

109-112 Strat., 8.1.27; Onas. 10.12; cf. ta'.ll8.
8.1.21.
125-129 Strat., 8.1.23.
109 q>eU~T) MW cpuyf)<; A

ta<; nupKaia<; A
npat<Seuet<; A
113-120 Strat., 8.1.20.
130-133 Strat., 8.1.22.
114-115 EKeivwv MW tKeivwv Kal f!eyaA.wv A

134 otiv M otiv nva<; A
111 ta ltUfn\
114 KatatpeXfJ<; MW Katatpexq,,

115 Ef!7tUpt(e MW Kt\111~<~1~
119 ooKeL .. yivea6m MW Kal MA.ov yivea6m toi<; noA.ef!tOt<; A
Efi7tcrwm MW
121-124 Stnil
134-137 Strat., 8.1.24.
110 nupa noUa MW nupKaia<; noUa<; A
112 &tavucret<; MW teA.w!Jcrn<; A
120 Efilteowmv
135 nva<; Mom. A I -rfj<; 1 A om. M
545
16. Strat. 8.1.27; Onasander 10.12; cf. Const. 11 21.
17. Strat. 8.1.20.

18. Strat. 8.1.21.
19. Strat. 8.1.23.
20. Strat. 8.1.22.
546 Constitution 20
Concise Sayings
tyxetp~<JEW<; TOU noAe!lOU, Kal 00VTW<; au-rot<; tn(-rperte Tel apll6~ov-ra
I npcn
TeLV T<j'J TOlOlJnp Katp<j'J.
140
K~'."Icr9t A(av am:paAe<; Kat tv Katp<j'J Taxa <pLAta<; v9a liv imapxnc; nAT]Gtov
27. Be aware that, even during a period of friendship, security is paramount.
Kf]'. '0-rav, E>eou OLOOVTO<;, n6At<; napa <JOU TWV noA11lWV aA[GKETUl, avoiyr
If you happen to be encamping in the vicinity of the enemy, construct a fortification of earth or one built with stones or brick or a wooden palisade. In this
way, make the army secure all around. For, if the enemy attempts something,
you may <find yourself> saying: "I did not expect that:' But that is not the mark
of a general. 22
11~ xwpeiv el<; am'l
28. When, with God's favor, an enemy city is taken by you, allow the gates to
Ai9ou ~ nA[v9ou ~ xapaKa Ota ~uAwv KQL OUTW<; nept~ oxuponot~<Jat TOV mpo
tan GTpaTT]YlKOV.
aem cruyxwpn Ta<; m'JA.a<; wme cpeuyetv TOU<; noAA.ou<; Kal
yvwmv. TO mho ot Kal <j>O<J<JaTOU CtAl<JKO!levou TWV txepwv napa <JOU not~(J1<,'
avayKata yap LVaL Tau-ra Kat UKLV0UVOTpa npo<; T~V TWV CtAL<JKO!leVWV KUTO
KpCtTf]<JlV.
150
be left open so that most of the people can escape and not be driven to desperation. Be sure to do the same when you take a fortified camp of the enemy. In
occupying captured places this is essential and less dangerous.23
K9'. 'Ycp6pamv npooocria<; Kal im6votav owcret<; Tot<; noAe11iot<; Ka-ra T<1lv
29. You will furnish the enemy with cause to suspect betrayal and to distrust
npocrcpeuy6v-rwv an6 aou npo<; auTOU<;, W<JT au-rot<; ~ ama-re'lv ~ anOKTElVll\\
deserters from you to them so they will either not believe them or will kill them,
if you send letters by such conveyance that they will fall into the enemy's hands.
In those letters you will, as though it is all set, remind the defectors of the
prearranged time for the betrayal and of some other plausible matters. As a
result, either the defectors will be caught or they will not be believed. They will
be frightened and return to their own people.z4
tav YPCt111laTa nellnn<; Kai W<; o~eev tKnecr6v-ra uno TWV OtaKOI1l~OVTWV TOI<,
noAelliot<; t)'Xetptcr9wmv tv oi<; w<; tv -ra~et unollL11V~<JKL<; -rot<; npompuyut.,
Katpou npoOO<Jla<; GUVT8l11eVOU Kainpayi1CtTWV TLVWV m9aVWV. EVTU9EV )'t'tp
~ Ka-racrxee~crov-rm oi npoacpuy6v-re<; ~ ama-rf]e~crov-rat, Kal cpo~T]eev-re<; n6..\tv
unocr-rp\jfoucrt npo<; -ra rota.

A'. Kal -repw<; 8e T~V TWV OeLAWV Ot6.Kpl<JLV tv TOt<; avayKaLOL<; Kal aicpvL<Siot~
155
tyxetp~l1a<Jt nOL~01<;, tav TOU<; appwcrmu<; ~ TOU<; KKTTJ!1EVOU<; \'nnou<; Muvt\
TOU<; npoma~1<; xwpi(ecr8at iOtW<;. o[ yap OetAol ~ appwcr-r[av npocrnOLOU11EVOI ~

TWV tnnwv acreevetav, eueew<; xwptcr8~<JOVTat TWV avayKaiwv TOU 1t0Arf10\!
tyxetp~crewv. TOU<; ot TOLOUTOU<; ~ ei<; napacpuAaK~V Kampou, w<; Civw 11\lll
160
essential tasks of combat and assign them to engage in more suitable chores at
that time.z 1
noAell(wv mpa-roneoeuwv nept~aAA.nv cpocrcra-rov eSt' 6puwa-ro<; ~ KTicr11aTo~

TOV. tav yap n <JU!l~fl TWV vav-r[wv Kal A.eyn<; em "-rou-ro oux imev6ouv," OUll
145
547
e'lpf]Tal ~IllY, ~ ei<; CiAA.wv 0XUPWI1CtTWV ~ el<; -repa<; UKLVOUVOU<; xpda<; OLC(T(l~ll;
EKnE!l\j!EL<;, tva 11~ Tfl OeLA[<;t Kal TOU<; avopdou<; 110AUVW<JlV. ei
oe, T~<; napat<'ll,t
w<; imalliVf]<; np6<; llaXTJV napau-ra, KTJpU~et<; "6 ~ouA611evo<; npw-roan1 tl],,
unoxwpe[Tw Kalo ~OUA011VO<; av-r' EKELVOU eicri-rw," ou 110VOV TOU<; 0LAOU<; tl!it
138-142 Strat., 8.1.26;
8.1.25.
cf.
Polyaen. 3.9.17; Polyb. Hist., 10.32.11-12; eta!.
148-154 Strat., 8.1.28.
140 m'pL~
KUKAW
144-145 cmoyvwcrtv
155-166 Strat., 8.1.29.
143 CtAlOKETaL
M cmoyvwmv 6pf1iiV A
TWV txepwv KpUT01Jf1EVOU
imo'Viac; A
149 CtJtoKtelVELV
Kpa-rlle~
(jlOVEUELV
150 uno
M de; Ta<; xeipac; EK1!EOW<1LV TWV 7!0AEfllWV A

U1l0f!V~OKEL<; TOU<; np6acpuyac;
145 Kal. .. 1!0L~aeu:;
146-147 TWV ... KUTaKpUTT\aLV
143-147 SinH
30. When it comes to critical and surprise operations, you will, in another
way, form a judgment about cowards. Give an order that the sick or those whose
horses are too weak are to go off separately. The cowards will then pretend to be
sick or claim that their horses are weak. You can then easily keep them away
from the essential operations of combat. Send such men off to garrison a
fortified town, as we have suggested some time earlier, or some other fortification or you can assign them to other less hazardous duties. In this way, the brave
soldiers will not be contaminated by their cowardice. Just before combat, as the
battle line is forming, if you proclaim: "Any man who wishes may withdraw
from the front ranks;' and, "Anyone who wishes may move up in his place;' not
156 KEKTT\f!EVOU<;
144 xwpeiv
0111
M 1lOL~OEL<; Kal <pmmt'\ W\i
M trsp. A 148 u<p6pmnv

M 150-151 TOt<;
om.
151 lJTIOfllf!V~OKEL<; ... npoa<puyiH<,
M exov-rac; A
160 ElPT\TaL
rlf.Llv M
21.
Strat. 8.1.24.
22.
Strat. 8.1.26; cf. Polyaenus 3.9.17; Polybius, Histories 10.32.11-12; eta!.
23. Strat. 8.1.25.

24. For 29-31 see Strat. 8.1.28-30.
548
165
170
175
180
185
Constitution
20
Concise Sayings
vo~oetc;, ana Kai -roue; avopdouc; aVaflaOnc;. oi flEV yap OElAOL Kai TO apxm
rrpoOWOOU<JlV tmp TOU fl~ KtVOUVEULV, oi 0 avOpdot flETa TOU apxetv Knt !< 1
ouyKtVOUVULV aip~OOVTat.
\a'. AK!l~V Kntpou ETrlTllPELV 0 Oov fl~ rrapOUOTJ<; avayKTjc;, Kat OUTll\c,
Ko-rpa-reuetv Ka-ra n:Vv rroAE!liwv, 'tva Kal oil rrepl -r~v oarrav11v fl~ o-revouom.
Kal oi TrOAE!llOl TIAEOV AUTIOUVTat n:Vv KaflUTWV au-rwv AT]'t(OflEVWV.
A.W. 'IKav~v o XP~ <pUAaK~v rrepmoteioOm Kal flETa T~v -rwv TrOAEfllWV not
VLKTJV Kal fl~ aflEAWc; exetv, a\Aa <pUAQTTEOOat -rae; ai<pvtO(ouc; E11AUOl<; nuv
~TTT]ElEVTWV. ou yap ~PEflEL TO I av-r(rra\ov ad, aAA.a T~V oiKEiav ~nav TrOAAu
Kt<; avaflax~oaoOm rrpo0uf16Tepov yive-rm.
A.y'. Twv evav-r(wv -roue; rrpwpeu-rac; uppi(ElV ou OtKatOV, oM' iiv TIOAU npo
EXWflEV Tft OUVCt!lEl. <plAtac; yap -rp6mp rrapayivov-rm, Kal \6yq> a-rpemq> urr(J I<H,
XE'ipac; au-roue; -rae; oac; Ka-ramOTEUOU<JlV, El Kairrapa TrOAEfllWV Cl.TrOOTEAAOV lUI
-ra oiJv oma trrl Kamq> Kairrperrovm rrapa<puA.aK-reov. d fl~ yap -rou-ro <pu)H'tl
TT]Tat, am<JTOUVT<; oi rrpeopetc; fKUOTOU Wvouc; T~V tau-rwv OWTT]pinv ouotrw li
rrpwpeuooumv Kai rro\Awv -rwv eK -r~c; rrpwpEiac; O.yaOwv -roic; 0vem ytvofP
VWV fKCtOTOl<; aTIOOTEpTj<Jl<; fOETal.
\0'. '0-rav rroAA.fi ouvaflet rr6A.tv ~ <ppouptov rroA.topKftc;, ou 01 ae JTouw
a<puAaKTOV T~V o-rpa-rorreOetav, oM !lOVq> TtP xapaKt ~ Tal<; <p6ooat<; apKfin(hH
de; ao<paA.etav, o.na Kal piy\ac; xetv ao<pa\dc;, Kai rrapa -rae; rr6p-ra~ 1
TIOAEW<:; mpa-rov yKa0i(etv Ola -rae; arr' au-r~c; EK TWV rrop-rwv KaTaOpopi'n;,
flCtAlOTa 0 Kai -rae; arro TWV ~w8v rroOev U<pOpWflEVa<; rrpoopoA.ac;.
\e'. 'Yrromeuov-ra( nvec; rrpo06mt Kairrapa om rro\A.aKt<; ov-rec;. '(vn 0 Ktil 11
-rwv -rowu-rwv <p\etav oeau-r4J rrepmot~on, -ra vav-ria wv pou\eun A.eyt:
au-roue;, WOT Ot' aMwv t~aTraTWflEVWV TWV TrOAEfllWV EDXEPEOTEpov KnTOpOol\v
Tat Ta oa pouAEUflaTa.
172 ad ijpEf.!EL de novo inc.

167-169 Strat., 8.1.30.
8.1.34.
only will you then see who are the cowards but you will also find out who are
the brave men. For the cowardly will surrender the first place in order to avoid
danger, whereas the brave will choose to be in the forefront and to face danger.
31. When there is no urgency, you ought to observe the most convenient
time to go on campaign against the enemy to avoid running short of provisions.
And the enemy will suffer more damage as their possessions are plundered.
32. You must take sufficient measures to protect yourself, even after a victory
over the enemy, and do not become careless. Be on your guard against surprise
attacks by the defeated army. Your adversary is not always without resources but
often enough he becomes more eager to make good his own defeat.2 5
33 It is wrong to be disrespectful to envoys from our adversary, even when
our forces are much stronger. They come in the guise of friendship and with
unwavering assurance entrust themselves to your hands, even though they have
been sent by the enemy. What is sacred and proper must be observed in each
case. Unless this is observed, the envoys of each nation will not be assured of
their own safety and will never come as ambassadors, and each nation will be
deprived of the many good results brought about by embassies.
34. Whenever you besiege a city or a fortified place with a strong force, you
must not leave your encampment unguarded. Do not rely on a palisade only or
a ditch to protect it, but also arrange for secure patrols and have some troops
take up positions at the gates of the city to guard against any sallies from within,
especially against any suspected attacks from outside forces.
35 Be suspicious of traitors who may frequently be in your company. In
order to make use of them to acquire some advantage for yourself, tell them the
opposite of what you intend to do so that, by means of them, the enemy will be
more easily deceived and you will have achieved what you intended.
WI fol. 363 et 364 trsp. M

170-173 Strat., 8.1.32.
174-180 Strat., 8.1.33.
186-189 Strat., 8.1.35.
169 AT]t<of.!vwv M a<pavt(of.!vwv A 170 rrepmotrlo!hu

rrotetcr8at A 172 av-rirraA.ov MW TCOAEf.!lOV A 174 u~pi(etv ... OLKatOV MW tr~p
177 ouv ocrta MW trsp. A I f:rrl... rrperrov-ra MW trsp. A 180 ecre-rat MW
182 f.!6vw ... <p6crcrm~ MW f.!6vot~ Tot~ a-ra~apot~ ~Tot~ 6puwacrtv A 185 rro8tv MW
A 186 KUll ... TCOAACtKl~ MW T(OAACtKl~ KUl rrapa OOl A 188 euxepeon:pnv
euKOAOTepov A
549
165 ToiJI Du To codd.
25. For 32-35 see Strat. 8.1.32-35.
Constitution
550
190
Concise Sayings
20
A.c:;'. 'Avw wc:pt:A.dac; ~ avayKT]C: f:Tr[ TlVl rrpawa-rt ou oeov rrapaKLVODVUEI \'.
yap TOlOUTOlc; emxnpouvtc; KlVOUVOlc; OUOEV otac:ppoumv av8pwmvv
{(II\
arratn xpuaou OEAEU(Oj.LEVWV, Kal Ola TO T~V uxpotav j.LOVOV 6pO.v t~V KTI]OII
autou EXLV aywvt(Oj.LEVWV.
A.('. nvou rravtOT v~c:pwv Kal eypT]yopwc; rrpoc; tac; nov nOA1-lLWV avtlKlll<l
195
a-caanc;, WO"T flT]OE TOV ~c; avox~c; TOU noAEj.lOD Katpov rrotla8m aflEAt 1<11
Katp6v, j.LT]OE rrpo Katpou dp~VT]C: Pt:Paiac; YVOflEVT]C: KUTaflEA~anc;, aHa nm
TOt -rae; TWV ex8pwv empou\ac; q:>DAUTTOD, Kat aa<pa\wc; KataV01 tO TOt> I 1> 11
amatov. j.Lta yap to na8lv ~ j.lTaflEAla OUOEflLaV TLKT1 wc:pEAlUV.
A.r]'. 'IKavol j.LEV '(awe; Kal oi rrpoac:pt:uyov-rc; ano tWV 1tOAj.lLWV rrapaaxciv
200
ill
rr[anv 1tpl TWV epWTWj.LEVWV aUto1c;. aAAa j.LQAAOV aac:paA.eatt:pov aVUj.lCtflOll, I

napa tWV e~ emopOj.l~c; a8p6wc; KpatODj.lEVWV AYOj.lVa, Kal yap OTUV a~l<fH>II
pa Tat rrapa -rwv au-ro116A.wv Kal ta napa twv aix11aA.w-cwv A.t:y6flVa aupllq
AWV OlUKplvnc;, tO-r TO aATj8c; j.lCiAAOV yvwan 1tpl wv em(TjT1c;.
\8'. Ou8vl tp6mp ouo OL<;10~1tOT rrpoc:paa1 TOV rrpoc; -roue; 1t0Af[ii""'
2o 5 opKov rrapap~an rro-r.
11eya yap KaKov emopKiac; eyKATJfla. v ole; yap
f1WLTDt, pepma XP~ flEVtv
210
1 ta
H1
auv-rt8j.Lva. aiaxuvTJ yap 'Pwj.latOLc; Kal
a-ca XptanavoTc;, tWV UAAWV e8vwv -rae; oiKdac; 1tLO"Tlc; TTJPODVTWV, tOll
arr(a-rouc; nt:pl -ra O"Dfl<f>WVOUj.lVa imo EkpoupoUj.lVOc;, Ot KaAeO"El
fl~ -cq> TOlOUTqJ flOVOV oxupwj.laTL -rae; e\rr(oac; T~c; O"WTT]p[ac; Kmarr(an:tn,
tTOLj.lqJ OVTL npoc; rrapUATJ'l'lV, aHa j.lETa 80V Kal ev -rotc; onAOLc; EXE tl]V
ttl !!Ill
8T]atV, Kal 11~ -routwv aflEAEt ota t~v O.HT]v c:ppoupav, t:'iy 'Pwj.la1oc;
aA.TJ8~c;. npw-rT] yap awtT]pia Kal -rt:A.wmla -r<P aAT]8tv<P a-rpanw-rn ~ Twv <'liJ,\ul\1
eatlv E1tlj.lEAlU Kal j.lETUXELPlatc;, ta 0
190-193 Strat., 8.1.40.

8.1.37.
194-198 Strat., 8.1.32.
ana
Kal -roTc; xuoa(otc; tWV
199-203 Strat., 8.1.36.
36. Unless there is some advantage or urgency in taking some action, you
must not place yourself at risk. Those who undertake such dangers do not differ
from men who are caught when gold is used as bait; looking only at the beautiful color, they struggle to gain possession of itz6
37. Always be vigilant and alert against confrontations with the enemy. Do
not let a period when hostilities have ceased lull you into a period of carelessness. Do not become negligent before the conclusion of a firm peace. Always be
on guard against the machinations of the enemy. Be careful and watch out for
their unfaithfulness. After you have been injured, regret is not of much helpY
38. Perhaps you are able to place some trust in the answers given to your
questions by defectors from the enemy, but it is much safer to obtain such
information from prisoners taken in raids. Form your judgment after you have
checked both reports, that from the defectors and that from the prisoners. In
this way you will learn the truth of what you are seeking. 2s
39 By no means and on no pretext whatever should you ever break a
sworn agreement with the enemy. The crime of breaking an oath is a great evil.
Inasmuch as God has been invoked, it is essential that what has been agreed on
should remain firm. When other nations keep their own promises, it would be
shameful for the Romans, especially for Christians, to be accused of being
unfaithful to what they have agreed to with God as their witness.
40. When you are protected round about by a palisade or fortification, as the
occasion may require, do not entrust your hopes of safety to such a fortification
alone, for it may readily be taken. But, after God, place your confidence in your
weapons. Just because you have that other protection, do not neglect these, if
indeed you are a true Roman. For the genuine soldier safety is found first and
last in the care and handling of his weapons, even though ordinary people
attribute it to other things. Instead of a wall, the ancient Romans are said to have
204-20!1
209-216 Strat., 8.1.38.
otov MW XP~ A 192 O.m.'t-rl] MW 6'!'L A 194 typ!]yopw~ MW yp1JY"I'u>l'

198 ~ ... w<pe.\tav MW
-r[K-rL w<pe.\tav it flELUflEALa A 199 noAflLWV MW noAflLWV n[cr-rtv A 200 rdon v
om. A 1 O.vaf1<i9ot~ -ra MW f1Ct9!] t~na(wv -ra Ay6f1Va A 201 0.9p6w~ MW Kt\\ 1ilqv1
A I AYOflVa ... ihav MW o-rav 01; A 202 UUTOflOAWV MW npo<puywv A 203 6iniq 11
MW cruyKpLVT]~ A I flCiA.\ov MW om. A 206 cruvn9EflVU MW GUfl<pwvultp!
206-207 pwflaLOL~ ... flCtAtcr-ra MW om. A 208 flWLLT] MW f16.p-rupt A 209
<pocrcra-rou MW cr-ra~apwv no-r/; ~ crouoa~ A 210-211 w~ ...napUAT]'i'LV MW tiJK6Au"
-rou-ro uno -rwv noAf!LWV XLpou-rm O.namt A
5 51
190
195-196 nottcr9at. .. Katp6v MW tv UflAda &aytv A
26. Strat. 8.1.40.

27. Strat. 8.1.32.
28. For 38-41 see Strat. 8.1.36-39.
552
215
Concise Sayings
Constitution 20
mvoehmnOAACtKl<;. Kal yap Kal TOt<; naA.m 'Pwf!alOL<; KaT' apxac; CtVTLTlXWV l!l
'Pwf!n <p6crcrav Kal Ta onA.a XP11f.laTl<etv A.eynm. Kal AaKOULf!OVL4Jno-ri:: mpn 11
wTn pwTWf.leV<p "nou o[ T~<; y~<; Uf!WV opm;" A.eyeTUl intV "w8e," 8ei~ac; n\ ! \'
220
<fi Xetpl KaTeXOf.leVOV oopu.

f!a'. TiapaKAuou Tolvuv -role; crTpanw-rmc;, oihwc; dvm 1tapecrKvacr!JEV<H".
ael we; Kal EV eopTfi Kal EV Of.l~P4' Kal tv VUKTL Kal tv ~f!Ep<;t Kal OLaV ~ XJltiu
KaAtcrn, f!A.A.nv ai>Louc; ~tvm KaTa Twv noA.ef!iwv. ota TouTo yap bti 1ov
TOLOUTOV Katpov ouo' ~f!Epav ai>Lou<; oe!npoA.eyetV wpt<Jf!EVf]V, Ota TO ETOl~l()liJ,
225
a\nouc; clvm ota JtavT6<;.

f!W NiKT]<; crm napa Ekou v Of]f!Ocriq !J<lXn napexollvf]c;, av crullrrl wt>t,
avnnaA.ouc; ~ v xapaKL ~ v ETEp4JOXUP Tonq.> Kam<puye!v, ~-~~ vowcrnc; m'noit,
Katpov avaew<;, a!..Aa LOU <p6~ou Vea<ono<; a\no!<; E1tepxou Kal E1tlTt8ou, lVll pt'l
Tfi EVOOCTel aa<paAECTTepot yeVOf!eVOl 8app~awm T~V ~nav aunov avapnxl)
230
235
240
aaaem.
f!Y' 'Eav LtV<; LKELUL1tpoa<peuywmv ano TWV noAef!lWV np6<; CT, ~-~~ W<.; i! 1\1,\\
TOUTOU<; 1tpocroexou 1tOAACtKL<; yap U1t0 TWV ex8pwv ne!l1tOVLUl OOA(!l W<; ltd I HI
Kai nvwv oe6!lVOL, Kal oihw<; Tole; 8e~a11vot<; mpouA.euoumv.
f!O'. 'Y1tOVOelV Oel Kal napa<pUACtHLV aa<paAw<; LOU<; npoapUOf!EVOU<.; I
noA.LOpKOUf1EVat<; ~f!WV 1tOA<Jl napa TWV ex8pwv Ota TO fl~ nap' au-rwv 1\Vtl
~Aa~T]V U1tOUL~VUL no!..AaKL<; yap Ellnpf]Uf10U<; 1tOLOU<JlV, Kal-rwv eaw8ev avllpm
nwv nepl -roue; Eflnpf]Uf!OU<; aaxoA.oUf1EVWV, e~w8ev o[ nOAEfllOl QOf(J n pnv
mTi8evmt.
fie'. Max11c; npoKelf1EVT]<; av apa ooKtlla<nc; a~t6f!axoc; dvm-rwv tx8ptiJv,
UTpUTT]y, EV Tfi EKetVWV XWP<;l T~V !lCtXT]V E1tlTT]OeUUf]<;. TOUTO yap
apf!68tov ~nep v Tfi ioiq. Twv yap v Tfi JtOAef!i<;t yfi f1axof1vwv Kal-ra
f.laLU !let<ova yivoVLat, Kal 6 aywv OUK an W<; uni::p LOU ioiou 8vou<.;
1tpOKLTat au-rot<; 6 TOU nOAe!lOU, a!..Aa Kal uni::p T~<; UUTWV <JWTT]pta<;. Knl
216-218 Plut. Mar., 3; Apophthegm. Lac., 210E;

8.1.43.
229-231 Strat., 8.1.41.
219-223 Strat., 8.1.39.
232-236 Strat., 8.1.42.
originally made use of a ditch and their arms to <protect> Rome. When a
Lacedemonian soldier was asked: "Where are the borders of your land?'' he is
said to have replied: "Here:' And he showed the spear he was holding in his
hand. 29
41. Give orders to the soldiers that they should at all times be prepared to
march out against the enemy: on a holiday, in the rain, by day or by night, and
whenever it is necessary. For this reason on such occasions you must not tell
them the scheduled day beforehand, so they may always be prepared.
42. When God has granted you victory in open battle and your adversaries
manage to find refuge within a palisade or some other fortified place, do not
allow them a moment of relaxation, but while their fear is still fresh, move up
and fall upon them. If you allow them <to relax> they might feel more secure
and gain enough confidence to reverse their defeat.3o
43 If some suppliants from the enemy seek refuge with you, do not receive
them casually. Often enough they are sent by the enemy deceptively as suppliants and begging certain favors. In this way, they conspire against their hosts.3t
44 You ought to be suspicious and very much on your guard against deserters approaching one of our cities under enemy siege, so you will sustain no
damage from them. Frequently they set fires and, when the men on the inside
are busy extinguishing them, the enemy more readily attack from the outside.32
45 When battle is imminent, if you believe, 0 general, that you are prepared
to face the enemy in combat, get set to do the fighting in their country. This is
more advantageous than in your own. Men waging war in a foreign land become more aggressive. The struggle of war no longer lies before them as though
it were only on behalf of their nation but also of their own safety. They are aware
224-:u!!
237-247 Strat., 8.1.44.
215 emvodn:u 7lOAACtKl~ MW trsp. A 215-216 Tfj ... AUK0Ulf.IOVLW MW opuyptntl

07!AU ei~ acrcpaAetUV Tfj pWfll] imapxetv A 219 napecrKWUOfUtVOU; MW JlUIJU<J'Ul!lHI"'
Kal ETOlflOU~ A 221 flEAAlV MW om. A I au-roil~ De aUTOV MW om. A 222 ()tt6'
MW 225 avrmaXou~ ... xapaKl MW evavTLOU; ~ f.v cpocrcra-rw crmpapUifi~V\11
226 avecrew; MW fli]OE iivecrtv A I au-roi~ MW Kal eyKelf!EVOU UUTOU Tfj 1Jfuxfi A ::& :i\.1
A e-ruxev MW 232 npocrpUOflEVOU; MW 7!pocrcpeuyona~ A 233 n6Xem A nox~m\1
235 aoeecrn:pov MW Mew~ A 237 U~lOflUXO; ... exepwv MW anav-rav TOU~
553
29. Plutarch, Moralia 3, Sayings of the Spartans, 21oE.

30.
Strat. 8.1.43.
31. Strat. 8.1.41.

32. Strat. 8.1.42.
554
245
250
Constitution
Concise Sayings
20
o'ioacnv w<;, tav fl~ an:ppw<; avnKamlanivn:<; ei<; <puy~v tv -rft noA.q.tiq Y!l
-rpanwmv, aveA.ma-ro<; au-rot<; ~ GWTT]pla ylvnat, onep tv -rft iO[q yft 1IOAfl0UV
TWV au-rwv yeveaElat OUK avayKatov. Kal yap Kal <puyovT<; tf..n[(oumv UKtV<'lt>
VW<; awElfjvat Kai oxupWflC'nwv tmA.a~eaElat tv ol<; awEl~aov-rat Kai Ota -roiho
yevvaiw<; avna-rfjvm -rot<; noA.q.tlot<; ol a-rpanw-rm, fl~ auyxwpouflVot el<; <puyl.JI'
aK[vouvov auvwEloiiVTat tt..ElLv.
fl<;'. Ad n npane-rwaav ol a-rpanw-rat, omv fl~ 6 1IOAfl0<; tvoxA.ft, Kat fll]
apye[-rwaav ~ yap apy[a a-rpanWTat<; GUVTpe<f>OfleVT] mpaxfi<; tmapxel YEVV'l
TIK~.
fl('. To ElepanULv -ro Eletov Ota nav-ro<; xpewv ta-rtv. flUAta-ra oi:: -roi"n"
Elepaneuaet<;,
a-rpUTT]ye, TWV 1IOAfllKWV KlVOUVWV anapxwElat fleAAWV. !\'1 \'
yap yvT]alw<; -rO-re -rov E>eov Elepaneuan<;, -raxa Elapp~aet<; tv -rot<; 8etvoi<;
npo<; <f>LAOV GOL TOUTOV -ra<; LKO[a<; 1tOltaElat, Kat T~V GWTT]p[av flETa nappfjOtth,
tm(T]TtV.
flTJ' '0 auvaypunvwv -r(il mpa-rUflan a-rpa-rT]yo<; Kal nA.eov novwv tv tq'
yuflv6.(wElat -rou<; a-rpanwm<;, ~nova Ktvouveuat Kma -rov noAflOV.
flEl'. L-rpa-rtwm<; t~6.yetv tnl -r~v flCtXTJV tKelvou<; ou otov, wv fl~ np(mpnv
e'iAT]<pa<; T~V nipav lKav~v tni avopeiav -ruyxavouaav. ana 01 a ytvwaK1\' !
ouva-rov Kaa-rov TWV a-rpanw-rwv tv no[<p np6.yflall Kai tv no[<p TUYflUTL EO! I\'
CtpflOOLO<;, Kai oihw<; au-roil<; OtaTaHlV.
v'. Taiim flOVQ KaAW<; ~OUAUGOflEla KUTa TWV 1IOAflLWV oaa npiv ~ Ttj)Ct~P
flV ~yv611aav tKeivot. tav Oi:: -rou-rwv -r~v yvwmv A.a~wmv, -raxew<; Ka-ra ru'v
~ouA.eUfl<hwv ~flWV fleElooeuaoumv.
va'."H 06::\ot<; ~ tmopoflat<; ~ ALfl(il -rou<; TtOAflLOU<; ~MmLV KaA.6v ta-rtv, 11111
AUTttV au-roil<; Ka-ra flaKpov Ota auxvo-repwv trraywywv Kai tmTT]OeUGEWV.
oi:: nav-rw<; tnl OT]flOaLOV tyKaAtaElat TtOAEflOV, vEla 1tOAA.CtKl<; TO nAtov bp<t'!H v
-rfj<; TUXTJ<; npo-repT]fla ~ -rfj<; tmOetKVUfleVfj<; avopela<;.
255
260
265
248-250 Strat., 8.2.15; Polyaen. 3-9-35

8.2.2.
258-261 Strat., 8.2.3.
251-255 Strat., 8.2.1; Onas. 5.1.
262-264 Strat., 8.2.5.
256-257
265-268 Strat., 8.2-4-
A 251 xpewv A
xpto~
M 252
8epaneuaEL~
259 E'lA!]cpet~ M eJ..a~e A
8epaneuet~
A 257
~nova
266 enaywywv M em8taewv A
34 Strat. 8.2.15; Polyaenus, 3.9.35.

35 Strat. 8.2.1; Onasander 5.1.
36. Strat. 8.2.2.
249-250 a-rpanw-rm~ ... yevv!]TLK~ M mpaxfJ~ \mapxEL yevv!]TLK~ a-rpanw-rm~ auvTpfifHltHi!1

258 -r~v A om. M
that, unless they put up a stiff resistance, they will turn to flight in a foreign land
and will have no hope of saving themselves. When waging war in their own
land, though, this is not critical. If they turn to flight, they still hope to avoid
danger and be saved by reaching some fortified place in which they will be
secure. The soldiers bravely stand up to the foe and, without yielding, they rush
into a flight without risk. 33
46. Whenever war does not intrude let the soldiers always be doing something. Let them not be idle. Idleness nurtured among soldiers gives birth to
confusion. 34
47 It is necessary to worship the Divinity at all times. Especially, 0 general,
should you offer worship when you plan to enter upon the dangers of war. If, at
that time, you genuinely worship God, then, when the time is full of terror, you
will be confident that you can offer your prayers to him as to a friend and you
can seek your salvation with utter confidence. 35
48. The general who remains vigilant together with his army, and who works
harder in drilling his troops, runs fewer risks <in fighting> the enemy. 36
49 You must not lead into battle those soldiers of whose courage you have
not previously had sufficient experience. You must know what duty each one of
the soldiers can perform and what unit he best fits into, and you should so
assign him. 37
so. Our plans against the enemy will be successful only if they are unaware
of them before we put them into action. If they come to know our plans, they
will quickly take steps to counter them. 38
51. It is well to harm the enemy by deceit, by raids, by hunger, and to hurt
them for a long time by means of very frequent assaults and other actions. You
should never be enticed into a pitched battle. For the most part, we observe that
success is a matter of luck rather than of proven courage.39
33 Strat. 8.1.44.
242 ad O.vn- des. W
55 5
37 Strat. 8.2.3.
38. Strat. 8.2.5.
39 Strat. 8.2-4-
Concise Sayings
556 Constitution 20
270
vw. LTpanwTUL npoc; n6vouc; yujlva(6f1VOL npoK01tTOU<HV de; avopdav

apyouvT<; oe vwOpol Kal acrOevdc; flClAAOV y[voVTUL. OLO <ppov-r[cretc; ll~ apyriv
au-roue;, aA.Aa npoc; -rae; yujlvacr[ac; novdv, KaOwc; <JOL Kal tv -repOLc; OtTa~Ctjlt:Oa,
vy'. 'Aoo.Aov jlEV tv TOt<; UAAOL<; ana<JL ota(f)v (J napaKt:At:UOjlt:Oa, tv oe TOlL;
KaTa n6.Ae11ov cr-rpaTllY~Ila<JL 116vmc; Kal 06.Aoc; wcpe.A~aet no.A.AaKtc;, omv -roue;
275
txOpouc; Kalno.Aefl[ouc; t~ana-rav 11t.A.Anc; ot' au-rou.

vo'. f[vw<JK Kal cruyKplV -rae; T crac; OUVUjleL<; Kal -rae; TWV 1tOAjllWV 01ttlll;
exou<JL. TOUTO yap 1tOLWV cr-rpaTTJYO<; Kal avaKp[vwv KaTa flEpoc; TU<; T HtlV
olKt:LWV Kal -rae; TWV 1tOAfllWV apnac;, OU<JKOAW<; tv Tole; KaTa 1tOAjlOV epyot<,
<J<paA~<Jt:TUL.
280
285
ve'."IcrOt aKpl~Wc;, w<JTpL1TTjy, on avope[a flClAAOV I Kal TU~l<; cr-rpaTTJYll\1)

o'loa<JLV tv 1t0Aeflql euepyetdV fln.Af)Ooc; TWV llaXOflEVWV avavopov Kal UTClKTOV,
w:,'. Al -rwv -r6nwv Ocrac; no.A.AaKtc; fleya.Aa -roue; llaxollvouc; wcp.AT]crav Kn\
yap tv[o-re Kal -roue; acr0evecr-rpouc; Ka.AA[ovac; EOL~av OLO XP~ (J flUAlOTll
TOLOUTOL<; T01t0l<; <':tpf16(ecr0m npoc; jlUXllV, tv oic; av ytvwcrKnc; TOV jlEV a<'lV
cr-rpa-rov npo-repf)crm, TOV oe TWV 1tOAjllWV e.AanwOf)vm.
v('. LTpaTllYOU ayx[vota yevva[ouc; -roue; <JTpaTLWTU<; 1t0lel. ~ flEV yap <pUOil,
6A[youc; avopdouc; anoyevv(t, ~ oe t1tlflEAt:La Kal yuflvacr[a flETa cr-rpaTTlYOii
cppov~crewc; ytvof1EVTJ no.A.Aouc; XPTJ<JLjlOU<; cmoortKvuet.
Vll'. Ka.A6v flOl OOKel OLKa[av elvm T~V apx~v TOU 1t0Aef10U. 6 yap tole;
aOLK~<Ja<JLV aVTaflUVOflEVO<; OUTO<; o[Kat6c; t<JTLV Kal T~V Odav exet OLKULO<JtlVIJV
~OTJ06v T Kal <JUflflaxov KaTa TWV UOLKWV tKmpaTEUOflEVO<;. 6 oe np<ln:;H;
Ka-rap~ac; UOLK[ac; nap' au-rf)c; Tf)c; Odac; OLKll<; acpmpehm T~V VLKTJV.
vO'. Acrcpa.Awc; o[wKe -roue; no.Aefl[ouc; flTa v[KfJV, wcr-rpa-rT}y, Kal !l~ btr
295
crnapf1vwc; tnpxou, fl<l.Atma cruv-rnayf1votc; tKdvmc;. 6 yap -rou-ro nOLwv

au-rou VLKllV TOt<; 1tOAEflLOl<; npoo[ow<JL. Kal yap avnmpe'iJaVT<; flETa cruvnU,l
we; oi exOpol KaTa <JOU Q<JUVTUKTW<; Kal OL<J1tapf1EVW<; OLWKOVTO<;, pc;to[w<; 0\l\l
neptyevWVTUL Kalnpoc; TO tvav-r[ov avnnveucrou<JL T~V KaT' auTWV flUXTJV.
269-271 Strat., 8.2.9; Polyaen.

279-280 Strat.,
8.2.12.
8.2.8.
3935
272-274 Strat., 8.2.6.
281-284 Strat., 8.2.8.
275-278 Strat.,
285-287 Strat., 8.2.9.
288-291
276 exoum M exoumv A 286-287 O'"rpa<'1YOU <ppov~aew<; M trsp. A 289
b.vTaflUVOflevo<; M b.OtKijaov<a<; b.flUVOflevo<; A
52. Soldiers who become habituated to work improve in courage, whereas

the idle ones become sluggish and weak. For this reason, you must take care that
they are not idle. Make them work at their exercises, as we have prescribed
elsewhere. 40
53 We enjoin upon you to lead a guileless life in every other respect, but
with the sole exception of the stratagems of war. Deception is often very advantageous when you intend to use it to trick the foe and the enemy.4t
54 Know and evaluate the condition of your own forces and those of the
enemy. The general who does this and who analyzes in detail the strong points
of his own men and those of the enemy will not be tripped up by the actions
of war.
55 Know for a certainty, 0 general, that courage and military discipline contribute more to success in war than does an unmanly and undisciplined multitude of warriors.
56. The condition of the terrain has often proved greatly advantageous to the
men engaged in combat. There have been times when it enabled the weaker side
to become the stronger. For this reason, you must accommodate your battle
plans to such terrain in which you know that your army has an advantage and
the enemy are at a loss.
57 A shrewd general makes for brave soldiers. Nature produces but few
brave men, whereas care and training, as well as the general's intelligence, result
in many efficient soldiers.
58. I feel strongly that the initiation of hostilities must be just. A person defending himself against others who are acting unjustly is truly just himself. He
has divine justice for support and as an ally in campaigning against the unjust.
The person who first begins injustice has his victory taken away by divine justice
itself. 42
59 After victory, 0 general, pursue the enemy in a safe manner. Do not
advance in a scattered fashion, especially if they have maintained their formation. A man acting in this way surrenders the victory that should be his to the
enemy. If, while you are pursuing in a disorderly and scattered manner, the
enemy wheels about in good order, they will easily overcome you and, like the
wind changing direction, they turn the assault against them to the opposite.43
40. Strat. 8.2.9; Polyaenus 3.9.35.
41. For 53-57 see Strat. 8.2.6-9.
292-296 Strat., 8.2.11.
295 pao[w<; M euK6Aw<; A
557
42. Strat. 8.2.12.

43 Strat. 8.2.11.
55 8
Concise Sayings
Constitution 20
'Iaxucret<; f!iiA.A.ov, w atpa<T]y, Ka-ra nov awv noA.ef!iwv, i:\mv aqJOpc.t<,

rrpo<; -r~v rrOLOTTJTa -rwv Katpwv Kal -rwv -r6nwv Kal -rwv avTtf!axof!vwv tx8pwv
Kal oihw<; npo<; T~V EKCtO"TOU xpdav -rat<; OLKelaL<; -rxvm<; Kal jle8600L<; auyK<
~'.
300
XPTJO"al.
~a'.
OuT auvayeLV Of!OU pouA.~<; EVeKa TO a-rpa-reujla npnov tmlv ol'>ll

0UVXW<; KaAetV TOY atpaTTJYOV npo<; eau-rov apyouvm<; Kal rrpo<; jlTJOEV aoxo
AOUjlEVOU<; ETepov -raum yap aKa[pou jleAETTJ<; Kal O"tCtO"eW<; ahta TOt<; a-rpan l>
305
310
315
3 2o
!lam yivTat.
~W- MeyCtATJ O"UVeO"L<; a-rpaTTJYOU, cnav XP~Tat f!EV O"Ujlf!CtXOL<; jleTptOL<; ek
TIJI'
eau-rou xwpav, aAA.a il~ nAtov T~<; OLKeta<; OUVCtjleW<;, TOUTOU<; eiaaywv f!CtAIO Ill,
OUO"jleVel<; TrOT TOU<; TOLOUTOU<; eawem tA.m(OjlEVOU<;, jl~TrOT O"Uf!<ppov~aaV11<,
av-rapwm Kal T~<; xwpa<; Kpa-r~awmv, Ot' ~v ei<; O"Ujlf!axiav EKA~8T]O"UV. oi Y''~l'
EVeKeV XPTJf!CtTWV unp aou KLV0UVULV EAOjleVOL, -raxa Kal TrAelOVWV XP'lW'rlol\'
rroptaf!OU vKV Kal Ka-ra aov napaKtvouveuaoumv.
~y'. '0-rav il~ TOt<; atpaTeUjlaO"l TU tnrr~Oela Kal Ta<; avayKa[a<; Tp<HJhll,
rrpoeu-rperrian<;. TOTe Kal TrOAejllWV xwpl<; ~TTTJ8~an. ~ yap O"TrCtVL<; Kal ev&w I lj,
oanCtVTj<; Kal TOU<; a-rpa-rtwm<; Kal TOU<; Yrrrrou<; I tKA.uS~vat rrapaaKWCtO"el.
~o'. 'Omv -ro1<; io[m<; KapaA.A.ap[ot<; Sappft<; Kal !l<iA.tam -rot<; f!eTa KOVTapitV
JtOAef!OVO"LV, TOU<; O"leVOU<; Kal CtVWf!CtAOU<; -r6nou<; EK<peuye, tm(T]Tet o T01lill <,
6iJaA.ou<; Kal 'iaov<; ou-rot yap elm -rot<; oihw napamaaojlvot<; apf160tot, kHl
tvmu8a auyKp6-ret TOY TrOAejlOV. d o Jte(LKat<; Sap pet<; OUVCtjlWLV, UVW~lCtAI liH,
Kal oaaet<; Kal -rpaxu-rpou<; tmA.you -r6rrou<;, Kal tv -rou-rot<; tm-rA.et -r~v f!UXIJV
~e'. 'Yrrp 0UUTOU Kal TOU aoii A.aou av n pouA.euan KaTa TWV JtOAejllWV, kill
T~v -rotaUTTJV pouA.~v aKouan<; rrpoOeOOf!EVTJV au-ro1<;, Ka86A.ou -ra ~epou.\wpt
va, ehe tv rrapa-ra~et e'ITe tv aAA.at<; rrapayyeA.tat<; ~ ax~f!aO"LV tvaAACtOIH
1
6cpdA.et<;.
~<;'. Li>v rrA.dom f!EV nepl wv f!EAAet<; npa-rmv ~ouA.euou, -r[ o rrpa~tt.;
6A.iyot<; Kal TOUTOL<; JtlO"TOt<;. TO o O"Ujl<j>Epov aov ~youv T~V naawv KaH!ov;J
325 ~ouA.~v
Ka-ra aeau-rov tmA.e~Ctf!evo<; KCtTX.
297-300 Strat., 8.2.13.

8.2.19.
301-304 Strat., 8.2.14.
314-318 Strat., 8.2.20.
299 Texvat<; ... fle86oot<:; M trsp. A
OUflflHpiot<; A
307 OUOflEVEl<; M txepou<; A
311-313
323-325 Strat., 8.2.23,
6o. You will be stronger, 0 general, against your enemies if you carefully observe the nature of the seasons and the places and the enemy you are fighting. In
doing this, you apply your own skill and methodology to deal with each
situation. 44
61. It does not help to assemble the army together in council or for the
general constantly to invite into his presence men who are idle and not occupied
with anything else. This is evidence of misplaced concern and can cause discord
among the troops. 45
62. The general <must> display great prudence when employing an allied
force in his own country; it must be of moderate size, no larger than his own
army. In particular, one may expect the forces he brings in to be ill disposed at
times, and conspire, rise up, and occupy the country into which they were
invited as allies. Such men have chosen to endure dangers on your behalf for the
sake of money. For the sake of more money, they will quickly face dangers in
fighting against you.46
63. When you do not provide your army with necessary supplies and food,
then, even without the enemy <attacking>, you have been defeated. Scarcity and
lack offood prepares both soldiers and horses to fall apart.47
64. When you rely on your own cavalry, especially lancers, steer clear of narrow and uneven locations. Seek out level and even places-for these are more
suitable for formations of that sort-and there force the battle. If you rely on infantry, select uneven, wooded, and rugged places and there engage in battle.<s
65. If you make some plans for yourself and your troops against the enemy
and you hear that those plans have been betrayed to them, you absolutely ought
to make changes in your battle formation or in other commands or signals.49
66. For what you intend to do seek the advice of many, but for what you will
actually do take counsel with only a few, trustworthy people. For the most
helpful plan, better than all the others, make your decision by yourself and keep
it to yourself.
44. Strat. 8.2.13.

45. Strat. 8.2.14.
305 fltplnl.
46. Strat. 8.2.16.
I ecrecr8at M yevecr8at A I cruwppov~<HlVUl,
47 Strat. 8.2.19.
299-300 cruyKEXPllcrm M KEXPllcrat A
crufl<ppov~cravTe<; Kal OflOVO~cravTE<; A
nA.et6vwv XP11fl6:rwv A
305-310 Strat., 8.2.16.
319-322 Strat., 8.2.22.
309-310 nA.et6vwv ... eveKEV M noptOflOU
559
48. Strat. 8.2.20.

49 For 6s-68 see Strat. 8.2.22-25.
s6o
Concise Sayings 561
Constitution 20
~('."Iva
oe
OOl ~ EKOTpan:[a aA.uno<; OlaTflp~rat Kat ppWf.LEVf1, oeov (J
i\
npo<; -ra m-r~Ota -r~<; xpdw; -ro cr-rpaTUf.la anayLV ~ mhO. TU m-r~OLa npoc;
TO mpaTUf.la f.lTaKOf.ll(lY.
~11' Ou 8ta crKonwv 8I f.L6voY npot:pwvav Ta<; Moue;, a.na. Kat auT6Y, i
330
OuYaTOV, TOY mpU'tflYOV A.aElpa[w<; TOi<; olKdOL<; o<pElaAf.LOi<; f.lTU aKpt~dac;

TUUTa<; KaTavoIY, Kat ou f.LOYOY -rae; Moue;, aA.A' t:'ly OuYaTOY Kal TO TIA~Eloc;
TWV E1tPXOf.lfVWY 1tOAf.LLWV Kal T~Y TCt~lY aUTWV, W<; UY EVTUElY 0LOaoKOf.LYO<;
MvamL Kat KaT' ai>Twv Kat imtp eaUTOU acr<paAw<; TU EV0XOf.LYa mvoIy Kat
335
f.LEl00ULY.
~El'.'Y'!'flAft 8tayo[q. T~Y Ef.L1tWOUf.LEYflY nmt 0LA[ay TOi<; oTpanw-ratc; UYaKaAOU, Kat TfXYau; 0La<p6pOL<; l<; eapcroc; TOUTOU<; nayaye, TtOTt f.LE:Y A6yOL<;, nmi::
8t owpot<;, UYUKTWf.lYO<;, Katnpo<; euEluf.L[av f.L8:\Kwv T~Y a.euf.L[av.

o'. KaAOY EY naVTl Kmp(i> TLf.LCi.V Kat cre~wElm LOU<; lepou<; TOU ewu yaouc;,
f.LCtAL<JTa 8t Kat EY T(i> acruA.ou<; aUTOU<; OtaTflpdaElm elc; TOU<; EY ai>Toi<; npoo<pEU340
yovm<;. Ota -rouTo napa<puA.an,

hepov Kamoe~n
woTpaTfly, Kal f.l~T au auTo<; f.l~'t t:'i<; nva
ano Eldou Yaou anocrnacra[ 'tLVa LKfTflY Ka8~f.lYOY ewe; UY TOU
OLKa[ou aUTOU nnuxn. LOU<; 8 n TOLOUTOV TOAf.LWVTU<; W<; aa~I<; KOAa(,

f.l~
LV(\
Ta Elda KaTa<ppoYOUYTaL
oa'. A.yyape[a<; cm<lof1<; lOLWTLK~<; Kat UOLK[a<; EAUElepOY <pUAaH 'tOY im6
Of
345 Temyf.LeVoY A.a6Y, ocrot Tou oTpamu Elm Kat oaOL T~<; AYOf.LEVfl<; ~mopia<;.
apKd yap auToi<; Tehtv TOU<; T Oflf.LOOLOU<; <p6pou<; Kat TU E1tlKlf.lVa aUTOl<;
aeplKU Kat f.LflOEV 1tAfOY Kam~apIaElm. EUV Of: ~ KMTpOKTL<J[a yYflTUl 11
Kapa~01tOLLa
f'l
ye<pupa<; I UYCtK'tlOL<; ~ Mou KaTCtaTa<Jl<; ~ avayKfl nc; Tepa ni)v
Oflf.LOcr[wv 8toLK~oWY, Kat ouK napKft To KaTa TOY T6nov Of1f.L6mov Ota f.LLoElou
350
TaUTa pya(eaElm, TOn: f.LCTU TOU OLKaiou Myou Kat T~<; lcr6Tf1TO<; anayn:c;
00UAUfTW<Jav, Kat f.lf10t<; napa nvoc; E~KOUOUf<JElw, f.l~T Ota owpwv f.l~T Old
<pLALaY T~<; TOLaUTfl<; OouA.da<; U1tOAlf.LTiaYeoElw, a.na. KaTa avaA.oy(ay t~c;
0UYCtf.lW<; aUTOU eKaaTO<;, Kat TIAOUOLO<; Kat 1tfVfl<;, T~Y Oflf.LOO(av oouA.dav
E1tlTAelTWoav.
oW. 'It:pa elm Ta TWY TAUTWVTWY v noA.ef.L<.p oTpanwTwY odlf.LUTU, Knl
355
f.LCtALOTU TWY aptoTUOCtVTWV EV Tft imtp TWY XpLOTLUVWV f.LCtXn Kat mum xpebv
EK naYTO<; Tp6nou Tlf.LUV 6cr[w<; Kat m<p~<; a~LOUV Kal f.LV~f.lfl<; Uelf.LV~OTOU. UAAtl
326-328 Strat., 8.2.24.
329-334 Strat., 8.2.25.
335-337 Strat., 8.2.30.
355-362 c:f.
t0'.204-2o8; Onas. 3.6.

331 dye M ei A
335 Ef.lTIWOUflEV!]V note M Ef.lTI[moucrav rroHaKt<; A
342 Tl. .. TOAflWVTU<; M trsp. A
355 ei<Jt M ecrnv A
356 XPEOV M XP~ A
339 ei<; Mom. A
67. To preserve your expeditionary force in good condition and free from
harm, you must either lead the army to the supplies they need or transport the
supplies to the army.
68. Do not rely only on scouts to reconnoiter the roads but the general
himself, if he can do so, should, under cover, carefully observe them with his
own eyes, not only the roads but, if possible, the size of the approaching enemy
force and its formation. With this information he will be able to figure out what
actions he can safely take against them as well as protect himself.
69. Whenever the morale of the soldiers sinks, raise them up again to lofty
thoughts and restore them to courage by various arts, winning them over sometimes by words, sometimes by gifts, thus converting their poor spirits to good
spirits. 50
70. At all times, it is good to honor and revere the holy temples of God,
especially to preserve them inviolate for those taking refuge in them. For this
reason, 0 general, be on your guard and do not allow yourself or any other
person to expel from the holy temple any suppliant staying there until he
obtains justice. Punish those bold enough to do such an impious thing, and keep
them from contemning divine things.s 1
71. Keep the troops serving under your command free of all individual
impressments and injusticeY It is sufficient for those who belong to the army, as
well as those exempt from military service, to pay both the public taxes and the
aerikon imposed on them, and not to be burdened with anything more. But if a
fortress is to be constructed, a ship to be built, bridges to be raised, a road to be
laid out, or something else required by the state administration, and the public
funds of that locality do not cover the payments to complete the work, then let
everyone contribute his services on a fair and equal basis. Let nobody be
excused and let nobody be released from such service because of gifts or friendship, but let each person, in proportion to his abilities, rich and poor, carry out
that public service. 53
72. The bodies of the soldiers who have been killed in battle are sacred,
especially those who have been most valiant in the fight on behalf of Christians.
so. Strat. 8.2.30.
51. See E. Herman, "Zum Asylsrecht im byzantinischen Reich;' OCP 1 (1935): 204-238; R.
Macrides, "Killing, Asylum and the Law in Byzantium," Speculum 63 (1988): 309-338.
52. On mistreatment of soldiers by imperial officials, see Skirmishing, 216-17; CampOrg,
318-23.
53. See ODB, s.v. taxation, aerikon.
562
Concise Sayings
Constitution 20
Kctl Ta TEKVct To\nwv Kctl Ta<; yctf1La<; Kctl Tou<; oA.ou<; o'LKou<; a.uTwv 8ov Tf]C:
napa aou npovoia.<; anoA.a.uetv, w aTpctTT]y, Kctl mf1AeLct<; Kctl avnA.~\jiEwc;
oi\Tw<; yap oi aTpctnwTctt Kctl eu\jluxm Kctl np69uf10l npo<; Tou<; noAf1tKmi..;
Ktvouvou<; yev~aovmt, v Keivot<; ~HnovT<; Ti a.um1<; <1Uf.l~~anm f.lHa Ti
TfAO<;, av npo9uf1W<; aplaLEU<JctVT<; aywv[(wvTctl.
oy'. Tia.pa.aKeu~<; T~<; v noAEf.lOl<; 6cpetA.ouaf]<; 11~ Uf1EAl, waTpctTT]y, KctTit
TOY Kcttpov TOU Xlf1WVO<;, Iva. TOU a.po<; mytVOf1EVOU UVU<1TP~TW<; KctL UVf17TO
O[<JTW<; T~V <1TpctTelctV ~ayn<;.
oO'. 'P~f1ct<1l 1(l9T]Vl0l<; 6f1LAl auvexw~:; Tc.i> TIA~9l TWV <1TpctnWTWV, won
6f1ovoe1v a.uTou<; v Tc.i> Kcttpc.i> T~<; f.lUXfJ<;, Kctl <ptAlKW<; ctUTOU<; OtctK1a9m nm1
370
375
oeue, Iva. ~8w<; imep aA.A~A.wv auva.ywvi(wvTctt.

oe'. 'DTctv Of]f.lOaiw<; na.pa.Ta~n<; <JUf.lf.llKTov mpa.T6v, ~youv ne(wv 6f1oli Kni
Kct~a.Ua.piwv, Toil<; f.lEV ne(ou<; 8Kct nA.a.aiov KctTa TO ~aeo~:; ~youv nl 8Ka r<'
naxo~:; 1t0l~<1l<; TOU<; 6p8ivou<; TOU<; 8 Kct~ctA.Actpiou<; EKTU~l<; wanEp OlH)
KrpctTct v9ev KaKd9ev npo T~<; na.pa.Ta~ew<;.
o~'. LTpctTlWTWV yevVctlWV 00Klf1ct<1lct yivTctl, av ayvoOUVTWV ctlHWV
aep6ov KTunov TlVa ~TOl ~xov f1Eyctv ~ TUf.lnavou ~ Tpou nvo<; E~ctl(JtOli
npoacprpn~:; anpoaOOK~TW<;. TOT yap TOU<; !1~ KctTctnAT]<1<10f1EVOU<;, aA.A' atp!
f.lOUVTct<; npo<; TOV ~a.[mov KTunov, KA.you w<; <1Tct9epou<; Kctl avopdou<;, ~ (;lV
KctL apxovLct<; Kctlct<1T~<1l<;.
o('. Ka.Ta TOY Kcttpov TOU noAEf.lOU Od f.lEV euxa~:; npo<; E>eov KctTct~a.HaOu!
KctL <1Uf1f1Ct.XOV EKelVOV KctAlV, !1~ f.lEVTOl TWV npoKlf1EVWV aywvwv KctTctf1EAiV ~
TWV 6<plAOf1EVWV npa~WV KctTOAtywpdv. auv eec.p yap Oel Kctl Ta<; xcipm,
<1ctAUlV Kctl w<; opya.vct nctpEXlV i>nfjpHOUVTct. OUT yap TO~OTf]<;, av !1~
TO ~EAO<;, U<1TOX~<1l nOTE OUT 6 f.l~ f1EVWV, aHa cpeuywv, KpctT~<1l TWV
epwv, OUT OAW<; 6 !1~ npa~W<; ap~Ctf.lVO<; eunpa.y~al aU' euxwem f.lEV bt I I
T~V VlKT]V Act~lV TOU noAEf.lOU napa E>eou, 6f10U o Kctl Ta onA.ct KctTEXLV, Mil
f1Ct.XOf1VOV <1Uf.lf1Ct.XOV mKctA1a9m TO 9e1ov.
Of]'. 'Yn6 nvo<; <1UVf]9elct<; noAAUKl<; 6 <1TpctTO<; ano <1Uf.l~OAWV ~ <11lfllll\!V
nvwv d<; 0lAtctV e'iw9e Tpnw9m, a\.\.' e'iTIOT TOlOUTOV Tl yVT]Tctl, avct(!]tllflf!l,
a.uT6c;, Kctl ei>pwv avnf.lna.A.A<l~et<; a.uTwv T~v 8tavota.v ota T~<; a~<; ayxtvo!m;
386-390 Cf. uY.7o3-709.

366 p~f!UCH M p~flaow A
a-rpanw-rwv M a-rpa-rtw-rwv -roic; 6uvaf1EVotc; 7let8ttv m)w\,,,
368 auvaywv[(wvTat M aywv[(wvTal A
370 7!Aaa[ov KUTCt M 7!Aaa[ova Ka1Ct rb
~youv e7ll0EKU A 370-371 ~youv ... 7laxoc; Mom. A 378 KaTa~aAta8m M
7lOtelnlhll
563
By all means, it is necessary to honor them reverently and to dignify them with
burial and eternal memory. You must, moreover, 0 general, by your foresight,
your concern, and your support, provide assistance to their children, their
wives, and their whole household. The soldiers will thus be in good spirits and
eager to face the dangers of war, as they look upon the treatment of the dead as
something that will happen to themselves after their end, if they are courageous
and valiant in the struggle. s4
73 During the period spent in winter quarters, 0 general, do not neglect the
preparation of the things needed in combat, so that, with the arrival of spring,
you may lead your army out without delay and without obstacles.
7 4 On a regular basis, address the assembled soldiers with words conducive
to obedience so they will all be of the same mind at the time of battle. Deal with
them in such a manner that they will be kindly disposed and will gladly support
one another in combat.
75 When you draw up a mixed army, that is, infantry and cavalry together,
for a pitched battle, make the infantry columns ten deep to ten thick and form
the cavalry as two horns on either side in front of the battle line.
76. One test of a brave soldier is this. If, without their knowledge, you unexpectedly produce some sort of sudden crashing sound or the heavy beating of a
drum or some other unusually loud instrument, then <notice> which men are
not struck dumb with fear but are unperturbed by the unusual banging, and
from their number select those men as solid and brave and commission them as
officers.
77. In time of war it is necessary to offer prayers to God and to invoke him
as an ally. Nevertheless, do not completely neglect the struggles before you and
do not think lightly of the tasks incumbent on you. With God, you must move
your hands and offer them as instruments in his service. The archer will never
hit the target if he does not shoot the arrow nor will that man ever overcome the
enemy who does not stay in position, but runs away. To sum it up, a person who
does not begin a task will not be successful at it. It is certainly necessary to pray
to God to obtain victory in battle, but, at the same time, hold on to your
weapons and, while you fight, invoke the Divinity as an ally.
78. Under the influence of certain customary practices, the army frequently
used to succumb to cowardice because of symbols or certain signs. If something
of the sort ever occurs, however, you will personally look into it. After investi54 Cf. Const. 14 31; Onasander 3.6.
564
Constitution
Concise Sayings
20
f.Le8epfHJVeuwv Ta auf.L~oA.a w<; voxeTat, tva <'it' wv ei<; onA.[av Kmbrwov, <lHI
390 TOUTWV ei<; eapao<; QlJTOU<; Kal A.rr[Oa<; ayaea<; OtavaaT~Get<;.
oe'. NtKTJ<; <pTJflt(Of.LEVTJ<; rrpo8uf16Tepov rrpo<; Ta<; f.LCtXa<; To aTpaTeu~tu
yiveTaL. av TOLVUV Ota f.LEV TOLaUTTJ<; <p~f.LTJ<; 8apao<; Ef.LITOL~an<; TOt<; GTpamlm:u~.
f.Ln' ell\ftux(a<; o Kal avopda<; EJtlfleAW<; eyxetp~an<; T~<; flCtXTJ<;, EATtl(e ai>v (~)n\'
T~V <pT}flt(Of.LEVT}V VLKTJV rrapaw8at.
395
rr'.'Hv ITOTe Katpo<; OTe LKLrrLWV 'Pwf.La(wv iJpeeT} arro 'ft~<pou KOLV~<; aTparq
yo<; Kal ~AtKLa<; ~v ETWV TWV OKTWKa[OeKa mpaTTJYtKWV arrapx6fleVO<; epy(llv
rrapeueu o T~<; apx~<; EKEAWGeV arrorref.LITeaem EK TOU aTpaTOU Kpa~~UT0\11,
Kal Ta<; Tparr(a<; Kal Ota<popa EKITWflaTa Kal Ta liAA.a (JKeUTJ rravTa, rrA.~v xurpn<,
XaAK~<; Kat GOU~ALOU aLOTJpOU Kat ITOTT}ptou, TOt<; apxouaL f.LEV apyupou, TOt<; ()'
400 UAAOL<; ~UALVOU. fl~ A.ouwem 0 nva fl~Te aA.d<pw8at f.LDpov EKEAWG (!'!
oiovouv. aptarav 0 opepou lirrupov ~pwmv, OeLrrVOUVTa<; o rrpoa<pepwOm
Kpea<; ~ 6mov ~ E'f!TJTOV, avaKALvwem 0 rrl f.LtKpa<; GKEITTJ<; TOU<; apxovTa<;. Kill
oihw<; TOY OAOV xpovov T~<; aUTOU GTpaTT}y(a<; Otavuaa<;, rrept~OTJTO<; EV TUit,
GTpaTTJYLaL<; Kat Tal<; VlKaL<; yVeTO. UITWeleTO O Kat UGTpoAoy(a<; Kat flaVThH,
405 Kal Ta<; arro GUf.L~OAWV ~ GTJfleLWV OTJAWGet<; Kal 6pveoaKorrla<; Kal <'it' 6vdpwv
flaVTeta<; Kal Tat;; UAAa<; TOtauTa<; rrpoyvwaet<; Te Kal Kptaet<; Kal Ta liA.A.a oaa n)<,
6<petAOflEVTJ<; rrpovola<; Tov aTpaTT}yov avaaTeAA.ouaL. TouTov ouv av f.Ltfl~crn. ,;.
aTpaTT}y, Kai auTo<; T~<; 6f.Lola<; M~TJ<; Kdv o xpda<; fleYUATJV EXl
W<pEAetav. rrapaKeACUOfleea ouv (JOl OtaTa~aaem rram TOt<; urr6 Ge Kal KU<JTptHI,
Kal xwplot<; Kal KWflOITOAeaL Kal arrAW<; arramv WGTe, ei ouvar6v, Kaarov avoptt
LOlOV TO~OV EXelV ei o fl~Ye KaT' OLKOV EV TO~OV Kal aaylna<; flEXPl TW<JUfHl
KOVTa, Kal YUf.LVCt(wem EV auTOL<; Kal ei<; ouaxwpla<; Kal ei<; OflaAOU<; T6rrou~ lull
4 1 5 ei<; KAetaoupa<; Kai ei<; cSaaTJ. oi f.LEV yap aTpaTtwTat v Toi<; rroMf.Lot<; Touw11;
XP~GOVTaL, o[ o AOLrrOL v TOt<; iolot<; T6rrot<;, ei lipa Tuxn TWV exepwv ai<pvli'Hil<,
ErrtOpOfl~ KaT' aUTWV. Kat yap Kat KaTa 7reTpwv UKpOTOf.LWV lGTUf.LeVOlUVOpCI; Kill
395-409 Polyaen. 8.16.1-2.

395 ~pEO!] ... KOLvf]c; M rrpOEKp[O!] A
erwv ~v OKrWKU[OEKU rwv A
rove; rEA
398 rae; A om. M
EKEAEV\JEV otwo~norE A
396 Kal... OKrWKU[OEKU M
ano
1JI~<pOU KOIV!~~
gating it, bring the minds of your men around to the opposite, as best you can,
by a clever interpretation of the symbols. By taking the very thing that caused
them to fall into cowardice, you will raise them up again to courage and good
hopes.SS
79 The rumor of victory makes the army more enthusiastic in fighting. By
making use of such a rumor, you can instill courage in your soldiers. In good
spirits and with bravery, you will carefully enter into combat. With God's help,
you must hope that the rumor of victory will become a reality.
So. There was once a time when Scipio was chosen by common vote of the
Romans as general. He was eighteen years old when he began his service as
general. As soon as he took office, he ordered that the army should get rid of
beds and tables, the variety of drinking cups, and all other such utensils except
for bronze pots and iron spits. The officers could have silver drinking cups and
the others wooden ones. He gave orders that nobody at all should bathe or
anoint himself with perfumed oil. They should breakfast on cold food in the
morning, although for dinner they could be served roasted or boiled meat. And
the officers could recline under small shelters. He spent the entire term of his
generalship in this manner and became very famous because of his strategy and
his victories. He rejected astrology and divination and the meanings of symbols
and signs and the auguries from birds and divination through dreams and other
such modes of prophecy and judgments, as well as all those other things that
distract a person from the foresight incumbent on a general. If you imitate him,
0 general, you too will obtain a glory similar to his, as well as the trophies of
victory. 56
81. Bows are weapons that are easily obtained and are extremely helpful in
critical moments. We command you, therefore, to issue orders that, in the fortresses, towns, villages, and, in general, every place under your command, every
single man, if possible, should possess a bow, but if not, then one per household
and up to forty arrows. He should practice with them in difficult country as well
as in level places, in defiles, and in wooded areas. For the soldiers will make use
of these in combat and the other men in their own localities, if they happen to
be subject to a sudden attack by the enemy. Men stationed amid rocky cliffs,
397 Ct1tOTtE!l7tEa0at tK M EK~aA.AwOat A I arparou M

399 apxouat M exoucn A
400-401 tKEAEU<JE ... otovoilv
401 anupov ... rrpoa<pepwOat M ~PW!lU taOtwv ll~ OEO!lEVOV
rrpoc; E\jl!]aLV oemvouvrac; oe ea0[ELV

410 Eim6ptara M Eimop[ac; raura
oe A
407 avaareA.A.ouat
413 EV A eva M
565
ss. Cf. Const. 14 101.

s6. Polyaenus 8.16.1-2.
566
420
425
430
435
440
445
Constitution
Concise Sayings
20
tv an:vo1~ TOTIOL~ Kal d~ OCt<JT] UAT]~, not.A~v tf!TIOt~croum I T~v ~Aa~T]V Tot~
tx0po1~ TO~UOVT~, Kal ou mxtw~ 0app~aoumv au-rot~ aow~ ne/.0e1v oi
nOAEf!LOL, Kal EVTU0v UVCtAWTa -ra -rmau-ra xwp(a Kal U~Aa~f] Otacput.axe~aov~
-rat, cpo~ouf1vwv -rwv nol.ef!iwv -ra~ tK Twv ~et.wv rri.TJy<i~.
nW. 'HviKa @eo~ napucrxn aot f!aXOf!EV<.p -rp'!'aa0at -roil~ tx0pou~, fl~ eaan~
-roil~ mpanw-ra~ Maav-ra~ -r~v Ta~tv otapnu<etv ~ -ra on/.a ~ -ra aKUfJ -rwv
nOAfllWV, Yva fl~ av-rtmpacpv-r~ ~Aa~TJV nOL~<JW(Jt KULa -rwv OLWKOVTWV ol
OLWKOflVOL. ~HT]0v-r~ f!EV yap ouo -ra '(ota <JKUT] KpO~<JOflV, VLK~<JaVT~ ot:
Kal -ra ~f!E1'pa Kal -ra -rwv T0AfllWV e~OflV.I
rry'. I-rpa-rfjyo~ owpo/.~mT]~ rrpawa OeLVOV Kal oA0ptov T4> <JTP<HUflaTL
ouo yap -ra f!Eytcr-ra tv-reu0ev cruf!~aivL KaKa Kal yap Kal oi a-rpa-rtw-rm nf.t:~
OVEK1'0l lirropot yivov-rat, Kal oi lipxovT~ livavopot rrpoxetpi<ov-rm, arro TWV
npWTWV ew~ -rwv taxchwv acpopi<ov-ro~ TOU -rf]~ owpOATJ'l'La~ KaKOU, t~ Otl
a-rpet1'Ufla Ka-r' x0pWV UV0paya0lv OU OUVaTaL.
no'. Toil~ KaLa<JK6nou~ tm/.you cr-ra0epoil~ Kal 0~1~ Kal mmoil~ Kal
crrrouoa(ou~, 06~av f!i'i.AAOV Kai 1'lfl~V ~ XP~fla-ra ayarrwvTa~. o[ yap 1'0LOUTOl
ov-r~ flf]VUOU(Jt -r~v UA~0etav, oi o /.acppol -r~v YVWf!f]V, Kal 0LAOL Kal O(JOl
nepl -r~v K-rf]mv TWV XPTJf!Ct1'WV crnouoa<oumv, ou ouvav-rat cmayyHLV T~V
UA~0etav. OLO Kai KLVOUVOU TIOAACtKl~ a'i-rtOl Kai au-r4> 4> mpaLTJY4> Kai 4> a-rpn
-rUf!aLL yivov-rm.
ne'. 'Pqo(w~ oi cr-rpa-rtw-rm tv Tal~ tK<JTpa-rdat~ Ota owpwv f!EV aya0wv
KaAAlOV~ y[vov-rat tv o Katp4> eip~VT]~ ~ Ola cp6~ou ~ Ota K0Aa(JW~ tni TOt~,
w~ LKO~, UflapmVOf!EVOl~ YLVOf!EVT]~ avop0ouv-rat.
nt;'."Icr0t o-rt f!UAAOV Ka-rop0w<Jl~, mpa-rTjy, Alfl4> Kal cruxva1~ tmopOf!ctt.;
T~v -rwv rroAf!LWV ouvaf!LV Ka-raMLv ~ -rot~ on/.ot~ aU-r~v rrLpWf1VO~ Ka-rct
a-rpE<pLV.
rr<'. Acrcpa/.f] Kai icrxupa Kai arra0f] ov-ra -ra ~f!E1'pa Kamvowv, tav trc'
aU-rot~ Ka1'Ct<JKOT0V KpaL~<Jl~ tv nOAEf!OU Katp4>, fl~ Ka-racrxn~ 1'0U1'0V, aAf.'
eaaov W~ UV arrayylf.a~ -roi:~ T0Af!LOL~ Ta rrepi -rf]~ crf]~ KaLa<JTCt<JW~ Kt1Tl1
nA~~n Ta TOUTWV <ppoV~flaTa. tav o Tl napa <JOL YLVW<JKl~ acr0ev~, KQA((~I'
-rou-rov, l'va -rwv rroAfltWv t~dnm -ra f!U<JT~pta, Kai -re/.eu-rai:ov ~ otacp0etpe 1)
aa<paAW~ a.naxou TOUTOV EKnfln.
narrow defiles, and thick woods and shooting their arrows will wreak great
damage on the enemy, who will not quickly regain their courage and will not be
eager to continue their attack. And so, those areas will not be taken and will be
preserved unharmed, for the enemy will fear being wounded by the arrows. 57
82. When God grants you the favor of routing the enemy in battle, do not
permit your soldiers to break formation to plunder the arms and equipment of
the enemy lest those who are being pursued wheel around and inflict serious
harm on their pursuers. In defeat we will not even hold on to our own equipment, but in victory we will possess our own and that of the enemy.
83. A general who takes bribes is a terrible thing and can bring destruction
down on his army. Two of the greatest evils may result from this. The soldiers, as
victims of his greed, are left without resources and become greedy themselves,
and cowardly men are promoted to be officers. From the first to the last, they are
marked by the evil of bribe-taking and, as a result, the army is unable to face the
enemy with courage.
84. Choose scouts who are steady, keen-eyed, reliable, serious, and fonder of
their reputation than of honors or money. Such men will make accurate reports.
But the lighthearted, the timid, and those looking for material gain are not
capable of providing accurate information, and so they frequently bring danger
upon the general and the army. 58
85. While on campaign, generous gifts make the soldiers better but, in time
of peace, fear and punishment meted out to offenders is more likely to keep
them in line.
86. Be aware, 0 general, that you will be more successful in destroying the
enemy's force by hunger and frequent raids than by attempting to overturn them
with weapons.
87. If, in time of war, you capture a spy from the enemy among us, and you
are sure that our forces are secure, strong, and unharmed, then do not hold him
but let him go so that, when he reports to the enemy that you are in such good
shape, they will be utterly dismayed. On the other hand, if you know that our
forces are weak, treat him roughly to get him to disclose enemy secrets and,
finally, put him to death or send him off elsewhere under guard.
418 ad EJ.ITIOt~aoum des. M

432-437 Strat., 8.2.26.
8.2.29.
438-440 Strat., 8.2.27.
441-443 Strat., 8.2.28.
444-449 Stmt,
567
57
Cf. Strat. 1.1.2-34.
58. For 84-87 see Strat. 8.2.26-29.
568
450
455
460
465
470
475
480
Constitution 20
Concise Sayings
mj'. ~uvan\ yevcr8at Kal !1YUAa ~ouA0!1VO~, 11~paouve !1lKpov Tft ~ouA.r]
epwvwv TO XP~Ol!10V. btav 8 T~V nptnoucrav ~E~atwcrn~ YVW!!f]V, E1tlTEAl Ta
~ouA.w8v-ra xwpl~ imep8taew~, !!UAlcrTa ev 1tOAE!10U Katp(i>. Kal yap Kat
AAE~avop6v 1tOT TOV ~acrtAta epwTW!1VOV, 1tW~ ev 6:.\.[ym~ ET0l Tocraum Kat
TT]AlKaUTa !1EyaA.a KaTwp8wcr npawma, AtyTat Eim:iv I on "ouov 00!1VOV ,,
Tft O~f1Epov ll1tp8E!1TJV 1~ T~V auptov."
n8'. '0-rav xpe[a OOl yev~crTat 0Uf1!1UXWV, ou oi (j TOUTOU~ !lETa TOU OLKEl
ou OUf1!1lYVUlV cr-rpamu, !1UAlcrTa -rpa~ imapxov-ra~ 1tLOTW~. aAAa Kat Ta
U1tAT]KTa aU-rwv Kal -ra~ 60omop(a~ [O[<;t Kat xwpl~ yivwem 1tapacrKua(, Kal
1tav-roiw~ auTwv a7t6Kpu~ -ra crTpaTTJY~!1a-ra T~~ a~~ ItapaTa~ew~, '(va 11~ Taum
YLVWOKOVT~, ev Katp(i> x8pa~ U!1TJxavwTpot ytvwv-rat ev -rai~ KUTU crou
1tOAflLKai~ OUf11tAOKai~. ana !!TJOE 1tAiova mpaTOV emiyou TWV awv OUVCt!1
wv, Yva !1~> Ka8w~ Kal ev UAAOl~ ~!!iV dpf]TUl, ~ EUKOAW~ 1tap' au-rwv em~OUAU
8ft<; ~ Tfi~ crfi~ Yii~ eyKpa-rei~ ytvwv-rat.
9' LTpaTTJYO~ dp~VT]~ m8U!1WV UTp1t~~ EOTW 1tpo~ TOV 1tOA!10V. eav ouv
~ouA.et moficrat -rou~ noAEfl[ou~ Kal eip~VTJV aheicr8at 7tapa crou, hot11ov ad
1tpo~ TOV KaT' au-rwv 1t0A!10V (jaUTOV Ct1t00LKVU. OUTW~ yap 0LAtacroumv Kctl
T~V ELp~VT]V Ct01tUOOVTat.
9a'. Tpu<p~v !1TJOE1tOT aya7t~(jL~, c.]) cr-rpa-rTjy, flUALOTa o cruv T<j> crTpaTlil
Otaywv Kotvo<; oA.e8po~ aUTTJ KalT<j> cr-rpaTTJY Kal -r<j> cr-rpaTEUflaTt yivnm.
9W Ou-r v Tal~ U1tpay[at~ E1ta[pw8a[ (j XPEWV OUT ev Tai~ oucrnpayim<;
KaTa1tL1tTlV. OUOE yap Oei 0 TOLOUTOV T<j> cr-rpa1'Uflall <pa[vw8at, a:.\:.\a crTaf)~:
pov ad Kal1tpo~ Ta TOtauTa CtV1t[yvwcr-rov. TO yap -raxtw~ npo~ xapav enatp!:
aem cpavepw~ Kat1tp0~ AU1tT]V 1tUALV npoo~A.w~ KaTa1tl1tTlV, xaUVT]~ ecr-rlv '\'UX~i;
Kai ava~(a<; cr-rpaTTjyOu.
9Y' 'Y1tep~oA.~ JtavTo~ 1tpay11aTo~ ouK an60EKT6v ecr-rt, Oto !1~T :.\[av cpofh
po~ Toi~ imTJK6otc:; 1mapxnc:;, c1 mpa-rT]y, 11~-re A.iav emetK~~ a11<p6Tepa y.1 11
avapf100Ta T<j> crTpaT'lY 7tpo~ TO cr-rpaTU!1a y[vTat. 6 !1EV yap 1tOAU~ <p6~:lm;
!!LOO<; cmoyevv9, ~ OE 1tOAA~ mlKta KaTa<ppOVT]OlV pya(Tat. ap[OTT] Of ~ TOll
11taou Ota8em~, wa-re cru!1!1E1'p6v ae elvat Itpo~ etf1<p6-repa Kal fl~T Ta~ E1t~At't)
(jl~ TWV Ct!1ap-raV0!1EVWV !lETa anovo[a<; 1tOLicr8at Kal Ct!!ETpou opy~~ fl~U:
569
88. In considering what is important and what is possible, take your time as
you turn your mind to discerning what is to your advantage, but once you have
reached a firm and fitting decision, without any delay put your plans into action,
especially in time of war. Alexander the emperor was once asked: "How have
you managed to accomplish so many great deeds in a few years?" He is said to
have replied: "Nothing that ought to be done today did I put off until tomorrow:'s9
89. When you are in need of allies, you must not mix them in with your own
troops, especially if they are of another faith. Make sure that they set up their
own camp and that they march by themselves apart from us. By all means hide
the tactical plans for your formations from them. If a period of hostilities ensues, they may use such knowledge to great advantage in military engagements
against you. Do not invite an army larger than your own. Otherwise, as we
noted elsewhere, they might easily conspire against you or take possession of
your land. 60
90. A general who desires peace must be ready for war. If, therefore, you
wish to scare the enemy and have them seek either conflict or peace with you,
always show yourself prepared to wage war against them. This will make them
so nervous that they will embrace peace.6 1
91. Never be a lover of luxury, 0 general, especially when you are staying
with your army. This results in wholesale destruction, both of the general and of
his army. 62
92. You must not be unduly elated by success or utterly cast down by failure.
You must not give any such impression to the army, but always appear steady
and inscrutable when it comes to such things. To be quickly and obviously
exalted by joy and clearly to be cast down again into sorrow is the mark of a
frivolous spirit and unworthy of a generaJ.63
93. Doing anything to excess is unacceptable. You should not be too
frightening to your subjects, 0 general, nor should you be too lenient. Both
make the general unfit to command the army. Great fear gives birth to hatred
and great leniency results in being despised. It is best to take the middle course.
You should show moderation in both respects, not inflicting punishment on
59. Strat. 8.2.31.
6o. Strat. 8.2.38.
450-455 Strat., 8.2.31.
456-463 Strat., 8.2.38.
464-467 Strat., 8.2.60; Arist. Pol., 7 1
61. Strat. 8.2.60; Aristotle, Politics 7.13.8; Cf. Anna Komnene, Alexiad. 12.5.4.
62. Strat. 8.2.58.
468-469 Strat., 8.2.58.
470-474 Strat., 8.2.32.
475-482 Strat., 8.2.33.
63. For 92-94 see Strat. 8.2.32-34.
570
Concise Sayings
Constitution 20
miALV navn::A.wc; aqnvat
I UTlflWprrra,
WO"T de; avapxiav OOKElV m:ptTmaaf:Jni
aou T~v apx~v.

90'. 'Ev 110AEflOU Katp<f> ~ouA.euou flEV tv VUKTL TO npaKTEOV, Tao 06~avrn
Tfj ~ouA.ft tmTEAet fle8' ~flpav. ou yap 6 auToc; 6cpeiA.et Katpoc; dvm ~ouA.~c; n
485
490
495
Kalnpa~ewc;.
9e'. NtKT]T~c; Kal cpo~epoc; -rotc; noA.efllotc; A.oyta8~cre-rm 6 mpa<T]y6c;, oux (.,
tv T<fl Ayetv flOVOV Kat tyKauxacr8at Ka-r' aUTWV ouva-r6c;, a:\;\' 6 -rate; npa~t:Ol v
auToii Toile; A6youc; ~e~a(ouc; cmoOt:tKvuc;.
9c:,'. 'DTav 6:\.(yov xnc; mpaTeufla, TO TWV noAeflLWV o eic; n:\.~86c; tanv.
aneiioe KaTaAa~Ei:v fllKp6-repov xwp(ov Kat O"Tevw-repov Kat 0UflfleLpOV T<fl <h~'
a-rpa-reUflaTL. TO yap rrepta00V TWV 1tOAeflLWV nA.~8oc; I axpTJ0TOV yev~cre-rat, TU\1
-r6nou fl~ tmaexo11vou To nA.ov.
9('. Iuv8~Kac; Kal avoxac; 1tOAEflOU npoc; Toile; noAe!l(ouc; 110lOU!levoc;, fl~ l'iH't
-raU-rac; tv UfleAe(<;t OtaTeA.fjc;, aHa flUAAOV flel(Oat Kal aKpt~w-rpatc; rreptAltp
~ave Tate; cpuA.aKatc; TO mpa-r6neoov ~ T~V xwpav. tav yap rrapaanovor]0<11
~OUAT]8W0LV oi 110AEfllOl, tKeLVOl flEV fleLa -r~c; TOU eou OUO"!leveiac; Kal am:tAI)<,
E~OU0l TO U11l0LOV, au o fleTa T~c; aacpaA.eiac; euptcrK6flevoc; ~etc; TO 11l0TOV wl 11
-r~c; TOU eou ~Of]8e(ac;. ava~LOV yap mpa-rf]you TO Hyetv "-rou-ro ou np00(
1
1 1
)\ )
500
505
510
KWV."
9'1' KalTOUTO {j 00l avayKatov, w0TpaLT]y, npoc; a-rpaTf]YlK~V -reA.et6-rq 1\i,
TO auA.A.oyi(ea8at Kal ytvwcrKlV aKpt~wc; tK T~c; ne(pac; TO TWV 1tOAeflLWV atpn
T011eOOV 1t000V taTtY. TOUTO OE y(ve-rat, tav npoyUflVa0CtfleVOC:, ytvwaKnc; m'HJO<,
T0110<; Kat110t0<; 11000UC:, 0TpanWTac; tmOxecr8at OUVaTat, Kat WC:, tv UAAOlC:, ilfliV
rrpootwpt0Tal.
98'. 'A.~tov 0 aot, wmpa-rf]y, wcrrrep T~v eipf]flEVTJV yvwmv -r~c; -rwv rroA.qli
wv a-rpa-reiac; 6cpeiA.etc; xetv, oihwc; Kal Toile; noAfllouc; A.av8avetv -ro rrAi\Oo,
TWV awv mpa-reUflUTWV. OlaV o ~ouA.n A.a8etv LOU<; tx8pouc; T~c; cr~c; ouvt't~ltWi,
TO rrA.~8oc;, 1tUKVOi>c; rrepmaTetv ~ emavm rrapayyeA.A.e LOU<; mpanw-rw;. r)
auvxeta Kal acp(y~tc; crcpaAAetv 1t0lel T~V opamv TWV 110Ae!ltWV, Kal UKpt~h'''
eiKa(etv TOV apt8!lOV T~c; a~c; OUVUflewc; OUK tq.. O!lOLWc; Kal tnl-rou tvav'dou,
~ouA.n rrapaaet~m T~v a~v ouva11tv rroA.A~v, 6A.Iyf]v ouaav, apmo-rpouc; 1n1l
491 ad liXP'l<rrov de novo inc. M
483-485 Strat., 8.2.34.
8.2.36; cf. supra, 138-142.
486-488 Strat., 8.2.33.
489-492 Strat., 8.2.37.
500-504 Strat., 8.2.37.
494-495 7!eptA<if!~ave ta1c; M Kataa<paAt(e A
505
493-499
watpatT]yt Mom. A
7!apayye>.Ae M 7!apayye>.Ae 1lUKVOUc; 7!pl1latelV ~ l<Jta<J6at A
510
offenders senselessly and with immeasurable anger, nor, at the same time,
should you dismiss them totally unpunished. Otherwise, your command will
devolve into anarchy.
94 In time of war, during the night, plan what you have to do and, during
the day, carry out what you have decided. For the same time is not suitable both
for planning and for taking action.
95 The general who gains the reputation of being victorious is not the one
who is powerful in words only and in boasting against the enemy, but the one
who shows by his actions that he means what he says.6
96. When you have a small army and the enemy has a large one, make haste
to occupy a smaller space, more narrow and a better fit for the size of your army.
The superior numbers of the enemy will prove useless, for the space will not
accommodate the great number.6 5
97 After having agreed to a treaty or a truce with the enemy, do not for that
reason become careless. Rather, surround your camp or location with stronger
and more alert guards. If the enemy decides to break the agreement, they will
incur, along with disfavor and threats from God, <the reputation> of faithlessness. You, however, will remain safe and, with the help of God, will enjoy <the
reputation> of being true to your word. It is unworthy of a general to say: "I did
not expect that:'66
98. This too is essential for you, 0 general, if you are to become expert in
military matters, namely, from experience to calculate and reach an accurate
knowledge of the strength of the enemy's army. This can be done if you train
yourself ahead of time to recognize how much space and what kind of space is
able to accommodate a certain number of soldiers, as we have prescribed for
you elsewhereY
99. It is very important for you, 0 general, to acquire a good knowledge of
the enemy's army, as we have noted, and by the same token, to conceal from the
enemy the size of your own armed forces. When you want to hide the size of
your force from the enemy, order the soldiers to march or to stand in place in
close formation. Their compact and tight formation leads the enemy observers
to make mistakes and keeps them from estimating the number of your troops
with any accuracy. In like manner, do the opposite. If you want to demonstrate
64. Strat. 8.2.33.
6s. Strat. 8.2.37.
505-514 Strat., 8.2.38.

508 1lUKvoi
ea M auyxwpel A
571
66. Strat. 8.2.36; cf. supra, 27.

67. Strat. 8.2.37.
572
515
520
525
530
535
Constitution 20
Concise Sayings
npman:1v Kat l<JTa<J8at TOU<; mpan<.lna<; not~<JL<;, W<; av Kat nA.dova TOll
<JUf.Lf.LETpou T6nov nptAaf.L~<lvwmv. ilf.L<p6Tpa yap tv Katpcp i8i<.p YVOf.LVa Knl
xpL<;t XP~<JLf.La npo<; anan]V TWV txepwv Upt<JKTal.
p'."IaTj<; Kat 6f.Lola<; oi\<JTj<; T~<; T -rwv noAf.LLWV napa<JKU~<; Kal T~<; ~!lET{
pa<;, 6 KaAALov napam<J<JOf.LVo<; mpa-rTjy6<;, h au dT 6 noAef.LLO<;, 11aA.Aov
nA.ovKT~<JL, nptn~v xwv -r~<; 8uv<lf.LW<; -r~v tK -rwv mpaTTJYTJf.L<lTwv ij
-ra~wv iaxuv.
pa'. M~ npw-rou<; tuan<; napa a -r~v oiKiav ouvaf.LLV -rou<; tvavTiou<; tKT(i
~at, ana <JnUOE np6-rpo<; tKlVWV T~V napam~(v <JOU 8ta-r6.~at. tav yap np6rr
po<; <p86.an<; napa-r6.~aa8m, au f.LEV o ~ouA.n Ka-r' t~ouaiav w<; -rotf.LO<; npa~Et<;, ()
8 noAEf.LLO<; ou8 TOU Ka8onAt<J8~vat -raxa Aa~Ol Katp6v, T~V (J~V mxluv
<po~OUf.LVO<; tneAU<JLV.
pp-. Oihw<; ouv tav npoK-ra~n<; Kat Ka-ra -r~v av11~oA.~v t~ -roi11ou Toit,
tvavTLOL<; EYXLP~<JTI<; aa<paAw<;, 86.pao<; f.LEV Tcp acp a-rpaTEUf.LaTL t!lnOt~<Jft(,,
8tAiav 8 -roi<; noAf.LLOL<; tv8~<Jt<;.
py'. N6f.LOV EX I cmapa~a-rov, TO noH~v 1tOLci<J8at TWV nATJYUTWV <JTpatt(t)
TWV T~V np6votav. tav yap Uf.LEA~an<; au-rwv, TOU<; AOL1tOU<; a-rpanwm<; t8A01<<1
Koiivm<; tv -rai<; f.LUXUL<; Kat AUnOVf.LEVOU<; Up~<Jl<;. Kat ou llOVOV TOUTO, aAAl'!
Kat au-roil<; TOU<; -rpauf.Lanaeev-ra<;, Kat 8t' E1tlf.LAta<; 8uvaf.LEVOU<; avaaw8~Vl11,
81a p<;teu 11 iav anoHa1<;.
p8'. 'D-rav Ei<; <puy~v -rpe\jfn<; TOU<; 1tOAf.LlOU<;, anexwem T~<; npa[8a<; napa y
YAA TOL<; <JTpUTLWTUL<;, Iva f.l~ npt TaUTT]V 8ta<Jntp0f.LEVOU<; Kat tv au-rfi <.'wxo
AOVf.LEVOV<;, Up6v-r<; o[ noAEf.LLOl tm~OUAU<JOU<JlV au-roi<; Kat 8ta<p8ipoumv.
O.AA.' oi f.LEV a-rpanw-rm txtaewaav -r~<; 8tw~w<; f.LETO. aa<paAia<;, ol 8 nl rn
auA.A.oyfi -r~<; npai8a<; TTUYf.LEVOL, ohtv<; Kal -roil<; -rpauf.La-ria<; a-rpanwTa<,
aU-rfi Tfi f.LUXTI avaAe~OVTat Kal 8panU<JOU<JLV, aUTOt Kal Ta TWV T8VT]K<'rttllV
noAf.Liwv <JKuAa auAA.eyov-r<;, Kal -ro1<; 8Kapxm<; napa8t86v-r<;, w<; K(tl
515-518 Strat., 8.2.73.

8.2.43.
519-523 Strat., 8.2.40.
524-526 Strat., 8.2-41.
that your force is a large one, when in reality it is small, have the soldiers march
and stand in open order, so they will take up more space than is proportionately
theirs. Both of these, done at the right time and as the situation requires, will be
found useful in deceiving the enemy. 68
100. When the armament of both the enemy and ourselves are equal and of
the same quality, that general who is better at forming for battle, either you or
the enemy general, is more likely to prevail-<especially> if he has additional
capability, the strength <that comes> from stratagems or tactics.69
101. You should not allow your adversaries to assume their formation before
you line up your own force. Make haste to establish your battle line before they
do theirs. If you are the first to get your troops into formation, then, since you
are ready, you are free to take what action you want. The enemy, though, may
not even have time to arm themselves, fearful of a sudden attack by you.7
102. If, therefore, you have gotten into formation first and are ready for the
charge, you may safely launch your attack against the enemy. You will instill
confidence in your army, and cowardice in that of the enemy.7 1
103. Keep this law inviolate: devote great care to wounded soldiers. If you
neglect them, you will note that the rest of the troops will be distressed and
deliberately will not fight well in battle. Even more so, because of your indifference, you may lose the wounded men themselves who, with some care, could
have been saved. 72
104. When you have put the enemy to flight, order your soldiers to refrain
from plundering, so that the enemy may not come upon them all caught up in
this, and set traps and destroy them. But let the soldiers carry on the pursuit in a
safe manner. <The deputies> are the men detailed for the collection of plunder,
who are also to pick up the soldiers wounded in the battle and care for them.
They are to gather the spoils from the enemy dead and hand them over to the
dekarchs, as we have mentioned elsewhere, who should hold on to them so they
527-531 Stml,
532-540 Strat., 8.2-44.
513 t5iw M t()[w Kal xpda A
514 xpeia M om. A
519 -r~v ... evav-riouc:; M trsp. A

crrroulla~e
520-521 rrp6-repoc:; cpSacr!Jc:; M rrpo\<l~!Jc:; A
527 rrA!Jya-rwv M rrAIJHOf!EVWV A
517 rreprn~v M nepu:mrjv
519-520 eKi~m M rrapa-ra~m A
520 crne(l<'i!
521 E-rotf!oc:; rrpa~etc:; M llp
529 ev ... Aurrouf!EVouc:; M trsp. A
532 mu''fH""'*
cmexecrem M 1IOAEf!LOUc:; rrapayye\Ae -rotc:; a-rpa-rtw-rmc:; av-rexecrSat A 532-533

ye\Ae ... cr-rpanw-ratc:; M om. A 53 5 txecrSwcrav ... 5tw~ewc:; M lltwKe-rwcrav A I enl M
536 -rpaUf!a"tiac:; M -rpaUf!U"tl~Of!EVOUc:; A 538 OKUAa M orrAa A
573
68. Strat. 8.2.38.

69. Strat. 8.2.73.
70. Strat. 8.2-40.
71. Strat. 8.2.41.
72. Strat. 8.2.43.
57 4
540
Constitution
Concise Sayings
20
O.AA.ot<; ~!ltv e'lprrrm, n:apacpuA.a~oumv airra, wcrre 8ta!lepta0~vm ~ 'Laou KaTa

Tov n:epl auTwv 6pta0vm n)n:ov.
pe'. 'Yn:omeuwv CJTpUTTJYO<; auxvoTepov TCt TWV n:OAE!.!LWV i:n:tTTj0UilUTa
aacpaA.~<; !lOl 00Kt Kala T TOV n:oAE!-LOV Kal T~V O.AATJV aUTOU Otaywy~v ava8nxe~vat.
545
55 o
555
56o
565
p<;'. AllaPTTJ!la aTpaTTJyou llytmov oloa To llt<':t 1.1axn cpeap~vm To n:oA.u Toi.i
aTpaTeu!laTo<;. i:av yap vouvexw<; T~v KaTa Twv n:oA.t:lliwv n:ot~CJT]Tat n:apam~tv
Kal !lETa cppov~aew<; n:eptaTpE<pfJTat, Kav au1.1Pft Tt mata!la n:epl Tov tauToi.i
CJTpaToV, ~ eUTUKTW<; avaxwp~an ~ TaXEW<; T~V ~nav UVU!.1UXECJT]Tat.
p<'. Aun:~CJEl TOU<; n:OAE!llOU<; ~ llELCt EUTa~(a<; Kal apllo8(a n:apa aou ytvo
!-LEVTJ n:apam~t<; Kal oihw<; cpuA.anollEVTJ i:v oA.q> T{ii T~<; !.1UXTJ<; Katp{ii llEYtaTov
yap i:v n:apaTa~n Ke<paA.mov Kal n:po<; CJWTTJpiav ptpmov To cpuA<'tnetv Tout;
llUXOilevou<; T~v T Ta~tv auTwv Kal Ta !.!Em~u Otam~llam.
pfJ'."H:\tov Kat aVE!lOV Kal KOVlOpTOV oma0ev !-LEV n:otel LOU CJOU mpmeupa
TO<;, KaLa n:p6awn:ov Oe TWV 7t0A!.1LWV. TOUTO yap n:avu aup<ppov eup~aet<; oi
yap 1tOAE!ll0l T~V opamv auaxeeevm:;, ~ T~V avan:vo~v E1tXO!.!EVOl Kal Kpmou.
peVOl ~ n:apa TOU QVE!-LOU TUmopeVOl, mxdav (JOl n:apa8waoum T~V VLKTJV.
p0'. E>paauv ov-ra TOV n:OAE!llOV, ib CJTpaTTjy, ei<; aKatpov n:pon:Tnav EKKCt
AEl Kal !.!UTa(w:; KlV~(Jl<;. i:av 8 i:anv OetAO<;, i:v mxeiat<; aUTOV i:n:eAEUCJWl Kal
auvexem KaTa7tAfJTTE. Od yap (J ytvWCJKElV TOU mpaTTJYOU TWV n:OA1-LLWV T~V
Ota0eatV, Kal n:po<; TaUTTJV KEXp~a0at TOt<; CJOt<; CJTpUTTJY~!.iaCJlV.
pt'. 'IKavo<; wv tv T{ii Atyetv, ib aTpaTTjy, Kai Toil<; OetA.twvm<; n:oAA.aKt<; eit;
llaXTJV avaaT~CJel<;, Kal Ta<; i:v TOt<; CJTpaTon:8otc; CJU!l<f>Opa<; EUKOAW<; n:apallU
e~an, I Kal TOU<:; avOpetOU<; !.!CtAAOV i:mppwaet<;, Kal 7tOAAWV ayaewv 8ta T~<; (J~~
E!lq>povoc; OfJ!.!TJYOPiac; TOV un:~KOOV CJTPUTOV avan:A.~anc;.
pta'. N~<pELV O<peLAEl<:; Kal ALUV un:apxelV yp~yopo<; Kal !.!UAAOV TWV 0.:\Awv
aTpaTtWTwv Twv n:oA.e!llKWV pnxetv n:6vwv, ib mpaTTjy, 6A.iyou 8t TOU KEfi
544-547 Strat., 8.2-45.

8.2.49.
548-551 Strat., 8.2-42.
560-563 Strat., 8.2.74; Onas. 1.13.
547 CtVUf.laxtcrrrrat M avaKUAE<YeTUl A

KlV~Ol':t<; M f.lUTUlU<; KlV~OEl<; yKaAOii A
au-rov
Ef11tA~Ol<; A
564 KUL f.lUAAOV M
can be distributed on an equal basis, according to the regulations prescribed for

them.73
105. A general who is constantly suspicious of the preparations of the enemy
impresses me as giving proof that he is secure in war and in the rest of his
conduct.
106. The greatest failing in a general that I know of is to have most of his
army destroyed in one battle. If he forms his battle line against the enemy in an
intelligent manner and maneuvers it with prudence, then, even if something
unfortunate happens to his army, he may withdraw in good order or quickly
retrieve the defeat/4
107. You will hurt the enemy by drawing up a suitable battle line in good
order and keeping it as such during the entire period of battle. In the battle line
the most important point and the one that assures safety is for the fighting men
to maintain their formation and the intervals between the lines.7 5
108. See that the sun, wind, and dust are behind your army but in the face of
the enemy. You will find this extremely helpful. When the enemy's vision is
obscured, his breathing is constrained and difficult, and he is buffeted by the
wind, all this will quickly present you with victory.7 6
109. General, when the enemy acts boldly, entice him into premature,
reckless action and useless maneuvers. If he is on the timid side, hit him hard
with constant and rapid attacks. You must know the disposition of the enemy
general and employ your own stratagems accordingly.7 7
110. With some skill in speaking, 0 general, you will often arouse the fainthearted to battle and readily counteract despondency in the army and offer even
more strength to the brave and, by your intelligence and public speaking, you
will present the army under your command with many benefits. 78
111. You ought to be watchful and very alert and, more than the other
soldiers, do your share of the wartime tasks, 0 general, but with little recom-
556-559 Strat,
564-567 Strat., 8.2.51.
548 Ctpf.lOO(a M O.pf100lW<; A
556-557 EKKCtACI,
558 cruvextm KUTCt1tAT]TTE M 1tUKVUl<; KUTCt1tAI]TH
5 59 KEXpijcr8m ... cr-rpaTJ]Y~f.lacrtv
562 tmppwcrt<; M evtcrxucrt<; A
552-555 Strat., 8.2.39.
cr;paTT]Y~f.lUTa
i\
563 l::f.l<ppovo<; M Ef.l<ppovo<; Kat (JlJVeTij<; A I avanA~(J1~ M
M
tmTJ]OEUElV
-ra
wcrTpUTT]YE KalnAtov A I aHwv M om. A
<Hpm!]y M f.leTEXEtv Twv n6vwv Twv noAEf.llKWV Kat A
565 TWV
57 5
73 Strat. 8.2-44.
74 Strat. 8.2-45.
75 Strat. 8.2.42.
76. Strat. 8.2.39.
77. Strat. 8.2.49.
78. Strat. 8.2.74; Onasander 1.13.
576
Constitution
Concise Sayings
20
oou<;. oihw<; yap Kat T~v rrapa navTwv euvmav flT<'t 06~TJ<; KT~Gn Kal qnA.ouflvo<; im' auTwv Guvaywvt<ofltvou<; Got npo8Uf1W<; tv TOt<; KtvMvot<; ~t<;.
ptW, 'Olav, flT<'t viKTJV ~v 6 E>e6<; Got napaGxn, tm<TJTft 6 rroAtfltO<; dp~v11v
tnwcpeA.fJ, fl~ yivou UKaflTr~<;, aU' imaKOU TOUT(!) Kat dp~vU, tvvowv TO TWV
570
575
noAEflWV Kat Tfj<; TDXTJ<; MT]AOV.

pty'. 'YTrOfltflV~GKOU ad Kat TWV naA.at GOt dpT]flEVWV napa Tfj<; ~flWV ~aot
A.eia<;, w GTpaTfly, on f.tiiUov T~v tmf1EAtav T Kat np6votav TWV onA.wv
xpewGT1<; rrot1G8at ~nep Twv tmTTJOdwv nepl Ta onA.a. oloa<; yap oTt Ta
tmT~Ota flEV olov otaTpocpa<; Kat TU aHa arro Tfj<; xwpa<; TWV TrOAfllWV nopi<e
G8at ouvaT6v tGTLV, onA.wv 0 xwpl<; ~ TOUTWV tmA.m6VTWV TOt<; XPfl<oumv Oll
KpaT~Gt<;
TWV OUGflVwv.
pto'. E>apaaA.tw<; avacpwvf)aav flyaA.6cpwvov <JTpUTUfla Kat tmT~OetOV
npo<; a.Aa.Aayf!OV KalaTrA~~l TrUVTW<; T~V TWV noAfllWV rrapala~tV.
pte'. 'Eav tv nA.~8t TO~OTWV oi TrOAEfltOt nmo(8aGLV, uypoTtpou<; Cttpa<;
580 tmTT]p1 ota TO cmaAWTpa yivw8at TU TO~a. oihw<; yap T~V npo<; TOU<; tvavT[
ou<; rrmouf1Vo<; GuflnAoK~v euKaTacpp6vT]la auTwv KaTa<JT~oL<; Ta ~EATJ.
pte;'. '0 -rai<; oiKiat<; KaHwm<6flVO<; npa~wt aTpaTT]yo<; tKlv6<; tmw
aptGTO<;, aU' oux 6 uno TOU ytvou<; Aaflnp6<;, W<JTrP ouoe xpuata Myxq
XPTJGLflTJ rrpoc; n6A.ef1ov, ana moTJpa Kal aKpwc; ~KoVTJflEVTJ.
8
pt<'. 'Y\f'T]AO<; T~v otavmav A.oyta8~an olav ou Ta rrap6vla f16vov Kat rrpoa
55
TrlrrTOVla OtOLKft<; 6p8w<;, w GTpaTT]yt, aU' OlaV TOU flEAAOVTO<; T~V otouoav
nm~on
590
Kal cppovTioa Kal rrp6votav.

ptf]'. 'Hoovf)<; KpaT1V Kal tv rravTt Katp4J apt<JTOV tGTLV <JTpaTTJY4J 0 flUAl
<JTa tv noAEflOU Katp4J A.iav urrapx1 TOUTO XPTJOtflWlaTOV.
pt8'. M~T flUXTJ<; tmKtVOUVOU Kal rroU~v txov<JT]<; UOT]Aiav EKOU<JlW<; arrap
xou, fl~T TOU<; napa~ouAw<; flUAAOV o' tm~ouAw<; XPTJ<JaflEVOU<; noTe toh;
568-570 Strat., 8.2.52.
8.2-48.
582-584 Strat.,
571-576 Strat., 8.2.53.

8.2.54.
577-578 Strat., 8.2.46.
585-587 Strat.,
8.2.55.
pense. In this way you will enhance your reputation and gain the goodwill of all;
you will be loved by them and you will have them eagerly fighting along with
you in time of danger/9
112. When the enemy, after God has granted you victory, should seek terms
of peace, do not be rigid, but listen graciously to them and make peace. Keep in
mind the uncertainties of war and of fortune.
113. Always bear in mind what Our Majesty said to you a long time ago, 0
general, namely, that you are obliged to devote greater attention and forethought
to the weapons than to equipment only. You know that it is possible to procure
equipment such as food, supplies, and other things in enemy territory. But
without weapons, or if there is a shortage of them for those who want them, you
will not overcome your adversary.
114. An army that boldly shouts out its war cries loud and clear is able to
strike great terror into the enemy battle line. so
115. If the enemy relies on a large force of archers, watch for fairly wet
weather because it weakens the bows. Then, when you launch your charge
against the enemy, you will nullify the effect of their missiles. s1
116. That general is best who has distinguished himself by his own deeds,
not the one who is illustrious because of his family. A golden lance is not useful
in combat, but an iron one, perfectly sharpened, is.sz
117. You will be considered highly intelligent when you correctly manage
not only matters of immediate concern, 0 general, but also when you show
proper concern and forethought for the future.s3
118. To keep pleasure under control is best at all times, but for a general it is
extremely expedient in wartime.s4
119. Do not willingly enter upon a hazardous and highly uncertain battle.
Refrain from emulating those who once engaged in such hazardous, not to say
579-581 Strar,
588-589 Strat.,
8.2.M
590-597 Strat., 8.2.56.

566-567 <plAOUf.!EVO<; M ayambf.!eVO<; A
569 't:OU't:W M atm'i> A
573 ~7!ep ... Ta M ~

2
't:WV emnvSdwv 't:U f.!EV yap A 574 f.!EV Mom. A 574-576 am) ... OUO'f.!EVWV M ovvot'JV
EO''t:LV Tfic; 't:WV 7!0Aef.!lWV xwpac; avaAUf.l~CtVE0'8aL xwplc; of. 7!0Aef.!LKWV 01!AWV ov 0\JV~Illl
7!0Aef.!lWV KpaTfjO'Ul A 577 avo<pWVfjO'aV M Kal 't:OAf.!T)p<'i>c; ava~ofioav A 578 aAaAayttbv
M TO pue0'8UL Kal a.AaM<elV A 579 7!E1!0leaO'LV M eappwO'lV A 581 O'Uf.l7lAOKftV M f.ltlX!j\'
A 1 KaTaO'T~O'Etc; ... ~tATJ M 1:a ~eAT) 7lOL~O'etc; A 583 w0'7lep M Kav yap A 585 f.16vov M
f.16Va A 586 o1:av M oTav Kal A 587 Kall M om. A 589 TOiiTo M om. A 590 Kill
txouoT)c; M 7!oA.Aqv A 591 mile; ... XPTJO'Uf.!EVouc; A To'ic; ... XPTJO'Uf.!EVOL<; M
577
79 For 111-113 see Strat. 8.2.51-53.

So. Strat. 8.2.46.
81. Strat. 8.2-48.
82. Strat. 8.2.54.
83. Strat. 8.2.55.
84. Strat. 8.2.66.
578
595
Constitution
Concise Sayings
20
npawam Kal eaullao9vm<; OLa TlJXfJV !lfJOE TOlJTOU<; <fJAOUV KaTaoxou. aAA.'
OTUV xpLa yVf]Tal TIOAe!lOU, TOU<; !lEV noAt:!llOU<; imooxou !lETa aocpaA.eiac;.
Tat<; OE oiKetat<; em~oA.ai<; W<; av OOKL!laOnc; elva( OOL TO XP1'!<Jt!l0V Kal OU!l<ppov
EKUOTOTe KXpfJOO. TUXfJ !lEV yap ana~ EVLKfJOEV Kal nOAAUKLc; emmoev, OTpaTfjyia OE Otacp6pOLc; -rxvmc; Kt:IXPfJ!lVfJ TIOAAUKL<; !lEV EVLKfJOEV, npo<; ana~ o' 'lowe;
enTatOt:V.
pK'. 'OA.oetc; oou Toile; imoxetpiou<;,
OTpUTf]y, eav imap~etc; XPflllUTWV
epamt'Jc;, Kat OU !lOVOV TOL<; OLKElOL<; 6A9pto<; imapXet<; <pLAOXPf)!laTO<; WV, CtAAU
Kal Tote; noA.e11iot<; yevf)on euKamcpp6VfJTOc;.
pKa'. Nouvexw<; eni~aAA.e Kal !leTa noAA.t;c; ou<fJTf)oewc; -rotc; noA.e!ltKo1c;
epyOLc;. eav yap TOte; A.omoic; npawam ma(oac; TL<;, lld 6A.iyov 'lowe; TO maLO!lO
enavopewoaoem ouvaTat. ev OE TOi<; KaTa TIOAE!lOV Ct!lapTf)!laaLV f) ~Aa~flllVl
oi yap Te9vfJK6Tec; otecpOO.pfJoav.
PKW. Aoyi<ou Kal KaTav6et TOU Cl1ALKTOU TO xwp(ov, wOTpanw. 0.v onv
uytetVOV Kal OWTf)ptov ~ vooepov Kal TOLe; OLKelOLc; noA1-lLOV, Kal au-rae; 0 TU<.;
EJtlTfJOelOUc; xpeiac;, Mwp Kal ~uA.a Kal xopTOV, eav TIAfJOlOV eioiv. ei yap n6ppw
9v eimv, ouoxepf)c; EOTL Kal EJtLKivouvoc; f) TOUTWV ouyKO!lLOf), Kal !lUALOHl
nOAE!llWV EJtLKEL!lvwv. Kal ~ouvov o TLVa oeov napaKeioOat tva, ei o{\Tw TUX!)
nl TOUTOV avA.9n<;. npo TOU cpOO.oaVTe<; KaTaAU~WOLV auTOV oi nOAE!lLOL.
pKy'. 'Eav noA!lLOL napaKt:LVTal OOL, W OTpaTf]y, Kat npoonOLfj9ft<; npo<;
aUTOU<; vavT(a WV EAnt<ouatV, OU !lLKpa W<pt:Af)Ot:Lc;. OO~ac; yap EVLOTt: xapaKll
TifJyvunv ~ hep6v TL KUKA.ouv oxupw11a, Kal ota TOtaUTfJ<; OO~fJc; ei<; 611oiav
npa~LV Touc; evavTiou<; napop!lf)Oa<;, ouvaom OUVTt:Tayllvoc; aiJToc; OLaOKt:Oao
llvOLc; EKelVOLc; ei<; Ta mTf)Oeta OUVTO!lWc; emneaeiv ~ euv Kal TOUTO OU!l~n CK
Tonwv ouoxepwv CtKLVOUVWc; anayaync; TO OTpaTt:U!la.
pKo'. 'Donep aya9ov naAatOT~V oihwc; oei ev Taic; npa~eat TOV mpanw<'lV
Ot:LKVUetV !lEV Tepa, Kal Ota TOUTWV netpaoem Touc; evavTiou<; e~anaTiiV, KXP'l
oOat OE Tote; ap!lo<ouat T<j) Katp<j) Kal oic; av TWV f1axollvwv TIOAE!llWV Kpan]
one;.
6oo
605
610
615
620
598-6oo Strat., 8.2.57.

8.2.76.
601-604 Strat., 8.2.61.
605-610 Strat., 8.2.75.
611-616 StraL,
treacherous, operations and were admired because of their good luck. But, when
it is necessary to wage war, remain secure in dealing with the enemy and follow
your own designs as in each instance you think useful and helpful for you. For
fortune has gained victory once but has been defeated many times. Strategy,
however, making use of various skills, has led to defeat perhaps once but has
been victorious many times.8s
120. You will bring ruin on your subjects, 0 general, if you are a lover of
money. Not only do you cause the destruction of your own people if you are a
money lover but you will also be viewed with contempt by the enemy.86
121. Undertake military operations with intelligence and extensive investigation. If some mistake is made in other matters, in a little while, perhaps, the
mistake can be rectified, but errors made in war cause lasting harm, for the dead
are gone for good. 87
122. Study and carefully observe the location of the camp, 0 general. Is it
healthy and safe or is it inhospitable and unhealthy for your troops? Are the
necessary supplies, water, wood, forage, nearby? If these are at a distance, it will
be difficult and dangerous to procure them, especially in the presence of the
enemy. Try to locate some hill in the vicinity and, if you find one, ascend it
before the enemy arrives and occupies it. 88
123. If the enemy are nearby, 0 general, you will gain no small advantage if
you pretend to do the opposite of what they expect. At one time, give the
impression that you are going to set up camp or encircle some other fortified
place and, by appearing to do so, you may lure the enemy into like activity.
While they are scattered about getting things organized, you remain in formation and suddenly fall upon them. Even if this happens to take place in difficult
terrain, you may lead your army out without risk.
124. The general must carry out operations like a good wrestler, feinting in
one direction in an effort to deceive his opponent. You must make use of
suitable opportunities and other ways by which you can overpower the enemy's
fighting men.
617-620 Strat., 8.2.77.
592 npayJ.!am M npawaotv A

598 imap~w; M imapxTJ~ A
594 To M om. A
595-596 oTp<mw1a of: M om. t\
602 epym~ eo.v M epyot~ -n1~ctAAI'

tv A lrrpayf!U<Jl A 1tpCtYf!U<JlV M 605 TO xwp(ov M TOV T01TOV A 6o6 uytelVOV ... JtOAifHOV
M uytetvo~ Kal awT~pw~ ~ vooepo~ Kal Toi~ oiKetot~ JtOAEf!LO~ A 607-608 n6ppw0tv M
f!UKp60ev A 610 npo TOU M nplv A 612 EVLOTe M JtOAACtKl~ A I xapaKa M <JTU~apa
TO <pO<JOCtTOV A 613 00~1]~ M EAJtlOO~ A 619 ol~ av Mot' wv A
579
601 en(~aAA.e Mom. A
85. Strat. 8.2.56.

86. Strat. 8.2.57.
87. Strat. 8.2.61.
88. For 122-124 see Strat. 8.2.75-77.
580
Concise Sayings
Constitution 20
pKe'. NtKll<; Kal ~nll<; 6.f.l<po-rpwv v 6.o~A.<.p KLf.lvwv, lipw-ro<; Kal cro<poc;
A.oywe~crn cr-rpaTllYO<; KClL EV 1tOAEf.lOl<; KClL EV micrn crou KCll' exepwv yxnp~Ol,
ea.v npo<; oeu-rpav l1JX11V KClL vav-riav EK~ClOLV 6.no~Annc;, KClL W<; au-r~t;
napoucrll<; -ra oeovm nepl auT~<; npovo~crnc;. l yap Tl OUf.l~fi vav-r[ov, ETOlf.lO<;
625
npo<; -rijv OW'tllp[av eupe9~crn.

pK<;'. '0 6.cr<paA.ijc; cr-rpm11yoc; ou f.l6vov -ra eiK6m yevcr9m v -ro1<; Ktvouvot<;
eu ota9fi, 6.Ua Kal -ra napaoo~a A.oyt(6f.levo<; -rijv nepl au-rwv not~crnm np6
VOLClV.
pK('. Ei 0 Tl<; TWV nep[ 0 apxov-rwv noUa npanwv 6.va~L(l KClL <pClUAG
eupe9fi, f.lT]OE 7tpl f.llKpwv KCltTWV TUXOVTWV 7tpC1Yf.lCtLWV au-r{\J Ka-rammeucrn<;.

pK '."Icr9t yap 1 on -rowu-rouc; o<peiA.et<; npo~auwemapxovmc;, olnve.:; nov
11
U1tOXLPLWV ClULWV KpiHOV<; EGOVLCll <pLAOUOl yap QL -ra <ppOV~f.lCllCl niJv
6.pXOf.lEVWV OUVOLCllt9w9m TOL<; apxoucrtv. o\.\-rw<; yap 0 apxa1o<; 1tAllpw9~crt<ll
Myoc;, f.lfJ A<i<pou<; apxetv A.e6v-rwv, 6.Ua A.Eovm<; A.a<pwv.
6
pK9'. 'Pwf.taA.ov KamcrKeuacret<; To cr-rpaTeuf.la, av Tov Tfi<; 6.vox~c; -roti
35
1t0Aef.l0U Kmpov d<; UGKllOLV K(lL YUf.lVCl(Jl(lV TWV KaTa 1tOAf.lOV epywv 6.<pOOl(lJ
crn<;. TOT yap EV KCltp{\l 1tOAf.llKWV 6.ywvwv OUK crn f.lAET11V, 6.U' E1tl0l~LV T~~
630
640
645
6.vopaya9[a<; napam~cret<;.
pA.'. 'H f.lAETT] crot TWV 6.vayKa[wv npaYf.tUTWV ~pf.lOUVll ytvcr9w, Kat f-11)
np6Tepov d<; V1tVOV TpE1tOU nplv O.v KClTClVO~crn<; Tl f.lEV eon npaxe~vm K(lL TOUTO
napA.me<; Tl o d<; TfJV auptov 7tpax9fivm KClAOV KClLTOVLOU TUXEW<; 6.nap~n
pA.a'. NOf.tL09~crn KW<pO<; KClL UKam<pp6vllTO<; TOl<; evTuyxavoumv, eav
npoxeipw<; mcr-reun<; TOl<; U1tOOXOf.lEVOL<; cro[ Tl npa~LV. av o ~na(wv Kl1\
yuf.lva(wv TO npiiYf.la <pavfi<;, aioouf.tVO<; KacrTo<; TWV <pm!A.wv TTJV crijv 6.Kp(,
~l(lV KClL ayxivotav, ouov (JOL npo<; Q1tUTllV dnciv TOAf.l~0l, 6.Ua KClL eau~l\l
crovmi crou Tfj<; cr-repp6TT]TO<; oi unoxeiptol, KClL T~<; 6.A.ll9ia<; OUK 6.cr-rox~(Jl<;.
125. Since both victory and defeat remain uncertain, you will be regarded as
a most courageous and wise general, in combat and in every undertaking of
yours against the enemy, if you keep in mind second fortune and an adverse
outcome. Make plans about how you should deal with them as though they were
actually occurring. If the opposite does happen, you will be ready to find safety.s9
126. The cautious general should not only be good at making arrangements
for what is likely to happen in time of danger but he should also consider the
unexpected and make plans for it ahead of time. 90
127. If one of the officers around you is discovered to be engaged in many
unworthy and disreputable activities, do not entrust him even with small and
ordinary matters.91
128. Keep in mind that you ought to promote such officers who are better
than the men they will command. The spirit of subordinates always tends to
model itself on that of the commander. Thus, the ancient saying will be fulfilled:
"The deer is not to rule over the lion, but the lion to rule over the deer:' 92
129. Maintain your army in good condition. If battle is postponed, devote
the time to exercise and drill in combat activities. When the time comes to take
the field, you will provide, not just a a training exercise in manly valor, but an
actual demonstration of it. 93
130. Deliberate about necessary matters when you are calm. Do not go to
sleep before you reflect on what you should have done and may perhaps have
neglected. Reflect too on what it would be wise to do tomorrow and quickly get
to it. 94
131. You will be regarded as a lightweight and be despised by all who
encounter you if you readily believe those who promise you to do something.
But if you are seen investigating and testing the matter, each one of the common
men will be in awe at your precision and shrewdness and will not dare to say
anything to deceive you. Instead, your subordinates will be amazed at your
firmness, and you will not fall short of the truth.9s
621-625 Strat., 8.2.78.
626-628 Strat., 8.2.63.
629-630 Strat., 8.2.62.
631-634 StnlL
89. Strat. 8.2.78; cf. Const. 13, n. 2.
8.2.79; cf. p-.220-221.
635-638 Strat., 8.2.64.
639-641 Strat., 8.2.65.
642-646 Stt<lt,
90. Strat. 8.2.63.

91. Strat. 8.2.62.
8.2.67.
621 tv Mom. A
623 tb.v M d A
627 eu 15ta6fi M KUAW<:; 15ta6~<Jet A I nap6.15o~a M
npocr15oK[av A 632 qn\oum ... ael M ael yap A 633 cruvl5tm:i6ecr6m ... apxoumv M
<ac; <wv apxov<wv yvw 11ac; cru!l 11e<a~6.Uovmt A 636-637 a<pomwcr!]c; A a<pomwm1 M
643 npoxeipwc; M eilK6\wc; A 646 crou M cre eveKev A
581
92. Strat. 8.2.79; cf. Const. 2 32.

93. Strat. 8.2.64.
94 Strat. 8.2.65.
95 Strat. 8.2.67.
Concise Sayings
Constitution 20
582
pAW. "Icr8t on ~ !l1"a Aoyt<Jf10U KaTa rr6Af10V cpooo<; acrcpaAetav EXfl rroA-
A~v. o[ yap 6~ei<; Kal rrporrnei<; crTpanwoi, w<; ~ rrdpa oa~ev, rrAeicrTa otaf1apT<ivovm.
650
pAy'. KaAw<; TrOL~<Jfl<; OTUV Ta
aa ~OVAUf1UTU Aaveavav 8Al<; TOU<; rroAf1l
OV<;, eav OUOE TOL<; TrOAAOL<; TWV OLKeLWV TUUTU 8app~crn<;. OU<JKOAOV yap KpV~~
VUL Aa8pa[av ~ovA~v noAA.oi<; xe[Ae<JL Tr1tl<JTVf1EVf]V.
pAo'. Dpf1~V EKCt<JTOV Kal KLVT]<JlV KalapxovTO<; Kal <JTpaTLWTOU oei
<JKflV,
ae ytvw-
w<JTpaTT]yt, Kal d<; 6rro[av EKU<JTO<; npa~LV apf160t6<; E<JTLV, tva EKU<JTOV
655 OEOVTW<; EKTa~n<;. W<; EOlK yap, TO ayvoeiv TaUTU CtVWf1CtAOV<; TrOlflTUL Ta<;
napaTa~a<;.
pAt:'. LTpaTT]YO<; aya8o<; dKWV yivt:TUL TWV npaKTEWV TOL<; urroxetptot<; UUTOU
Kal6 cpai>Ao<; Of10tw<;. au ovv T~<; ~f1TEpa<; ~aatAe[a<; OeXOf1EVO<; T~v rrapa[veatv,
wcrTpayT]yt, ayae~ yevov TOt<; UTIT]KOOL<; eiKWV, KUL lipt<JTU YVf1Va(6f1VO<;, Kal
66o 1t0LWV anep Oft, Ct1tXOf1VO<;
ot, oaa Kal TOU<; <JTpanwTa<; Kal rravTa<; TOU<; UTr< l
<J n:Tayf.lEVOV<; anexeaem XP~<Jlf10V.

pA<;'. "Evoo~6v Tl npO.yf.la Kal A[av 6v~<Jlf10V E<JTLV ~ <JTpaTT]YLK~ em<JT~!lT]"
Kal yap livev f1CtXTJ<; rroAA.aKt<; vtKi?- Tou<; rroAef1[ov<;. TUUTlJ<; ouv tmf1t:Aetcr8a[ m:
xp~, Kal Ota TUUTT]<; Ta<; tyxetp~crt:L<; livev cpavepou 1tOAEf10V KaTa TWV EVUVTLWV
665 1t0lt<J8at. OTaV
oe I avayKT] TaUTT]V f.l~
tvepyetv, TOT Ota T~<; TWV <JWf1CtTWV
PWf1T]<; rrapaKLVOUVUlV avayKatov, Kal !laxn npo<; TOU<; rroAEf.llOV<; Otaywv[(e ..

aem.
pA('. Nea(etv 6cpdAl 6 mpaTT]yo<; Kal Tft pwf.ln Tou aw!laTo<;. ota T~<; crTpa
TTJYLK~<; TEXVTJ<; 6cpeiA.et 8au!la(w8m ~yovv Twv errtTT]OEVf1<iTwv auT~<;. 8o<; yap
670 tan rraAmov W<JT TOU<; f1EAAOVTa<; crTpaTT]ydv, ou f10VOV arro 8vov<; Kal yt
VOV<; EAKELV T~V crvyyevflaV tv Tal<; VLKUL<; Aaf11tpUVOf1EVOU, aAAa Kal TOt<; rram
npawamv axpl Kal aUTOU TOU OVOf.laTO<; elvm T~<; VLKT]<; <JT]f.laVTLK~V.
647-649 Strat., 8.2.68.
650-652 Strat., 8.2.72.
653-656 Strat., 8.2.71.
132. Bear in mind that approaching war with deliberation promises great
safety, whereas hasty and impetuous generals, as experience shows, commit
many blunders. 96
133. When you want to conceal your plans from the enemy, you will act
correctly if you do not take the rank and file of your men into your confidence.
It is difficult to hide a secret plan that has been entrusted to many lips.97
134. You must be familiar with the tendencies and inclinations of each
officer and soldier, 0 general, and for what task each one is suited, so you can
assign them properly. I believe that paying little heed to these matters results in
an uneven battle line.9s
135. A good general sets an example for his subordinates of how things are
to be done, as does also a bad general. Therefore, you, 0 general, who have
received this counsel from Our Majesty, set a good example for your subordinates, training yourself in the highest ideals and doing what is needed, but
refraining from those things that the soldiers and everyone under your
command should refrain from.99
136. Knowledge of strategy is an honorable and extremely useful thing.
Frequently it leads to victory over the enemy without battle. You must study this
attentively and, by following it, launch assaults against the enemy without
getting into a pitched battle. When the situation is such that you cannot act in
this manner, then it is necessary to face the dangers with physical force and
engage the enemy in battle. 100
13 7. The general ought to be youthful in spirit and robust in body. He ought
to be admired because of his military skill and the way he puts it into practice. It
is an ancient custom for those men who are to embark on a military career to
trace their lineage from a tribe and family not only illustrious in their victories,
but in all their actions even to the point that their very name signifies victory. 101
657-661 Strat.,
8.2.69. 662-667 Onas. 1.17. 668-672 Cf. p-.93-100.

648-649 OlUf!UPTclVOU<H M OtUf!Up<avouow A 650-651 7t0Aef!LOU<:; M 7t0Aef!LOU<:; 1:0U1:0 oe
yev~<JETU! A 654 6rro[av M rro[av A 655 wc; ... yap M om. A 6ss-656 7t0leltUL ..
rrapa<a~etc; M trsp. A 657 1:wv rrpaKTiwv M om. A I aumii M au1:oii 1:wv 6<petA6vnov
rrpanea6m A 659 yevoii ... dKwv M eiKwv Tote; imf]KOotc; yevoii A 66o Oet M rrpoa~Kt 1\
I 7tclV1:U<:; Toile; M eK 7tclV1:WV A 662 OV~Olf!OV M O<pEAlf!OV A 665 7t0let<J6at M 7!0l~Otlt;
A 666 PWf!f]<:; ... avayKaiov M OUVclf!EW<:; avayKUlOV eon rrapaKtVOUVEU!:lV 1\
668 <JWf!UToc; M OWf!UToc; Kai A 670-671 yevouc; ... auyyevetav Mom. A 671 Aaf!rrpuvo
f!EVOU M AUf!7tpUVO!lEVOU KUTayetV to yevoc; A 672 axpt M ewe; A I <1f]!lUVTlK~V M n\
wv
<1f]f!UV1:!KOVA
58 3
96. Strat. 8.2.68.

97 Strat. 8.2.72.
98. Strat. 8.2.71.
99. Strat. 8.2.69.
100. Onasander 1.17.
101. Cf. Const. 2 15.
584 Constitution
Concise Sayings
pA.rj'. Xp~0lflOV tl a-rpaT~Yllfla Otfjy~OOflUl, Kal TOUTO om:p avayvouc; CtVEflaElov, Yva av non: aufl~fl aOL flEAALV npoc; noA.t:fl[ouc; nA.t:lova aou Mvafltv
exov-rac; Otaywv[~wElat, Kal ~OUAl npoc; au-roue; fl~ auva'l'at n6AflOV, aAA.a
aKtvMvwc; nt:~t:A.Eleiv, m-r~p11aov av napaKt:tTat no-raf16c;, Kal -rou-rov mmp'l'ac; nayayt: -ro1c; noA.t:flLOL<; Kma -rou nt:O[ou v 4> ~ napa-ra~tc; np6Kt:tTat, KUl
675
oi.\Twc; TOY flEAAOVTa n6AflOV avt:vpyfjTOV not~(Jt:tc;.

68o
pA.EJ'. 'PqO[wc; avamt:lA.n ~OUA~V noAfllWV 6 mpaTfjyoc; av Kat au-r6c;, Kat

Ka-ra y~v Kal KaTa ElaA.aaaav Kpmfl imoxLp[wv nvwv Kal ol noAtfltOL 01:: y~c;
~Tit:[pou KpaTOUVT<; KaTa TWV auTOU VfjWV ~ -rpwv napaA_[wv -r6nwv EKOTpa
TULV ~OUAUWVTat. av yap <pfjfllOn on au-roc; Ota T~<; ~nt:[pou ~OUATat Kat'
auTWV a-rpaTU(Jat KaTanA.~~[ au-roue; Kat avamdA.n T~c; KaTa ElaA.aaaav
yxLp~at:wc;.
68
690
P!l' "IaElt t:uat:~c; dvat npiiYfla, wa-rpmfjy, Kal A.[av 6v~atflOV -ro v -ral.;
avayKa[at<; Kat KOtVaL<; XPelat<; flfjOEnOT [O[ac; fllflV~OKWElat xEJpac; flfjOI:: ot'
i>n6votav lo[av EflnOO[~t:aElat Ta 6ov-ra y[vwElat, aA.A.a v Tal<; TWV KOLVWV
npovo[atc; Ta TOtaUTU naVTU KaTa-r[EJwEJat Kat nt:pl npoawnwv Kat npayflaTWV,
Kal npoc; f16vov -ro xp~atflov ano~A.nLv, Kal -rou-ro JTpant:tv. ~ yap TOLauTq
ah[a noAA.o1c; napopWflEVll flt:yaA.ac; ~A.a~ac; noA.A.UKt<; no[fjat:v.
P!la'. LO<pl~OflVO<;,
a-rpmfjy, xpe[ac; oi.\Tw KaAOUOfj<;, W<pA~aLc; n\
!leyta-ra. av yap Ota nvoc; mvo[ac; npovo~anc; -ra flAA.ov-ra y[vwElat, Kal
!laAtaTa nl aa-rpwv m-roA.~c;, Kat TUUTU npodnnc;, OTt n' ayaElfl OfjflaOl\,1
tnouat y[vwElat, unp -rwv napa aou yxetpouflvwv npawa-rwv mppwaElt1
11
aov-rat ol i>n6 (J a-rpanWTat, want:p ano oupavou ETLTOA~V nva Ofjfla[vouaav
aU-ro1c; ayaEla i>nooex6flVOL, Kat ElappaAtot aovTat KaTa TWV noAfllWV.
P!lW Toile; napa aou v 6flaA4> Kal nt:Otv4J -r6mp nm napa-raaaoflEVO\lt;
nt:~ouc; v6nA.ouc; npoc; Ka~aAA.ap[ouc; xElpwv flflOtnmt: aanc;, Kliv noAA.~v
avayKllV unomwatv, Ka-raA.m6v-rac; T~V napal-ra~LV EK<puyeiv. fll::VOVTWV yc\p
695
691-696 Cf. uS'.703-713.

673 KU\ -roi:i'ro Mom. A
674-675 1tAe(ov6. ... owywv(~ecr8at M Otaywv(~eo8at1tAelOVl1
138. I will tell you about a useful stratagem that I have learned from my
reading. If it ever happens that you are about to fight against an enemy whose
army is larger than yours and you do not want to face it in battle but to extricate
yourself without danger, then be on the lookout for a nearby river, turn it
around, and divert it against the enemy onto the plain on which the battle line
was being formed. In this way, you will bring it about that the intended battle
will not take place.
139. The general can easily confound the plans of the enemy if he has some
men under his command on both land and sea. The enemy, who occupy territory on the mainland, may plan to campaign against his ships or other places
along the shore. If the general lets it be known that he intends to war against
them on land, he will catch them by surprise and turn back their attack by sea.
140. You must know, 0 general, that it is a religious deed and an extremely
useful one, when it involves essential matters and public service, never to keep
in mind personal enmity or to let personal suspicions be an obstacle to duty.
Rather, in concerns affecting the common good, put all such feelings aside,
regarding both persons and things, and look only toward what is beneficial, and
do that. In many cases, overlooking this responsibility has resulted in great
harm.
141. By acting cleverly, 0 general, when the situation requires, you will reap
the greatest benefits. There may be some means that enable you to foretell future
events, especially the rising of the stars. You foretell such events because they
will occur under a favorable sign. The soldiers under your command will be
strongly encouraged to support the actions you are taking, as though the rising
of the star was a sort of sign from heaven that they were to experience good
fortune and they will become bolder in facing the enemy.1o2
142. Never allow the infantry, while they are drawn up on even and level
ground against the enemy cavalry, to abandon the line of battle and run away,
even under heavy pressure. If they remain in place, there are good hopes for
(J(J\l
xov-ra~ OUVUf.UV A 676-677 tmcrtpE\j!U<; M fleTOXeteucra<; A 677 neo(ou M T01t0tl A

679 KaF M 6 A
68o 86.\acrcrav M 86.\anav A
682 ijm:(pou M yij<; A
681 napa\(wv M napa8a\an(wv A
690 1tOAAOl<; napopWf!EV!] M TulV

no\Awv napaAel1tOf!EV!] A 691 outw KaAOUG!]<; M cmmtoucr!]<; A 692 nvo<; tmvo(a~ M
trsp. A 693 E1tlTOATJ<; M avatoAij<; Ketl EAAet\jleW<; A 693-694 n' ... y(veo8at M ayo0\1
<Jljf!CtlVOUcrtV A 694-695 mppwcr6ijcrovtat M evOUVCtf!W8ijcrovmt A 695 emtoAijv M
mcrtOATJV A 695-696 G!]f!CtlVOUO"CtV ... imooex<'>flV0l M imooexOflVOl ayaea etlrtoh,
685 OVTJO"lf!OV M ocpEAlf!OV A
102.
<Jljf!CtlVOUGCtV A
585
20
Cf. Const.
14
101.
586
Constitution
Concise Sayings
20
700 a\rrwv noAAaLTOU VlKCtV eAn(Oe<;, <pEUYOVTWV {j' oUf5qt(a <JWHJpla<; Ant<;, n(tllV
f5ta<JKOpmo8vTWV Kal uno Ka~aAAapiwv f5tWKOIJ.fVWV.
pf1y'.'Donp TO (fiv ijf5w<; em8Uf1T]TOV, OUTW<; KaLTWV KaTa n6Af10V Ktv8UVWV TOU<; OTpanwm<; rrpo!hJflW<; arrapxwem xpeo<; f<JTLV EKELVOl yap Eim TOU
(fiv ~8fw<; oi a'lnot. TOT yap Ta KaTopO<bflam TWV rroAf1iwv 6.A.T]Ow<; ytvwoKTat, ~vixa Tfi xapTpiq. TWV n6vwv EIJ.IJ.fVwmv mum 8 TO (fiv ~8w<; xal EipTJ
V1JlV ano TWV noAf1LWV rropi(oumv.
pf18'. Anovw-rpov 8ta ecp68wv 6.ypU<Jl<; Kal KaOTpa noTE xal xwp[a TWV
rroAf1LWV 8Ulf1EV Tfi<; ~T]pi'i<;, eav OXTJflaT[on<; TOU<; oou<; OTpanwm<; Of10LW<; TOlt;
eyxwp[ot<;. 8ta {j OaAa<J<JTj<;, eav TI:OT vau~J.axwv cpOaon<; Ta n:A.ota TWV TI:OAf1l
710 wv KpaTfi<JUl ~ ETpa OIJ.OlU eKivwv xam<JKEUU<Jat, xal lOULOl<; LOU<; oou<;
oTpanwTa<; Ef1~t~aom, xal-rfi yfi Twv noAf1iwv ouv ainai<; KamnAu<Jat. ouTw..;
yap
w<; cptA.im<; -rru<; vaual rrpooxovT<; oi evavT[ot ou <pu~ov-rat, Kal UXpon;
pov aA.wO~oovmt.
piJ.e'."YA.T]V aypunv[a<; <JOl 8tTjy~OOIJ.Ul. axpt~~<; yap av yevotTO Kal navvuxo..;
715
rrapa<puAaK~, dT cpooaaTOU uno ~iyA.a<; <pt>AUlTOIJ.fVOU, eav 'nn<; OTl "IJ.fAAUl

KaTa Otacp6pou<; ou<; OA.w Katpou<; 6.vaTLlV A.aflnTfipa<; i5 T6v8 TOV rrpio
mov T6rrov," tva Kal oi cpuA.ax<; npo<; exaomv Twv napa oou A.a11m~pwv av<
avexwm xal 8tKVUW<JlV if5[ou<; A.a~J.mfipa<;. OUTW<; yap T~V wpav Tfi<; m)t;
6.vaMf1'1'W<; ayvoouv-r<; xal eK8XOf1VOl 8ta rravTo<; eypT]yop~OOU<Jl,
Klll
ano<JKOTI:ELV Ta<; ~iyA.a<; a\nwv rrapaOKUCt<JOU<1lV. Ei {j TlV<; U<JTp~ooumv

720
u8w<; yvwoO~aovTat.
pf1<;'. To cpuMoo<J8at Ta<; e~ arrovoia<; 11axa<; TWV noAf1lWV execppov6<; eon
o-rpaTTJYOU. ~ yap arr6vota T~V avayKT]V EXOU<Ja napoTpuvouoav, 8paouTaTOU\;
KUL 6.v8piou<; TOU<; IJ.UXOIJ.fVOU<; rrot1. 6.rr6vota {j fOllY omv n<; <JWTTjpku;
eA.ni8a i>pLV fl~ 8uVCtf1VO<; evoTfi npo<; TOY evaVTLOV, W<Jl ~ VtKfi<Jat ~ (moO~l
vdv. eav of:: OTpaTOn8eun<; KaTevaVTl TI:OAf1LWV, Kal 6 UVEIJ.O<; E<Jll npo<; aUTOlJt,
enpXOf1VO<;, EIJ.TI:Upt(e TOV ano Tfi<; yfi<; 6.vacpuvm xopTOV tva rrpo<; a1Jlo{l(;
enPXOf1VOV TO rrup Tporrfi<; alnov yevT]Lal.
pf1('. 'OTav IJ.fAAn<; Kata xwp[ou TlVO<; TWV TI:OAEfllWV cpo8ov rroteioOat mpl
730
TO auyo<;, eyKpUIJ.flalU f5tacpopa (iA_A.a aUaxou KaTa<JTTj<JOV f5ta Tfi<; VUKt<'lt;,

oi\Tw<; yap 8tacp6pw<; npoo~aA.wv Kal n:A.ov Oopu~~an<; xal 8tonapf1vou~;
705 EflflEvwmv M EflflEvoumv A 706 nopi(ouow M napexoumv A 709
cpSacriJ~ <n M
KpUT~O"I]~ A 710 KUTU<JKEUU(JUl M KUTUO"KEUCt(JT]~ A 711 Kal... autai~ M wate (JUV a6tul~
tf] yf] TWV rtOAEfllWV A 712 cptAtUl~ M cpt\ia~ ol evavtiot tO.~ vau~ \oyt(Of!EVOL ou cpuy!iH!l\1
A 713 a\wS~aov-rat M Kpat~(JOVTUI A 716-717 rtepiomov M V'I'TJAOV
717-718 O.vtavtxwcrt Kal M avaatavte~ A 722 txcppov6~ M cppovif!OU A
587
victory, but if they run away, there is no hope of salvation, for the foot soldiers
will be scattered about and pursued by the cavalry.
143. Just as a person desires a pleasant life, so must soldiers eagerly engage
in the perils of warfare. Indeed, it is they who assure <us> of a pleasant life.
Success over the enemy is truly achieved when the soldiers continually persevere in their labors. And it is success over the enemy that makes for pleasant
living and peace.
144. At times, when you assault them on land, you will capture the fortresses
and other places held by the enemy with less hard work if you have your soldiers
dress like the local inhabitants. If you attack by sea, then, before the naval battle,
seize some enemy ships or outfit others similar to those. Have your soldiers go
aboard these ships and sail off to the land of the enemy. Your adversaries will
look upon them as friendly ships, will not run away, and will be more easily
taken.
145. I will discuss the matter of vigilance with you. The guards will remain
alert and vigilant all night and the encampment will be well guarded by scouts if
you announce: "I intend to light lanterns at different times, whenever I so
choose, at this observation post:' The guards should then, in response to each
one of your lanterns, raise and show their own lanterns. Not knowing the hour
of your lantern lighting and always being on the lookout for it, they will stay
awake. They will make it easy for you to check on the scouts; those who happen
to be late will be recognized immediately.
146. It is the mark of a prudent general to guard against the enemy fighting
out of despair. Desperation only makes the emergency more acute and makes
the combatants braver and bolder. Desperation sets in when a person takes his
stand against his adversary but cannot find any hope of salvation. There is either
victory or death. If you lead your army on campaign against the enemy and
there is a wind blowing in their direction, set fire to the grass growing in that
area so that the fire rushing on them will result in their defeat.
147. When you intend to launch an assault about dawn against some place
held by the enemy, then, during the night set up various ambuscades here and
there, so that, by attacking in different places, you will disturb them all the more
588
Constitution
20
Concise Sayings
mauva~El wuc; UALGKOflEVOUc;. Kal tOUtO {j GOl npoatl8T]fll, tva v taTe; tOLau
tate; Kata xwpac; CtOOK~toLc; ETIEAEUGWL tptp6A.ouc; GL<'l!]pOuc; VUKtoc; Otappimw;
tv
KUKA4J, -roue; o TIE~ouc; tOU aou
I atpateUflatOc;
npoata~elc; atEpea ~tOI
735 ~VALVa '(XVTJ avtl KaGGUflUtWV EXELV ta lJTIOO~flata. ou-rwc; yap, av Kat tlVE<;
pouA.f]86lmv ~ ne~ol ~ Kapa>..Aaptot CtflUVaa8m toTe; tptp6A.mc; Eflm:a6vm;
KWAU8~aovtm, ol o TIE~Ol to olKETov pyov avuaoumv.
Pf.lT( Kt~fla tlfllOV ~ aw<ppoaUVT] Kal atpati]YtP Kal atpatEUflatL, wanep l)

nopveia vav-r(ov Kal 6A.6ptov, Kal flUALata v alxflaAwt[m yuvm~l ytvof.1vq.
74 o Kal flap-rupd -ra Kata -rov Cl>tvec; de; -r~v Maotav(noa yuvaTKa Kal -rov ZaflPP'1
yeyov6-ra. flLCi.c; yap yuvmKoc; alxflaA.w-rou nopveia o>..ov to a-rpat6neoov niJv

vevLKTJK6-rwv flLKpou ot<p6etpev, d fl~ atT] Cl>tvec; Kal EKKEVt~aac; -roue; <lflap-ra
vov-rac; Kal eava-rwaac; E~lAUGatO. Kal K6naaev ~ 8paumc; Kal A.oy(cr6!] aunil
de; OLKatOGUVf]V.
pf18'. 'P<ilflf]V v8~anc; -roTc; a-rpanw-ratc; v ~flpq. noAeflOU, av ~avaa-ra..;
745
ew6ev
we;
ana E>eou GOL o<p6vta ovnpov ETtl<pf]flLGDc; ~
we;
an6 ttvoc; ayia~
ouvaflEWc; npotpenouaf]c; neA.61v Kata -rwv noAeflLWV Kal m<pavdaT]c; am np<'>~

GUflflaX(av.
pv'. ATIO XPTJflUtWV TIOAAUKLc; Kal aveu TIOAEflOU Katop6waetc; Kata TIOAE~llttlV
75 o aou vtK!]V, o-rav -repwv noAEflLWV au-roTc; nou napaKELflevwv -rou-rouc; XP~fla<n
TIE(aac; TIOAEflELV tote; ao1c; vav-r(mc; TIOl~GEtc;. ~ yap an~>..ouc; <p6epoumv ~ n)
v flEpoc; mKpat~(Jl, no>..Aouc; apia-roue; anopaA.ov v t(iJ Kata t~V flUXf1V
aywvt. Kal yap tWV Ufl<pW TIOAEfllWV ou-rwc; ~AaGGWf.!EVWV Of.!OU ana6~c; auttl~
Kallaxup6tepoc; EKELVWV ava0etx8~an.
pva'. Tote; pouAoflvmc; Ptaiwc; v Katp(iJ noAEflOU t~v a~v napam~tv 0tapp1)
75 5
~at
Kal OtK81v, o(ooov EKoua(wc; napexe, Kal fleta rauta n(atpe\j!OV Kal WGTII::Jl
<peuyoum Kata VWLOU nm6dc; pq.oiwc; KataOLW~Elc; au-roue;.

pvW. 'DatE fl~ <p6pov daayea6m elc; to atpat61teOOV Ola -roue; aKaipw..;
ALTIOtaKtOUVtac;, -raxewc; au-roue; Kal auvtOflWc; anoxwpiaac; t~c; napata~ewc;
ev
760 tpatc; xpeimc; KatUatf]GOV.
and you will gather in the prisoners as they are scattered about. I will add this
for you: in such surprise attacks against places, throw out iron caltrops at night
in a circle. Order the foot soldiers in your army to wear shoes with stiff or
wooden soles instead of leather ones. In this way, even if some, infantry or
cavalry, should wish to protect themselves from falling upon the caltrops, this
will prevent them from doing so. The infantry shall complete their special task.
148. Self-control is a valued possession for the general and for the army, just
as fornication is adverse and destructive, especially when it occurs with captive
women. Evidence of this is what happened in the time of Phinees concerning
the Madianite woman and Zambres. The fornication of one captive woman just
about destroyed the entire army, even though it was victorious. But Phinees
arose and ran his spear through the sinners and, by putting them to death, made
atonement. The plague abated and it was accounted to him as righteousness. !OJ
149. You will make your soldiers stronger on the day of battle if you get up
early and spread it about that you have had a dream ostensibly sent by God or
by some holy power that urged you on to attack the enemy and appeared in
support of you.
150. You will achieve frequent victories against your enemies without actual
war by making use of money. When they have other enemies lying in wait for
them somewhere, an offer of money should be persuasive in getting this people
to wage war against your adversaries. Either they will destroy one another or
one side will conquer, although it will have lost many brave soldiers in the heat
of battle. The result will be that both enemies will be weakened while, at the
same time, you will be unharmed and end up stronger than those armies.
151. In the course of battle, when the enemy wants to break through by force
and run through your battle line, give way willingly and, a bit later, wheel about
and fall upon their rear as though they were running away and you will easily
pursue them.
To keep your army from becoming frightened because some men are
deserting at the wrong time, quickly and without formalities separate them from
your battle line and assign them to other tasks.
152.
738-744 Num. 25:7-14.

732 UAlOKOfUtvou<; M KpaTOUf!EVOU<; A
I rrpocrTlOfJfll
xwpav A I Otapp[mL<; M otacrrrdpfJ<; A
734-735 ~TOL. .. 'iXVfJ M trsp. A
M rrapayyeAAOf.lV A 733 xwpa~ M

737 avucroucrtv M
TIAfJpwaoucrtv A 742 f.lLKpoi\ M rrap' 6.\[you A 744 d<; OLKatOcrUVfJV M tv otKatocruvl] A
746 ew6v M rrpwl A 747 KUTU ... TIOAf!LWV Mom. A 753 TWV Uf.lq>W M Ctf.l<j>OTepwv Tti>V
A
I ~AUOOWf.lEVWV
M <p6LpWf!iVWV A
589
756 o[ooov M rrapooov A
<pcuywm M <pcuywcrtv A I pao[w<; M uK6.\w<; A
757 <pcuyoucn llt!

103.
Numbers 25:7-14.
590
Concise Sayings
Constitution 20
pvy'. 'PWflTJ O"TpaTTJYOU xepal flEV O"UflnAEKOflEVOU noAAUKtc; ouov !-lfYO
153. A strong general engaging in hand-to-hand combat is usually of no
W<pfATJO"EV, l ~-~~ apa fllKpov tv OELAL\l a-rpa-rou tmppwaat TOlJTOUc; ~OUAOflEVOU
great help. Perhaps, when the army is timid, he may intend to strengthen them a
little by sharing in their dangers, but it is disastrous if he falls. Strategy and good
management on his part, when the general is safe and protected, result in great
benefits in combat.Jo4
154. You will give the impression that you have a large army, if this is what
you desire, by having some cavalrymen ride on the pack animals, the asses, and
the cattle. Sometimes a display of this sort is useful.
155. You will strike the enemy with great amazement if you bring up the
heavy-armed troops of your army in good order at a gradual pace and, when
they come within a bowshot, have them race quickly forward and engage closely. They will not be injured by the arrows fired at them and, charging forward
unharmed, they will rout the foe.
156. I will tell you what a wise general once did. As the army was being
drawn up in formation, a loud thunder clap was heard and caused the army to
become fearful, as though it were an evil omen. He made a counterargument by
saying: "The thunder did not come because of us, but because of the enemy;
God has sent the thunder on them, as our enemies, and orders us to march out
against them:'10s
157. You will make the enemy into objects of contempt if you show that the
men of their nation who are with you are inferior in wrestling matches, whereas
you make sure that your own men prove to be superior.
158. When you wish to hide from your army those who have died in battle,
if this should indeed happen, as it does frequently, then, after the battle has
come to an end, order the squads not to take their meal together but each one
wherever it finds itself. In this way, they will not know who has been killed and
they will not become discouraged but will take heart.
159. The enemy general is like the head of a viper in relation to his army.
Focus your full attention on making him fall, either by a large number of
heavy-armed troops charging directly against him alone or by discharging
arrows against him as a single target or handle it in some other manner. Once
the head of the viper has been cut off, the rest of the body can do nothing.106
Ota T~c; KOLVWVLac; TWV KtvMvwv nw6v-roc; o Ta flEYLO"TU e~AU\(IEV. a-rpanwim
8 Kal fTILTTJOEUflUTa, chav aw(TjTat KUL Ota<pUAUHTjTat 6 a-rpaTTjy6c;, nap' aUTOi)

765 ytVOflEVa !1Eya\ac; wcpe\dac; tv m1c; !lUXate; anoTEAoumv.
pvo'. IT\~8ouc; cpavma(av TOU aou mpa-rEUflaTOc; not~aac;, dye TOUTO

~OUATJ8flc;,
tav
Kat TOte; uno(uy(mc; KUL Tote; ovmc; KUL Tate; ~oualv tnoxLa8ai
nva<; Ka~a\Aap(ouc; nm~anc; tv(me yap I Kal TouTo tmoaKVUflEVov XP~at!-lov.

pve'. 'IKavwc; Kamn\~~etc; Toile; noAEfliouc;
770
tv
napa-ra~a omv Toile; 6n\(Ta<.;
Tou aou a-rpaTEuflaToc; npwTa flEV KaTa ~~fla flETa eU.a~(ac; npoauync;, o-rav 6!::
eaweev aaytHO~OAOU yvwvmt, TOT OpOflULWc; flET' O~UTTJTOc; O"UflnAfKW8at

nm~anc;. OU yap ~Aa~~O"OVTat uno TWV TO~EUOflEVWV ~EAWV, KUL ana81c; npocr
~aAOVTEc;
TpE\(IOUat mile; tvavT(ouc;.
pvc;'. Iocpou mpUTTJYOU epyov 0"01 OLTJY~O"OflUL. nm yap napaTUO"O"O!-lfVO\l

775
591
aumu ~pOVT~ yyov ~ape1a, Kal TOU aTpa-rou UUTOU OELALUO"avmc;,
we; tnl KUK(p
auTo1c; O"U!-l~OAq>, avTn~vyKV Elnwv "ou Ot' ~!lac; ~ ~povT~ yyovv, aU(\
Toile; noAE!-lLOUc; 6 8eoc;
we;
tx8poilc; tfl~povT~Touc; nm~a~c; KaT' aUTWV ~!-lat;
tnuyw8m KAUt."
pv('. Toile; noAEflLOUc; EUKUTa<ppov~Touc; not~O"Etc;
78o auTwv napa
tav
mile;
tK
TOU yvou..;
am ovTac; tv m1c; na\a(mpmc; Twv nmyv[wv t\aHouc;, Toile; lie
aoilc; tJTIEPfXELV napaaKUaanc;.

pvfj'. '0T ~ou\n KpU\(Iat mile; avnpTJflEVOUc; v Tfl flUXn TOU aou a-rpa-rEUflCI
we; noAAUKtc; e'(w8, flETa T~V AUatV T~c; flUX!)!,

O"UVOELTIVELV 6f.LOU Ta KOVTOU~tpvta napaKEAEUOU, a\\' we; huxev EKUO"TOV
Toe;, dye Kal TOUTO O"Ufl~Ulfj noT,

fl~
785 oihwc; yap ou Otayv6vTc; Toile; avnpTJflEVOUc; OUK de; OELALUV tflnWOUVTal, aU,\
8apa~aoumv.
pv8'. ITpaTTJyoc; noAEflLWV,
wanep
KE<pa\~ txiovfJc;, oihwc; tnl T<f aTpan:tl
flUTL auTou. niiaav ovv tn[vmav nowu, waT au-rov nwe1v, ~ 8ta n\~8011t;
auflnE<ppawvou Kal npoc; aU.ov f16vov 6~wc; tmopafl6vmc; ~ ota ~e\wv np1''"
790 EVU aKonov KUT atJTOU ~ATj8fVTWV, ~ ot' Tpou nvoc; tmTTJOEUflUmc;. Kal
Y<lfl
T~c; txiovfjc; ~ KE<pa\~ auvTpt~1aa To \omov O"WflU Ka-rA.mev avevpyfjTOV.
761-765 Onas. 33
774-778 Cf. Polyaen. 3.10.2.
768 ev[ot M 1l0AAUKL~ A
787-791 Cf. Polyaen. 3.9.22.
776 <JUfi~OAW M <JT)fiELW A
783 dye M d A I dw8 M tw8ev A
780 EAUHOU~ M EAaHOV<l<;
784 Kovtou~epvta A Koutou~epvta M
104. Onasander 33
105. Cf. Polyaenus 3.10.2.
106. Cf. Polyaenus 3.9.22.
Constitution
592
Concise Sayings
20
p~'. 'Ev TrOAEf!OU Katpq> -roue; <ptA.nirou<; Kal auv~8et<; Kal auyyevel<; 11AfJG[ov
GUVTUTTELV aAA~AWV aya86v tcrnv. ~ yap ayetTrfj cruyKLVOUV\JELV aAA~AOL<; Kat

apWTEUELV napaaKEUCt(EL.
795
p~a'. 'Yn6votav KaTaGKEUCtGEL<; tv TOt<; TrOAEf!LOL<; KaTa aAA~AWV, tav ni>v tv
TOt<; 110AEf!LOL<; OVTWV nap' aUTOL<; tma~flWV Ta xwp[a Kamf..[nnc; a~A.a~~ OfjAOV6n Ka-raKa[wv -ra TrAfJm6xwpa.
p~W- L-rpa-roc; ei f!E:v an
am iKav6c;,
wcr-rpa<T]y,
Kal f16voc; au-rapKfJC:.
tnEi-rotye Kal TOU<; avtKCtVOU<; npo<; xpeiav tKeivwv Kal oouA.Eiav Kal rrA.~8out:;
soo
<pavmaiav o-re KaA.eaet Katpo<; GUf!TrapaA.a~eiv XP~atf16V tanv ~ tA.aacrouflvou

TOU cr-rpaLOu Kal Ota GUflf!CtXWV avaTrAfjpOua8at au-r6v,
WGT
apKeiv rtpo<; n)
KaTartOAEfl~GaL TOU<; tvav-riou<;. EtpfjTat yap A6yo<; TtaAat6<; OTL v8a fl~ t~apKet
~ A.wv-r~ npoapan-retv od -r~<; aA.wneK~<;.
p~y'. 'Eav GUfl~ii
8os
aoi T!OT imoauv8fjfla
I ypa\jfat
nvl tv xwp<;t ovn ni)v
T!OAEf!LWV, tv aKfjpWTOL<; mvaKtOLOL<; 0 av ~ouA.n Kmaypa\jfa<;, tmKCtAUT!T nfl

KfJP4> Ta ypCtf!flaTa, Kal TOT KaTa LOU KfjpOu ypa<pe Ta avunoma. OUTW<; yap
aVUGEL<; TOU imoauv8~flaTo<; T~V KpU<pa[av GOU O~AWULV.
p~o'. BouA.~v T!OTE n<; rtpoooaiac; T!OL~aa<;, yvwa8el<; oe Kal flEAAWV CtALGKt>
a8at T~V tm~OUA~V TWV T!OAEfllWV TOt<; lOLOL<; KaTEfl~VUGEV, Kat on'w<; Oei Tat>TflV
810 <pUACt~aa8at GUV~0UAUGV. tfl~Vuaav
A~V, Ta
oe Kal oi T!OAEfllOL TOUT<p f!E:V T~V tm~ou
oe pya Ta tvav-ria T~<; tm~OUA~<;. TLVL ma-reuanc; f!iiAAOV ~ TrCtVTW<; tt\J
~OUAU8EVTL rtpo06-rn Kal flfjVUGaVTL, aAA.a fl~ TOi<; A6yot<; TWV T!OAEf!LWV; o\rrot:;
yap, i Kai rtpOOOTT]<;, aHa Kai OflOOLatTO<; TrCtVTOT Kal auyyev~<; Kal XP~flU<JlV
815
raw<; imo<p8apel<; a A.a~dv OUK <p8aaev ~ A.a~wv ~8ETfjGEV, tKEiVOL

T!OAEfllOl Kal Ota T!(lVTWV aA.A6-rptot.
oe <puma
p~e'. 'H OetA[a TWV mpanw-rwv EK TOU OKVOU Kai T~<; wxptaaew<; OetKVUT<lL
TOU<; ouv TOLOUTOU<; aGUfl<pavw<; xwpt(e LOU mpa-roi\ Kal art6GTAA, w<; o~8t:V
KOflLGOVTa<;
a neA.a8ov-ro. TOUTO oe T!Ol~Ga<; rtapOpfl~GEL<; A6yot<; TOU<; GTpUTlltl
792-794 Cf. 0'.162-167.
798-803 Polyaen. 2.10.5; Plut.
792 Kal auyyevei<; M om. A

fxOl ei
793 OUVTC.itTElV CtAA~AWV M trsp. A
oe f.l~ A I OouAetav M Oou.Adwv A
808-809 a.AiaKeaem M KpaT~a9m A

f.lETCt euA6you rrpocpaaew<;
Lys., 5.
160. In combat it is a good idea to line up very close friends, companions,

and relatives close to one another. For their love makes them ready to endure
dangers by one another's side and to distinguish themselves. 107
161. You will make the enemy suspicious of one another if you leave undamaged the estates of the important men among them and burn down the neighboring estates.
162. Your army may be large enough, 0 general, and sufficient by itself, yet
when the situation requires, it is useful to take in some people who are unsuited
for <combat> to assist with the needs and service of the soldiers and <to create>
the impression of a large force. If your army is smaller, expand it by adding
allied forces so that it is large enough to overcome its adversaries in battle. An
ancient saying goes: "When the lion skin is not sufficient, then it is necessary to
sew on that of the fox:' 108
163. If at some time it occurs to you to write a watchword to a person in
enemy territory, write down what you wish on an unwaxed tablet, cover over the
writing with wax, and then write something on the wax that will not arouse suspicion. In this way, you will manage to communicate your watchword and still
keep it secret,t09
164. A certain person once conceived a plan of betrayal but, on being
discovered and about to be arrested, he informed his own people about the plan
of the enemy and gave them advice on how they should guard against it. The
enemy had indeed informed him of such a plan but their actions were the
opposite of the plan. Whom would you trust more completely than the one who
planned betrayal and <then> provided information? Surely not the words of the
enemy. For this man, albeit a traitor, remains still a fellow countryman and of
the same race and was perhaps corrupted by money that he did not actually take
or after taking handed it back. They, in contrast, are enemies by nature and in
every respect foreign.
165. The cowardice of the soldiers is manifested by their hesitation and
pallid color. Secretly separate such men from the army and send them off as
though they were to bring back things they had forgotten. After doing this,
address the soldiers in stirring words to the effect that, now that they have
804-807 Polyaen. 2.2tL

799 errehmye M tO
807 TOV urroauve~f.laTO<; Du arro auve~f.laTo~

810 TOUT(!) Du TOUTOV MA
MA
817 CtOUf.!cpavw~
593
107. Cf. Const. 4 41.

108. Polyaenus 2.10.5; Plutarch,
109. Polyaenus 2.20.
Lysander 5.
594
Constitution
20
m<;, W<; TWV av8panoowv

820
tKetVWV ~811
EXW8at, Kcti TWV T~<; VlKfl<; 8wpEWV a~tw8~Vctl.

p~<;'. l:TpmtwTwv 8EtA.ia<; 8taKptmv Kcti hpw<; aot imo8Ei~w. Tou yap aTpn
TOU TictVTO<; Of10U OVTO<;, tav KlV~crn<; aaA.myya, w<; OTl o[ TIOAEfllOl GUflTIAEKOV
Tat npo<; flUXflV, Tapax~<; YEVOflEVfl<;, o[ fltV 8tAOL <pElJ~OVTal, o[ 8 avopEiot
TictpctTCt~OVTal.
825
p~('. 'Eav npo<; ayuflVUGTOU<; Kcti anEipou<; flUXfl<; TIOAEfllOU<; napaTaGG!],
a1.no<; 8 YEYUflVClGflEVOU<; xn<; GTpctTlWTct<;, ou napw8u T~V flUXflV ()'UVU\l'Eil,

UAAa ()'UVTflpEiV GE 8Ei TOY xpovov tv Tft ()'U()'Tcl0l, Kctl npoEKAUElV TOU<; noA.qti
ou<; w<; tn' 6A.iyov TIOVEiv d8t0f1EVOU<;, Kctl TOTE tmTE8ft<; mhoi<;. i 0 npi>c,
YYUf1VCl0f1EVOU<; flUXfl<; TIOAEfllOU<; flUXWElat flEAAn<;, ayuf1VU0TOU<; ctUTO<; xwv
830
wu<; mpanwm<;,
O.Kfl~
tK
Tou Eu8w<; Kai napaxp~fla T~v flUXflV GUfl~aA.At:. ~ yl\1
Twv awv aTpmtwTwv yEvvaiw<; anoflctX~GETat npo<; Toil<; tvaVTiou<;.
p~fl' 'YnovOtav tmflOV~<; tv TotaMn Katpou XPet<tl 8ei~EL<; Toi<; noAEflLOtr.;, 1 i
lipa flEAAEt<; imoxwpwv w<; flEVwv t~anm~aw auTou<;, tav 8v8pa nEptKO\l'a<; ij
TOUTWV fl~ OVTWV ETEpa TlVct ~UAct GT~Gct<; vMan<; aun1 8ta GKOUTctpiwv,
835
flLflflflct O.v8pwv evonA.wv ~' av Toaa"6Tf1 Tuxn O.vayKfl, Kal Tpwv on\wv
A.aflnpwv. oi.hw<; yap KpiHova T~<; Twv onA.wv O.nwA.Eia<; T~v Tou aTparo\1
GWTflp[av ~YflGCtflEVO<; 8ta T~V KctTEnEiyouaav '(aw<; xpLav UKtvMvw<; imoxwpl')
GEL<;.
p~8'. MaAt()'Tct flEv flETU 8tKctl00UVfl<;
840
I TictVTO<; pyou cmapxw8at 8Ei. n,\ov
8 TWV liA.A.wv Ta<; apxa<; XP~ TOU TIOAEflOU 8tKct(a<; Elvat, Kctl
fl~ flOVOV 8tKct(nr.;,
O.AA.a Kal <ppovif1w<; npoayw8w Tov noA.EflOV. Kal yap TOTE Kal E>Eo<; auvaywv1
etTat TOt<; mpctTEUflctmv EUflEV~<; ytVOflEVO<;, Kal o[ liv8pwnot npo8uf10Tfll H
yivovmt TOU 8tKct[ou npoaan[(ovTE<; Kctl ElMTE<; w<; OUK apxoumv 6.8tKtct<;, CtAAt\
CtflUVOVTat KctTCt TWV 6.8tKOUVTWV.
845
Concise Sayings
UTiflAAClYflEVOU<; flOVOU<; T~<; av8paya8inc,
po'. 'Enav o 8tKcttW<; anapxwew TOU TIOAEflOU flEAAn<;, ib GTpctTflYE, xpr]
tlti
~v mpmtav 8tacrKEuacrat O.Kpt~w<;, Kal flETa O.a<paA.Eia<; muTflV ~ayaylv, tt\v
yap a08Evl<; Eiatv a[ TIOAEfllKctl KlV~GEt<;, omv TO ~apo<; avaA<i~W()'t TOU JtoAt'
flOU, axu 8/,[~0VTctl Kctl UGTEpoumv. o8Ev WGTIEP aya8o<; KU~EpV~TrJ<; (llll'l
gotten rid of those slaves, they alone can lay claim to valor and have proven
<themselves> worthy of the rewards of victory.
1
66. I will show you another way of discerning the cowardice of the soldiers.
When the entire army is gathered together, sound the trumpet as though the
enemy were advancing into battle. In the confusion the cowardly will run away,
whereas the brave will line up in formation.
167. If your soldiers have been well-trained and you line them up against an
enemy ine~per~enced and untrained for battle, do not engage them immediately.
Rather, mamtam your formation, and wear out the enemy first, in case they are
not accustomed to much <hard> work. Then attack them. But if you are about
to engage a trained enemy in battle and your own troops are not well-trained,
then send yours into battle immediately and without hesitation. For the best of
your soldiers will fight it out bravely with the enemy.
. 168. Wh.en need arises, make it appear to the enemy that you are remaining
m place. If, mdeed, you intend to withdraw but want to trick them into <thinking> that you are remaining, chop down trees or, if there are none, set up pieces
~f ~ood and place shields upon them or, if necessary, other shiny weapons to
~mitate armed men. In this way, considering the safety of your army more
m~por.tant than ~he loss of the weapons because of the pressing emergency, you
Will Withdraw without risk,llo
169. Certainly justice must be at the beginning of every action. More than
other actions, the beginnings of war must be just. Not only must it be just but
the war must be conducted with prudence. For then God will become benevolent and will fight along with our armies. The men will be more enthusiastic,
~~l~i~g t~e. shi~ld of justice before them, with the realization that they are not
lllitlatmg IllJUStice but are warding off those committing unjust acts.'''
170. Whenever you intend, 0 general, to enter into war justly, make sure
that your army is thoroughly prepared and lead it out in safety. If your military
movements are weak, your men, as they run up against the pressures of war,
may be quickly worn out and fail. As a good pilot, then, sail your ship out of the
839-844 Onas. 4.1; cf. W.193-221.

825 Kal cmdpou<; A om. M
832 Katpoii M om. A
827 GUYt'lpetv M lltUTpl~ELV A
833 jlfVWV M jlfAAwv A
830 eK toii M om.
839 M M XP~ A
840 XP~ M !'VI
844 CtjlUVOVtat .. MtKOUVtWV M toil<; alltKOUVta<; CtjlUVOvtat A 845 em1v M trrli

0
846 15tUO"KEUUO"at M i:tOLjlCtO"at A
59 5
110. Cf. Sylloge tacticorum, 99.1.

111. Onasander 4.1; cf. Const. 2 29.
596
Constitution
20
Concise Sayings
AlflEVO<; ~apT~aa<; TO aKa<po<;, K(lL TCUVTU n1 avayKaia m:pi mho TCOI~aa<;, Tl'm
85o rciTpme TqJ
Ekq> To mlv T~<; K~aaw<;.
poa'. N611ov rci8e<; awuT<iJ rcpo<; To rcpa<; arco~Arcetv T~<; Tou rcoA.Ef-!Ot'
KlV~aW<;, Kai oihw TUUTf]<; cmapxwem. q>UUAOV yap Kai a<paA.epov KLVT]CHV ~lEV
1tot~aaa8at 1tOAEflOU, aDet<; oe maTpa<p~Vat TO aTpaTUf-!U. EKUaTO<; f-!EV yap
KamyeA.aaTal aou T~<; rcporcTia<; o[ o x8poi KUTa<ppov~aoua( aou ti)t;

855 a<pAla<;, ouxl W<; !l~ ~OUAOflEVOU, aAA.' ou OUVUflEVOU OlKUlW<; Kal rcperc6vtw<,
Ota8Tvat Ta rcpawam.
poW. 'HviKa oe Ta<; OUVUfl1<; ~ayLv flEAA1<; npo<; TCOAflOV, 01 flEV Ka8apa<;
auTa<; ~ UflapTf]flUTWV dvat <ppovT[at<; oe Ota TWV lepwv Ka8ayv1aat (lUTCt<; lit'
euA.oyia<;, Kal oihw<; flTa eapaou<; nl T~<; flUXTJ<; U1t0KlV~aat.
86o
poy'. Luv naan o TU~1 Kal UKOafll<;l Kal Tft KUTa 1tOAflOV Efl1ttpi<;t 01 T<'lV
aTpaTov 60omope1v, Kilv 11~nw 11AA.n au!l~aA.Tv, aAA.a ota flUKpii<; ooou rcopeu
w8at, Kilv 1tOAAWV ~flpwv UVUlV flEAAn ooov KUL v Tft iO[<;t xwp<;t K(lt v T!l
1tOAfll<;l. OtlTW<; yap 8ta8~aTat Ta aTpUTellflUTU flEVlV EV TCt~1, KUL aUflq>UAc't r
TlV Ta 'iota TCtyflaTa Kal UKOAou81v TOL<; apxoumv UUTWV, aA.A.a KUl rcpo<; n\~-,
865 E~Ul<j>VT]<; ytVOflEVU<; E1tl~OUAa<; EV Tft 1tOAfll<;l fl~
v a8p6qJ Katp<iJ 86pU~1a8m.
poo'. Aa<paA.aTepov 0 To aTpaTUfla Ota~~aTat Ta<; npoKtflva<; ooo(l<;.

av Ota Ttvwv 6A.iywv npoarcoaTdAa<; peuv<;t<; Ta<; Ell1tpoa8ev Tpi~ou<; ~youv Oll't
597
harbor after you have made all the necessary preparations. Then entrust the
entire undertaking to God.
171. Make a law for yourself to look <first> to the end of the course of the
war and only then to begin it. It is despicable and mistaken to make a movement in war and then to have the army turn back again. Everyone will make fun
of your impetuosity. The enemy will despise you for your simplicity, not because
you were unwilling but because you were unable to arrange matters justly and
properly.
172. When you intend to lead your forces out to war, they must be purified
from sin and you must take care to have them sanctified by the blessing of the
priests. With confidence, then, march out to battle. m
173. It is necessary for the army to march in full formation, in good order,
and with experience of war, even if you are not yet going to engage in combat,
but are marching on a long road, even one that will take many days to complete,
both in your own country and in that of the enemy. In this manner, the soldiers
will get used to remaining in formation and they will maintain their own units
and follow their officers. They will not be thrown into confusion all at once by a
surprise attack in hostile territory.
poe'. 'Eav yuflva(n<; aTpaTufla auvexw<;, ~L<; a\nou<; npo<; Tou<; rc6vm~c,
17 4 The army will proceed more safely along the road before it if you reconnoiter the paths that lie ahead of you by sending out a few men, who are called
minsoratores and antikensores in the Roman tongue.
870 etOlllOU<;, Kal T~V TU~lV <j>UAUTTOVTa<; Kal pWflUAEOU<; TO aWflU. ~ flEV yap apy!ll
175. If you drill your army continuously, you will find them ready for labor,
flUA8aKU KUL aa8v~ KUTUGKUa(t Ta aWflaTa KUt pa8DflOU<; Kat avavopoll<; K<ll
maintaining their formation, and physically robust. Idleness renders tlleir

bodies soft and weak and their spirits lazy, unmanly, and cowardly. But drilling
and hard work make their bodies robust and their spirits manly. Therefore, 0
general, it is necessary for you to consider ahead of time what best fits the
occasion, and then to prepare what will be helpful, when there is no immediate
pressure on your battle line.
Twv KUAOUflvwv Tft pwflai<;t yA.waan fltvawpanilpwv Kal avTtKT]vawpwv.
0lAU<; Ta<; \j!UXU<; ~ oe YllllVaa[a Kal o[ 1tOVOl Kal Ta awllaTa eupwaTa Kal
\j!UXU<; avopia<; KUTaaKeua(oumv. XP0V a ouv,
w aTpUTT]y,
rcpo KatpO~I
o~ew<; Ta TOU Katpou flATUV <lpflOOta., Kal Ta xp~atll(l TOT aKUU(lV, OTI:' o(l
875 KUTTClYl T~<; rcapaTa~W<; ~ avayKf].
po<;'. '1aflV rcoAA.<iKt<; Tou<; 8paauTepou<; Twv aTpa-rtwTwv K Toii 11~ rct:W1
aem TOL<; apxouatv U1tOAAU!lEVOU<;. 010 TOU<; ~OUAO!lEVOU<; TOU aTpaTOU UVll
a~<; ~ Toii apxovTo<; auTwv vToA.~<; ~ npo<; npaioav amevm ~ ~<; rcapaTa~t''"
857-859 cf. to'.3-7.
849 e~apt~cra~ ... O'KU<pO~
TO
O'KU<pO~
eutpen[aa~
851 VO[IOV
853 Jtot~cracr8at. .. emcrtpa<pijvat M T!OAE[IOU T!Ol~Oaa8at TlUAlV
w<;
V6f10~
oe
KEVOV {mocrtpel!'m
861 f!EAAI] O'Ufl~a/..dv M
ouxl MA 859 tij~ f!Ctxrl~ M T~V flUXI]V A

868 -rij pwf!aia M om. A 87o pwf1aA.ou~ M iaxupou~
872 eupwcr-ra M uytij A 873 xpe6v M XP~ A 874 TOU A om. M I O'Keua<etv
KUTUO'Ke\JU~ElV A 878 amevm M anepxw8at A
8ss ouxl
f!EAAI]~
Du
w~
176. We recognize that, frequently, the bolder soldiers are killed because
they have not obeyed their officers. Anyone, therefore, who wishes to go off
pillaging or who drops out of the battle line without an order from you or tlleir
cruf!~a>..Aetv A
112.
Cf. Const.
14 1.
598
Constitution
Concise Sayings
20
rrapE#pxw6at, KOAU( TOtrrouc; OLa llaadywv KUL avaxaiTL( T~c; aTa~[ac;, til<;
88o a[-r[ouc; T~c; EUUHDV cmwA.dac;.
po('. I:o<poc; a-rat aTpatfjyoc; <pUAULTO!lVOc; CutO TtUVTWV TWV !lfAAOVTWV

rrapa -rwv n:oA.e11iwv yivw6m aTpULfJYlllla-rwv. yvwanat 6 mum
~ wv Kal
au-roc; Kataa-rpa<fJYLV TOile; ex6poilc; !1AT<;t. ole; yap UUTOc; YLVWOKl -r[ 6Eov
Ka-ra -rwv rroA.e iwv n:OLdv, Tou-rOLc; yvwae-rm Kal -ri XP~ rrapa -rwv rroA.e11iwv 111'1
11
rra6dv.
ai
yap
'(oLUL rrpoc; TO A.urrdv aA.A.ouc; E!1TtLp[UL KUL -rae; -rwv EVUVTLWV
885
emvo[ac; Ka6' EUUcWV cKf.lUtpov-rUL.
pofJ' 'Eav rro-r A.a6e'lv Toile; TtOA!-ILOUc; ~OUATJ6ftc;, eh KlVfJ!lU an:o UTtAtKTOU
Eh UAAf]V nva n:pii~LV, !lfJOeVL 6appl -rep(fl TtA~V v[ TLVL TWV apxov-rwv. i yap
de; rroAA.oilc; OLUOPU!lfl TO ~OUAU!1U, rravTwc; an:o TWV apxovTWV -ro'lc; urroxelpt.
OLe; n:apaoiootm. oi 6 LOLOU-rOL KULpol rroA.A.ouc; eupiaKOUOL -roue; OL' eA.rrion
owpwv rrpo66tac; YLVO!lEVOUc; TWV awv ~OUAU!la-rwv -ro'lc; 1tOA!1LOlc;.
po6'.
Bt~aLOV !lEV ouotv !lOL OOK1 -rwv ovdpwv. n:A.anw6m 6 Kalrrd6nv
-roue; OTpanwtac; WaL TtLOT1JLV -roue; aouc; OVipouc; VlKfJV rrayyAA0!1EVOD<;,

ev KULpq> !1UAL<JLU 1tOAE!10U, XP~Ol!lOV a-rLV KUL avayKa'lov.
M~av-rec; yap we; arr6
eeou XP~Ol!lOV elVUl TOV rrapa aou a<pfJYOD!lfVOV OVLpov, 6apaaA.wc; Knl
avematp6cpwc; Ka-ra -rwv TtOAEf.llWV emxelp~aoum, KUL -rf\ n:po6U!ll<(t T~V avopdav
omA.amaaoumv.
pn:'. An:ELpOKUAWc; n:aKOAOU6lv tate; TWV TtOA!1lWV urroxwp~aem acpaA.ept'lv
900
~yOU!lUl KCtL ~Aa~llc; a'(nov TtOAAUKLc;. E~1tLTfJOc; yap -rou-ro TtOLOUV-rc;, ev[oT 6!'
EYKPU!llla-rwv ~ OL' un:oatpo<p~c;, Ketl aauv-raK-rOLc; KUL OLWK0UG!1EVOLc; ew!l
n:-rov-rec; -ro'lc; OLWKOUOL lleyaA.ac; TtOL~GOUOL -rae; ~A.a~ac;. o-rav -ro[vuv un:o<peuy6v
-rwv -rwv x6pwv oLwKeLv f1AA.nc;, f.l~ A.ue -r~v -ra~Lv -r~c; rrapma~ewc; f.lEXpLc; liv
TAelUV M~nc; TtAfJpO<poplav -r~c; -rwv OLWKOf.lEVWV aveA.n:la-rou GW<fJpiac;.
pn:a'. I:-rpanWTWV <ppOV~f.lUTU n:poc; OLALUV Ka-ran:w6vta ex<ppwv atpatq
yoc; ouva-raL OLydpat Ola T~c; oiKiac; O\jiWc;, 6apaaA.toc; UUTOtc; KUL n:epLXUPil;
<pULVOf.lVOc;, KUL n:poc; LOUTOLc; KUL -rotc; A6yOLc; aA.d<pWV KUL m6avw-repoc; YLVt)
904-908 Cf. W.sS-70.
M crToxa~ovTat A 890 napaoioo-rat M

yvwcre~crnat A
owpwv M trsp. A 892-894 Kal ... f1UAL(JTU M ov-dpaTa VlKijV
enayye:\A6f1EVU TOt<; crTpaTLWTUL<; flUAL(Jl:U ev Katpw A 894 Kal avayKatov M om. A
895 dvat A om. M 898 anetpOKUAW~ PG anetpOKUAU<; M UltAW<; KUt W<; ETt>XV A I
imoxwp~O<Jl M imoxetp~O(JLV A 899 1tOAAUKL<; M ltOAAUKL<; yap A I ev[OT M om. A
901 OtWKOUcrt M otwKoucrtv A 902 AU M AUT)<; A 903 TAiav Aa~T)<; M trsp. A
904 excppwv M cpp6Vlf10<; A 906 Kal' ... TOUTOL<; M om. A I m6avwTpo<; M npoTp1l0fl~Vo,
A 906-907 ytv6f1VO~ ... TaM wcrT flEl:UOXf\flUTicrat Kal flETa~a:\dv TCt TWV crTpanwTwv t\
886 TEKflaipov-rat
890-891 f;)m[oa
599
commanding officer, should be punished by flogging, and so bring this disorder

to an end. Such men are responsible for their own destruction.
177. A wise general is the one who defends himself against all the stratagems
that the enemy may plan to employ. He knows what they are because he himself
is thinking about the stratagems he may employ to counter those of the enemy.
From his knowledge of what actions he ought to take against the enemy, he will
know what steps are necessary to avoid being harmed by them. One's own
experience in causing harm to others enables one to estimate the plans of his
adversaries against himself.
178. If you wish to conceal from the enemy a movement out of camp or any
other activity, do not confide in another person except only one of the officers.
For if your intention is spread among a large number of officers, assuredly they
will pass it on to their subordinates. This provides an opportunity for many who
are ready to betray your plans to the enemy in the hope of gifts.
179. I do not believe that there is anything certain about dreams. But it is
useful, even necessary, in time of war, to manipulate and persuade the soldiers
to believe that your dreams portend victory. They will think that the dream
related by you is something positive, coming from God, and they will engage the
enemy more boldly and without relenting and their eagerness will double their
bravery.
180. I think that following rashly after the enemy as they withdraw is a mistake and frequently causes harm. They do this on purpose. Sometimes by
ambushes and sometimes by wheeling about, they fall upon their disorganized
and scattered pursuers and inflict the greatest damage. So, whenever you wish to
pursue the enemy as they are running away, do not break up the order of your
battle line until you shall have received definite information about the hopelessness of the situation for those being pursued.
181. A sensible general is able to arouse the spirits of those soldiers who are
turning into cowards by means of his own appearance, presenting himself as
confident and very cheerful before them. In addition, he should be very persua-
6oo
Constitution 20
Concise Sayings 601
flVO~, wm auaxllflaTiom Twv mpaTtwTwv Ta cppoV~flaTa lnpo~ To Tou cnpu
Tfjyou cpatVOflVOV 0apao~.

pnW. Ta~t~ ou flla mlnoAflOU, ana noAA.al Kal Otacpopot, Kal napa TOLl<.;
910 6nA.t<JflOD~ Kal napa Toil~ mpaTUOflvou~ Kal napa Tou~ avnnoAfliou~ Kni
napa TOU~ T6nou~ Kalnapa TOU~ Katpou~. TOlJTWV o Ta~ otacpopa~, mpanlY{'
nl UlJTWV TWV npayflUTWV fla0~an. ou yap, W~ ~OUAl, napma~l~, aU' (c'~
avayKfj anatT1 oihw~ Kalnot~(Jl~ T~V EKTa~LV Kal TOU mpaTOU Kal T~~ 6nA.iot
w~ Kal KaTa np6awnov Kal EK nA.ay(ou Kal 6ma0v Kal w~ ~ XPia TWV rrpay~tc't
TWV Ct1tatT~<Jl.
pny'. '0-rav 1t~lK~V mpaT(av rrapaTa~n~ ~ 6nA.ocp6pwv avopwv TWV At:yo
flEVWV <JKOUTUTWV ~ TWV \fllAWV, ~youv TO~OTWV Kal <J(jlVOOVfjTWV, CtVTl1tOAf
flOUVT~ o aUTOL~ TlV~ ~UAW<Jl KaT' aUTWV ~ ptKTapta -~ ota <J(jlVOO~OAWV K\lt
TO~WV, 01 UlJTOU~ uno <JKOUTapiwv T-rpaywvwv E1tlflfjKWV TWV AYOf.lfvWV
920 eupWV ~ Tpwv <JKOU-rap(wv flYUAWV KpaflW<Jat au-rou~ livw0v, Kal oiJntlt,
npoa~aAELV. Kal yap Kpaf1W0fvT~ Kat <JKnOflVOl OUOEV na0wm KaKOV um'1
-rwv nflnOf1vwv ~A.wv Ka-r' atnwv.
pno'. LTpanp rroAflLWV flflVOtow~ rrapa-raTTOflEVqJ-aihfl yap ~ rrapaTa!,t~,
OOK1 TU~l~ ~fllKUKALOU ytVOflEVfj aacpaA.~~ dvm Kal li-rp1tTO~ TOU~ yap flltl
mov-ra~ 6.vnnoAflLOU~ v -r4J Tou aiyflaTo~ KOLAWflUTL K Twv v0v Kal EK10rv
-ra~ Kpa(a~ Cl1tAOUVT~ KalnplKUKAOUVT~ vanOKALOU<Jl Kat oihw~ opacrTLK(tl
Tpov Ka-r' au-rwv anOflUXOVTat-npo~ TUUTfjV ouv 6.vnrrapaTaTTOflVO~ TI'JV
flfjVOLOTJ -ra~LV i~ -rp(a flEpfj T~V (J~V rrapa-ra~LV Otatp~<Jl~. Kal TOL~ flEv ouol
flEpWl T'iJ T O~L'iJ Kat T'iJ UWVUflqJ not~aw; T~V npo<J~OA~V KaTa TWV 8\Jn
930 KpaTWV TWV noAfllWV, TOo flE<JOV flEpo~ (JT~(Jl~ fl~ rrpoa~aA.Ov Tfi KOlAOt!J!!,
6.AA.' tv urro~ofj0i<:t Twv npoa~aA6vTwv ouo flpwv imaf1Vov. oihw~ yap 1\
lirrpaKTo~ 6 tv KUKA4J Twv rroAfllwv mpmo~ vanoflLvn ~ KaK1vo~ rrpoal'n
AWV T~V flfjVOt0fJ TU~lV OlaAU(Jl. i o 1tAa<JUflVO<; aUTO<; unoxWP'l<JlV roll
909 ou ... crrl M OUK EOTl f!LU A
'
sive, encouraging them by his words so as to mould the thoughts of the soldiers
by the obvious confidence of the general.tt3
182. There is not only one formation for war, but many and diverse because
of the armament, the men in military service, the enemy, and because of time
and place. You may learn, 0 general, these differences from the actual practice
itself. You will not form your line just as you wish, but you will so dispose the
army and see to the weaponry in accord with what is necessary, facing the front,
the flanks, the rear, and whatever the needs of the situation shall require.
183. When you draw up an infantry army, either of men bearing weapons
called heavy-armed troops, or of light-armed troops, such as archers and slingers, and the force fighting against them hurl javelins or <make use of> slings and
bows, then your men should cover themselves above by oblong, four-sided
shields, called thyreoi, or by other large shields, and in this way proceed to
attack. So roofed over and covered, they will not suffer any harm from the missiles hurled against them.
184. <Facing> an enemy army drawn up in crescent formation. This forma-
tion, shaped like a semicircle, seems safe and unbreakable, for when the
adversary falls into the hollow space of the sigma, 114 then those on the flanks
here and there spread out, close them in and encircle them and, in this way,
fight more effectively against them. Therefore, in drawing up your line to oppose
this crescent formation, divide your battle line into three sections. Make two
sections, the right and the left, advance against the horns of the enemy. Position
the middle section so it does not advance against the hollow space but stands
ready to come to the aid of the two sections moving forward. The enemy army
then remains in a circle accomplishing nothing, or else it moves to attack and,
by doing so, breaks up its crescent formation. If you simulate a withdrawal of
your middle section, you will provoke your adversaries into pursuing you. Not
913 avayKI] ... Kal 1 A avayKa(Et M
916 OTIAO<popwv ivl

on\rrwv A 917 twv M om. A 918 ~a\wm A ~a\wmv M 923 f!IJVOrtllw~
napaTaTTOf!Vw M OLYf!UTOEtow~ napamaao!levw A 924 Ta~t~ Du Ta~tv M om. A
~f!LKUKAtou ytvOf!fVI] M om. A 925-926 EV ... Kall M i:vto~ toii atYf!aTOEtOoii~ tk:t:ivn\l
ox~f!UTO~ A 926-927 opaottK(tJTepov M toxup<.lmpov A 928 f!I]VOELO~ TCt~IV
OLYf!UTOELOij napata~LV A 929 EUWVUf!W M aptatepw A 930 Ot~OEL~ M Til~
napara~EW~ A I KOLAOTI]TL M KOLAOTI]TL Kal TW ~aSet TOU OLYf!atoetOOU~ ox~parot,
932 twv ... otpato~ M trsp. A 932-933 npoa~aA.wv ... ta~tv PG npoa~aA.wv r~ pl]voui'\1!
TU~EL M npoo~aAELV ~OUAOf!EVO~ Tij f!0!] OOU napata~EL T~V atyf!aTOElO~ TCt~IV
933 nA.aoapevo~ M OXIJf!UTtOaf!EVo~ A
113. Cf. Const. 2 12.

114. This is the lunate sigma, written in ancient and medieval Greek like the letter C,
hence crescent formation.
602
935
940
945
950
955
960
Constitution
Concise Sayings
20
f.!EGOU f.!Epouc; KlV~GLc; TOUc; tvavdouc; npoc; OlW~lV, OU flOVOV AU8~crLat 1']
napa-ra~tc;, UAAa Kal UGUVTCtKTwc; OlWKOUGa TO crov cr-rpaTUfla cruv-rnawvov.
ot' unocr-rpoc:pfic; aElp6ac; tnm:Elftc; au-rotc;, Kal eupeEl~crOVTal nav-rwc; Ol ()" Ol(lJ
Kov-rc; otwK6f!vot napa crou.
pne'. 'Anacra f!EV tveopa ~TOl eyKpUf!f!a tnepx6f!YOV TOLe; nOAfllOlc; icrxupo
-rpav -rwv aA.A.wv tm~oA.wv not1Tat T~v KaT' al>Twv tnlElatv, f.!CtAtcrTa ot: ~ KaTe\
vw-rou -rwv noA.ef!(wv. -rota1JTT]V obv noT not~crac; Kal al>Toc; tveopav Kal om
cr8v au-rwv tm-rEl(c;, opaaTLKWTEpav Kall tvepyw-rpav au-r~v 0\jlel ytVOflEVI]V
-rwv tK nA.ay(ou tyKpUf!f!CtTwv.
pm;'. 'Yno TWV aHwv apxovTWV TU napayyeA.f!aTa npoc; TOV cr-rpa-rov Ott
yivwElat Kal Ta OtaTCtYflaTa Kal Ta cruvEl~f!aTa, ana f!~ ota -rfic; crfic; tvoo~6Tq
me;, ib cr-rpaTT]yE. TO yap KT]pUTTlV ()" TaUTa ot' eaUTOU tv O~UTT]Tl KatpOtl
LOLWTOU tml Kal anlpou ;\(av TWV 00VTWV Kai yap Kal xpovoc; noA.uc; tv T(~l
napayyeAAlV avaA.wEl~crTal Kat El6pu~oc; Of!OU nav-rwv aH~A.ouc; tpwTWVTWV,
-raxa oe Kat 6 f!EV npocrEl~Gl Tl nA.eov TOU napayyA.f!aToc;, 6 OE Kat napaAel\jl1.
pn('. rvwplGf!a YVTJGlOU cr-rpaTTJYOU Kai ElaUf!Ct(WElat a~(ou TO Tfic; avayKq<;
tmKlf!EVT]c; 6~wc; voelv TU oeov-ra f!CtAAOV ~nep TO npo Tfjc; O.vayKT]c; npl
-rou-rwv ~ouA.eucracrElm. ov yap ouva-rov npo~ouA.euwElm, d Kat -ra flUAtaTn
OEOV, oaa flEAAl yevvav ~ TOU nOAEf!OU tmKlf!EVTJ nep(crmmc;.
pnTJ'. 'Omv tv napa-ra~L, f!CtAtma ~A.(ou avmuya(ov-roc;, npocr~aA.nc; npt'1
TOU GUf!nAaKfjvat T~V f!UXTJV, KEAU -roue; a-rpanw-rac; avw exelV Ta onA.a Kal
aKUAUTITa, ~Lq:>T] T Kat Ta atOT]pCi GKOUTCtpta GTlA~OVTa, Kat TWV KOVTap(wv n\t;
Myxac;. oihwc; yap A.af!npa napa -ro'lc; noAf!tOLc; c:patv6f!Va, Ka-ranA.T]~tv not~mt
OTaV o de; xIpac; ~OTJ GUf!nAEKGElat f!EAAlc;, f!ETa aA.aA.awou crc:poopou ~YOllY
f!EYUAT]c; c:pwvfic; Kat op6f!OU na-racrcrovmc; Ta onA.a oihw T~V npocr~oA~V rrp6~
muc; nOAfllOUc; anapxwElat.
pnEl'. 'Yno -rwv noAflLWV ota rrA.fiEloc; av-rwv Ka~aA.A.ap[wv nA.eovKTOUflV<h;,
-rpaxea xwp(a tKA.you Kai GTVa Kai rrap6pta, tv ole; ou ouva-rov -roue; lrtTtoth;
603
only will their formation be broken up, but they will be disorganized in chasing
after your troops, who are still in formation. Then, suddenly wheel about and
attack them. The army pursuing you will swiftly find out that it is they who are
being pursued by you.
185. More than any other kind of attack, every ambush or ambuscade set up
against the enemy, especially against their rear, gives added strength to your
offensive against them. At times, therefore, set up an ambush and attack them in
the rear. You will see that this is more efficient and effective than an ambush
against their flanks.
186. Commands, orders, and passwords must be given to the army by the
officers, not by Your Excellency, 0 general. For you to make such announcements in person at a critical moment is clearly the mark of an ignorant person
who has absolutely no experience of what has to be done. Much time will be
wasted in making the announcements along with the confusion as everyone is
asking questions of one another. One individual will quickly add something
more to the announcement and another will leave something out.
187. The mark of a genuine general and one worthy of admiration lies in
perceiving what has to be done at the moment of great emergency rather than
the ability to make plans about such matters before the emergency. Even for
particularly necessary matters, it is not possible to plan ahead for all that the
present circumstances of war are about to engender.
188. Before engaging the enemy in battle, when you are about to begin the
charge, while you are still in formation, and with the sun in your eyes, order the
soldiers to raise their weapons on high, uncovered, with the swords and the iron
on the shields shining, as well as the points of the spears. This will cause them to
appear bright to the enemy and will strike them with consternation. When you
are about to come to close quarters with them, launch your charge against the
enemy with a forceful war cry, shouting loudly and on the run, banging your
weapons.
189. When the enemy has the advantage because of his large number of
cavalry, choose rough places, narrow and near mountains, in which the horses
935 OlWKOUGa Du OlWKOU(jQV MA

EUpE6~aovtat yap
br\6'1
936 a6p6a<; M a6p6w<; A
938 eveopa ~tOl M om. A
940 tveopav
EYKPUf!f!U
UKOUOVtE<; Kal oi f!EV 7!poa6~aouatv A
Kal EUpE6~aovtm M
om.
947 avaA.we~aw:u
941 opacrttKWtEpav
946 am:ipou ... 06vtwv M ltCtVU altcipou tWV 7!pE1!0VtWV A

JtapEAEuanat A I Of!OU M Of!OU yEv~aEtat A
939-940 ~ ... vwtou M eav omoOtV

Kal
948 Kal 1 7!poa6~crEt M f!'lOe toutou o6<pt.Hlt,
I6
... JtapaAEl\f!El
M oi
oe
Kal JtapaAEl\fiOU<JlV
958-959 T~V ... U7!6.pxw6at M T~<; 7!p6<; tOU<; JtOAEf!lOU<; amipxw6at 7!poa~OA~<; A
604
Constitution
Concise Sayings
20
TWV vav-r[wv OlWKElV Kala OUVUf.llV onep Kal npoaKondv a XP~ npo~ OEUTl
pav TUXTJY ad ~Aenovm. TOUTO yap EGTlV txe<ppovo~ f.lCtALCJTU CJTpUTTJYOU.
p9'. Iuf.l<pEpov f.lUAAov y[vwaK dvm, TO v -rat~ f.lCtXat~ v[a-racr9m Kal
965 KLV0UVULV
avOpdw~ T~V napam~LV f.lUXOf.lEVT]Y ~ <puy6vm~ 0LWKW9at EV yap
Tfi EVCJTCt0l f.lUAAOV T~V CJWTT]p[av :\n[(m XPEOV, ana !1~ TOl~ tx9potc; Ta VWT((
OtMv-rac; mCJTUlV TO crw(w9m.
P9a'. T~~ f.lCtXT]c; auv E>4> T~V VLKT]Y CJOl xaptCJUf.lEYT]c;, if:, cr-rpaTTjy, oeov or
<pLAO<ppovLa9m -roue; cr-rpanwm~ TOte; TWV TIOAEf.llWV Aa<pupOL~-dT onAa dolv
970 dT YnnOL dT ETEpCt nva dOTj-KQL euwx[ac; Kal -rpane(ac;
UUTOl~ napaCJKUCt(lV,
Kal TOU~ !lev avopdwc; aywvtGUf.lEYOUc; KUTa TCt~lV npo~l~Ctaat Kal owp<Hc;
Tlf.l~CJUL. TOU~ Oe 0LAOUc; KUL axp~OTOU~ ava<pavevmc; ~ AELTIOTa~[ac; TIn0lf]K6

me;, -roue; !leY KOAa( 06v-rwc;, -roue; Oe 6vd0t( f.lEXPL~ aiCJXUVTJ~ OUTWc; yap Kal
-roue; 0LAouc; avappwcrtc; Kal OlYpl~, KUL -roue; avopdouc; ElJTOAf.lOTEpouc; KL1t
9 75 eV9apaetc; npoc; -rae;
moucra~ 11axac; napacrKwaaL~.I
P9W 'Dmv KaTa noAf.lLWV -rp6nmov cr-r~crnc;, ib cr-rpa<Tjy, TOT Ka-ra -ro\1c;
~OT] napa T~c; ~acrtAda~ ~f.lWY T9vmc; VOf.lOU<:;, TWV,
we; iK6c;, !'UPLGKOf.LEVWV
(JKUAWV TOY OlUf.lEPlCJf.lOY OUTWc; not~crlc;, W(JT TO TIEf.lTITOV f.lEPO~ a<pop[aEL~

!1EPL TOU OT]f.lOO'LOU, TO
1(11
oe AOLTIOV ~ 'LcrT]~ f.lO[pa~. oY T apxovT~ KQL oi apx6~li
980 VOL f.lEpt(cr9waav, ne[nep KOLVOUc; KUL -roue; aywvac;
tv TOl~ KLVOUVOL~
avaot'
xovTm. EL 0 TLVc; eupeewmv EK TWV apx6vTWV ~ npOf.lCtXWV T~~ napaTCt~Ewc; 1\

nc; hepo~ TWV cr-rpaTLWTWV OLa<p6pw~ avoptaCtf.lEYOL, TOT EK TOU dpT]f.lEVOll
f.lEpou~ TOU OT]f.lOGLOU li0LUV E~Lc; <pLAOTlf.lELG9at UUTOU~ <p' ocrov ~ xpda KUlTt!
OLKUlOV anaLTEL, KUTU o T~V f.lEp[oa TOU v T<f TIOAEf.lq.J EUplGKOf.lEYOU Kal oi h
985 T<f TOUAOq> KQTUAlTIOf.lYOl A~\jiOVTal <pUAUK~.
P9Y' I-rpaTOU GUf.lf.lLKTOU ne(wv KUL Ka~a:\Aap[wv napa-ra~Lc; olov ewpm.t

EOlKV UVTL !leY XLpwv exovaa TOU~ \jiLAouc; ~youv TO~OTQ~ KUL UKOVTLGTac; twl
oe noowv TOU~ Ka~aHap[ouc;, UVTL oe K<paA~c; tv f.lEG(!l TitiV

XELpwv (J TOY mpaTTjy6v. UVTL oe TOU aAAOU GWf.lUTO~ -roue; 6nA[mc; ~youv
G<pVOOV~Tac;, av-rl
990 GKOUTCtTOuc;, muc; KQL T~V navonA[av <popouvm~. OLa TOUTO v niicrt xpewonl~,,
968-975 Onas. 34
963 tcrnv excppovoc; M ecrn cppOVlflOU A
M VlKT]c; napa ewu xaptcr6LOT]c; A

982 cStacp6pwc; M cStacpep6vtwc; A
~:uptaKOflEvwv
966 XP0V M XP~ A
968 flUX!]<; ... xapLOtlf!!'Vljl,
974 avappwcrnc; KUL M om. A
977 ~flWV A om.
of the enemy are not able to pursue in force. With an eye always toward second
fortune, you must search out such places ahead of time. This is a sure sign of a
sensible general.
190. Know that it is more beneficial to take a stand in battle and to face
danger bravely fighting in the ranks than to flee and be pursued. You must,
rather, place your hope of salvation in your resistance. Do not believe you will
be saved by showing your back to the enemy.
191. When, with the help of God, you have been favored with victory in
battle, 0 general, you must be generous to your soldiers with the spoils taken
from the enemy, weapons, horses, or other items-and you should prepare
celebrations and banquets for them. You should promote in rank those who
have fought bravely and honor them with gifts. As for those who acquitted
themselves in a cowardly fashion, proved useless, or were guilty of desertion,
punish some in a fitting manner and reproach others to shame them. In this
way, you will give renewed strength to the cowardly and stir them up again, and
you will cause the brave soldiers to be even bolder and more courageous in
engaging in future battles. us
192. When you are victorious over the enemy, 0 general, then, according to
the laws already laid down by Our Majesty, you should arrange for the distribution of the booty likely to be found, as follows. Apportion the fifth part to the
division of the public funds and the rest of it in equal portions. Let both the
officers and the men under them divide it among themselves inasmuch as they
have taken part in the struggle and faced danger together. But if some of the
officers or men in the front ranks of the battle line, or any other soldiers, have
been outstanding in valor, then, from the aforementioned public division, feel
free to be generous to them to the extent that need and justice demand. Even the
guards left behind with the baggage train should receive a share of the spoils
from battle.
193. The battle line of a mixed army of infantry and cavalry resembles the
trunk of a body. In place of hands it has light-armed troops, that is, archers,
javelin throwers, and slingers. In place of feet it has the cavalry. In place of a
head between the hands it has you, the general. In place of the other parts of the
body it has the heavy-armed troops, those in full armament, once called
hoplites. In every way, bearing all this in mind, you have an obligation to be
concerned for your own safety and for that of the army, just as if <you were> the
984 TOU ... euptcrKOflEVOU M TWV tv TW
A 990 touc; ... cpopouvmc; M om. A
6os
115. Onasander 34
6o6
Constitution
Concise Sayings
20
Kat a1rroc; npovoeiv T~c; aUTOU aa<pa:\dac; Kat TOU a-rpaLOU wam:p K<pa:\r)
995
1000
1005
1010
194. These things too are useful on occasion. If you have a large army and,
for some reason, you want it to look small to the enemy, have the squads come
together and take their rest in one so-called shelter, and order them to place
their weapons next to one another. But, when you have a small army, divide the
squad in two or more, according to the number of soldiers. It will then seem to
be a very large army and you will not be despised because you are few in
number. Quickly move out of your campsite, go off to another one and, after
closely observing the enemy, join battle with them.
TOV TIOA!10V auva\jlnc;.

p<;>c'. A.no -rwv nmA.aa11vwc; ytvo11vwv Ka-r' airrwv npoapoA.wv oi mpa-rtw-rm 8t~O!lVOl aKaT6.1tATJKTOl yivov-rat npoc; Ta aA.TJ8fi, OlOV \jiUOopoTJ8dac;
11pouc; TlVO<; f1tA80UGTJ<; KaTa f-rpou 1tCtAlV \jfU001tpoc5oa[ac; ~ \jfU00YKpup
!.iCtTWV ~ \jfU00KTU1tTWV Kat ~XWV ~ \jiU00aUTO!lOAWV ~ \jiU00<p60WV. oihwc;
yap 8ta8~crov-rm Kat ouK KnA.ay~aov-rm ~a[<pVTJ<; wu-rwv Kat aA.TJ8wc; ytvo
195. Simulated attacks against the soldiers will accustom them to real attacks
so they will not be caught by surprise. There may be a simulated support force
of some division advancing against another, against a pretended betrayal or a
simulated ambush or false clanging and loud noises, or pretended deserters or
simulated attacks. In this way, they will become accustomed and will not be
struck by surprise on encountering the real thing.
196. I will tell you of a stratagem for the naval fleet. When, in the course of a
naval expedition, it happens that you wish to disembark in a sandy place without a harbor, fill a large number of sacks with sand, tie them with ropes, and
hang a sufficient number of them from each dromon like iron anchors. Thus,
having made what is called a harbor at sea, you will easily disembark at that
place at night and make the raid you had planned.It6
197. At times when you intend to traverse places without water, carry as
1t0l~O"Lc;.
1015
head, and they <are likewise> obliged to be concerned for your protection and
safety.
KCtKlVOl T~<; a~c; <pUAaK~<; Kat GWLTJp[ac;.

p<;><Y. Kat LaULa c5 XPlWOTJ tv Katp(jl a1rrwv WGL, av a-rpa-rov exwv 1tAElova ~OUAD aUTOV Oui TLVa xpLav o:\[yov ll1t00i~at TOt<; 1tOA!1LOl<;, KOlV01tOL~anc;
-ra KOVTOU~Epvta Kat ic; ll[av Kall6.pc5av AY0!1EVTJV 1t0l~GLc; avanauwem, Kat
-ra orrA.a c5 f1tCtAATJAa 8tVal KAUGLc;. OLaV c5 6:\[yov exnc; a-rpa-r6v, TO v
Kov-rouppvtov c5ta!lPLGtc; de; Mo ~ Kat nA.dova KaLa a-rpaTLWTfJV, Kat oihwc;
rrA.~8oc; <pavhm, 'iva 11~ c5ta -r~v 6A.ty6-rTJ<a Ka-ra<ppovTJ8dc;, -raxwc; 8 -rou
anA.iK-rou !lTaa-r6.c;, ic; -rcpov anA.cuan. Kat oihwc; -roue; noA!liouc; Ka-raf1a8wv
!1EVWV.
p<;>c;'. 'Ia-rop~aw GOl Kat vaunKOU aLOAOU a-rpaT~Yf\lla. o-rav yap de; CtAtp
vouc; Kat \jlallllwonc; -r6rrouc; -rr)v an6pamv 11AA.nc; tv Katp(jl vau-rtK~c; a-rpmq
yiac;, d oihw -ruxot, not~aacr8at a6.KKouc; no.AA.ouc; TtATJpwcrac; ii!lllou, Kal -ro(c;
axmv[otc; rrpocrc5~aac; arro EKCtGTOU I c5p6!lwvoc; fKKP!1CtGL<; -roue; apKOUVTU<;
oiovcl GLOTJpiic; ayKupac;, Kat oihwc; TOV AYO!lVOV TAayoAL!lEVa 1t0l~aac;,
1JKOAW<; KaLa TOV T01t0V VUKTO<; f~A8WV T~V ~pouAeU!1EVTJV GOL Ka-raOpO!-lllV
607
p<;>~'. T6nouc; avuopouc; !lEAAWV rro-r OtapaivlV, Mwp !lfV oaov ouva-rbv
cruvm6.you VUKTO<; Of: TtOlOU T~V 6c5omop[av Ct1t0 eanpac; EW<; npwt, T~V lit
~11pav Ka8Uc5tv rrpo-rpnou av-ri -rf]c; vuK-r6c;. oihwc; yap ~nov Ot\jl~aoum n'l
~(jla, Kal aU-r6.pKTJ<; O"Ol yev~crLat ~ TOU Ma-roc; xpda.
much water as possible with you. Do your marching at night, from evening until
early morning, and give yourself to sleep during the day instead of at night.
Thus, the animals will not be as thirsty and you will be able to handle the need
for water by yourself.
p<;>TJ'. OiwvtanKoic; A6yOLc; npoaKt-r6 no-r a-rpa-roc; Kai GTJ!ldmc;. mappo\l

c5 YV0!1EVOU napa nvoc; ~eu!lOUV oi a-rpanWTaL we; ni xaA.crr(jl oiwv[O"Ill\t\
198. Once there was an army that gave credence to stories about omens and
to signs. When an individual sneezed, the soldiers lost courage, as though it
1007-1013 Polyaen. 3.9.36.

995
997
1018-1023 Polyaen. 3.10.2.
KOVTOU~Epvta A KOUTOU~Epvta M I
Kovrou~tpvtov A Kourou~tpvtov M
KpUflfla<a MA
fl~ exovm<; Alf!EVU<; Kal '!JUflf!WOEL<; A
1015 auvmayou M emcpepou A
~nov M 6A.tyw<epov A
A
arey[av TW DUO
l\
1003-1004 '!JEUooeyKpUflflUTWV Du \jleullory
1004 \jleuooau<of16A.wv M \jleuoonpocpuywv A
1:01lOU<; M 1:01!0\J<;
f!UVTEUf!UTl
KUf!Upoav AEYOf!EVT)V
1oo7-1oo8 aALf!Evmn;.
1009 ei. .. TUXOL M om. l\
1016 Ka9euoLV npo<pinou M npo<ptnou KOlf!Ct09CII
1018 npoaeKet<6 no<e
M note npoaeixev A
1019 oiwv(crf!tHI
AI
M
116. Polyaenus 3.9.36.
6o6
Constitution
Concise Sayings
20
Kal aim)~ rrpovoelv T~~ EUUTOU aacpaAdac; Kal TOU atpaTOU warrep Ke<paAi]
KaKdvOL T~c; a~c; cpuAaK~c; Kal awTqp(ac;.
p<;>O'. Kal TUUTU 0 xpmi>Oq v Katp(il atmilv WOT, av atpaTOV exwv TCAelova ~ouA.n auTov Ota nva XPtav 6:\(yov imooel~at Tote; rroA.q.ttOLc;, KOLvorrot~anc;
995
Ta KOVTOU~pvta KUL ic; f.LLUV KUf.LUpOav AYOf.LEVT]V 1!0l~Ol~ avarrauw8at, KUL

Ta orrAa o fTCUAAfjAU 8elVat KAUOl<;. OTUV o 6:\(yov exnc; OTpaTOV, TO v
KOVTOu~pvtov OLUf.LeptaLc; eic; ouo ~ Kal rrA(ova Kma aTpatubtqv, Kal oihwc;
1!A~8oc; cpavehat, Yva f.l~ Ota T~V 6Aty6Tf]TU KUTa<ppOVTj8etc;, mxtwc;
8 TOU
UTCALKTOU f.LeTUOTa~, ei~ ETepov cmeAeUOn. KUL oihwc; TOU<; TCOAef.LLOU<; KUTUf.La8wv
10oo n)v rr6Aef.LOV auva\jlnc;.
p<;>e'. 1\rro nilv rrrrAaaf.lvwc; ytvof.Lvwv Km' aunilv rrpoa~o:\wv ol aTpaTtwTat 8t~Of.LVOL UKUTaTCAT]KTOl y(vovTat rrpoc; Ta a:\q8f[; oiov \jiUOO~OT]8dw;
f.LEpouc; nvoc; f1!A8ouaq~ KUTa Tpou TCUALV \jleUOorrpoooa(ac; ~ \jiUOOYKPUf.l"
f.LUTWV ~ \jleUOOKTUTCTWV Kal ~XWV ~ \jiUOOUUTOf.LOAWV ~ \jiU00e<p60wv. o{hwc;
1005
yap tewe~aOVTal Kal OUK fKTCAay~aovTat ~a(cpvq~ TOUTWV Kal a\q8wc; ytvof.LEVWV.
p<;><;'. 'Iatop~aw aot Kal vauttKou aT6\ou mpaT~YTJf.LU. otav yap ei~ aAtf.LE
vouc; KUL \j!Uf.Lf.LWOW; TOTCOU<; T~V arr6~amv f.LEAAnc; v Katp(il VUUTLK~<; OTpmqy(a~, ei oihw TDXOL, rrot~aaaem aaKKouc; rroUouc; rr\qpwaac; Uf.Lf.LOU, Kal Tote;
1010
OXOLVLOL<; rrpoao~aac; arro EKGOTOU
I OpOf.LWVO<;
fKKpef.LUOl<; TOU<; apKOUVtac;
oiovel mo'lp<ic; ayKupac;, Kal oihwc; TOV AYOf.leVOV 1!AayoAlf.LEVU TCOl~OW:;,

euK6Awc; Kata tov t6rrov vuKtoc; ~e\8wv t~v ~~ouAeuf.lvqv aot Kamopof.lr)v
1!0l~OL~.
P9~'. T6rrouc; avuopou~ f.lEAAWV TCOTE Ota~a(vLV, uowp f.lEV oaov ouvatov
1015
auvmayou VUKTO<; o TCOLOU t~V 6oomop(av arro arrpac; we; rrpwt, t~V
ot
~f.lpav KU8U0LV rrpotprrou avtl T~<; VUKTO<;. o{hwc; yap ~TTOV OL\ji~OOUOL n\
~(ila, KUL autapKT]<; OOL yev~aetat ~ TOU UOaToc; xpda.
607
head, and they <are likewise> obliged to be concerned for your protection and
safety.
194. These things too are useful on occasion. If you have a large army and,
for some reason, you want it to look small to the enemy, have the squads come
together and take their rest in one so-called shelter, and order them to place
their weapons next to one another. But, when you have a small army, divide the
squad in two or more, according to the number of soldiers. It will then seem to
be a very large army and you will not be despised because you are few in
number. Quickly move out of your campsite, go off to another one and, after
closely observing the enemy, join battle with them.
19 5. Simulated attacks against the soldiers will accustom them to real attacks
so they will not be caught by surprise. There may be a simulated support force
of some division advancing against another, against a pretended betrayal or a
simulated ambush or false clanging and loud noises, or pretended deserters or
simulated attacks. In this way, they will become accustomed and will not be
struck by surprise on encountering the real thing.
196. I will tell you of a stratagem for the naval fleet. When, in the course of a
naval expedition, it happens that you wish to disembark in a sandy place without a harbor, fill a large number of sacks with sand, tie them with ropes, and
hang a sufficient number of them from each dromon like iron anchors. Thus,
having made what is called a harbor at sea, you will easily disembark at that
place at night and make the raid you had planned.ll6
197. At times when you intend to traverse places without water, carry as
much water as possible with you. Do your marching at night, from evening until
early morning, and give yourself to sleep during the day instead of at night.
Thus, the animals will not be as thirsty and you will be able to handle the need
for water by yourself.
P9'l' OiwvtaTtKotc; A6yotc; rrpoaKtt6 rroT mpatoc; Kal O'lf.LeLOL~. mapf.LoO
198. Once there was an army that gave credence to stories about omens and
o yeVOf.LEVOU rrapa TlVO<; ~8Uf.lOUV o[ atpaTLWTal we; fTCL XUATr(il OlWVLO~LUTL
to signs. When an individual sneezed, the soldiers lost courage, as though it
1007-1013
Polyaen.
995 KOVTOU~epvta
997 Kovtou~tpvwv
KpUflj.lUta MA
3.9.36.
1018-1023
KOUTOU~epvta
A Koutou~epvwv M
1004
Polyaen.
3.10.2.
KUj.lUpoav Aeyoj.lEVT]V M cttey(av TW ouo A

1003-1004
'iJeuooeyKpUj.lj.lUtwv Du 'iJEU6ocy
'iJEUooautof16Awv M 'iJEUoorrpocpuywv A
t6rrou; M t6rrou; fl~ xovta; ALj.lEVa; Kai 'iJUflj.lWOEL; A

1015
~ttov
auvemiyou M emcpepou A
M 6>.tywtepov A
j.lUVTEUj.lUTl A
1018
1016
1007-1008 aALf!Evou~,
1009
eL .. tuxm M om, l\
Ka8euoetv rrpotperrou M rrpotperrou KOLj.liia8m A
rrpoaeKett6 rrote M rrote rrpoaeixev A
1019
oiwv!crf!an IVi
n6.
Polyaenus
3.9.36.
6o8
Constitution
1020 ELTa elm:v 6 GTpaTfjy6<:; "ou 8auf.LaaTOV ei TOGOlJTWV nepteaTWTWV EL<:; mapv"
Kat TOl~JTOU A.exetv-ro<:;, ytA.w<:; yvno an of: 6 yA.w<:; GWTfjpia<:; OfjAWTlKl,ll,

GfjflUVTlKO<:;. Kat oihw<:; txt<ppwv a-rpaTfJYO<:; TO oiwVlGfla vat..Aa~a<:; eappfiv
-rou<:; a-rpanw-ra<:; napeaKevaaev.
pQ8'. 'Opa au '(va, 0.v v ~flEP<;t nvt TOU vtaUTOU ~ flf]VO<:; ytyove VlKIJ.
1025 flEAAEl<:; Of: npo<:; 1tOAEf.LOV GUfl~CtAAetV, dye Ouva-r6v am v auTft Tft ~flEp<;t. Knl
aMt<:; T~<:; flCtXfJ<:; cmap~aaem mT~Oeuaov, wa-re eueapaet<:; dvat TOU<:; mpam[l
TU<:;, Kat fleT<l aya8~<:; EATILOO<:;, W<:; KaT' aUT~V opT~V T~<:; VLKfj<:; KUL ai'Jet<:; OUVU
f.LEVOU<:; xnv TOU<:; npoa~aA6vTa<:; T~V eeiav ~o~eetav. 6f.LOLW<:; Of: Kal nl TOTtOP
v
iP veviKfJKCt<:; noTe.
a'. epoeiTW o ae flf]OBV 0 f.LEAAW A.tyetv on mpaTfJYO<:; UAfj8~<:; Kal aptCHO~

TOTE ytVW<JKETat, OTQV !l~ TO OOKOUV auT(ji 'lotov <JUfl<ppov pya(nat f.LOVOV,
UAAU Kal Ta KOLVa Kal GUfl<pEpOVTa TOt<:; unoxetpiot<:; npayf.LaTEUETat. OUTW<:; y(1p
f!ETa -rou Kotvft auf!<ppov-ro<:; Kal -rou ioiou -reu~e-rm. o-rav yap 6 notf!~v r'l'
JtOlflVfj<:; E1tlf!EAELTat, T~<:; eauTOU w<peA.eia<:; napatTlO<:; yivnat. ei o TQlJTI]~
1035 KaTUf!EA~GOL, ou f!OVOV 110lfl~V UAfj8~<:; ou A.oyi(eTat, ana Kal T~V rro[pvqv
(fjf1l0Uf1EVO<:; T~<:; ~aUT~<:; W<pef..eia<:; GTEpfj8~<JETal.
aa'. IIoAEf.LLOU no-r vaunKou a-r6A.ou ov-ro<:; fleTU oiKeia<:; OuVCtf1EW<:; vauTtKI),,
unoxwpwv a-rpaTfjyo<:; flfjVOetO~ napa-ra~tv 110LOUf1EVO<:;, unoa-rpe<pETW 11Aftt'V
KaTa npUf!VUV, Kal oihw<:; anoxwpi(w8at TWV JtOAEfllWV ~ouA.eutaew. Kal yap Oll
1040 <peuywv, ana <flUYOflaxwv ETOlf!OU<:; e~et Til<:; vau<:; Kal aDet<:; E11A8etv TOt<:; JtOAI
f!LOl<:; KaTa npwpav, dye Kal TOUTOU xpeia yVfjTUl, Til<:; npwpa<:; xwv npoc; (lll
TOU<:;. Kal yap ouo eapa~aoumv v T(ji KOLAWflaTL eiaeA.8etv T~V KUKA(tlOI v
1030
U<pOpWf.LEVOL.
aw. NtKfj<:; aotnapa eeou OLOOf1EVfj<:;, f!~ a<paA.epw<:; Kal aKpa-rw<:; OLWKE TOllt,
1045 JtOAEflLOU<:;. at..Aa <puA<iaaou Ta<:; unompo<pa<:; au-rwv. ~ yap aKpa-r~c; Ol(tl!,lt,
OtaA.Uouaa -r~v -ra~tv I m~ouA.eu-rou<:; not~aet -rou<:; OtwKovmc;.
cry'. Nouvexw<:; Otepxou Ota aTEVWV TOTIWV, Kal flCtAlGTa avaxwpwv am)
TtOAEf!Lac; TOU<:; eupwmou<:; Kal pWf.LUAEOU<:; TWV a-rpanwTWV omaeev i:v
oupayi<;t TCtG<JE, Yva Kal TOU<:; nepxof.LEVOU<:; JtOAEf!LOU<:; af1UVWVTal omaeev, Klll
1021 -romou A TOUTO M 1022 extcppwv M <pp6VLf10<; A I OlWVLOflU M Jtapm~p!lf!H

1026 aMt<; M mi>.tv A 1027 aMt<; M mi>.tv A 1029 veviK11Ka<; Jto-re M trsp.
1030 ot... flllDEV M ae f1110E mpO.aae-rw A 1033 -reu~nat M em-rum A 1035 T(CHf1l)V
Aoyi(nat M trsp. A 1036 e~ aut~<; codd, an EUUTOU legendum? (cf. 1034) 1037 ovro~
om. M 1040 auOt<; M JTUALV A 1046 em~OUAWTOU<; M euem~OUAEUTOU<; A 10411
pwf1UAeou<; Mom. A
Concise Sayings
20
1049 Kal' M om. A
609
were a very bad omen. The general then remarked: "It is no wonder, given the
number present, that one person has sneezed:' When he had said this, laughter
broke out. Laughter, now, is a clear indication of salvation and so, a sensible
general changed the omen around and managed to encourage his troops.m
199. Be attentive so that, if a victory happened on a certain day of the year or
of the month, you plan to advance into battle on that same day, if you can do so.
Make ready to enter into battle anew so that the soldiers will be in good spirits
and have good hopes that, on the very anniversary of the victory, they will once
more, as they attack, have the divine assistance. The same goes for the place in
which you had once been victorious.
200. Do not be disturbed by what I am about to say. A true general, indeed,
the very best, is recognized when he does not work only for what seems to be
for his own benefit, but also takes measures for the common benefit of his
subordinates. For in this way, along with the common good, he will achieve
what is beneficial for him as well. When the shepherd is concerned about his
flock, it redounds to his own benefit, but if he neglects it, not only is he not
regarded as a genuine shepherd but, in causing harm to the flock, he will be
deprived of its help as well.
201. If at some time there is a naval fleet of the enemy, and <one of our>
generals with his own naval force is withdrawing and assuming a crescent-shaped formation, let him turn about and sail toward the stern and, in this
way, plan to distance himself from the enemy. He is not fleeing, but by
<performing the maneuver called> fighting while fleeing, he will once again
have his ships ready to attack the enemy on the bow, if there is need of this, with
his bows facing theirs. They will not be bold enough to enter the hollow space
because they will suspect encirclement.
202. When God has granted you victory, do not act in a precarious manner
by pursuing the enemy without a force under control. Be on your guard against
their wheeling about. A pursuit that gets out of control breaks up your formation and it will turn the pursuing troops into objects of attack.
203. Be very attentive in passing through narrow places. In retiring from
enemy territory, especially, draw up the physically fit and robust soldiers behind
in the rear guard. They will hold off the attacking enemy to the rear, and nobody
117. Polyaenus 3.10.2.
61 o
1o o
5
1055
1o6o
Constitution
Concise Sayings
20
f.lfJOEl<:; <peuyn f.lnpocr8ev f.l~ -roA.f.lWV napeA.8e1v -r~v cr~v voo~6-rTJ-ra napmnayf.lEV'lV Kal ot' Uf.l<pOcEpwv ''lPElTUl ~ l<l~l<; acr<paA~<; Kal UPP'lKTO<;.
of/. "Iva pWf.lTJV Kma -rwv noAf.liwv v8~crn<; -r4J cr-rpan:uf.lan napayyeAA.E
au-rou<;, Yva ei f.li:V ~OWVL<; npxov-rm au-rot<; oi TIOAEf.llOl v -rft <JUfl~OAft T~<;
flCtX'l<; otxwv-rat au-rou<; f.lEL<l (JlWTI~<;. av o EKELVOl f.lELa (JLWTI~<; npxwvTat,
1'01' f.lETa ~0~<; Kal Kpauy~<; o[ <JOL UV1'~Aauvou<Jl Ka-r' au-rwv.
cre'.'D-rav anopft<; ~onA.icrew<; nilv mpanw-rwv, -ro1<; eun6pm<; f.lEV, f.l~ cr-rpaTEUOf.lEVot<; o, KEAEU, av fl~ ~OUAWVTat cr-rpa-reuwem, napEXlV EKa<JTOV
lnnov av-rl au-rou Kal Civopa, Kal oihw<; Ol 1' TIEVT]T<; avopt0l 6nA.w8~<JOVTGl,
o'( T TIAOU<JlOl Kal avavopot OOUAU<JOU<Jl Ka-r' i<JOTT]lU -rwv mpacUOf1EVWV.
ac;'. Af.la -ro1<; Ka~aA.A.apiot<; Kaln~tK~v m<pep6f1VO<; mpanav, cruvenoxEIcr8at auT~V v TOt<; '(nnot<; TIOAACtKl<; KEAU, OTJAOVOTl A.a<pp~v OTIAl<JlV, omp
Oov xov-ra<;, Kal -ro1<; nodtv o~tw<; -rptxetv ouvaf1vou<;. olnve<; v mKaipot<.;
-r6not<; i)pw<JTOl Ka-raTIT]O~<JaVT<; uno -rwv LTITIWV -r6nou<; U'VTJAOU<; KaLUA~'!'OV
Tat, Kal <J<pVOOVat<; XP~<JOVLal Kal-r6~ol<; Kal -rpot<; onA.ou.;, ~ Kal npo<; aA.Ao Tl
1065
-rwv Ef11tl1TLOVTWV avopicrov-rm.

a~'. Be~a(w<; E1tl<J1'Ctf.lVO<; Civopa nva TIOAACtKl<; apt<J1'U<Javm, ~at1'0UflVOV
oi: nepi nvo<; crw-rfJpia<; ~ auTou ~ <piA.ou ~ cruyyevou<;, xpewv <J, c.b mpa-r'lyt::,
av-rlnoHwv Kal f.ly6.A.wv napacrx1v au-r4J oucr-ruxiav <pLAOU navop8wcracr8m.
Kal v au-r4J yap 1'0 O<JlOV 1t0l~<Jl<; Kal -rpou<; naAi'!'l<; apt<JLUlV n' EATitOI
1070
TOlaDT'l<; av-raTIOOO<JW<;.
GTJ' 'Apxovm<; 6.ya8ou 1'Kf.l~pta Kal ape-r~<; UTI00l~l<; o-rav WeA.oucrltp
yvwf.ln ni8wv-rm au-r4J oi unoxLpt0l Kal v TOt<; npocrnimou<Jl TIOVOl<; napn
f1EVlV 8:\.wmv. o[ yap avayKn Kal ~i<;t UTIOlUHOf.lEVOl lOt<; av6.~ta cr-rpaT'lyoO
npo<; au-rou<; np6.noucnv, ETIL~OUAOl f.lUAAOV, aAA.' ou <pLAOl, Kal <puyaoe<;, aAA.' Otl
1075
cruyKtVOUVUOV1'<; 6<p8~<JOV1'at.
cr8'. L-rpaTTJY4J aya84J f.lT]OEv -repov m-r~OUf.la oov nmve1v, aH' ~ Otto
-raum<; L~V f.LEV yewpytK~V, W<; -rp<poucrav -rou<; mpanw-ra<;, -r~v o 1TOAf1lKt'JV,
w<; KotKoucrav Kal <puA6.noucrav -rou<; -rp<povm<; yewpyou<;. oto f1CiAA.ov Kul
1076-1080 Cf. ta'.45-53.
trsp.
KUTUA~\110\1
Tal M Kam\a~wcrt A 1067 xpewv M XP~ A 1069 OOlOV M rrptrrov A 1071 TEKflt)piU M
TEKfl~ptov A I t6e\oucriw M eKoucriw A 1076 cr-rpaTTJYW ... flTJOEV M cr-rpaTTJYOV
1060 bncpep6f!EVO<;
trray6f!EVO<;
1061-1062 orrep ... exovm<;
1062-1063 EJtlKaipot<; ... eupwcrTOl M TOL<; apf16<oucrt CtKOJtlQTOl A
ouoev A
1078-1079 f!O.Hov ... -rou-rwv M trsp. A
1063-1064
611
will try to escape by the front, not daring to pass Your Excellency positioned
there. Thus, in both directions the formation is preserved safe and unbreakable.
204. In order to strengthen the army in facing the enemy, issue the following
command. In the heat of battle, if the enemy shout loudly while attacking them,
your men should meet them in silence. But if the enemy attack in silence, then
your men should charge out against them with shouts and loud cries.
205. When you find yourself without armament for your soldiers, give orders to those who are well provided for but who are not going on campaign that,
if they do not wish to go on campaign, they should each provide a horse and a
man in their place. In this way, the valiant poor will be armed and the cowardly
rich will serve equally with those who actually campaign.
206. When you are leading an infantry army together with cavalry, give the
order at frequent intervals for them to ride on the horses. Have them carry light
weapons, as is proper, since they are also able to run swiftly on foot. They are of
great advantage in certain places where they can leap off the horses and occupy
the heights. There they will make good use of their slings, arrows, and other
weapons and they will act in manly fashion in whatever situation occurs.
207. If you learn with certainty of a man who has frequently distinguished
himself but who is begging for the safety of someone, either himself or a friend
or a relative, it is necessary for you, 0 general, instead of providing him with
many great things, to correct the misfortune of a friend. In this regard you will
do what is right and you will encourage others to distinguish themselves in the
hope of such recompense.
208. The characteristics of a good officer and the manifestation of his virtue
are seen when his subordinates obey him with a willing spirit and desire to
persevere in the labors that come their way. Those who, because of compulsion
and force, are subject to superiors who treat them in a manner unworthy of a
general will turn out to be plotters instead of friends and deserters rather than
partners in danger.
209. No other enterprise must be commended to a good general than these
two: agriculture, inasmuch as it feeds the soldiers, and the military, because it
defends and protects the farmers who provide them with food. For this reason,
Concise Sayings
-roln"wv -rwv bnTTJCrDf!Crtwv bttf!A1a8al ae
1080
XP~ napa -ra -repa miv-ra. eKlva I
f!fV yap elm -raxa Kat neptHa, -rau-ra Kal avayKm6-ra-ra Kal aw-r~pta.
at'. "Iva Of Kat voo~6-repo<; Kal alOtatf!O<; avaOetKVUOat, f!UAAOV -rou aou
oe
~f!tV e'ipTJ'tal. Kat yap

~(ov KaAW<; Ote~ayn, aU' av Kal
OUf!<pEpOV'tO<; tO KOLVfl OUf!<pEpOV npo-rlf!a, W<; KatliVW noD

aya8o<; a-rpatT)y6<; EOLLV, OUK eav tOY tau-rou
wv a.pxet -rou-rot<; aw-rTJplac; a'inoc; ylvnm. a-rpa-rT)ybc; yap npoxapl<nm napa

1085
-rf]<; ~f!etEpa<;
~aatAeia<;, oux Iva tau-rou KaAW<; E1tlf!ATJ8fl f!OVOV, aU' Iva Kal ol
E1tlf!A0Uf!VOL nap' au-rou KaAW<;
~(o<;
Iva 6
au-rot<;
~eA-rlwv
Ote~aywv-rat. Kat yap Kal mpa-reuov-rat 1tUVtE<;
imapxn. Kal mpa-rT)you<; Oxov-rat -rou-rou au-rou
EVEKa, Iva npo<; -ra KaAa Kal aw-r~pta ~Yf!OV<; au-rot<; imapxoumv.
ma'. Auf!TJ mpa-rou -rpu<pTJ-r~<; a-rpa-rT)ybc; Kat li-raK-ro<;. ~ yap eu-ra~ia Kal
~
XP~atf!O<;. XP~
~pwaew<; ~ -rf]<; UAATJ<; OtahT)<; nA~V
f!eta aw<ppoauv c; eyKpa-raa f!<lAw-ra anv tot<; a-rpa-revof!vot<;
11
1090
yap f!TJOfV liAAO m<ppw8at npo<; xpeiav

-rwv avayKalwv.
-rpu<p~V
yap OUt n6Af!O<; OUt
elp~VTJ
oxnm aw<ppovouaa.
1tW<; yap OUK alaxpov livopa enl 'innou Ka1tf]AeULV; Ota<p8dpetat yap
Kat
~;\a~
11
ou f!LKpa ylvnm. O!o nav-raxou f!fV -roue; lipxov-rac;
~ ouvaf!L<;
aKpt~e1<; dvat 6E1
6~t<; Of oi Katpol, Kai

O~t<; alnpa~et<; o<peLAOUat Kat entnav-ro<; 1tOAEf!OU, f!CtAlO'ta Of -rou Kata 8aAaCY~
Kat OtKaiou<; apxetv, f!CtAta-ra Of ev -rot<; a-rpanw-rtKol<;.

1095
aav ota vauf!axla<; de; f!UXTJV auvtcrtaf!Evou.

'Eav 1tOAf!fl<; npo<; av8pwnou<; EK 1tOAAWV -r6nwv OUAAY0f!EVOU<;,
a-rpa-rf]y, oov ae !!~ 1tEplf!EVElV EW<; el<; ev auvax8wmv, aU' Etl anapf!EVOl<;
au-rot<;, ~ Ka-ra -rf]<; lola<; xwpa<; EKUO'tOV ~ el<; -rpou<; 't01tOU<;, 1tptV ~ OUVEA8WatV emxeipet. Kat vuv Of -rot<; ~ Aiyumou Kat :Lupla<; Kai KtAlKta<; a8pm<of!EVOl<;
mw.
1100
613
Constitution 20
612
~ap~apot<; npo<; -r~v Ka-ra 'Pwf!alwv eKa-rpa-re[av oov LOU<; 1tAWLf!OU<; a-rpatf]yoi><; auv -r4J vaunK<9 a-r6Aq>
-rae;
-r~v
K\mpov
KataAa~6v-ra<; npo -rou
auva<p8f]vat
~ap~aptKa<; vau<;, anoa-re1Aat Ka-r' au-rwv nAWlf!OV ouvaf!lV iKaV~V Ka-rayw-
vlaaa8at
1105
-r~v ~ap~aptKTJV vauf!axlav Etl otnP'lf!EVf]V, ~ -rae; vau<; EKLVWV ef!npf]
am npo -rou anon:\evam -rf)<; lola<;.

my'. 'YnoAaf!~avw ae ia-rpov olovel f!eya;\ou awf!a-ro<; -rou a-rpa-reuf!a-ro<;. Kal
XP~
ae wanep -rf)<; v6aou -rae; ah(a<;
1101-1106
Katl ... iota<; Cf. n(
~eAaUVlV
1107-1118
Strat.,
-rou mpa-rou, olov apylav, -rpu
8.2.58.
aioecrq.1o<; M tv-rq.16-repov A 1082 iivw nou M avw-repw A 110o au-rot<; M au-role~

Kal OlE<JKOp1ll0!.!EVOl<; A 1100-1101 nplv ... tmxdpEl M npo -roii <JUVEAELV au-rou<; tm-r[Oou
A uo UOpot~o!levot<; M cruvayo1.1vot<; A 1102-1103 -rou.; ... cr-rpanJYOU<; A TOi~
1
1lAWL!.!Ol<; cr-rpa-rllyo1<; M 1103 cruvacpOi]vat M evwOi]vm A 1108 -ri]<; v6crou M -rtva v6onv
it is necessary for you to be concerned about these more than all the others. For
other enterprises are perhaps even superfluous, but these are most necessary
and salutary.m
210. So that you may present yourself as very honorable and respected, you
should prefer what is beneficial for the commonwealth above what is beneficial
for yourself, as we have remarked somewhere above. A man is a good general,
not if he conducts his own life very well, but if he becomes an agent of the safety
of those under his command. A man is promoted to general by Our Majesty, not
so he can take care of his own well being only, but that those who come under
his care may also be well treated. Everyone goes to war in order to improve their
lives and they accept generals for this very reason, that they may lead them on
to good and salutary things.
211. A general given to luxury and lacking discipline causes harm to the
army, whereas good order and self-control, together with common sense, are
parti~ularly beneficial to those in military service. It is necessary to bring along
nothmg more than what is needed for food and other sustenance. Neither war
nor peace, which teaches moderation, has a place for luxury. How is it not
shameful for a man to drink alcohol while on horseback? His strength is
destroyed and no small damage ensues. The officers must be strict and just in
exercising command, especially in matters concerning the soldiers. The times
are critical and our actions must be critical. This is true of every war but
especially when engaging in a naval battle at sea.tt9
212. If you are waging war against men who have come together from many
places, 0 general, you must not wait around until they have managed to form
one army, but attack them while they are still scattered about, each one either in
his own country or in other places, before they can join forces. Now, as the
bar~arians are gathering together from Egypt, Syria, and Cilicia to campaign
agamst the Romans, it is necessary for the fleet generals with their naval forces
to occupy Cyprus before the barbarian ships can get together. Then dispatch
against them a naval force capable of overwhelming the barbarian war fleet
while it is still divided or else set their ships on fire before they can sail away
from their own country.tzo
213. I picture you as the physician for a large body, that is, the army. It is
8
10 1
n8. Cf. Canst. 11 9.

n9. Strat. 8.2.58.
120. Cf. Const. 18.
Constitution
614
1110
Concise Sayings
q>~V, TIOAUTEALaV, aaurr[av, aA.A.a Kal 1-lav-rda<; Kal GUf.l~OAa Kal OLWVLGf.lOD<.; KUi
6vlpou<; f.lCtAWTa UG~~ Tuyxavovm 1IptTO 81ov napopav a XP~, i f.l~ Tl<,
avayKf] Kal TOUTWV napLVaL npoarro[f]GLV. ou yap npoa~Kl mum aTpanryt~l
ouo npoc.; VLKf]V Kal GWTf]plav OLa npovo[a<; lola<; Gf]f.l1a Kp[vLV, aAA.a npovofl\'
aaq>aA.w<;, Kal npo<; Ta npoKlf.lVa f.lla
I ayxtvo[a<;
Kal ndpa<; Ta<; i:aUT0\1
npa~l<; 0L~CtYLV. TICtVTWV o f.lCtAWTU T~V nopvdav ~opi(LV XPWV TOU aTpn
111
5 TUf.laTo<;. muTf]V yap Ta f.lEywm KaKa nayLv Kal v Tat<; naA.mai<; laToplnt,,
Kat EV Tal<; KULVat<; TOt<; mpaTUf.laGLV UVf.lCt80f.lV. UAAa Kat Gf]f.lLOL<; TLVE<; i<nl
6vlpm<; TITim86T<; noA.A.aKL<; E\jiUG8f]aav Kal anwA.ovTo T~<; Kivwv Kplat:w<;
UaTOX~GaVT<;.
mo'. LUVKa1'pa1'ULv f.lTa awuTou Tou<; 1' aouc.; ulouc.; KalTwv ma~11wv
1120
en' avOpiq. apxovTWV ~ mpaLLWTWV OUK UOOKlf.lOV, aHa Kal nptnov ~youptll
eta<; EVKa Kal TIlpa<; aTpa1'LWTLKWV epywv Kal ~Yf.lOVLKWV. avayKaiov y('il'
OLOaaKaAtOV avayKaiwv f.la8f]f.IUTWV 6 TIOAf10<;. OLO KaLTOU<; UKf.LCt(ovTa<.;
q>lA.wv Kal oiKlwv na'ioa<; wanp UYVt<; aKuAaKa<;,
K\lt
wmpaTf]y, auvKGTfHt
1'ULV G XP~ Kat auv8i(LV avtxwem KaLTOAf.!CtV Kal VKpwv cml'Of.LEVOV<;

1125
Kill
TIAf]ya<; 8Wf1EVOU<;, Kal EV 1'at<; vaywv[oL<; ~oat<; KaLTOt<; aA.aA.awam Kan't H'l
npw1'a T~<; f.LUXfJ<: ytVOf.lEVOL<; napmuyxavovm<; 'ial'aaem, 'iva npo<; Ta noA.qHK<'t
pya Kal naef] EK VEOU auv8L(Of.lVOL KUL apLGTULV v aULol<; f16.8wmv.
aL 1 'Pwf.LaAEOV
Kal apLGTOV avaod~L a aTpaTf]YOV ~ T~<; TOAflf]<; O~UT'l<: Ktll
TO ~OUAUf.la TO XPfJaTOV Kal 6 Twv q>lA.wv Dnp68uf10<; auvaywvtaf.!o<; Kal n't

1130
eappdv EV l'Ot<; KLVOUVOL<; TOU TIOAEf.lOU Katl'O xp~aem Ttp T am8f]ptp A.oywptjl
Kal aKaTanA.~KT<p. mum yap a1'ppou aTpaTf]you Kal q>LA01'Lf10U, 'iva Kal
w) u\,,
EV Katptp ~ i:aUTOU naptxn 1'a otovm, Kal Ola T~<; aUTOU ayae~c.; YVWfl'l<.;
q>LAta<; auvaywvLaTa<; exn w<; <j>LAOU<; oiKdou<; Kal auyKLVOUVUOVTU<; aun+)
1135
anaaL TOU<; aTpULLWTa<;.

at<;'. nanp KUVfJYE1''1<: aya8o<; Txvn TOU<; AUKOU<; flTPXOf1VO<;
f\
UAW1tKa<; aypUl, OUTW<; Kal aUTo<; TOU<; ano 1'WV 1tOAf1LWV KaTUGKOTIOU<.;
TEXVf]<;
avwp~aL<;. av yap e~w8V l'O"U aou xupaKO<; q>uAaKa<; TCt~J1<.;. d
mA.a~a8at TOU 1tAf]GLOV EKUGTtVaL ew<; iiv drrn Kell
npocrT!OlTJOLV M npocrT!OlTJOLV OXTJf.LUtlOf.lOV A 1113 ayxtvo[a~ M q>pov~OI't\11,
OlE~ayeLV M OLKOVOf.lelV A I xpewv M XP~ A 1117 1!1!0L86te~ ... hi'UOeljnnv
8app~cravte~ 1lOAACtKl~ ~nat~Srt A 1119 E1llO~flWV M yvwplf.!WV A 1120 apxovnM
av8pwnwv A I OUK ... Kal M om. A I nprrov A tp6rrov M I ~yOUf.!Ul M ~you~LI'IlU
1125 tal~ A tot~ M 1128 avaoet~El PO avaoet~al MA 1129 XPTJOtOV M aya!lM
1131 crteppou M yevvaiou A 1138 tmA.a~cr8m ... KeA.eucrrt~ M eKacrt(v
1111
1114
tmA.a~cr8at
615
20
toil rrA.qcriov A
your responsibility, as it were, to drive away the causes of disease in the army,
such as idleness, luxurious living, extravagance, profligacy, and also divination,
signs, omens, and dreams. It is particularly incumbent upon you, truly reverent
as you are toward the Divinity, to disregard these unless there is some need for
<permitting> the pretense of these being present. It is not fitting for a general,
by means of his own foresight, to judge whether these signs indicate victory and
salvation, but he is to think carefully ahead to what lies before him with shrewdness and experience, and so conduct his own actions. Above everything else you
must drive fornication out of the army, for this introduces the greatest evils, as
we have learned from both ancient and recent histories. Some individuals,
moreover, who have believed in signs and dreams, have frequently been
deceived and have perished because their interpretation of them missed the
mark. 121
214. It is not a bad idea for your sons and those of the officers or soldiers
distinguished for bravery to accompany you on campaign. Indeed, I think it is
fitting because of what they will see and the experience they will have of the
work of the soldiers and the officers. War is a basic school of necessary teachings. Because of this, your sons and those of your friends, as they come of age,
like pedigreed dogs, 0 general, ought to go along on campaign with you and
become accustomed to bear up and show courage when they come in contact
with corpses and gaze upon wounds, to stand and experience the shouts of the
fighting men and the war cries in the forefront of the battle. In this way, they
will become accustomed to the actions and the suffering of war from their youth
and they will learn to take part in them with courage.122
215. The high point of daring, excellent planning, enthusiastic fighting
alongside one's friends, showing confidence amid the dangers of war, and making use of firm, undaunted reasoning will prove that you are a strong and excellent general. A solid and generous general is one who personally does what is
called for at the right time. Because of his fine mind and friendly manner, he has
made the soldiers fighting along with him into close friends who share all the
dangers with him.
216. As a good hunter skillfully goes after wolves or catches foxes, so you
should skillfully search out spies from the enemy. Station guards outside your
121. Cf. Strat. 8.2.58.
122. For example, Basil I took his oldest son Constantine on his expedition to Syria, in
876-877. Skylitzes, Basil.Mak., 23; Theophanes Cont., 278.
616
Constitution
Concise Sayings
20
apxovm Kat TO TUY!la Kat TO KOVTouppvlOV o8V a-rlv ~ ihpov auv8rwa. TOU<:;
1140 Of; TaiJTa A.yLv
il~ 6uvaiJEVOU<; Ena(nc;, Kat oihw<; avUp~Gl<; LOU<; KamaK6
nou<;.
m('. Mya npawa Kal avayKaiov 6TJ!lTJYOPWV !lTa <ppov~aw<; a-rpaTf]y6.:;
11Alova yap TIOAAUKl<; EK T~<; 6ta A.6ywv OiJLA[a<; ~11p EK TWV 011AWV T~V av6pd
av 11apaaKUU<Jl T4J a-rpaTUiJaTL, Kat iJUAl<JTa 11poan8l<; T4J A.6yqJ, on 11p<'l<:;
1145 CtVTl11UAOU<; ea-rl ilaxw8at mipKa Kat ai!la xovm<; Kat T<l av8p<.imwv TiacrxovTa<:;
Kat aUTOU<;.
atf]'. AvayKai6v <JOl,
w<JTpaTTjy, oTaV xLpa<; <JUiJiJlEwm 11po<; iJUXT]V KaTll
TWV 110AiJLWV oi <JTpanWTaL, 11apaTpxovTa poav "n aTiaE 11poapaAOUiJV TOt<;

110AiJLOl<; Kat VlK~<JOiJV." Kal TIUAlV OiJOLW<; "n aTiaE 11poapaA.oUiJV Kat vtl
1150
K~<JOf.LV." Kal TplTov 6 ToiJTo not~crm napmTIuov-ra. ouTw<; yap vlKfJV ttl<:;
aA.T]8wc; K T~<; 11po8uf.Llac; TIOL~<JL<;, <pEf]c; Kal auvxwc; Ta<; Tpi<; 11poapoA.Uc;
110l0UiJVO<;. -rou-ro 6 110l~<Jl<;, OLaV f.LWl"tf]<; LOU E>wu poT]8la<; 6pQ.<; on KaTll
T~v 11pw-rT]v au!lPoA.~v 11poTpft<; KaTa -rwv TIOAf.Llwv.
m8'."Iva 6 f.LV~f.LWV 8auiJa(6f.LVO<; Kal-roi<; avTmoAf.LLOL<; dvm MEnc; Kat 6tt':t
1155 TOU"!O <popp6<;, 6.v <JOl 11paPt<; Ct110<JTlAW<Jl, OEOV <J avpWTf]<Jat 11pl aun(Jv,
av TIOT 11pWPu<JaVTO, Kat imp TLVWV 11payf.LUTWV Kat f.LTU TlVWV 11pO<JWJ1ltlV
Kal v TIOtqJ Katp4> Kal v TIOtqJ T6mp. n 6 Kat11pl Tf]<; 11poKLiJEVT]<; 11pwpekt,,
11pOf.LAT~<JaL
a 61,
Kat e'i Tl Of.LOLOV E11pax8TJ 110"!E ~ 11ap6. <JOl ~ Tiap' hl:ptjl
8vL, Iva v -rai<; pwT~<J<Jl Kat <JUVTUXtat<; EKTIA~<J<Jn<; aUTOU<; w<; 11UVU iJVT]~l(l
1160
VlKO<; Kat110AU11lp0<;.
<JK'. 'Ov evKa ~ -r611wv TIOTE ~ TIOAWV EK11Ef.L11LV f.LEAAL<; vauTLKOV aT6.\ov,
Kpumetv a 61 Kal -roue; T611ou<; Kal Ta<; 116A.L<;, waT f.LfJOEVa 11poyvwvm rmo
f.LEAAL ylvw8at 6 KaTaTIA.ou<;. vmA.iJa 6 ypa\jla<;, -rou-ro a<ppaytcra~trvm;
aa<paA.w<; E11t6o<; T4> Ka8L<JTaf.LEVql 11apa <JOU vauapxqJ, '(va KaTa TO rr,\aytH,,
1165
EA.8wv, To-r Man T~v a<ppayl6a Kal f.L6.8n 11ou f.LEAAL Tiopuw8m. outull; y\tp
11ot~aac; Aa.8nc; Touc; TIOAf.Llouc;.
aKa'. N6f.LOL <JTpaTTJYLKOt <puA.an6iJVOL Kal TOU<; <JTPaTTJYOU<; VLKT]<p<'lp(l\l~

Kat vMEou<; Kat 6~ Kat Ctlf.LV~<JTOU<; Ct110TAOU<JlV Kat TOt<; pamAUOU<Jl xnp!\1;,
Kat eu<ppO<JUVT]<; a'itLOl ylvovTat, Kal11p0<; dp~Vf]V Kal imomy~v LOU<; TIOAqdou~,
1170
Ka-ravayKa(oum, Kal KaKwv A.w8epla<; 11avTl-r4> UTITJKO(fl ytv6f.LeVOL, f.Li'iA.Aov
KOVTOU~epvLOV A KOUTOU~EpVLOV M I cruv8Tjf.LU M yvwpLGf.LU A 1140 e~eTU~lj~

E~TU<JW; A 1153 O"Uf.l~OA~V ... KUTU M rcpocr~OA~V um:pexw; A 1154 f.LV!)f.lwV
aVTLTCOAEf.LLOL<; M Kal Tol<; rco\ef.L[OL<; Kal f.LVljf.LOVEUTLKo<; A 1154-1155 6ta ... q>o~ef1 '''~
q>o~epo<; &a TouTo Kal 8auf.lacr8~vat reap' airrwv A 1159 eKrc\~crcrfJ<; M eKrc\~nq,
1139
1161 vaunKov crT6\ov Mom. A
1167 VLKfJq>6pou<; M VLKTJTU<; A
1168 Kal6~ Mont
617
campsite, then give the order for each man to take hold of the person next to
him and not let him go until he tells him who his officer is and what tagma and
squad he belongs to, or some other password. Subject those who are unable to
name these to further questioning, and in this way you will uncover the spies.
217. It is a great and even necessary thing for a general to speak sensibly in
public. By a reasonable speech he will often incite the army to bravery more
than by weapons. This is particularly true if he adds to his speech that they are
fighting against opponents who are flesh and blood and who also suffer what all
men suffer.
218. When the soldiers are about to engage the enemy in close combat, it is
necessary for you, 0 general, to ride about and shout: "Let us charge against the
enemy one more time and we shall be victorious:' In like manner again: "Let us
charge one more time and we shall be victorious:' Do it a third time riding
about on horseback. In this way, launching three charges one right after the
other, you will truly bring about victory because of their enthusiasm. You will
do this when, with God's help, you see that, at the first charge, you gain an
advantage over the enemy.
219. In order that you appear to the enemy as having a wonderful memory
and, for this reason, as someone to be feared, if they send ambassadors to you,
make inquiries about them. Have they previously been sent as ambassadors and
about what matters and with what persons and at what time and in what place?
Consider, moreover, what must be done concerning the present embassy and
whether something similar was ever dealt with, either by you or by another
nation. And so, in your meeting and by your questioning you will astound them
by your excellent memory and great expertise.
220. Whenever you intend to send out a naval force to some place or city,
you must keep the places or cities secret so nobody will know your destination
ahead of time. Write the orders, seal them safely, and hand them over to the
commander designated by you. Only after sailing out to sea is he to break the
seal and find out where he is to proceed. This way of doing things will keep your
plan hidden from the enemy.
221. Observance of the military laws will result in victorious generals, illustrious and deserving perpetual memory, and it will also be the cause of
happiness and kind thoughts for the emperors, and it will compel the enemy to
live in peace and subjection. It will free all our subjects from many evils and
618
Constitution
Concise Sayings
20
Kat aya9wv lmop(av 1tp0~VOUVW:; a1.rrot<;, T~V ei<; @eov 1JXUPLGTLUV UU~OUO'l
Kai npo<; oo~oA.oy(av au-rou naaav euae~~ 'I'UX~V Oteyepoum. TOUTOU<; oDv,
til
a-rpanwe, Ka9cmep aw-r~pa<; f.LeTU eeov Kal euepye-ra<; KOLVOU<; TOU<; a-rpaTT]YlKOU<; v6f.LOU<; Ota nav-ro<; nepupuA.ane. Kal np6 ye -rou-rwv mu<; 9elou<; Kal
1175 1tUVUAT]91<; VOf.LOU<;, Ot' wv ~ euae~eta Kpa-ruve-rm, nep(9aA.ne Kai avevoouia-rw<;
TOUTOL<; umiKOU. EK TOUTWV yap aptGTT] apx~ yevotTO, Kai euapw-ro<; 6<p9~an
a-rpaTT]YO<; au-rep T -rep Beep TWV OAWV Kai ~UaLA1 Kai KUptc.p ~f.LWV 'lf]GOU Xpta-rep, Kai ~f.LLV TOL<; Ot' auTOU ~aatA.euoumv.
1171 au~ovm M e~ovcrt A 1173 euepyt:rac; KOlVOU<; M trsp. A 1174 ye M om. A

117 5 avevoot(t<n:wc; M MtcrtaKtW<; A
619
even more it will offer them an abundance of good things. It will increase
gratitude toward God and it will stir up every pious soul to glorify him. Always,
therefore, observe these military laws, 0 general, for, after God, they are your
saviors and common benefactors. Above these, cherish and without hesitation
obey the divine and wholly true laws by which reverence is fortified. It is from
these that the best beginning proceeds, and the general will be most pleasing in
the sight of the God and emperor of all and to our Lord Jesus Christ and to us
who rule through him.
YITOE>E:LI:L EN EITIAOfOt
a'. 'De; EV O"UVO\jl1 8 TU n:poetpT]!lfVa ~IllY an:avTa OLOV UVaKe<paAatW0Ctl.leVOl vmu9a n:apaKeAeUOI.le9a Kal un:ott9Eile9a tft aft v8o~6TT]Tt. ~ wv, we;
e'lpf]Tat, Kal mhoc; mpmT]yoc; 6.va8etX9elc; 6.ya96c;, Kal ~(ov aKtv8uv6Tm6v T
5 Kat UAUTWTaTOV TOll; UT0 0e UPXOI.lfYOll; Teptn:Ot~0n.
Kal n:pwtov illY n:av on:ep llfAAll; ~ A.yLv ~ n:paTTelV O.n:o 8eou ACt~l
~ave T~V O.px~v, Kal ll'l8v aveu T~l; EKelVOU llY~I.l.T]l; Te Kal EVT\J~eWl; ll~T
Myou ap~n ll~Te n:pa~ewc;.
y'. 01\Tw yap yw Kp(vw XPeWV elvat O.n:o 8eOU Aall~CtVelV an:avTa T~V
10 apx~v. Kat yap 6 8eoc; n:at~p ~l.l.WY Kat n:OtT]T~l; Kat ET0n:TT]l; Kat TWV A6ywv
~11wv Kal-rwv n:pa~ewv Kal KpmK6c; a-rtv v8u11~aewv Kal vvotwv Kap8iac;, Kai
ouK anv K-r(mc; O.cpav~c; vwmov al>tou n:av-ra 8 yu11va Kal -re-rpaxT]A.tallva
-rotc; 6cp9aAI.l.Oll; au-rou Kma TOV 9eoA.oytKWTa1"0V IIauA.ov. 8to oU8v ~c; aU-roi)
YYWI.l.T]l; xwplc; n:paTTelV OCj)eLAOI.leV.
15
8'. "En:eTat yap Ttl; ~IllY oiovel auyyveta n:poc; au-rov Kat axmc;, Wl; o'(u
yVot1"0 n:atal n:poc; n:a-rpa. Kat yap n:ap' aU1"0U eLl; Cj)Wl; Kat ~LOY ~A90I.leY, KUl
un:p au-rou Kal ~~v Kal ev~aKelV OCj)elAOI.leV. n:l 8wpotc; yap -roTc; EKeLVOU -rpecpb
lleea, Kal v mh(i> ~WileY Kal KlV01Jileea Ka[ EO"I.leV. Kal -roaou-rov au-r(i> n:!9(} .
lleea, oaov i8tWTal apxovn, Kal 8ean:6-rn uya9(i> 8ouA.ot Kal apxov-rec; ~amA.d.
20 Kal n:av-rec; autou EO"IleV, we; Ka-ra n:aVTWV KeK1"T]IlEVOU 1"0 Kpa-roc;. Kal ~IllY lli::Y !':~
EKelVOU OeOOUAWTat n:avm -ra fll'l'UXU Kal-ra a\jluxa. ~llell; 8 au-rov 9epan:eUO
!leV. Kal ~ !lEY aA.oyoc; n:aaa 6.yA.T] ucp' ~l.l.WV T0ll.latVOI.l.EVT] aye-rat, ~llell; 81:: Ulttl
-rou 9eou n:otllatv61le9a -rou KaA.ou rrot11voc;, Kal 8t' ~11ac; cptA.av9pwrrwc; cpopt
aavtoc; -ro ~11-repov.
w.
11-13 Hebr. 4:12-13.
18 Acta 17:28.
evA om. M
1. As a sort of recapitulation, in synoptic form, of everything we have said

previously, we here recommend and propose <the following> to Your Excellency. As noted, it is by <observing> these recommendations that you will prove
yourself to be an excellent general and you will obtain for yourself and those
under your command a life without danger and sorrow.
2. First, everything you intend to say or do should take its beginning from
God. Do not begin any word or deed without remembrance of him and conversing with him.
3 Thus, I judge it to be necessary for all things to take their beginning from
God. He is our father and creator and watches over our words and our deeds. He
is the judge of the desires and thoughts of our hearts and no creature is unseen
in his presence. Everything is open and laid bare before his eyes, according to
the great theologian Paul. 1 Wherefore, we ought to do nothing apart from his
will.
4 For there is a certain sort of relationship and bond between us and him
such as that of children to their father. Indeed, it is from him that we have come
into light and life and we ought to live and die for him. We are nourished by his
gifts and in him we live and move and have our being. 2 We should obey him to
the extent that a private soldier obeys his commanding officer, as slaves a good
master, and as officials the emperor. We are all his since he possesses power over
all things. It is from him that all animate and inanimate beings are in service to
us. But we give our service to him. While the entire irrational flock is pastured
and led by us, we are pastured by God, the good shepherd, who for our sake out
oflove for mankind put on our nature.3
22-24 loan. 10:11.
ihrav-ra oiov M miv-ra A 6 ~ 1 M om. A 7 fti)OtV M fl~Te A6you

fl~T rrpa~ew<; A 7-8 fl~T ... rrpa~ew<; M om. A 9 xpewv M rrperrov A 13 7!UUAOV M
O.rr6<JTOAOV 7!UUAOV A 17 err\... EKelVOU M TOL<; yap EKeivou ow pot<; A
EPILOGUE
1.
2.
Hebrews 4:12-13.
Acts 17:28.
3 John 10:11.
622
Epilogue
Epilogue
e'. Kal oMel.:; ~apv6.:; noT yvoLTO on an E>6<;, d 11~ Kal T~v \j!UX~v
5. Nobody might ever deny the existence of God, except perhaps one who
8Lecp0ap!1EVO<; imapxel. !l<1Ta yap -ra navm E>eou Kal mho<; EK 11~ OVTWV -raiha
has <already> destroyed his own soul. For everything is full of God and he
brings forth all things from nonbeing and completes everything and finishes
everything and provides for and manages all. 4
6. Proof of this truth is what he has made, heaven and all that is in it, the
earth and what is in it, indeed, the sea and everything in it. All that is helpful in
them bear witness to God's solicitude for us and manifest his providence.
7. He it is who sets up emperors, for he says: It is by me that emperors reign. 5
It is also by him that a general is promoted. He is the cause of every good rule
and authority. For this reason a person must not be invested with command
before prayer and converse with him, as though he were to consecrate himself to
God. And he should entrust the ordering of his own life to his providence.
8. Because of this, it is necessary for you, 0 general, to handle and observe
all things, above everything else, for the service of God. In particular, honor and
reverence his priests and bishops, and keep his holy temples as places of asylum
and do not seize hold of those who have sought refuge in them without the authorization of Our Majesty. 6
9. Preserve reverence for the holy monasteries of the monks and those
observing virginity in them and keep them free from harm and violence. To put
it simply, preserve everything consecrated to God unmolested, honored, and
respected for they are all holy and dedicated to God, who is holy.
10. Nobody is to raise impure or tyrannical hands against them or to act
boldly against them in any other way, neither you nor anyone else who comes
under your authority and who has been entrusted with some command, military or civil, but all, as belonging to God, must be free from all harm and abuse.
11. Especially toward the bishops, fathers and pastors of human souls, both
of rulers and those who are ruled, and who are intermediaries for us with God,
you must show all honor and respect and not allow anyone to insult them.
12. What is done to them is referred to God, from whom they have received
the high-priestly office, by which they both shepherd souls and undertake to
mediate for them to God. For the priests form a sort of soul, spread throughout
25
nap~yayev Kalnavm nA.f]pOt Kalnavm 8Lanpann, Kalnpovoehm Kal8LOLKl.

<;'."EAeyxo.:; 8 ~.:; UAf]0da.:; Ta noL~!laTa auTOU oupavo.:; Kal Ta ev aun~, y~
Kal Ta oaa ev au-rft, Kat!lfVTOl Kal ea.t..aaaa Kal Ta ev EKlvn anavm, Kal oaa v
30
aUTOl<; wcpAL!la, llapn'>pLa ~.:; EK E>eou d.:; ~lla<; Kf]Oe!lOVta<; T Kal npovo[a<;
ava8eLKVUTaL.
('. Kal auTo<; Kal ~a<JLAet<; Ka9Lmq.. Kal yap Cj)f]<Jl 8L' E!10U ~a<JLAet<; ~a<JLAU
OU<Jl. Kal <JTpaTf]YO<; 8L' aUTOU npoxnpi(nm, 6 na<Jf]<; apx~.:; aya0~.:; Kat e~ouai
a<; au-r-6.:; ea-rLv ahw.:;. 8Lo Kal XP~ 11~ np6-rep6v -rLva -r~v apx~v imoouwem nplv
35 ~ 8La Tfi<; euxfi.:; Kal EVTU~W<; npo.:; al>Tov wanep au-rov aq:nepW<JL T(il E>e(il, Kal
-rft Klvou npovoic;t -r~v au-rou 8wiKf]<JLV KaTammeunaL.

fl' flLa TOUTO 8d <J navm Ta d<; @eou 0epam:[av, W mpaTf]y, npo T<DV
aUwv amiv-rwv E1tlTf]OeUelV Kal 8LacpuA.anLV, e~mp-rw<; ~v d.:; TOUt:; lepd.:; n:

Kal apxlepet<; auTOU Tl!l~V Kal 9epan[av, Kal TOUt:; ayiou.:; au-rou vaou.:; W<JT
40
Ct<JUAOU<; dvm KaLil~ al>Twv avapna(w0m TOUt:; ev aU-rot<; Kamcpeuyovm<; aveu
8Layvwaew<; -r~.:; ~11npa.:; ~amA.da.:;.

0'. Kal Ta lepa 8 TWV !lOvaxwv Ct<JKf]T~pla Kal TOUt:; ev au-rot<; T~V nap0evdav
I Ct<JKOUVTa<; a~A.a~fi Kal a~[a<JTa Kal <J!1VU 8LaTf]pet<J0aL. Kal ClTIAW<; dndv,
oaa T(il E>e{il avaKLVTaL napacpuAa.nnv UVE1tf]paam Kal Tlllla Kal ai8mlla
w.;;
45 ayLa naVTa Kat T(il ay[<.p @e{il avaKl!lVa.
L'. Kal!lf]8va ~~~AWV ~ -rupavvLKWV Xtpa.:; na[pnv KaT' au-rwv ~ aUw.;;

ano0pa<JUV<J0aL, !l~T <JWUTOV ll~T aA.Aov TLVa TWV uno T~V <J~V e~oua[av o'(av
8~ no-r TLVa nem<JTeU!lfVOV apx~v ~ a-rpaTLWTLK~V ~ noALTLK~V. aU' dvm
so
aUTOU<; W<; KTfilla TOU E>eou na<Jf]<; ~Aa~f]<; Kal E1tl1Pela<; A.w0pou.:;.
La'. Kal llUAL<JTa TOUt:; apxlepet<; w.:; na-rpa<; Kal nOL!lfVa<; nov av0pwn[vwv
'VVXWV, O<JaL T apx6v-rwv Kal O<JaL apxollfVWV, Kal Ta npo.:; E>eov ~IllY !l<1LTtJ
ov-ra<; TOUTOU<; 8La na<Jf]<; ayeLV Tl!l~<; Kal ai8ou.:;, Kal llf]8v ecp' u~pn TOUTWV
Ka-ra8xwem.
LW. Kal yap -ra d.:; au-rou.:; yLv611eva d.:; -rov E>eov avacppnm, nap' ou Knl
55
623
T~V apxlepW<JUVf]V df..~cpa<JL, 8L' ~<; Kat TO nOL!laLVLV Tat:; 'I!VXa<; Kat Ta np<l<;
E>eov au-rat<; !l<1lTUlV ave8~avm. o[ yap lepd.:; wanep \j!UX~ Tl<; OL<Jnap!1EV!)
26-27 Ps. 13 (14):
1.
32-33 Prov. 8:15.
37-41 Cf. K'.338-343.
25 e~apvo~ ... (hL M apv~creTaL JtOTE yeyove OTL OUK A 28 T01 Mom. A 32-33 ~amAtll
Ot>aL M ~amA.evoumv A 33 aya6~~ M om. A 36 KUTamaTeUETUL M KaTamcrTevotl A
48 rroALTLK~v A rroA.ef.LLK~V M
55 etA.~ <pam M eiA.~cpamv A I TU~ M om. A
4 Cf. Psalms 13 (14):

5 Proverbs 8:15.
6. Cf. Const. 20 70.
1.
624
Epilogue
Epilogue
Kal (woyovouaa OAOV TO CJWjla TOU XpLCJTLaVLKOU A.aou Kat apx6vTWV Kal apxojlEVWV Ka8ECJTT]K, vouv Kctl ~YEjlOVa TOV ~amA.a TWV cm:avTWV 6eov KeKTTjjlEVf], Kal arr' mhou T<l<; TOU OAOU CJWjlUTO<; OlOLK~CJel<; OLanop8jleUOUCJa Kal
6o
KU~epvwaa Kal neptayouaa.
13. In this way, then, be reverent, orthodox, and well disposed toward God
8t:parrovm<; otaKLjlVo<;, ETiljleA.ou jlna Tou<; 8dou<; T~<; nimew<; v6jlOU<; Kal
and those who serve him. Be concerned to observe inviolate, after the divine
laws, also those of the emperor, so as to establish judgment and justice in the
midst of your land.
Kal OLKmoauVf]V v jlEmp T~<; y~<; aou.

LO'. 'EmjleAOU o Kal TWV mpaTfJYLKWV pywv Kal TWV noAejllKWV onA.wv, 0\JX
14. Be concerned about the tasks incumbent on a general and about the
Iva a8LK~an<; ~ ao[Kou rroA.1-lou Kmap~n<; ~ A.nmda<; Ttva<; Kal aoiKou<; KaTa
weapons of your soldiers. Do not act unjustly or initiate an unjust war. Do not
launch unjust attacks or pillaging raids against people who have done you no
wrong. Live in piety but also, as far as it depends on you, live in peace with your
enemy. Thus, you will conduct yourself reverently, in a manner pleasing to God
and, by so doing, you will possess the weapons to ward off any unjust foe.?
15. Your pious life having encompassed these things, be well assured that,
along with righteousness, you will have God himself campaigning along with
you.
TWV OUOEV ~OLKf]K<hwv mopOjla<; nOL~crn<;, aAA.' Iva auv U(j~el<;t (wv, aHa Kctl
Tot<; noAejlLOL<;, oaov TO bt( CJOL dpf]VUWV, Kal oihw<; U(j~W<; Kat 8wpaTw<;
1tOALTUOjlVO<;, xn<; Ta onA.a npo<; QjlUVav TWV aOLKOUVTWV noAejllWV.
7o
Le'. 'H yap eucre~~<; aou (w~ TaiJTa rrapaA.a~ouaa, eD oio' on Kal 6t:ov auTov
jleTa T~<; OLKctLOCJUVf]<; E~eL auvt:KmpaTeuovTa.
t<;'. Kal ~ nimL<; Tou ll~ aoLKeiv aAA.' aoLKeia8m mpaTf]yov Kal ~YE!lova to
8t:iov E~el, Kal avayKf] TILCJTULV OTL OLKaL<p nOAEjl<p ano eeou O<jlelATctl
t<)
tEAO<; aya86v, wcmep t<iJ QOlK<p TO vavt[ov.

75
and giving life to the whole body of the Christian people, both rulers and ruled.
It has, therefore, set itself up as the property of the leader and emperor and God
of all. From him it carries on, governs, and effects the management of the whole
body.
ty'. Oi.hw<; o1Sv nepl 6t:ov t:ucre~w<; Kal 6p8oM~w<; Kal nepl Tou<; Keivou
TOU<; ~aCJLALKOU<; Olct<puA.anea8m VOjlOU<; anapa~QTOU<;, WCJT noLelV (j Kpljlct
6s
625
t('. 'Dcrrrep yap n'lv aotKouvm aouvmov ll~ na8eiv note t~v T~<; aoLKiw:;
nmv~v napa ye 6e4J KpLtft, oihw<; aMva-rov Kal t6v T~v aOLKiav CtjlUVOjleVOV
Kal avnnoA.t:jloiJvTa, ll~ T~<; napa eeou viKfJ<; m-ruxeiv. 6 yap 6eo<; KpLT~.;
OLKctlO<; Kal auv OLKn ~6.yet ta CJUjlnavTct.
lfJ' ToutWV tOLVUV xapLV aCJKelV (j od <Ot'> onA.wv Kat yujlvaa[a<; Kal T~.;
so liAAf]<; crtpcttf]YLK~<; fTiljleAeta<;.
t8'. Eioevm 0 (j rri I tOUTOL<; ~OUAOjlctl, Otl od (j EV JtOAEjlOU Kmpq> TWV n:
avnnoA.ejlouvTwv T~v cpumv ytvwaKnv Kai T~v liA.A.f]v Katamamv, Kal o~ Kal rb
Keivwv mpaTeulla n6Tepov 6~Ma-r6v anv npo<; -ra<; mxnp~an<; Kal npo<; n':t.;
npwta<; Opjla<; opaatLKOV ~ npo<; jlaKp68ujla Kal xpovotpl~~ pya jl<'iAAOV
85 eyyeyujlVaCJtctl.
58 Ka8e<JTfjKE vouv A Ka6oT!]KEV obv M
16. The belief that one is not acting unjustly but is being treated unjustly will
bring <you> the Divinity as your general and leader, and you will be compelled
to believe that God has obligated himself to bring a just war to a good conclusion, and an unjust one to the contrary.s
17. Just as it is impossible for the unjust person not to suffer at some time
the penalty for his injustice from God the judge, so it is impossible for one who
has warded off and fought against injustice not to obtain victory from God. For
God is a just judge and will bring everything about with justice.9
18. For these reasons, indeed, you must exercise yourself with weapons and
training and the other military concerns.
19. I want you to be aware, in addition to these things, that in time of war
you must know the nature of those fighting against you and their condition. Is
their army at the height of readiness for what it must attempt? Has it been
trained to be effective in its first assaults or rather for more drawn-out and
time-consuming operations?
62 6douc:; ... VOflOU<; M VOflOU<; T~<; 6dac:; rr[crtt:u>~
A 63 15tacpuMnw6at. .. cmapa~cnouc:; M VOflOU<; cmapa~CtTOU<; 15taqJUAUTTE(J8tU A

79 xaptv ... Kall M EVEKEV OEl <JE acrKetV KUt OTtAWV A leSt' ci. Du om. codd. 83 rt6Tpov M
7 Cf. Const. 2 29-31.

8. Ibid.
iipaA
9 Ibid.
626
Epilogue 627
Epilogue
K'. Xp~ o (j OLayLVW<JKlV Kal a\nov TOV 1tOA!..lOV, rr6-rpov 1tOAuxp6vL6<;
crnv, Kal OL<l nvo<; oamivfj<; XPfJf.HlTWV, ~ flCtAAOV O~UTfjTL pWflfj<; OALyoxp6VLO<;
Kal ErCLXLpfjnK6<;.
Ka'. 'Ev of: TOt<; TOLOUTOL<; TIOAeflOL<; avnrrapa<JKUCt~OU rrpo<; T<l<; TWV f:vav-r[90
wv \lfUXa<; Kal rrpo<; TO OAOV aU-rwv mpaTUfla, ~TOL rrpo<; avopda<; Kal 6~UTf]Ta<;
~ Kal rrpo<; TU TOUTWV vav-ria, ~youv cp6~ou<; Kal epa<rfj Kal 6pya<; Kal TlflWpia<;
Kal q>LAOllflla<; Kal pq.eufl[a<;, W<JT TU -rmaum rraefj TWV T <JWV mpaTUflCtTWV ~
Kal TWV TIOAfllWV ouvacreai (j Kal au~LV Kal Ta1tLVOUV.
KW. Kal flCtAL<r-ra -ra rrapa croL &a rrapayyAfl0.-rwv v-rxvwv Kal rrpocrrroL~95 <JEW<; rrpoyvw<JTLK~<; Kal -~<; rrpl TO eLov ETILflAELa<; Kal -~<; OLa A6ywv OfjflfJYOpia<;, -rafna of: rrapaq>UAaHlV W<JT yivwem v Ttp xp6v<.p Kae' OV al \lfUxal UT0
TOU A6you KlVfjeE'icrm 0LaflVLV ouvav-rm Ola -~<; flV~flfj<; rrpo<; -~v OLae<JLV -~<;
KLV~<JW<;, a.na fl~ rrapa TU<; avayKa<; aU-ra<;, OT rrpo<; TO Olaflaxwem rrapa<JKUCt~OVTaL. <JUfl~a[Vl yap arrapa<JKUOU<; OLaywvL~Oflvou<; TOU<; cr-rpanw-ra<;
100
UTCtKTW<; EXLV rrpo<; TOY-~<; flCtXfJ<; KLVOUVOV.

Ky'. Xp~ ouv rrpo TWV KLVOUVWV fleapf.16~LV -ra<; \lfUXa<; TWV cr-rpa-rLWTWV
rrpo<; TU<; rrapoucra<; M~a<; XPfJ<JlflW<;, aHa Kal -ra<; TWV avnTIOAfllWV \lfUXa<;
Ka-raoouAouv v-rxvw<; d<; T cp6~ou<; Kal pq.euflia<; Kal flaAaKia<;, Kal -r6n~
ETILTiewem atnot<; Kal UVU rrav-ro<; OKVOU Olaflaxwem. flf]OaflW<; of: a.nu.H;
105
ouva-r6v (j 1tpLyvcrem TWV vav-riwv, i fl~ rrp6Tpov i<; avayKa<; au-rou.;

rrpL<JT~<JL<;.
KO'. Mf]Of: ayLV i<; TOLOUTOU<; KLVOUVOU<; ~
wv ~ATLOV<; flCtAAOV E<JOVTaL ol
exepol rrap' ~OUAOVTaL.

K 1 Ei of: TIL<JTL<; i<Jl KaLOflOAoyim, -raum<; XP~ (j q>UACtHlV arrapa~a-rou<;.
110
K<;'. 'Ev Of: Tat<; TWV rrpayflCtTWV EK~Ct<J<Jl oov (j fl~T UTUXOUVTU Kal Tll<;
TWV 1tOAflLWV (:nuxia<; Kpa-rouvm flya cppovlv owrrpa~acrem, flfj& rrpo<; Ttl
KaTpyacrevm varrof.1vovm -rwv rr6vwv UflAtv, aAA' i<; -ra flaKp6ev Kttl
EflTipocrev CtTIO~AeTIlV Kal ~OUAU<Jem -ri XP~ TIOLElV, fl~T 0~ oucr-ruxwv cpaw
po<; yivou W<; KaTUTITIAfJYflVo<; fl~T TOt<; cr-rpanwmL<; fl~T TOt<; 1tOAflLOL<;.
115
K~'. Ana flf]OB rrpo<; -roue; 1tOAflLOU<; OLCtAU vole; Kmpot<; ouva-ro<; umipxw;
KaT' auTWV avTXLV Kal Kamywvicracrem, i fl~ ~~a(av ip~Vf]V Kal ETIW<pA~ ol
evav-r(OL ah~<JOVTaL. flYCtAaL yap AaHW<Jl<; JtOAACtKL<; fK TOU TOLOUTOU -rp6n<.l\i
yivov-rm.
86 1!6-n:pov M KiiV TE A 87 Bta TlVO<; M XP~~l] A 99 cmapcuJKEUOU<; M CtVELOLflOll~ t\
104 ii;\;\w<; M iiUou<; A 105 JteptyeveoOm M yeveoOm Jtepl A 110 eK~aaem M
OUf11lA!]pW00l A 111 a-ruxia<; M Buo-ruxia<; A 111-112 BtaJtpa~aoOat. .. Ka-repyao(h'vn!
M ~::i Jtpo<; ta ~6!] -re;\~::twOev-ra A 113 B~ PO Be Mom. A
20. You must form an estimate of the war itself, whether it will last for a long
time and with what expenditure of money, or, rather, for a short time with
hostilities ready to begin because <the army> is at the height of its strength.
21. In such wars you must take counterpreparations that match the spirits of
your adversaries and their entire army. Are they brave and sharp or the opposite, that is, fearful, bold, angry, vengeful, ambitious, and lazy? This makes it
possible for you to increase or lessen such feelings in your own army, as well as
in that of the enemy.
22. You must especially <attend to> your own responsibilities by way of
skillful commands, anticipation of what is to be done, concern for the Divinity,
and public orations, but make sure that these occur at a time when the souls that
have been moved by <your> words are able to keep them in mind as they line
up to move, not longer than necessary, but when they are getting ready to fight
it out. Soldiers who enter the struggle unprepared are likely to be disorderly in
facing the dangers of battle.
23. Before the dangers, therefore, it is necessary, in an effective manner, to
bring the souls of the soldiers into harmony with the glory awaiting them. In
addition, skillfully subject those of the enemy to fear, laziness, softness. Then
attack them and fight them without any hesitation. There is absolutely no other
way by which you are able to overcome your adversaries if you do not first bring
them under duress.
24. Do not enter into such dangers that result in the enemy obtaining more
of an advantage than they actually intended.
25. If pledges have been given or there are terms of truce, these you must
observe inviolate.
26. As matters approach a conclusion, you must not, because of your good
fortune and the misfortune of the enemy whom you have overcome, bring yourself to think in a haughty manner. Nor, content with what has been achieved,
should you neglect the tasks remaining, but you should pay attention to what is
still far off and ahead of you and make plans for what you must do. In
misfortune you must not present yourself as beaten down, neither to your soldiers nor to the enemy.
27. Do not let up in the face of the enemy at those times when you are able
to resist and fight against them, unless your adversaries should request a firm
and beneficial peace. Great losses often occur by such a way of acting.
628
Kt( Xpewv
120
Epilogue
Epilogue
1
0 ae Kat -ro cr-rpaTeuf.la do:; n:6Aef.lov ~aym f.l~ <'mAt.:; Ota
-ro n:A~8o.:; fHJO nov auvepywv -rexvwv Kat npawa-rwv cmoA.em6f.levov f.l~o'
UAAf]V f.lf]Oef.l(av exov EAUHWatV, ~ ou ~Al<JTU -rp6nou ol KaKOt cr-rpaTf]yOt
Ota~aAA.ov-rm.
K8'. Xp~ 0 ae crnouoalov avacpav~vat, Kat f.lUAt<JTa v Tft OlOlKf]TLKft npo-
125
VOL<;l -rwv cr-rpa-reuf.l<iTwv.

A'. Kat Tao:; oanava.:; ei.:; TO ouvaTOV 6A.iya.:; Kat <JUVWTUAf.lEVao:; KeAeUetV, Kat
Ta ana Ta KOLva Otaa~etv Ef.l1tetpw.:;.
Aa'. Kat n:t TOUTOL<::; f.leAnav ae fleTa n6vou Ta Oovm ev Te TOto:; apxaiot.:;
Kat Toto:; vot.:;, wa-re lcrmpLKOV dvat nav-rwv TWV KaTa n6Aef.lOV, Kat Ef.l1tetpov
130
n:aAatWV cr-rpaTf]Yf]f.lUTWV oaa a~tayaam yey6vamv.

AP'. Kat e'( no:; nayyAA.e-ra[ aot n:ept mpa-rf]yla.:; n eindv ~ -rexviTf]<::; ~
iOLWTf]<::;, 7tUVTWV iiKoue Kat ylvou TWV AeyOf.lEVWV KpLT~<::;.
Ay'. Ltlf.l~OuAeuecr8m 0 ae XP~ f.leTa yep6v-rwv Uf.la Ef.lneipwv yevof.lvwv
TWV KaTa n:6Aef.lOV epywv Kat a~LWflaat Otan:pen6VTWV Kat f.leTa euvo~cra.:; v TOt<:;
135
np6.Yf.laO'L n:ept wv liv TI ~ O'tlf.l~OUA~ OtaKelf.lEVWV.

AO'. ~et 0 ae v TOt<:; KLVOUVOL<::; T~<::; f.lUXfJ<::; f.l~ EK xetpo.:; f.lCtxecr8at, ana
cpuAaK~V exetv nepl <JWUTOV, Kat Epf.lf]VEa yivecr8at TOU O'Tpa-rou KaTa T~V wpav
T~<::; flUXfJ<::; n:poo:; T~V KaTen:e(youcrav xpe[av.
Ae'. <~d 0 ae> 6~wo:; 1t0lf]TLKOV Te elvat O'TpaTf]Yf]f.lCtTWV Kat UYXLVOUV EV

mi.:; emxetp~aeatv imapxetv, Kat omv aU-roo:; m-r[8ea8at ~OUAet TOt<:; noAef.l(Ot<::;
140
Kat omv m~ouA.euecr8at f.lHno:; napa -rwv noA.ef.llwv.

A.<;'."Eao 6 Kat v -ro1.:; aicpvtOiot.:; cp6~ot.:; eunopo.:; Katnpo.:; -ra.:; -rwv noAef.lLWV KaKoupyia.:; Oetvo.:; npoiodv Kat To f.lEAAov npocrmxacracr8at.
A~'. E1vat 0 ae XP~ Kal npo.:; Ta cruve~f.laTa, oaa KaTa TWV noAef.lLWV mvo~
cret.:;, cruv-rovov Kat mfleAma-rov, cruvcret -re Kat cpucret Kat mf.leAei<;t Otacppov145
m TWV un6 ae apxov-rwv.

Af]'. Kal T{il O'Wf.laTL Of pwf.laAEOV Kal npo.:; n:aaav 01tAlO'lV, wa-re xp~aem
au-rft ouva-rw.:; Kal aVef.l1t00lO'TW<::;, Kal eu-rpen~ o v-reu8ev yivw8at T~V i6av,
146-157
cf. w.3-10.
119 xpewv M XP~ A I 7lOAEf.lOV A 7lOAEf!OU~ M I OlCt M KaTCt A 120 fl~O' PG f!T}OE MA
123-124 owtKT}TtK~ 7!povo[a M 7!povo[a T~~ 6totK~aew~ A 125 ei~ M KaTa A I KeA.euetv M
KEAEUElV em<pepea8at A 134 7!pCtYf!U<H M 7!pCtYf!U<Jl OlUKElf!EVWV A I ~ PG om. MA I
OlUKElflEVWV M om. A 137 xpdav M xpdav o~ew~ A 138 oei...ae ci. De om. codd. I
o~ew~ Mom. A I ayx1vouv M (JUVETOV A 141 E(JO M U7!apxe A 145 TWV M TWV aUwv A
146 PWflUAEOV M taxupov A I 07!Al<HV M 07lAl<JlV emT~OElOV A 146-149 W<JTE ... eupw<rTOV
Mom. A
629
28. It is necessary for you to lead the army out to war when it is not below
strength, when it is not lacking any of the skills and practices that make it effective, and is not inferior in any way at all. Failure to observe this is the
principal reason why bad generals incur blame.
29. You must appear serious, especially in the management and foresight for
the armies.
30. Issue orders that, as much as possible, the expenses be few and restricted
and, on the basis of your experience, maintain the other public funds.
31. In addition to these matters, you are to reflect diligently on the necessary
tasks <as presented> both by the ancient authors and the modern ones. You will
then become well informed on everything pertaining to war and an expert on
all the admirable stratagems of the ancients.
32. If anyone, whether a specialist or a private person, lets you know that he
has something to say about strategy, listen to all he has to say and then, when he
has finished, form your judgment.
33. You must make your plans together with older men experienced in the
tasks of war and illustrious because of their dignities and well disposed to those
matters about which advice is sought.
34. In the perilous conditions of war you must not engage in close fighting,
but keep a guard around yourself. In the hour of battle you are the interpreter
for the army to deal with its pressing needs.
35. <You ought> to be an inventor of keen stratagems, and shrewd in your
undertakings, both when you plan to attack the enemy yourself and when you
are about to be attacked by the enemy.
36. Also be ingenious in dealing with sudden fears and clever in foreseeing
the evil works of the enemy, and in estimating what is to come.
37 You must also be earnest and most careful regarding passwords that you
make up <for use> against the enemy, allowing for differences in intelligence,
nature, and concern for the officers under you.
38. <You ought to be> robust in body and able to use every sort of weapon
effectively and without being impeded and, as a result, ready to take up any one
630
Epilogue
Epilogue
Kal KaLWKUCW8aL tf\ navtUXL<;t tWV OTIAWV KUAW<; Kal U1tpt:nw<; Kal cm6vw<;,
150
155
W<; yevva1ov t~V ~AlKlUV KUL t~V '\'UX~V Kal TO GWf.lU eupwatov.
A.8'. Elvm 0 (J f.lUAtata KUL yKpat~ XPfJf.lUtWV Kal ~oovwv cmaawv, <jllAOnovov Of npo<; ta<; KUptep[a<;, avopelOV Of npo<; toU<; KlVOUVOU<; Kal ll~ tapaa-
G0f.lVOV v tOL<; aywmv, qHAOtlf.lOV 1tepl ta<; npa~l<; ta<; f.ltCt OlKaLOGUVf]<;,
f.lYUAO'\'UXOV 0 v tot<; pyot<; tot<; npo<; tou<; atpanwta<;, a~LWf.lU xovta avtl
1t0AW<; KUL yvou<; Kal 1tOAlTelU<; UVOf.lOUf.lEVf]<; t~V OlKelUV apet~V, KUL tl\)
npoxLv cmavtwv v Tf\ Kata 1tOAf.lOV Ef.l1tetp[q, UVOL<;t t Kal <jllAOTlf.ll\t v tot<;
napoumv ad npawamv TOU<; UAAOU<; VlKWVta, Kal W<; imfp io[wv npawcitwv
16o
tou<; KOlVOU<; KlVOUVOU<; avaOXOf.lVOV.

ll' I1poan Of Of]f.lfJYOPlKOV (J dvm XP~ I Kal aywvLGt~V Kal tOL<; aA.f]8WtCttOl<; tWV A6ywv XPWf.lVOV 1tepl t~V aA.~8LaV. TIA~V OGOV GUf.l<jlEpelV oM
m'l'uoea8m, wan i<; aA.A.o ~8o<; f.letaat~am Kal Ktv~am ta<; twv aKou6vtwv
'\'UXa<; XP~GLflOV Kal ~At[ou<; not~am npo<; tov nap6vta Kmp6v.
flU'. ITepl 01:: TOU<; v tal<; flCtXat<; ano8v~GKOVTU<; fleyaA.onpt:n~<; yevou Kal
<plAOTlf.lO<; Kal tlflf]tlKO<;, flCtALGta 1tepl tou<; aya8ou<; avopa<;, 06~av auto[<; OlCt
165
toil flUKaplGflOil Kal t~<; vTtflOU ta<p~<; npmotODflVo<;.

flW Twv VOGOUVTWV 8epa1tUtlKO<;, 1tepl tou<; an6pou<; eunopo<; EK tWV
ioiwv, a<plAOOO~O<; oi; Kal EAU8epo<; v tal<; io(m<; Kal v tal<; KOlVf\ GUVPXOf.lE-
7o
75
Vat<; Of.llAlat<;.
flY' M~ Maept<; imapxn<; flfJOf noA.unpawwv flf]Of noMA.oyo<;, Tf\ Of a8~n
flEtpto<;, Kal T<jJ GX~flUTl Kal tl\) ~aOLGflUtl. Kal flUAAOV tWV UAAWV to avt:ni<p8o
vov napa<puAatt, wat fl~ oaKvw8m t<!) <p86v<.p nepl Tui><; aumpat~you<; n
Katop8oilvta<;, ana ~f]AOilV f.lUAAOV Kal fllfl1a8m Kal auvaywv[~G8at tot<;
atpaTUOflEVOl<; npo<; anavta ta GUf.l<pEpovTa.
flO'. Tt!J Of aya8<!) GTpaTfJY<iJ XPEO<; cnlv npo<; nav 8vo<; apflO~OflEVql,
Ola<p6pou<; npo<; eKaatov ta<; atpatfjyla<; mvo1a8m.
fle'. Ei 0 noT Kal vauapxia<; mat~anm, aKDflUVtov t~v toil m6A.ou ta(tv
Ola<pUAU~l, Efl1telpw<; xwv t~<; toil apo<; <popa<;, Kal TU<; oupay[a<; Of ~tOl tOUt;
152 <ptAOTlflOV M crrrouo~v EXOVTUL A 156 rrpUYf!UGLV M

rrpayflam A 165 d!rropo~ ... Twv M K Twv crwv EurropwTpou~ rrotwv A 166 ioiwv M om,
A 1 tAcuScpo~ A A.cu8pw~ M I ioim~ M Km' ioiav A 166-167 Kal2 ... 6f1tAiat~ M OfltAktt~
Kal EV Tal~ Ei~ TO KOLVOV OUVEPXOflEVat~ A 168 oucrcpl~ M <ptA6vetKO<; A I fli]OB 1 fli]0 2 M
fl~fl~ A I T~ ... ecre~n M TOt~ oe LflaTLOl~ A 169 flETpto<; M EtJTEAEOTUTO<; A
171 ~IJAOf>v ... fHflEicrSat M f1Lf1Etcr6at f!EtUov A 17 5 vauapxia<; M vauapxia<; Katpo<; A I
UKUflUVTOV M CtKLVOUVOV A 176 OtU<pUAU~El Mom. A I ex~v M exet A
631
of them. Equip yourself with the full panoply of weapons nicely, properly, and
with ease, as a person noble in age and soul and very strong in body. to
39. You <ought> to be particularly restrained when it comes to money and
all pleasures, a lover of work in addition to endurance, brave in confronting
dangers, not confused during combat, generous in your deeds, righteous,
magnanimous in your dealings with the soldiers, possessing your personal
virtue as a dignity in place of a city, nation, or well-ordered commonwealth,
standing ahead of all in your experience of war, by your goodwill and generosity
ever surpassing others in the matters at hand, and placing the common dangers
above your own concerns. 11
40. You ought, moreover, to be a public speaker, as well as a good debater.
You are to employ the truest words about the truth, not uttering falsehoods,
apart from what may be beneficial, so as to turn <your troops> around to another disposition and to move the spirits of your audience and to make them better
able to face the situations that present themselves.
41. Be generous, respectful, and honorable regarding those who have died in
battle, especially the men <cited for> bravery, assuring them of glory by blessing
and an honorable burial.
42. <See that> the sick receive proper care. For those who have no resources,
provide resources from your own possessions. Be free from conceit and bountiful in your own affairs and in the public affairs that devolve upon you.
43 You should not be quarrelsome, meddlesome, or garrulous. Be moderate
in your clothing, your appearance, and the way you walk. Preserve yourself from
being jealous of others so that you are not bitten by envy regarding your fellow
generals when they achieve some success. Rather, emulate, imitate, and struggle
along with them on campaign for everything that is beneficial.
44 A good general has to make accommodation for every nation, devising a
different strategy for each one.
45. If he will ever be given a naval command, he shall preserve the order of
the fleet from being broken up by the waves, with his experience of the move-
150 arraawv M rraawv A
10.
11.
Cf. Const.
Ibid.
2 1.
632
Epilogue
Epilogue
6ma8o<pUAUKat:; lJTUKTW<; auvaytV, Yva f.l~ urr6 TOITOU ~ urro (aATj<; 8aA.ania<; ~
UITO TfOAf.llWV avayKa(Of.LVOl <p8tpOtVTO.
f.L<;'. t.l 6 a ytvwaKLV, ib aTpUTTjy, KUL ~ oawv Tp6rrwv a[ f.LUXat auva180
movTat, ~yap K rrapma~w<; KaTa rrp6awrrov ~ K rrapaA.oytaf.Loli Kma f.L8ooov ~ TOITWV arroa-repiaKOVTU<; oxupwv ~ xwpa<; ~ E<pOOOU <p8dpovTa<; ~ 0V
opoTof.Lia<; ~ atTo<p8op(a<; ~ OWf.LUla Ef.Lrrupi(ovla<; ~ AT]AaTolivTa<; ~ aixf.LaAwTi
(ov-ra<; ~ uMTWV arroa-rpouvTa<; ~ ~ vopa<; EITPXOf.LfVOU<;.
f.L('. ~uvamovTat o a[ f.lUXat Kal EK TOUTWV, OTUV ai<pvtoiw<; ma-rft aTpaTU
185
f.LU a-rpaTUf.LUTl, Kal TfOTUf.LOV Ota~aivovn Ttp TfOAf.LlqJ auvamLv, Kal i<; an>
vou<; TOITOU<; ~ eupuxwpia<; f.LTUAAaaaOf.LfVqJ, Kal arro aTVWV TOITWV [<; eupu
xwp(av Ka8talaf.LfVqJ, Kat f.L~ITW aUVTTUYf.LfVqJ. KUL OlaV f.LlaAAay~ a8p6a TOU
aTpaTOU TWV TfOAf.LlWV YfVT]Tat, Kal OlaV v TOITOL<; KUlaKAta8wat ouaOL~0
0uTOL<;, Kal OTUV TWV avayKa[wv arrop~awmv, Kal OlaV i<; v6aov TO aTpUTU~W
190 TWV vavTlWV Ef.LITan, Kal OlaV urro Xlf.LWVO<; rrapaA6yw<; voxA.TJ8WatV
vaiTOAt<p8wat Xlf.LWVL, Kal OTUV arro TWV ~f.Lptvwv rr6vwv TQ aWf.LaTU KUTQKOTfOl YVOf.LVOl aatTOL dat Kal VTjaTUOVT<; ~ rropda<; f.LUKpa<; Ef.LITWOUaTj<; Kai
KOITO<; TWV aA.6ywv Kal
I avopwv YfVT]Tat ~
OTUV aypurrvOL ytvwvTat Ota nvm;
aiT(a<;. v 8 Tol<; vaunKol<; f.LUXat auvamovTat ~olav oi rroAff.LLOt vauay~awmv

19 5 ~ olav imo Xtf.L<ilvo<; TaA.amwpTJ8wmv.
f.Lll' t.el o iovat TQ TOLUUla TOY aTpUTT]YOV Kal TQ EK TOUTWV vavT(tt

ytv6f.LVa, rrpoatn 8 Kal mu<; KUlaf.lptaf.LOU<; Tou aTpaTou Kal Ta<; rrapma~et<;
Kal TU<; rrapaywya<; TWV TU~WV, Yva ot' 6:\[ywv rrd8wvlat, i0tvat od Kal TQ 'i<'ll]
200
TWV rrapayyAf.LUTWV.
f.L8'. Kalrrpo<; f.LEV TU<; Ct1tT]pt8f.LT]f.LfVU<; arraaTj<; T~<; f.LUXTJ<; m~oAa<; VOUVXWI;
m~aA.Atv ae rrapaKAUOf.L8a, ib aTpaTT]y, Ka86aov mvo~at<; votxw6(ll

TU<; yxLp~aw;, <pUA<inw8at o arr' UUTWV TU<; TWV TfOAf.LLWV m8at<;. KCil
rrpo<; rravTa TQ TOtaUla, i oihw TUXOL, Ef.LITLITTOVTU a <pUYLV TU<; yxetp~aw;. II
yap htpm<; opaat<; ot' UUTWV TQ Of.LOLU rra8ot<; TfUAlV u<p' Tpwv ot' aU-rwv, Ei ~~~~
179 OO'WV M n6crwv A
180 EK napa\oyLO'f.LOU M uno um'rtT]<; A
KUTUKUlOVTU<; ~ npatoeuovta<; ~A
M
18 5 d<; A
w<;
186 t~ M
187 Ka8LO'Taf.LEVW M E~PXOf.LEVW A
uno A
I u8p6a M
188-189 oucrote~ooeutoL<; M ote~ooeutot<; A
n6vwv M n6vwv tUAULTIWpf]0'8EVt<; A

192 nopda<; M ooou A
em~oA<:t<; M tyxetp~cret<; A
182 Ef.lnupi<ovm<; ... ~ M
183 E~ EVEOpa<; M uno EYKPUf.Lf.LUTO<; A

1 f.Leta\Aacrcrof.Ltvw
ai<pVLO[a A
184 KalA Olll
f.LEm~aivov<t
t88 crtpatoi! M Kpatoi!vro~ 1\
191 tvano\wp8wm XLf.LWVL M KAtcr8wmv A

191-192 KataKonoL. .. UO'ltOl M uyeuato(
198 M Du oe codd.
200 unf]pL8f.LT]f.LEVU<; M ~pl8f.LT]f.lliVCtJ,; A
204 opacreL<; M noL~<JEL<; A
633
ments of the air. The rear guard, that is, the guard behind, must accompany him
in good order so that they will not be destroyed by the location or the storms at
sea or the pressure of the enemy.
46. It is necessary for you, 0 general, to know the number of situations that
may entice you to enter into battle: either from a battle line facing to the front or
by deceiving <the enemy> in some way or dismantling their fortified places or
destroying a region in a raid or chopping down trees or destroying crops or
setting houses on fire or pillaging or taking prisoners or cutting off the water
supply or attacking from ambush.
47 Battles are joined in the following situations as well. When an army
comes upon another army unexpectedly or joins battle as the enemy is crossing
a river, or as it is transferring itself from open country into narrow places, or
when it exits narrow places and is setting itself up in open country and is not yet
drawn up in formation. Also when the enemy army is suddenly transferred or
finds itself in closed off spaces difficult to exit, or when it is deprived of necessities, or when the opposing army succumbs to disease, or when it is exceptionally disturbed by stormy weather or left behind by winter, or when the men
become physically exhausted because of their daily labors and are without food
and starving. Or when they endure a very long march that is hard on the horses
and the men or when, for various reasons, they do not get enough sleep. Engage
in naval battle when the enemy are suffering shipwreck or when they have been
severely battered by storms.
48. The general must know all these things as well as their opposites. He
must, moreover, know the divisions of the army and the battle formations and
the marching in formation, in order that he might be obeyed quickly. He should
also know the various kinds of commands.
49 We order you, 0 general, to confront intelligently the innumerable
offensive acts of every battle to the extent that you think the assaults will allow.
Guard yourself against the attacks of the enemy. Confront whatever happens to
fall upon you and free yourself from their assaults. The things you will do to
others by such assaults, you may in turn suffer from others who also make use
Epilogue 633
632 Epilogue
6ma80<puAaKa<:; 1rraKtW<:; auvaynv, tva fl~ urro -r6rrou ~ urro (CtAf]<:; 8a\aniac;
i1
U1TO 1TOAfllWV avayKa(6flVOL <p8etpOLVTO.

f.!<;'. L'lci 8 a YLVWGKLV, tl) a-rpanw, Kal ~ oawv -rp6nwv a[ flCtXaL auva
180
TITOVTaL, ~ yap EK rrapma~W<:; KaTa rrp6GW1TOV ~ fK napa\oyWflOU KaTa f1E80,

OOV ~ T01TWV Ct1TOaTeplGKOVTa<:; oxupwv ~ xwpa<:; ~ E<pOOOU <p8etpOVTa<:; ~ OeVOpOTOflLa<:; ~ atTo<p8op(ac; ~ OW flaTa EflTiup((ov-rac; ~ Af]AaTouvTac; ~ aixflaAwT((ov-rac; ~ uM-rwv arroa-repouv-rac; ~ ~ vopac; rrepxoflvouc;.
f.!('. LUVCtnTOVTaL
185
oe a[ flCtXaL Kal fK TOUTWV, o-rav ai<pVLOlW<:; ema-rft a-rpaTEU
fla a-rpaTeUflaTL, Kal TIOTaflOV OLa~a(VOVTL T<ji 1TOAflllp <JUVCt1tTLV, Kal eic; GTEYOU<:; T01TOU<:; ~ eupuxwpiac; flETaAAaGGOflEV<.p, Kal cmo GTVWV TOTIWV eic; eupuxwp(av Ka8taTaflEV<.p, Kat fl~TIW GUVTTaYf1EV<.p. Kal OTaV flETaAAay~ a8p6a TOU
a-rpaTOU TWV TIOAfllWV YEVf]TaL, Kat OTQV ev TOTIOL<:; KaTaKALa8wat OUGOL~00EUTOL<:;, Kat o-rav TWV avayKa(wv anop~awatv, Kat o-rav eic; v6aov TO a-rpaTEUflCl
190
TlOV evavTLWV EflTIEan, Kat o-rav imo XLf1WVO<:; napaA6ywc; voxA.fJ8WatV ~

va1TOAL<p8wat XlflWVL, Kat o-rav arro TWV ~fleplVWV 1TOVWV -ra GWflaTa KaTaKOTIOL yeVOflVOL iimm( iat Kat Vf]GTUOVT<:; ~ rropeiac; flaKpiic; EflTIWOUGf]<:; Kal
KOTIO<:; TWV aA6ywv Kat
ai-r(ac;. ev
195 ~
I avopwv YEVf]TaL ~ OTaV iiypu1TVOL yvwv-rm Ola TLVa~
oe TOt<:; VaUTLKOl<:; flCtXaL GUVCtTITOVTaL ~ OTav o[ 1TOAefllOl vauay~aWGLV
o-rav urro XELf.!WVO<:; -raA.amWpfl8WatV.

flf]'. L'lci
oe iovm -ra
TOLaum TOY a-rpaTfJYOV Kat -ra fK TOUTWV evavT(a
ytv6flVa, npoan 0 Kal -roue; KaTafleptaf.Loi>c; -rou a-rpa-rou Kal -rae; napa-ra~L<:;
Kat -rae; rrapaywyac; TWV TCt~EWV, Iva ot' 6\(ywv nei8wvTal, eiovm OEl Kal -ra e'ioq
Twv napayyEAflaTwv.
2oo
f18'. Kalnpoc; f.lEV -rae; arrqpt8f.Lf]flEVa<:; cmaaf]<:; T~<:; flCtXflC: em~o\ac; vouvexwc;
em~aAAEIV GE napaKEAEUOf1E8a,
tiJ a-rpaTT]y, Ka86aov mvo~GEI<:; voxea8m
-rae; eyxnp~GEI<:;, <pUAaH<J8m o arr' auTWV -rae; TWV 1TOAfllWV m8al<:;. Kal
npoc; rravTa -ra TOLaum, i OUTW TUXOL, Ef11TLTITOVTCt GE <pEUYELV -rae; eyxnp~aEl<:;.
yap hepOL<:; opaaEl<:; 01' au-rwv Ta Of.!Ola rra8otc; TICtAIV U<p' -rpwv ot' au-rwv, i fill
180 EK rrapa\oyt<Jf!OU M cmo cmUTT)<; A 182 Ef!TrVpi~ovm<; ... ~-~ M

KUTaKaiov-ra<; ~ rrpauSeuovm<; ~ A 183 e~ eveopa<; M cmo eyKpUflf!UTO<; A 184 Kat A om,
M 185 ei<; A W<; M 186 e~ M cmo A I flETaAAa<J<JOf!EVW M f!ELU~a[vovn A
187 Ka8t<JTaf!EVW M E~EPXOf!EVW A I a8p6a M ai<pvto[a A 188 cr-rpa-rou M Kpa-rouv-ro<; A
188-189 OU<JOtE~OOEUTOl<; M OlE~OOEUTOl<; A 191 evarrOAEt<p8wal XElflWVl M KAEl<J8W<JlV A I
rr6vwv M rr6vwv -ra\amwpT)cr8ev-re<; A 191-192 KaTCtKOTrOl. .. ii<JlTOL M aywcr-ro[ A
192 rropda<; M ooou A 198 6E1 Du oe codd. 200 O.rrT)pt8f!T)f!EVa<; M ~pt8f!T)flEVa<; A I
em~OACt<; M eyxetp~<JEl<; A 204 6p6.cret<; M TrOl~<Jw; A
179 ocrwv M rr6crwv A
ments of the air. The rear guard, that is, the guard behind, must accompany him
in good order so that they will not be destroyed by the location or the storms at
sea or the pressure of the enemy.
46. It is necessary for you, 0 general, to know the number of situations that
may entice you to enter into battle: either from a battle line facing to the front or
by deceiving <the enemy> in some way or dismantling their fortified places or
destroying a region in a raid or chopping down trees or destroying crops or
setting houses on fire or pillaging or taking prisoners or cutting off the water
supply or attacking from ambush.
47 Battles are joined in the following situations as well. When an army
comes upon another army unexpectedly or joins battle as the enemy is crossing
a river, or as it is transferring itself from open country into narrow places, or
when it exits narrow places and is setting itself up in open country and is not yet
drawn up in formation. Also when the enemy army is suddenly transferred or
finds itself in closed off spaces difficult to exit, or when it is deprived of necessities, or when the opposing army succumbs to disease, or when it is exceptionally disturbed by stormy weather or left behind by winter, or when the men
become physically exhausted because of their daily labors and are without food
and starving. Or when they endure a very long march that is hard on the horses
and the men or when, for various reasons, they do not get enough sleep. Engage
in naval battle when the enemy are suffering shipwreck or when they have been
severely battered by storms.
48. The general must know all these things as well as their opposites. He
must, moreover, know the divisions of the army and the battle formations and
the marching in formation, in order that he might be obeyed quickly. He should
also know the various kinds of commands.
49. We order you, 0 general, to confront intelligently the innumerable
offensive acts of every battle to the extent that you think the assaults will allow.
Guard yourself against the attacks of the enemy. Confront whatever happens to
fall upon you and free yourself from their assaults. The things you will do to
others by such assaults, you may in turn suffer from others who also make use
634 Epilogue
205
Epilogue 635
A.lav o~ew<; Kal vouvexw<; empaA.n<; TOL<; Ef.!TILJITOUCH Kal 6.v-rm8ft<; Tal<; avayKat<.;
Ta oeov-ra.
v'. 'Ev 8 TOUTOl<; TOt<; xrovot<; TOU EVlUUTOU oeov a Ta<; EKaTpa-rda<; TIOLl
aem OTUV dalv oi KapnoL
va'. 'Ev oi: TUL<; maaecn TWV napaTCt~WV Ta vav-r(a TIVUf.!UTU KUTa VWTO\J
210
TIOL1a8at Kal TOV ~ALOV 0 waaUTW<; KUTa Ta<; TIOAfllKU<; aywva<; EV 0\jlf:l TWV
EVUVTLWV 1tOllV.
vpr. Eivat 0 a 01 flyaA.6<pwvov EV TOt<; napayyAf.!UGL Kal eueapai:<; Kal
EflflAE<; exetv TO <p8wa.
vy'. Iuvepyouat o -rft <puaet -rou rroA.ef.!OU au-rm ai -rexvm, oiov 6rrA.mKr'],
215
A.oytaTLK~, UPXLTKTOVlK~, ampoVOf.!lK~, iepanK~, iaTplK~.
vo'. "Epya 0 T~<; 01tAlTLK~<;, WGT 1tpt<ppCtTTlV Ta awf.!UTU OTIAOl<; GUf.!f.lf

Tpot<; KUL Ctpf.!O(Ouat KUL iaxupoi<; KUL UKptpw<; ipyaaf.!EVOL<; KUL UTipETILUV
rrapexouat TWV <pep6v-rwv au-ra aWf.!CtTWV. EKAe~aaem oi: 01 Kal TCt aWf.!UTa, ooa
rrpo<; rravorrA.Iav <':tpf16(oucnv.
ve'. ~1 o ae imoOetKvuvm -roi<; mpanw-rm<; ola<; Kal oaa<; dvm XP~ ni)v
220
01tAWV Ta<; xp~at<; Kal Ta<; flAETa<; TOUTWV Kalrraaa<; Ta<; aywv(a<; npo<; rraoav
auaKw~v Kal yuf.!vaa(av rrpo<; -ra<; f.!O.xa<;.
vc;'. <DpovTt(lV oi: Kal Tlf.!WV Kal OUGLWV Kal eunop(a<;, E~ wv ai KT~Gl<; TtilV
OTIAWV Kal al Oanavat al rrepl Ta aWflUTU apKoUaat eaovTal. TUUTa f.!EV TU
225
OTIAlTLKCt.
v('. AoytaTLK~<; 0 epyov ECJTLV, WaT flpt(lV TO a-rpaTUf.!U KUTU KOVTOll
pepvta Kal -ra~et<; Kal -roupf.!a<; Kal opouyyouc; Kal po.voa Kal Kvmpxla<; T Kal
0Kapxla<; KUL 1tVTapxla<; Kal TOU<; aAA.ou<; 6.pt8f.!OUC, Kal OAU<; napa-ra~w; KCII
rravTwv -rou-rwv not1a8m Otalpecnv. -rive<; Kal oaot -ra Kampa <puA.a~oumv; Kctl
230
TLV<; Kal OGOl VEOl ~ yepov-r<; datv ~ UVCtTillPOl Ta f.!EATJ ~ Ota v6aou aouvatot
Kal OCJOl T~<; 1tOAlTlK~<; apx~<; ~ rrepl Ta Ofjf.!OCHa npawa-ra TTUYf.!EVOL; Tcti:rm
A.oytCJTlK~<; den. OtaKpivat Oi: Kal emA.e~aaem TO AOLTIOV Ta UKf.!Ct(ovTa aWfl<ltl\
rrO.aTj<; T~<; a-rpanii<; Kal TOUTWV TOV flptaf.!OV, 6rr6aot eial KUTCt T f.!Ey80<; KCll
af.!tKpOTTJTU. Kal orrw<; apxovmc; errl TOUTOL<; flYCtAOU<; TU<; ~AlKta<; Oei rrotdae,u
235
KUL1tW<; TU 1tpl T~V aTCtCHV fV T T4) fl~Kl KUL T4) pa8t ytVOflVOl TUX8~aOVT(l!,
216-225
Cf. Strat.,
226-237
Cf. Strat.,
205
mj30.A!]<; ... Kal2 M npo<; TU Efl1!l1!TOVTa A
210
-ra<; ... oiJ!et M np6crwnov A
cppouatv UUTOL<; OWflUOLV A

napaAeAUf!EVOt A
231
211
226-227
of them, unless you take action, in a very shrewd and intelligent manner, against
what falls on you and match what is fitting to the needs.
so. You ought to embark upon your expeditions at that time of the year
when the harvest is ready.
51. In positioning your battle line have the contrary winds at your back and,
at the time of combat, have the sun in the face of your adversaries.
52. You ought to have a loud voice when giving commands. Your voice
should also sound harmonious and should inspire courage.
53. War, by its very nature, needs the work of these skills: armament, logistic,
architectonic, astronomic, priestly, medical.
54. The task of armament is to provide protection for the body by means of
weapons that are well proportioned, fitting the body, and strong. They should be
expertly crafted and make for a nice appearance on the bodies bearing them.
One must select the bodies that are suitable for a complete suit of armor. 12
55 You must instruct the soldiers in the number and kinds of ways in which
the weapons are to be used, the ways of practicing with them, and all the hard
work involved in every preparation and drilling for battle. 13
56. You must take thought for the price, the material, and the resources
leading to the purchase of the weapons and the expenses that will be sufficient
to cover the bodies <of the men>. So much for weaponry. 14
57 This is what the logistic art is to do. It divides the army into squads and
units, tourmai, droungoi, and banda, also kentarchies, dekarchies, pentarchies,
and the other units, as well as entire battle lines. It makes a proper division of all
these. Which ones and how many will guard fortified towns? Which ones and
how many young or old men there are? Which ones are maimed in their limbs
or incapacitated by illness? How many have a position in the civil government
or one dealing with public affairs? This is what logistics are. To determine and to
select, moreover, the bodies in their prime for the whole army and to make
divisions among these. Which are larger? Which are smaller? What age must the
senior officers over them be? How are they to be assigned a position in the
width and depth of the formation? What should be the numbers in each of the
209
TU ... VWTOU M TOll<; UVEf!OU<; oniow !\
notetv M om. A
218 -rwv ... OWf!CtTWV M toll.
12.
Cf. Strat.
avamwot M
13.
Ibid.
KOVTOuj3epvta A KOUTouj3epvta M
-re-rawevot M napa-re-rawevot A
230
14. Ibid.
636
240
245
250
255
260
Epilogue
Epilogue 637
Kat EV no[OLc; apte!lotc; EKaaTa nov !lepwv Kat nou KaTamy~aovTat npoc; Tete; v
Tate; Xpetatc; avayKa[ac; KlV~O"etc;. Kat TaiiTa !lEV T~c; AoytO"TlK~c;.
vr]'. T~c; 15E TaKTtK~c; pyov EO"TLV, waTe Tet ax~!laTa TWV Tay!l(lTWV Oet~at. EV
oic; ~ yxnpdaem O"U!l~a[vet, Kat nota XP~at!la npoc; TO unol5xwem noAe!lLWV
m<popac;, Kat nota npoc; To npxwem ~ a11uvaaem ne<puKev, Kat !leTa no[ou
Tp6nou yivovTm Kama, Kat no[ac; 6nA.ianc; 15l notdaem KaTa Twv vavT[wv,
Kat moe; !lTaKtvdcrem Tete; Ta~etc; OUVaTOV, Kat EV TlVl T6mp Katn6Te XPTJGTfOV.
TaUTa !lEV Kat T~c; TaKTlK~c;.
ve'. T~c; 15E apxtTeKTOVlK~c; EO"TlV TCt TWV mpmon15wv Kat <pocrcraTWV GXll
!laTa ~TOt TWV CtTIALKTWV, nwc; 15d Taum neptA.a~dv 15tet <pocrcraTOU ~ xapaKoc;,
Kat Tov crweev Tcmov ota!lep[am au!l!lTpwc; Kai not~crm 15te~615ouc; Tete; 6.pflo
(oucrac; Kai To Oet~m 15tacrT~!lam !lYLGTou crTpaTon15ou otet TOD !l~Kouc; Kai
A.aximou n6.A.tv Olet crucrTOA~c;, (he Katpoc; T~c; EKQO"TOU xpeiac; EO'TLV EKAfY
aem OE Kai TOnouc; ocrot !l~ euem~OUAUTOL eiat Tote; noAe!lLOl<; Kat OO"Ol euana\
AaKTOl EV Tate; unompo<patc; Kai Tate; ava(eu~eatv.
~'. Ilpoaen OE flTJxavtK~<; crn TetXLO"flaTa n6A.ewv ~ liAA.wv <ppoupiwv np()c;
Tete; -rwv noAe!lLWV !lTJxavetc; UKaTaywvtcrTa KaTacrKeuacrat, Kai uno uoaTWV
naywy~c; O.vaAwTa. Kai nepi -ra TeixTJ 151:: KamcrKeU<xc; not~crm Kai napacrKeuaam
onA.tatv, otov Tet A.eyo11eva 11ayyavtKet Kat-ro~o~oA.impw:; Kat Tet liAA.a onA.a 00~1
npoc; TetXOflax[av avTLKetTat, Kat Tepa npoc; TlXO!laxiav E1tlT~I5eta. TaUTa flV
Kat T~<; apxlTeKTOVlK~<;.
~a'. T~c; 01:: ampovo!l[ac; eicrtv TOU<; Katpouc; TOU EVtaUTOU npoA.eyetv, EV oh;
xetflWVWV ~ KaU!lCtTwv 11em~oA.at yivovTat, ~ uMTwv O!l~p[wv Kam<popal I]
nveu!l6.Twv ~mcr[wv Ktv~crw;, ~ wv aTpmeu11a-ra noAAaKt<; eic; !lYLGTOU~
KtVOUvouc; vnwov. Kai nepi Tet !lfPTJ o T~<; ~11pac; Kai L'~<; VUKTO<; aKpt~~(tl<;
Otatpdv TOU<; Katpouc; npoc; Tete; wpac; TWV emeeaewv Kai npoc; Tete; avanaucrw;,
EV ate; amoxouvTec; noAAaKt<; axpTJGTOV T~V Mva!lLV Ttvec; I anepya(ovTat. rtEpl
OE cretG!lWV Kat TWV liAA.wv O'TJ!lelWV Tet !lfAAOVTa l5f]AOnOLetV ~ Kat npoc; tl'J
244-250 Cf. Strat., 11.

238-239 ev ... GUflPaivl
divisions? Where should they be lined up for the necessary movements in time
of need? These are the functions of logistics.1s
58. This is the task of tactics. It shows the formations of the units in which
they are set to take offensive action as well as the formations that are useful in
receiving the attacks of the enemy. What kinds of formations are set for attacking? What kind for defensive action? What manner is appropriate for each one?
What sort of armament must be employed against the foe? How is it possible to
transfer the units from one place to another and in what place and when is it
useful? These are the functions of tactics.
59. The architectonic deals with the forms of army camps and fortified
places, in a word, camps. How it is necessary to surround these by a ditch or a
palisade, and to divide the interior space proportionately and to make convenient roadways. To show the distances of the largest campsite by its length and,
in turn, the smallest by contraction, as the situation calls for each one. Also to
select the sites that are not easily subject to enemy assaults, and that are easy to
evacuate when it comes to wheeling about and breaking up camp.l6
6o. In addition, it is the task of mechanics to construct the walls of cities and
other fortresses that can hold out against the machines of the enemy and
withstand the onrush of water. And to make preparations about the walls and
prepare armament, such as the so-called manganika and toxobolistrai and all
the other weapons available for fighting on the walls, and whatever else is useful
for such fighting. These are the functions of architectonics.
61. The task of astronomy is to foretell the seasons of the year. When do the
changes of wintry storms or burning heat take place, or the downpours of heavy
rain or the movements of favorable winds? All these have often inflicted serious
damage upon armies. About the divisions of the day and of the night, to determine accurately the times with a view to the hours of offensive action and of
rest. By missing the mark often in these matters, one ends up with a force that
proves useless. To make clear what will occur on the basis of earthquakes and
257-265 Arist. Meteor., 362b 17.
om.
242 XPfJ()'lEOV
245 <poaacrrou ... xapaKO<; M 6puyf16.TWV ~ a-rapapwv A
npoa~Kl
xp~aeat
/'I
247 fleyia-rou M flEXPl TOU A I I'm\
TOU MOta T A 248 D.aximou M o. axiGTf]<; A I Ota Mom. A 249-250 etiamiAAaKTOI M

aVflTiotSia-rot Kal aKwAu-roi dmv A 250 Kal. .. ava(eti~wtv Mom. A 251 <ppoupiwv M
oxupWf.LCtTWV A 252 KUTUGKUU()'at M napaaKeuiiaat A 253-254 KaF ... olov M ~1'01 1\
254 Ta2 M om. A 258-259 MO.-rwv ... 7tVUfl6.TWV M OflPpiot G<poOpol ~ ave~ltllV
261 tStatpdv M tStatpd A 262 aa-roxouv-r<; M aa-roxouv-r<; nv<; A I <tv<; Mom. A
15. Cf. Strat. 4

16. Cf. Strat. 11.
638
Epilogue
Epilogue
GU!J<ppov T<\c:; bn<pavlac:; vTxvwc:; !JHapu0!Ji(etv. mivm miha T~c:; aaTpovoll[265 ac:; da[v.
~w. T~c:; 8 lepanK~c:; anv TO KaAwc:; TU 0La XP~a0at Kal Taiha btmAlV
a8taA[mwc:; EV T{il aTpatEU!JUTl euae~wc:; T Kat 0wpmwc:; KUTQ TOV 1tapa8o0vm 0W!JOV avweev TOte:; Ua~0Uat Xptmtavo1c:;, 8ta T lepoA.oytwv Kal
lepoupytwv Kal TWV aAA.wv euxwv Kal 8e~aewv 1tpoc:; TOV 8eov EKTVwc:; ytVO!JE
270 vwv Kal 1tpoc:; T~V TiavaxpavTOV UUTOU llllTEpa Kal 80TOKOV Kal Touc:; ayiouc;
auTou 0epaTiovTac:;. ~
lA.wuTat To 0e1ov Kal 8t0. T~v Tiianv T~c:; awTllpiac:; ai
\jluxal TWV aTpanWTWV eupw<JTOTpat 1tpoc:; Touc:; KtvMvouc:; 1tapaaKUa(ovmt.
~y'. T~c:; 8 ia-rptK~c:; an 1tepl Ta A.K11 Ta K Twv Tpau11a-rwv ytv611eva Kal
1tpl Tac:; TtAllYO.c:; oaat <'mo A.i0wv ~ <':mo ~AWV ~ aAA.ou nvoc:; OJTAOU yivovTat,
275 TOUTWV TI<XVTWV <petp!JaKa exetv 0epa1tULIKQ Kal maT~!JllV iaTptK~V. aA.A.' oaa
voa~11ma KOtvO. au11~aivetv dw0e 8ta \jiDXll Kal KUD!JUTU KalTI6vouc:; Kal uoaTwv
!JETa~oA.O.c:; Kal TOTIWV etanc:; Kal apwv Kpaaetc:; Kal aW!JCtTWV a0epa1tUaiav KUL
Tpocpwv aTa~[av, oiov Kap1tWV vwv, Kal TWV O!JOLWV, TOUTWV JtQVTWV ~ iatptKrj
wv
mt 0epa1tUnK~.
~8'. IIpoan 8 T~c:; A.oytanK~c:; dat 8tOIK~aewc:; Kal Ta avaAW!JULa TWV
a-rpanWTWV Kat oaa QJTO Aa<pupwv auva0po[(ovmt ~ UAA00V aUVCtY!JUTU
XPll!JCtTWV KULJtCtAlV JtOU avaA.iaKHat, de:; Tete:; OJTAWV Kal llllXUVll!JCtTWV KUTU'
aKeuac:; Kal eic:; -rpac:; xpeiac;, we:; iK6c:;, EKCtaTllc:; EKaTpaTeiac:;. TOUTWV JtCtVTWV
8taKptatc:; Kal 8w[Kllatc:; T~c:; A.oytanK~c:; dat 11e868ou.
285
~'. Txvm !JEV OUV TOaaUTat 1tp6c:; T KataaKU~V Kat aWTllp[av aLpUTEU!J(l
Toe:;, Kat TXVLTat 8 TOUTWV o[ maTll!JOVWc:; auTac:; !JHUXetpt(O!JEVOt.
~<;'. T~v !JEV ouv 6TIAtTtK~v ol 1tepl T~v Twv oTIA.wv pyaa[av Tiovouvn:c;
n:xviTat, T~V 8 A.oytanK~V ypa!J!JCtTWV Kal \jl~<pWV E!J1tetpot av8pec:;, T~V 0~
TUKLIK~V au T au-roc:;, Wa-rpaTlly, Kal oaot l>JtO ae THUY!JEVOl apxovTec:;.
290
~('. T~v 8 apxmKTOVlK~V ol TEKTOVEc:; KUL!JTJXUVIKOL Kal EK JtOAAOU 1tpoc:; n)v
TOlUDTllV YD!JVaa[av E!JTTEtpot. T~V 8 ampoVO!JlUV olTiepl LOU oupavou axoA.a
280
639
other signs or to skillfully change the manifestations to something beneficial. All

these matters are part of astronomyY
62. The priestly task is to deal with divine things properly and incessantly to
perform these <rites> in the army piously and in a manner pleasing to God,
according to the law handed down from the beginning to pious Christians. They
do this by sacred words and sacred actions 18 and by the other prayers and
entreaties they fervently address to God and to his wholly immaculate mother
and Theotokos, and to his holy servants. As a result the Divinity takes pity and
by their faith in salvation the souls of the soldiers are made ready to face dangers more firmly.
63. The medical task is concerned with the wounds resulting from injuries
and with those inflicted by stones or missiles or by some other weapon. It
provides healing medicines for all these and for medical knowledge to treat all
the common illnesses that usually come about because of cold or heat, by hard
labor, changes of water, the conditions of places, the mixture of air, the lack of
care for the bodies, and irregularity of nourishment (such as with unripe fruit
and the like). All these belong to the medical or healing skill.
64. In addition, part of logistics is the management of the expenses of the
soldiers and what they have collected as booty or money collected from some
other source. In turn, how it is spent for weapons and construction of machines
and for other likely needs for each expedition. The division and management of
all of these are a function of the art oflogistics.
65. These, then, are the skills for the preparation and security of an army and
the technicians in each case are those who perform them in a scientific manner.
66. For the skill of armament there are the technicians who labor on the
manufacture of weapons. For logistics men experienced in letters and numbers.
For tactics yourself, 0 general, and the officers stationed under you.
67. For architectonics builders and engineers who have a great deal of experience in this sort of activity. For astronomy those who can make estimates about
290-298 Cf. Suda, I1 3033; A 3745; f 131.

264-265 Ct<HpOYOfllU~ De O.crTpoA.oy(a~ codd. 266 xrficrSm. ercmA.Elv M ercm:A.elv Ktll
TUUTU A 267 ev crTpUT\JflUTl A Ta crTpUTUf1UTU M 2 70-2 71 O.y1ou~ UUTOU M trsp. A
272 eupwcrTcm:pat M yevvm6Tepov A 275 SeparceunKa Du SeparcEUTLK~V codd. I aA.A' M
ana KUL A 277 O.Separceucr(av M KUKOUXlU~ A 278-279 ~ SeparceUTlK~ M C<JTI ~
iaTptK~ SeparceunK~ A 281-282 ~ XP'lflUTWv M XP~flUTU ~ iiAA.oSev rc69ev A 28:1. t;'l~
A T M 284 OtaKptcrt~ A 11~ euKp1vta M I &totK'lcrL~ A ol A.6yot M 287 rcovouvn.; Ilu
TCOVOUGL M 1TCOVOUVTUl A 289 TETUYf!EVOl M TUGGOVTUL A 291 TOU oupavou Du
0
00
00
000
oupavwA Ta flETEwpa M
291-292 axoA.a~OVT~ A GTOXU~OVTUl M
17. Aristotle, Meteorology 362b17. In the MSS the last line reads "astrology;' probably a
mistake for "astronomy:' The Byzantines, though, did not always clearly distinguish between
the two. See now P. Magdalino, I: orthodoxie des astrologues: La science entre /e dogme et /a
divination aByzance (Paris, zoo6).
18. lepoA.oytwv Kallepoupytwv. The Suda (I 179) defines lepoA.oy(a as the Divine Liturgy.
Epilogue
640
Epilogue
<ov-r<;, aocpi<;t T Kal tmm~11n T~<; Twv O.an:pwv '!'TJ<pocpop[a<; 8tw:ppovn<;, rrrpi
T Tov TIToAE!J.a[ou Tipoxrtpov Kav6va Kal rrrpl T~v mhou AYO!J.EVTJV Tnpa~t
~A.ov, Kal rrrpllhrpa Ttva Twv XaA8a"iKwv rrapaOTJ!J.Etwarwv. rrpoaTt 8 Kal T~v
2 95 Tou A.paTou rrrpl Twv cpmvo11vwv 8tay6pwmv, I'Iwavvou Tou Au8ou Ka8TJ!J.Ept
V~V T KaLIJ.T)Vta[av rtapaT~pT)atV, TCt 8 T~<; yrv8AtaAoy[a<; oaa EV TOi<; fipT)!J.
VOl<; rraparrapTat, W<; 6.rr6~AT)Ta T~<; TOU 8wu EKKAT)Ota<; ~ ~IJ.ETEpa 6.rtOTpm
Tat ~aatAta. Kal Taf>Ta !J.EV T~<; aaTpOVOIJ.La<;.
~TJ'. T~v 8 irpaTtK~v irpfi<; Ka8apo[, OE!J.VOl Tov ~[ov Kal Tov Tp6rrov Kal
3 oo KU8T)ytaO!J.EVOt TAatoupy~aoumv Kal mhol To TEAO<; T~<; oiKr[a<; tvrpyr[a<; n~l
84J avaaT~OOUatV, WOrtp 8~ Kat ~IJ.Ei<; Ta rtpWT)V ~IJ.iV fipT)!J.EVa 6.vaK<paAatW
O'Ct!J.fVOl, TO TEAO<; T~<; mpaTTJYLK~<; ~!J.WV TaUTTJ<; Ct<pT)y~aw<; T<fl TtCtVTWV aya
ewv 8oT~pl 84> 6.vaTt8E!J.fV.
~8'. N61J.OL !J.Ev ouv aTpaTTJYLKol Kal Turtot ToaouTot napa T~<; ~11npa.;
305 ~aatA.da<; aoi T auT<fl Kal T<fl UTCO 0 aTpaTEU!J.aTi T Kal TCOAlTfUIJ.UTl 8t6. rrr[pa<;
tyyeyU!J.VaG!J.EVOl eaTwaav T Kal <pUAaTTeaewaav, aTpaTT)y, Kal XP~ a TOl<;
tvmuea tyyrypa!J.!J.EVot<; !J.ETa npoaox~<; T Kal v~'!'W<; nA.r[mTJ<; E!J.IJ.EAniiv.
!J.eyaA.a yap Kep8~aL<; EK TOU ~l~ALOU TOUTOU, Kal A[av w<pEALIJ.U OTUV yap tv
miT<fl 6.Kpt~w<; mpaTTJY~IJ.aTa T Kal 8taTaYIJ.aTa unp aou Kamvo~art<;, Ton
310 apa Kal r'(TCOT TOi<; aUTOi<; oi TCOAE!J.LOL XP~OOVTal, p<;t8tw<; Ta evavT[a TOlJTWV
KaT aEKLVWV emvo~OL<;.
o'. TauTa yap KaTa TO 8uvaTOV eK T T~<; TWV TCOAE!J.WV ndpa<;, W<; dpT)Tat,
Kal EK TWV lPTJIJ.EVWV napa ni>v apxa[wv, i<; KOLV~V W<pEALUV rtpOT8tKU!J.V,
OUT KUAAOU<; AE~W<; cppovT[aavT<;, W<; EV apxft TCOU ~IJ.iV dpT)TUl TOU OUVTUY!J.U
315 TO<; OUT T~<; UAATJ<; E!J.7tEptpyou OUVTCt~W<;, O.AA.' ~ IJ.OVOV 8 cmA.ai<; Kal KOtval<;
XPTJO"Ct!J.EVOL Tai<; AE~fat Kal 6rro[at<; IJ.CtAAOV ~ OTpanwnK~ auv~eeta xp~aem
dw8ev.
oa'. 'Oaa 8 K<paA.ma Tepa Ta, w<; eiK6<;, anavTwvTa ev Kaanp noAt!J.Oil
Katp<fl ~ nvo<; eKlvou napaaKw~<;, Kal IJ.CtAtam tv T<fl vuv ~IJ.iV evoxA.ouvrt
312-317 Cf. praef.63-72.
318-326 Cf. Strat.,
11
~~~~
641
celestial phenomena. They should be distinguished for their wisdom and

knowledge of calculation of the stars, about the Handy Table of Ptolemt 9 and
about his so-called Tetrabiblos, and about other matters in the observational
notes 20 of the Chaldaeans and, in addition, the declaration of Aratos concerning
Phenomena,2l and the daily and monthly observations of John Lydos. 22 But as
for the nativities23 found scattered about in those writings, inasmuch as they are
rejected by the church of God, Our Majesty also forbids them. This is the
function of astronomy.
68. For the priestly skill pure priests, respected for their life and conduct.
Having been sanctified themselves, they are to bring to perfection and offer up
the consummation of their own activity to God. As indeed we too, having
recapitulated what we have said previously, commend the consummation of this
dissertation on strategy to God the giver of all good things.
69. Let these, then, be the laws and models for generals from Our Majesty to
you and to the army and the commonwealth under you, which have been
thoroughly tested by experience. Let them be observed, 0 general. It is incumbent on you to meditate on what is written in them with attention and a great
deal of sobriety. For you will derive great profit from this book and it will prove
very helpful. When you have an accurate understanding of the stratagems and
ordinances it contains for your benefit, then, if the enemy ever make use of
them, you will easily devise the opposite of these against them.
70. To the best of our ability, then, we have placed before you for the
common benefit the experience gained from war, as was said, and what was
written by the ancient authors, without regard for fancy language, as we remarked somewhere in the beginning of this composition, or for any other
elaborate arrangement. But we have made use only of simple and common
expressions and those of the kind that military men are accustomed to use. 24
(jin).
19. The Byzantines regarded Ptolemy (ca. 130-175) as the greatest authority on astronomy
292 ota<pepovn:<; A ota<ppov-rat M

om. M
299 -rov2 A om. M
E1llTAEOOUatV A
M
293 7tpoxetpov A om. M
300 KU8Tjytacrj.lEVot -reAecrtoupy~crouatv M KU8Tjyvtcrj.ltVtH
301 avacr-r~crouatv M avae~aouatv A
308-309 ev ... aKpl~W<; M trsp. A
UKOAW<; A
313 ap)(a(wv M apxaiwv
303 ava-rl8ej.lV A avan8eafl!:V
310 iipa ... d7lOT M ectv 1lOT A
KUTUVO~crav-re<;
Ej.l1lptepyou M nvo<; iiAATj<; 1teptpyou A

j.lUAAOV M ola<; exet A
295 1tepl... <patVOj.lEvwv A
314 1lOU Mom. A
I aH' ~ M aHa A
316-317 xp~cr8at dw8ev M om. A
319 7tapacrKeu~<; M 7tapacrKeu~<; Kal tlot~-tacria<; A
pao(w<; M
315
316 Tal<; Mom. A
T~~"
I 6rro(t11<,
318 EKUOTW M EKCtOTOll A
and astrology: Suda (IT 3033); ODB.

20.
Refers to the Chaldaean Oracles, supposed divine revelations, consulted by the Byzan-
tines, ed. E. des Places (Paris, 1971). But see Hippolytus, Refutatio, 444
21. On Aratos and his Phenomena, see Suda A 3745
22. John Lydos, bureaucrat and scholar (490-ca.565), wrote on monthly calendars and
feasts: De mensibus, ed. R. Wunsch (Leipzig, 1898).
23. Prophecies about birth: Suda, f 131; Ptolemy, Tetrabiblos, 7
24. Cf. prologue 63-72.
642
320
Epilogue 643
Epilogue
L:apaKflVWV Eevet, ot' onEp, w~ dpflTa( nou ~f.!LV, Kal TO napov GUVTETUKTat
71. 25 As for all the other topics that naturally crop up in each period of war
PtPA.Iov, Ei Kal f.l~ mivta auUapciv ouv~8flf.!EV, aU' EK TE TWV yeypaf.lf.!EVWV, EK
avayKala npo~ XP~atv fKCtaTOTE. aU' ouoe flU~ yvwf.ln GTpaTflYOUVTal, ana
or of preparation for it, and especially against the Saracen nation now causing us
trouble-on whose account, as we have said, the present book has been
compiled-even if we have not been able to take up everything, still, from what
has been written, as well as from experience acquired, and from the very nature
of things, you must form estimates to the extent possible and accommodate
yourself to the situations that arise. I do not think it possible, either for us or for
anyone else to write about everything that is likely to happen, so as to be on
one's guard against everything, seeing that the diverse circumstances in each
case are unlimited in number.
nOLKLAfl~ OUO"fl~ T~~ napa TWV vavTLWV yxnp~GEW~, Kal otacpopot ol Tp6not
72. Stratagems are not always attempted by our adversaries in a like manner.
Twv avTEYXEtp~aewv 6cpdA.oum ylvwem. navoupyo~ yap Kal aKaTCtAflTCTO~ ~
Thus, nobody can instruct us about what <tactics> to employ in the future each
time. The enemy does not go to war with only one plan, but takes the offensive
in a variety of ways and so there ought to be many ways of counteracting them.
Human nature is very tricky and beyond understanding; it will make many
plans and is able to undertake things beyond expectation.
73 And so it is always necessary for you, 0 general, in a fitting, dutiful way,
to devote yourself to prayer to God and to observe his commandments, so that
you will be able to outwit the enemy and preserve yourself and those under you
safe from harm. By so doing you will receive salvation and victory from above in
Christ the true God and eternal emperor of all, to whom be the glory and the
power for the ages. Amen.
TE T~~ npoA.apoUCTfl~ ndpa~, Kal aUT~~ 8 T~~ TWV npaYf.!CtTWV <j>UGEW~ GTOXCt(Ea8a( GE oov Kat, w~ ouvm6v, 6.pf.!6(w8at TOt~ ava<pUOf.!EVOl~. ou yap OLf.lal
ouvaTOV, OtlTE ~f.lii~ OtlTE nva hepov, anavta yp<i<pELV npo~ anavta Ta f.!EAAOV325
Ta avacpuwem, WGTE napacpuA.anwem anavta andpwv ouawv TqJ f.lETp(Jl n:Ov

Ef.lTCLTCTouawv fKCtGTOTE 8tacp6pwv nEptaT<iaEwv.
opr.
OihE yap waaUTW~ ad oihE Of.!OLW~ imo TWV vaVTtWV Ta EKELVWV
EYXElpOUVTal GTPUTflY~f.laTU. OlO ouo ouvata( n~ TEKf.l~paaem Ta

330
I f.!EUovta
avepwnda cpum~ imapxovaa, noA.A.a Kal pouA.euwem Kal EYXELpEtV nap'

EATILOa~
ouvatat.
oy'. '08Ev Kal O.pf.!OOLW~ Kal KaTaxpw~ OEOV ad GE, W GTpaTflyE, Tft npoc;
335 Ekov Oe~GEL axoA.<i(ELV Kal Ta~ aUTOU EVTOAa~ <pUACtTTElV, tva ot' aUTOU ouvaaat
Kal KaT' exepwv aocpi(wem, Kal aUTO~ apA.ap~~ Uf.la TOL~ UTIO GE nepta<.P(w8at,
Kal -r~v v Xpt<n(ji -r(ji aA.fl8tv(ji 8E(ji Kal paatAE'i TOU nav-ro~ atwv((Jl GWTflplav
Kal VlKflV avw8Ev unoOxwem,
320 nou M om. A

oucrwv A OVTWV M
tP ~ 86~a Kal TO Kpcno~ d~ TOU~ aiwva~. af.l~V.
324 ypa<petv Du ypa<pLv ~ codd.
A 331 TWV M TWV KaT' UUTWV A 332 avSpwneia M

cpu:\acrcretv A
325 iinavm Du <'mavTwv codd.
327 wcrauTw<; ... Of!OLW<; M Of!OLW<; ad TU A
338 Kal2 Kpaw<; M om. A
330 Kal Ota<popot M
avSpwmv~
trsp.
A 335 <pUAUTTElV M
25.
Cf. Strat.
11
(fin).
Sites discussed in the Taktika.
Maps drawn by Kachergis Book Design.

Dumbarton Oaks, Trustees for Harvard University.
BYZANTINE MEASUREMENTS
Note: Schilbach = Schilbach, E. Byzantinische Metrologie. Munich, 1970.
bowshot (aayrn6~o,\ov): Flight range has been estimated at about 300 m:

W. McLeod, "The Range of the Ancient Bow," Phoenix: The journal of the
Classical Association of Canada 19 (1965): 1-14. Schilbach, 42, puts it at
328.84 m. A. Bivar limits accurate target range to about 133 m: "Cavalry
Equipment and Tactics on the Euphrates Frontier," DOP 26 (1972): 283.
daktylos, pl. daktyloi (o<iK-ruA.oc;): 1.95 em (Schilbach, 16).
foot (rcouc;): 31.23 em (Schilbach, 13-16).
liter (Al-rpa): Approximately 320 g (Schilbach, 162).
mile (flLAtov): The Roman mile, still standard in the seventh century, came to
1,480 m (Schilbach, 32-36).
milestone (mweiov): one mile.
orguia (6pyut<i): ca. 2m; from 187 em to 210 em. (Schilbach, 22-23).
pechys, pl. pecheis (rc~xuc;): 46.8 em. Another pechys was an agricultural measure
of 62-46 em (Schilbach, 20-21).
spithame, pl. spithamai
(am8af1~):
23.4 em (Schilbach, 19).
stadion, pl. stadia (a-r<iotov): A term, antiquated in the time of Leo, indicating a
mile (Schilbach, 32-33).
GLOSSARY
Abbreviations. Ger. == Germanic, Gk. == Greek, Lat. == Latin, pl. == plural

alakation, pl. alakatia: A stone-throwing machine that revolves in a circle with
men pulling on ropes at one end while the other holds the object to be hurled. In
the West called trebuchet.
antikensor, pl. antikensores: Quartering parties who go ahead of the main body
looking for suitable roads and camp sites (cf. Lat. anticenseo). By Leo's time they
were not distinguished from the minsoratores.
arithmos: A number of troops, usually meaning a bandon, i.e., about three hundred soldiers (cf. Lat. numerus).
assault troops: See koursores.
avengers: See defenders.
ballista: A general term for torsion-powered artillery.
bandon, pl. banda: A flag or standard, also a unit of about 320 soldiers. (cf. Ger.
Band, Banner).
caltrop: Metal object with three or four protruding spikes designed to trip up and
impale horses.
chartoularios, pl. chartoularioi: Official in charge of registering the troops in a
theme, (cf. Lat. charta).
chiliarchy: (Gk. XLALOL == thousand) Division of about one thousand men, equivalent to a moira or droungos.
count: (cf. Lat. comes) Commander of a bandon.
crescent formation: A half-moon or C-like formation used by troops on land, and
by ships at sea.
defenders: Troops in close or compact order who were assigned to support assault
troops (Lat. defensores). Also called avengers (eKOLKOL).
650
Glossary
dekarchy: Unit of ten or fewer soldiers, commanded by a dekarch (OEKa = ten).

deputies: Depotatoi, medical corpsmen (cf. Lat. deputatus). Also called skribones.
domestic: Designates a broad range of officials: ecclesiastical, civil, and military. In
the Taktika it seems to mean an adjutant to the general. Later in the tenth century it designated the supreme army commander. In this last function, more
properly Domestic of the Schools.
dromon, pl. dromons: "Runner"; a large battleship with two banks of oars.
droungarios, pl. droungarioi: Commander of a droungos or moira and, sometimes, of special divisions or a naval command. Later, a position in the civil
administration of a theme.
droungos, pl. droungoi: Troops massed together in irregular formation, made up
of three banda. Cf. Lat. globus, thought to come from Ger. drangen, thronga; but
it may have begun as a Gallic word: see Rance, 2004. See also moira.
epistates, pl. epistatai: Second man in file(= sekoundos, Lat. secundus).
file: See lochos.
flank guards: Troops guarding flanks (sides) of the battle line.
Glossary
kantator, pl. kantatores: (Lat. cantator) Men who exhort and stir up the army
before combat.
karagos, pl. karagoi: The baggage train when drawn up into a defensive barrier.
kleisoura, pl. kleisourai: Small, border province in the mountains (Gk. KAdw, to
close).
klibanon: (Lat. clibanum) Clay container for baking bread. The name was also used
for various sorts of thoracic body armor, which retained so much heat, the soldiers compared them to baking ovens.
kontubernion: (Lat. contubernium) A squad often soldiers or fewer.
koumbarion, pl. koumbaria: Large ship used by Arabs.
koursor, pl. koursores: Troops in open or extended order, assigned to move out
ahead of the line and pursue the retreating enemy (cf. Lat. cursus).
lieutenant general: See hypostrategos.
lochos: From front to rear, a ten-man line of cavalry, or a sixteen-man line of
infantry.
lochagos, pl. lochagoi: The first soldier in a file or lochos (= protostates and
primos).
foulkon: A body of troops in very close order, sometimes forming a dense mass
with shields overlapping and spear points projecting out (cf. Ger. Volk).
menavlon, pl. menavla: Heavy spear, pike.
galley: Small ship employed mostly in scouting (cf. Lat. galea).
merarch: See meros.
group leader: See lochagos.

general: See strategos.
Greek fire: Prepared fire, also known as liquid or Greek fire, was a petroleumbased substance, put under pressure, ignited, and discharged through bronze
tubes, called siphons, engulfing the enemy in roaring flames and thick black
smoke. See Constitution 19, n. 2.
hardtack: Twice-cooked biscuit; staple of the Byzantine soldier.
hekatontarch: Commander of a hundred troops (Gk. KaT6v =one hundred),
(= kentarch, after Lat. centum. Cf. centurion).
651
meros: A division of troops, also known as tourma, made up of three moirai, from
three thousand to six thousand men, commanded by a merarch. A great deal of
flexibility was allowed in making up these divisions. See Constitution 4
moira, pl. moirai: Division of troops made up of three banda, from one thousand
to three thousand men, commanded by a moirarch.
moirarch: see moira.
nomisma, pl. nomismata: (Lat. solidus) The standard gold coin that formed the
basis of the Byzantine monetary system.
herald: Conveys commands of officers to troops.
ouragos, pl. ouragoi: Last man in a file (Gk. oupa =tail). Also called tetrarch: "in
charge of four men."
hoplite: Classical Greek term for heavily armed infantryman.
outflankers: Troops assigned to envelop enemy wings.
hypostrategos, pl. hypostrategoi: Second in command of a meros.
pelta, pl. peltai: Small round shield carried by light armed troops.
kamelavkion, pl. kamelavkia: Originally a headcovering, then used as a signal

flag.
pentarch: In charge of five men (Gk. rrtvn: =five).
kampidouktor: Field guide who also drilled the soldiers (cf. Lat. campus, field; du<"
tor, leader).
praetor: Chieflegal officer in a theme.
phalanx: A square or rectangular infantry formation of one thousand men.
652
Glossary
promachos, pl. promachoi: First line of troops in battle formation. See also koursores.
protonotary: Official in the civil administration of a theme.
rear guards: Take up position behind the entire battle line.
Saracens: A generic term for Arabs, implying Muslims (Arabic = Eastern).
PERSONS MENTIONED
Scythians: A general term for the nomadic peoples north of the Black Sea and
throughout central Asia.

siphon: Bronze tube through which Greek fire was discharged.
skoutatos, pl. skoutatoi: Heavily armed foot soldier
Slavs: Peoples who lived along the lower Danube.
Aelian (second century A.D.): Greek author who lived in Rome and compiled treatises about military tactics and drills.
strategos, pl. strategoi: commander of a theme.
Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.): King of Macedon and conqueror of Greece,
Persia, and Egypt. He was regarded as the model of an ideal emperor. Legends
about his exploits, real and imaginary, were popular among the Byzantines.
strategy: Generalship; the conduct of a war in its totality, including objectives,

alliances, stratagems, and other matters to be decided by the commander.
Arrian (third century B.C.): Greek historian who wrote about the campaigns of
Alexander the Great.
stratelates, pl. stratelatai: Term designating a higher officer, frequently a
Asclepiodotus (ca. 130-71 B.C.): Although a rhetorician, and not a military man, he
compiled a lengthy work on tactics.
squad (kontubernion): A basic unit of ten soldiers or fewer.
tourmarch.
tactics: Orderly arrangement of weaponry, drills, battle formations and movement~
of troops.
tagma, pl. tagmata: A general term for a formation of troops, usually equivalent to
abandon.
theme: An army, commanded by a general and composed o~ three divis~ons or
tourmai; also the land or province in which that army resided (Gk. ee11a = some
thing put in place; how it came to be applied to an army division is not clear).
thyreos, pl. thyreoi: Large oblong shield.
touldos (also touldon): (Lat. tultum) Baggage train.
tourma, pl. tourmai: Large body of troops, later meros. Commanded by a
tourmarch.
trireme: (Lat. tres, three; remi, oars) Ancient large battleship.
Trisagion: A hymn: "Holy God, holy strong one, holy immortal one, have mercy
on us" (Gk. Tptaaywv =Thrice Holy).

Turks: In Leo's time this generally designated the Magyars (see map).
Basil I (r. 867-886): Although of peasant origin, he earned the favor of influential
persons. He became a favorite of Michael Ill, whom he murdered to ascend the
throne and found the Macedonian dynasty. He was a strong emperor and successful in his wars. He disliked and even imprisoned his son and heir, Leo, but
they were reconciled before his death.
Nikephoros Phokas (late ninth century): From a noble family, he rose rapidly to
become Domestic of the Schools (supreme army commander) and conducted
successful campaigns in Southern Italy, Bulgaria, and Asia Minor. He was
greatly admired by Leo.
Onasander (first century A.D.): Author of a (lost) commentary on Plato's Republic, he wrote a military treatise that centered on the duties of the commander and
greatly influenced subsequent authors, including Leo.
Polyaenus (second century A.D.): Macedonian rhetorician residing in Rome, who
compiled, in Greek, a large collection of military stratagems (Strategemata)
gleaned from historical sources.
Scipio (236-183 B.C.): Roman general, noted for victories in Spain and elsewhere,
who defeated the Carthaginians under Hannibal, in 202 B.C.
GREEK PROPER NAMES
'A~apot, oi
17.75
Aoaveuc; 18.666
Aoavwv, oi tK 18.582
AYyurrToc; 18.sos; 20.1101
Ai8iorrec;, oi 18.528, 640
AL\iavoc; Pr.s6; 6.161; 7-469, 477
AA.e~avopoc; (6f!yac;) 6.196; 20.1, 453
ArrouA.<pep 11.124; 17.374
'ApaTOc; Ep.295
'Apa'if 18.501
Apptav6c; Pr.s6; 7.469
BaaiA.etoc; (6 AeoVToc; rraT~p) 9.6o; 18-454
BouA.yapot, oi 11.128; 18.212, 217, 219, 221,
224, 227, 234> 351
fEpf!UVlKela 9.61
L'.avou~wc; 18.371, 443
'EAA.I]VtK6c; Pr.69
Euoaif!WV Apa~ia 18.501
Eu~etvoc; (6rr6vToc;) 19.429
Zaf!~p~c; 20.740
'HpaKA.eia 17.76
'HpaKAEtoc; 17.76
EleoooatourroA.tc; 18.677
Ele6c; Pr-4; 12-410; 14.6, 665, 705; 15-194, 253;
16.6, 97, 104; 18.107, 111, 136, 214, 509, 510,
sn, 601, 620; 19.144, 336, 455, 457; 20.28, 29,
143,208,211,224,338.378,380,384,422,
496, 777, 968, 1044, 1171, 1173, 1178; Ep.25,
26, 35. 37. 44. 49. 51, 297. 335. 337
EJpUKI] 17.76; 18.213
1!]GOUt; 16.6; 20.1177
1aTpoc; 18.370, 372
'haA.ia 18.410
1wavv!]c; (6 Au06c;) Ep.295
KarrrraooKia 17.375
Kt~uppatwTat 18.665
KtA.tKia 17.376; 18.580, 582; 20.1101
KiA.t~ 18.654, 667
KoupTot, oi 18.125
Kurrpoc; 20.1103
Aayo~apoot (Aoyyt~apoot),
oi 15.202;
18.360, 377> 378
AaKEOatf!OVtoc; 20.216
AaKwv 7-492
Aewv Pr.1, s
MaotaviTtc; 20.740
MaKeoovec;, oi 5.13; 6.197
MaKEOOVtK6c; 6.196, 214, 218, 222; 7.492
MworroTaflia 18.505, 675
Mouxouf!ET 18.504
NtKI]<p6poc; (6 GTpaTI]y6c;) 11.121; 15.202;
17.374
'Ov~aavopoc; Pr.s7; 14.677
flaAatGTlVI] 18.502, 618
napaoEtaoc; (67!0Taf!6c;) 9.62
nauA.oc; (6 arr6aToA.oc;) Ep.13
nepaat, oi 18.199. 506
nepatK6c; 18.118, 69o
flpoxetpoc; Kavwv (6 TOU
flTOAEf!UlOU) Ep.293
flTOAEf!aloc; Ep.293
'Pwf!a'LK6c; Pr.52, 69, 109; 4.22; 6.19; 11.238;
14.22; 18.2, 4> 296, 373> 446, 455. 496, 506,
536, 660, 678
'Pwf!alot, oi Pr.22, 37, 44, 46, 76; 4.13, 105;
5-13; 6.30, 32; 14.103, 211; 1777> 530; 18.29,
57. 91, 118, 217, 220, 228, 261, 268, 286, 291,
311, 354. 371, 393. 455. 457. 458, 489, 554> 556,
578, 582, 599. 607, 614, 651, 673, 681; 19.239;
20.206, 212, 215, 395. 1102
'Pwf!a'laTi 4-57
'P<ilf!'l 20.216
IapaKJ]VOi, oi 11.125; 17.376; 18.125, 132, 133,
216,49~501,598,610,648,654,675,689;
19.104, 426, 427; Ep.320

LKl1llWV 20.395
656
Greek Proper Names
LKAU~lKO~
ToiipKOl, oi
LKAa~ot,
242,295,299.338,350,352
<l>tv~
20.740, 742
payym, ol 18.360, 377, 379, 401
Xayavo~ 17.75
XaAoaTK6~
Ep.294
XptcrnavtK6~ (Aa6~) Ep.57
XptaTtavol, ol 12.397; 18.95, 10S, 219, 221,
296, 361, 623; 20.207, 356; Ep.26S
Xptcr-r6~ Pr.1, 5, So; 2.144, 19S; 16.6; 18.107,
214, 227, 509, 601; Ep.337
18-441
oi 18.370, 458, 462
Z:Ku8m, oi 19-429
Z:Ku8m, B6pclOl 14.251; 19.427
LKU8lKO~ 17.203, 373> 376; 18.222, 225
Z:upla 9.61; 11.122; 18.502, 618, 675; 20.1101
Tapcrcu~
18.666
17.375; 18.580, 582
Taupo~ 18.626, 655, 670
Tc-rpa~t~Ao~ (6 Toii IIToAf!alou)
ToupKtK6~
18.264
Tapcr6~
Ep.293
14.252; 18.204, 210, 216, 224, 233,
GREEK TERMS
The asterisk(*) identifies hapax legomena.
ayyapcla 20.344
iiyKupa 19.55; 20.1011
aoecrTpUTOV 10.25, 30, 4S
UOVOUf!lOV 6.71; 9.17
UcplKOV 20.347
a~p
6.61; 11.27, 16o; 14.220; 19.11; Ep.176, 277
UtXf!UAWTfj~ 9.235, 237; 11.126; 16.26, 41, 4S,
53; 17.270, 307; 18.470, 471; 19.226; 20.117,
124, 202, 739. 741
aK(a 449, 51, So, S2, 93, 140, 142, 143, 155, 238,
241, 272, 276, 294> 295. 301, 306, 321, 324,
32S; 6.121, 123, 126; 764, 6S, 69, 115, 210, 236,
255. 262, 2S2, 2S3, 2S4, 290, 293. 332, 342,
350, 354. 396, 427, 437. 442, 44S, 455; 9.2S6,
33S; 12.644> 646, 647> 662; 14.370, 413, 420,
429, 431, 433. 43S, 443. 4SO, 490, 496; 17.111,
41S; 1S.27S, 770, 771, 775, 77S, 7So, 7S2, 7S3,
7S4.7Ss,7S7,790,792
UKOVT[<w 6.38, 173; 795, 3S6; 9.239, 307, 357;
12.305, 724; 14.67, 618; 19.33, 40, 354
UKOVTl<Jf!U 15.321
clKOVTl<JT~~ 4.242; 7.293; 9.305, 363; 11.S4;
14.522, 599; 17.Ss; 20.9S7
UKpO~OAl<JT~~ 6.173. 1SO; 7.2S1
UAUKUTlOV 5.3S; 6.150; 14.520; 15.157
aH6cpuAo~ 12.629
iiAoyov 3.71; S.28; 10.1S, 39; 11.62, 177; 12.3SS;
13.97; 14.142, 153; 15.49. 59; 17.379
aAtilrrfj~ 2o.So3, 1136
lif!a~a (Uf!U~tov?) 4.221, 224; 6.145, 157, 15S;
7299> 317, 409, 412, 415; 11.203, 205, 212
14445> 461, 516, 523, 524, 526, 541; 15352;
18.517
Uf!U~AUTfj~ (cif!U~fjAUTfj~) 11.199; 14.517,
522,529
lif!f!O<; 20.1009
lif11lAO<; 975
UVf!O<; 2.163; 12.3S4; 15.155; 19.176, 1Sl;
20.552, 555> 726
av8orr!.l(w 18-499
clVTlKU8t<JTfjf!l 12.200; 14.126; 15.207; 17.250;
18.171
UVTlKUTUAAUHW 16.52
avnKvcrwp (avnK~vcrwp) 4.105; 9-40, 54;
20.S68
UVTlflfjXUVUW 15.276; 17.5; 18.93
aVTmapacrKua(w Ep.S9
avnrrapa-ra~t<; 7-466; 19.334
avnrrapa-racrcrw 9.150; 18.211, 36S, 551; 17.129;
20.927
UVTl1lOAf!W 15.12S; 18.320, 520; 19.16S;
20.917; Ep.77, S2
UVTl1lOAf!lO<; 14.612; 18.562; 20.910, 925, 1154;
Ep.102
aVTirrupyoc; 15.274
avncrTpaTUOf!at Pr.29, 30; 2.169; 12.29;
18.3sS, 499. 516; 19.17, 394
UVTlTU<J<JW 7.235; 12.155; 14.501; 17-556; 18.159,
160,272,329
a~lv 11 5.32; 6.67, 145; 9.2S2
cl~lOf!UXO~ 18.155, 190, 329; 20.237
ama-rew 2.49; 4.39; 20.S9, 149, 153, 17S
lima-roc; 2.35; 16.96; 18.243, 297, 59S; 20.19S,
208,497
arrAlKUW 9.273, 366; 10.52; 11.6, 11, 65, 82, 91,
94, 1SO, 1S6, 184; 12.640, 718; 13.100; 14.73;
18.137, 156, 261, 427, 436; 17.31, 66, 78, 86, 91,
221,246,249,258,262,263,265,272,276,
281, 2S3, 285, 447. 533
arrAlKTov (iirrAfjKTov) Pr.104; 4.103, 108;
9.258, 271; 10.24, So; 11.2, 3, 15, 24, 25, 31, 42,
58, 73, 74, u6, 120, 129, 138, 143, 148, 156, 159,
658
Greek Terms
Greek Terms
UT!AtKTOV (iiTIAfJKTOV) (cont.)

173. 176, 187, 217, 239: 12.324, 392; 13.79, 93
14.66, 69; 15.56; 16.107; 17.30, s6, 6o, 63, 66,
71, 73. 82, 100, 277, 283, 446, 498; 19.177, 187
20.605, 887, 999; Ep.245
cmoypaq>w 6.72
apt8f!w 12.257
apt8f16~ Pr.93; 475, 206, 227, 239, 267,
291; 6.117, 152; 12.254. 423, 429; 14.581, )82,
601, 6o2; 18.804; 19.73, 76; 20.510; Ep.228,
236
apw-raw 20.401
aptcr-rEla 2.99
aptGTElJW 4.12; 12.414; 14.704; 16.9, 28, 62;
17.10; 19-439: 20.356, 362, 794. 1066, 1069,
1127
iiptcr-rov 13.43, 45
aptcrTOT!OlEW 16.60; 19.438
aptGTOT!OtTa 13.42
Ctpf!Uf!EVTOV 5-40; 6.152
iipf!EVU 19.27
iipna~ 15-267
iip-ro~ 13.60; 17.306
apxtepeuc; Ep.39, so
apxtcrayt-r-ra-rwp 4293
apxneK-rovtK~ (-rtxv 11 J Ep.215, 290, 244, 256
iipxwv Pr.99; 1.31, 49; 2.220; 4.4, 20, 44, 47,
72, 77> 123, 129, 135, 174, 190, 221, 230, 270,
281, 293; 6.6, 7, 69, 96, 151; 7.56, 257, 261, 267,
269, 273: 8.11, 12, 16, 20, 24, 29, 35, 37. 40;
9.69, So, 83, 133, 349; 10.14, 43, 44; 11.82, 146,
231, 242; 12.134. 358, 363, 406, 433, 456, 509,
512, 540, 624, 671, 673; 13.27, 54: 14.69, 127,
415, 418, 425, 475, so9; 16.57; 17.213, 215, 229,
302,322,330,464,S18,s22,526,s28,s38,
540, sso; 18.96, 100, 401, 445, 455, 746, 771,
799, 8o2; 19.58, 6o, 119, 145, 149, 152, 242,
253, 282; 20.27, 377. 399, 402, 429, 631, 633,
653, 843> 864, 877, 878, 979. 1071, 1094. 1139
Ep.19, 234, 289
acr[OfJpO~ f!CtXfJ 14.468
CtGKfJT~ptov Ep.42
acrn[~
6.204, 218; 7-478, 490
acr-r~p 15.224; 19.12, 185; 20.693; Ep.292
acr-rpa-reu-ro~ 11.236
acr-rpo\oy[a 20-404
acr-rpoVOfllU Ep.257> 264, 291, 298
acr-rpoVOfllK~ (TEXVfJ) Ep.215
iicru\o~ 20.339; Ep.4o
a-rey[a 5-48
au-roKpa-rwp Pr.s; 18.454, 673
aux~v
iixupov
18.373: 19.27, 53
10.56; n.s6, 59; 13.92, 94; 15.266
~ayevw
8.13
~aAtcr-raptoc;
5.39
6.150
~aAtcr-rpoq>6po~ 14.518
~avoov 4.16, 20, 47, 54, 75, 76, 85, 137, 155, 173.
195. 206, 210, 213, 269, 279> 287 531; 6.70,
79. 81, 82, 84; 757, 105, 114, 118, 119, 175. 176,
183,197,206,208,220,226,236,256,274.
327, 328; 8.57, 70, 71; 9.49; 10.56; 12.53. 143,
144. 145. 158, 162, 165, 179> 276, 351, 355> 360,
371,394,423,425,42h489,540,542,S88,
589, 6oo, 6o8, 609, 610, 612, 615, 616, 617,
618,621,622,624,626,639,644>659.662,
669, 670, 686; 13-4; 14.43, 6o, 67, 75, 81, 318,
320, 327, 415, 475: 16.14; 17.206, 227, 230, 2}2.
238; 18.20; 19.259; Ep.227
~avooq>6poc; 4.54, Ss, 149; 7.121, 138, 181, 257,
261; 12.6ll; 13.4: 14.317> 416;.419, 488;
~apOOUKta 6.146; 7.290
~epyiov 7.23, 78, 336
~fJpu-r-ra 6.131
~[y\a
6.6s; 9.46, 257, 303, 368; 11.39, 99, 109;
12.560, 659, 699; 13.8; 14.171, 173> 187, 197.
201, 368, 540; 15.16, 318, 329, 360; 17.239, 282,
288, 296, 319, 323, 436, 453> 474> 478, 485,
492, 503, 513; 18.266, 318, 339, 423; 19.68, 192,
450; 20.183, 715, 720
~tyA<'t-rwp 12.66o; 14.79; 17-460
~tyAeuw 12.317; 14.68, 181, 198, 199, 202
17480, 486
~ouKtva-rwp 4.54, 215; 7.258; 11.105; 14.416
~OUKLVOV
5.32; 7.126, 128, 276, 278, 345, 346;
9317, 369, 370; 11.105, 106, 145: 12.380, 383,
386, 596; 13.ss: 17.103, 121, 122, s2o; 19.267
~ou~
4.227; 11.205; 14.518; 19.172; 2o.n25
~pov-r~ 19.340; 20.775, 776
~a\[cr-rpa
yaAaia (ya\ea) 19.67, 452

yaAaKtOT!Ocr[a 18.260
yt\w~ 20.1021
yq>upa 17-44, 45, 47, so, 55, 62; 20.348
ypatKOW 18-454
YUf!VCt~Of!Ul 79> 25, 29, 43> 48, 52, 54> 79> 84,
93, 1J4, 184, 185, 208, 220, 224, 232, 242, 247
269, 271, 337: 9360; 12.270; 18.63, 69, 86, ':Jij,
305, 359. 368; 19.162, J70, 174> 177> 282, 40~;
20.257. 269, 414, 644. 659> 826, 829, 869
OeKCtPX'l~
4.79, 138, 139, 292,311, 316; 7.135,

139> 149> 402; 8.8, 25, 26, 34> 35: 12.287, 289,
486, 545; 14.130; 18.8oo; 20.538
OeKapx[a 4.16, 18, 19, 141, 292; 6.143; 12.241,
243, 248; 14.370, 380; Ep.228
Oenota-ro~ (OfJT!OTCtto~) 4.55, 86; 12.274, 295,
297, 299, 301, 654, 655
oeutpa tUXfJ 11.67; 12.357; 13.37; 18.319;
20.623,962
OfJf!OGto~ 1.37: 4.11, 14; 12.21; 13.26, 68; 14.100,
165; 17.362; 18.176, 191, s89; 19.213; 20.267,
346, 349, 369, 979, 983; Ep.231
otata~t~ 1.1, 38; 2.1; 3.1; 4.1; 5.1; 6.1; 7.1; 8.1;
9.1; 10.1; 11.1; 12.1; 13.1; 14.1; 15.1, 404; 16.1;
17.1, 334: 18.1, 768; J9.1; 20.1
Otepeuvaw 9.172, 177; 17.205
OlKUGt~~ 4.128
Otq>aAayyia 7.337, 394, 398, 399, 400, 412,
426; 9.214, 218, 223, 225, 321; 14.525, 529
Otq>evcrwp 4-99; 7.157, 159, 163, 189, 195, 210,
214, 218, 221, 222; 8.76; 12.137. 140, 205, 461,
463, 481, 522, 582, 599; 18.31, 38, 41, 46, 48,
so, 51, s6, 59, 333, 335, 751, 753, 756
OOf!ltGttKO~ 6'.124
oopatoq>6po~ 6.178
oopucpop[a Pq
oouKa-rwp 935
openavfJ<p6po~ 1.23
optnavov 532; 6.67
OpOfllKO~ 19.66
op6f!wv 18.665; 19.8, 16, 20, 23, 26, 39, 45, 52,
53, 6o, 61, 66, 71, 73, 75, 125, 135, 143, 148, 149,
150, 154, 163, 165, 220, 229, 242, 245, 247, 249,
251, 254> 256, 259. 266, 269, 282, 287, 292,
303, 310, 313, 317, 320, 322, 325, 326, 343. 372,
374. 376, 378, 379. 382, 384, 388, 400, 407,
408, 412, 414, 417, 418, 420, 425, 433. 441,
447, 449; 20.1010
OpOf!WVtOV 19.93
opouyyapto~ 447. 72, 180; 8.86; 95111.102;
12.353. 354. 590, 599. 633. 635. 689; 18.745.
8o1; 19.154, 158, 160
opouyyo~ 4.20, 74, 179, 182, 195. 202; 6.80,
84; 7.206, 220; 9.22, 26, 29, 305, 309; 12.32,
132, 498; 13.12; 14.426; 16.14, 23; 17.284;
18.20; Ep.227
eap 20.364
EYKPUflf!U 4.116, 200; 7.202, 306; 9174> 294;
12.19, 62, 180, 182, 183, 209, 249, 321, 559, 564,
573> 726; 14.27, 195> 229, 237. 243> 245> 248,
659
260, 265, 274. 338, 339, 340, 342, 347, 352, 357,
358, 365, 379, 452; 16.77; 17.201, 344; 18.271,
338, 421, 430, 631, 720, 786, 794> 834: 19.264,
265, 307, 308; 20.131, 730, 900, 938, 942
Eip~v'l
Pr.10, 26, 35; 2.197, 206; 8.45; 9.90;
16.90 17.67; 18.227, 432; 20.196, 439. 464,
465, 467, s68, 1092, 1169; Ep.116
fKUTOVtapxfJ~ 4.77, 137; 12.672; 18.801
EKOLKO~ 4.102; 7158, 189; 12.141; 18.31, 333. 753
EKT!Wf!U 20.398
i:Kcrtpa-rda Pr.74; 6.5; 9.61, 255; 11.128;
18.364, 498, 533, 581, 596; 19.135; 20.326, }98,
438, 1102; Ep.207, 283
i:Kcrtpateuw 2.195; 15.240; 18.133, 403, 571,
619, 647> 657> 660, 663, 664, 668, 846;
20.168, 290, 681
\acr[a 7.100, 106, 154, 156, 159, 162, 169, 213,
225, 239; 12-460, 498; 18.39, 47. so, 391, 419;
19.21, 46, 64, 127, 175, 264, 385, 388, 404
E\acpo~ 2.220; 12.437
eAe<p<'t~ 1.23
Ef!TleptAafl~<'tvw 7.234; 12-479, 501; 18.33
Ef!T!Opo~ 1.19; 2.89; 6.102; 11.35
l:f!npoaeoKoup~tov 12.298
i:vtopa 4.2oo; 7.202; 12.536, sss, 559, 561,
573. 698; 14.27, 41, 229, 248, 290, 330, 331,
332, 343. 352, 353, 354. 373. 384, 452; 18.281;
20.938, 940; Ep.183
eveopot, ol Pr.107; 4.116; 12.180, 209; 18.6o,
6s, 737, 786, 795, 834
evta~t~ 7.484
e~a-rop[a 20.345
i:~Koucreuw 8.82; 20.351
i:~neottov 4.7; 7.46; 11.33; 18-405
E~T!AfJKto~ 9.217; 10.70; 13.69; 17.96, 215, 226,
259.279
e~n\opatwp 17.459
i:napx[a 1.28, 36; 8-46; 18.sos
em\oy~ 4149
emAwptKOV 5.21; 6.29, 136
emaeH10v 6-47
emcrtCttT}~ 493. 309, 311, 312, 316; 7-401, 410
i:n[ta~t~ 7-484
i:peuvaw 12.601, 699; 14.424; 15.176, 277, 343;
17.159; 18.569; 20.451, 867
eucre~~~ Pr.s; 2.171; 16.95; 18.so8, 514; 20.685,
1110, 1172; Ep.67, 70, 268
eux~ 11.53; 14.4; 18.603; 19.143; 20.378; Ep.35,
269
eUWVUflO~ 4.278; 7.483; 18.715, 718; 20.929
xtova 19.345; 20.787, 791
(a~a
Greek Terms
Greek Terms
66o
6.9, 24, 6o, 62, 65, 78, 90, 94, 122, 123;
7372, 393
(aA.fJ 19.179, 329; Ep.177
(uy6<; 18.372, 776; 19.47, 48
Ka~aAA.aptK6<;
1.21, 22; 5-4; 6.17, 190; 7.2, 414;

9255, 367; 11.75; 12.120, 130, 201; 14-408, 612,
712; 15.381; 17.397, 532; 18.306, 384, 407, 418
Ka~aA.A.aptov
5.70; 6.53, 104, 165; 7.113, 271
KU~UAAlKEUW
~YEf!WV
2.73; 4.62, 231; 10.71; 19.150; 20.1088

~A.to<; 18.158; 19.13; 20.552, 953; Ep.210
~A.o<; 5.33; 6.137, 148; 19.362
~f!lovo<;
18.518
~na 12.448; 14.91, 102, 109; 20.172, 227, 547,
621
81-1a 1.30, 39; 2.30; 4.6, 65, 68, 124, 127, 128;
5.7; 12.458; 18.803, 804, 8o6, 811, 820, 840,
842; 19.158
8Eparreia 2.20, 656; Ep.37, 39
8eparruT~<; 455
8fjKCtfllOV 5.9, 17, 20; 6.11, 13, 55, 90, 91, 119,
134; 7.36, 38; 12.313, s85
8upEO<; 5.11; 6.116, 176, 177, 198, 204; 14.625,
627; 18.483; 20.920

8upeocp6po<; 6.178
8wpa~ 6.27, 199, 203; 20.986
latpeia
2.68
latptK~ (TEXVTJ)
Ep.215, 273, 275, 278

1.19; 2.67, 182; 455, 88; 20.1107
iEpattK~ (TEXVTJ) Ep.215, 266, 299
lepeu<; 13-4; 14.5; 19.143; 20.858; Ep.38, 56,
iatp6<;
299
lepoA.oyia Ep.268
lepoupyia 19.143; Ep.269
irrrraywy6<; s.s1; 19.69, 78, 140
irrrraKOVTlOT~<; 6.184
irrrraptov 18.259
irrrrEu<; 4.245; 6.38
lrrmK~ (TEXVT]) 6.162; 7.323, 495
irrrroKACtOTT]<; 14.294
lrrrro<; 1.22; 4.227; 5.29, 30, 42; 6.24, 40, 44,
52, 92, 99 155, 166, 167, 169; 731, 33, 34> 35,
44> 45> 71, 99, 102, 103, 107, 151, 169, 311; 9-45,
89, 212, 229, 233; 11.169, 172, 216, 233; 12.224,
269, 279, 293, 295, 296, 299, 711; 13.39, ss;
14.88, 90, 92, 137, 309, 456; 17.287, 288, 296,
313, 403, 404, 418, 438, 458, 498, 500, 504;
18.128, 130, 181, 183, 255, 257> 262, 263, 276,
291, 303, 304, 385, 519, 520, 521, 531, 6os, 639,
641, 643, 678, 682; 19.139; 20.156, 158, 313,
961, 970, 1058, 1061, 1063, 1093
irrrrOTO~OTT]<; 6.185
6.57
Kaflap15tv (Kaflap15a) 10.50; 20.995
KUf!EAUUKlOV 19.278
KCtflf]AO<; 18.517, 521, 523, 679, 684
KUf!rrtDOUKTWp 7.266, 270, 272, 345; 14.423,
507
Kavovi(w 7.236; 12.342, 507, 519, 570; 14.190,
342, 350; 17.396, 452; 194> 381; 20.76
KUVTCtTWp 4.57; 12.402, 409, 664, 665
Karrvi(w 19.341
Karrvov 19.340
Kapa~orrotta 20.348
Kapay6<; 4.223, 224; 11.197, 220; 14.511, 535
Kaprr6<; 2.190; 9.11, 98, 106; 17.289; 19.189;
Ep.2o8, 278
Kapuov 19.27
Kapcpiov 5.29; 6.138
Kaooll5fJ 5.22; 6.11, 117, 199; 9.278; 14.220, s6s:
15.53; 18.535; 19.88
KUOTpOKTLO[a 20.347
KCtOTpOV 8.19, 47; 15.23, 121, 122, 195, 238, 250,
298, 305; 16.25, 51; 17.254> 378, 384; 20.159,
411, 707; Ep.229
Katal5arravaw 2.19; 15.354
KUTU(T]TEW 6.72; 17-492
KataA.oyai5T]v Pr.56
KUTUflUV8CtVW 9.41; 11.108; 20.999
KUTUf!E8oi5UW 19.394
KUTUVOEW Pr.21; 3.58; 4.109; 12.110; 13.52;
14.26; 15.113; 17.370, 399, 497; 18.5, 13, 190,
290, 321, 634> 712; 19394; 20.197> 331, 444>
640; Ep.309
KUTUTrlOTEUW 4.42; 17.435, 439; 20.176, 210,
630; Ep.36
KUTUITAEW 20.711
KUTCtiTAOU<; 19.178; 20.1163
KUTUOTpUTOITEDEUW 9.101
KUTCtq>pUKTO<; 6.163, 164, 165, 170, 171, 172;
15.52, 54; 18.774, 8!6; 19.86, 404
KEvmpxia 16.14; Ep.227
Kvmpxo.; 4.48;.77; 6.8; 8.9; 12.32, 425;
18.801; 19.51, 54> 57, 86, 159
KEVTOUKAOV (KEVDOUKAOV) 524, 25, 26, 30:
6.41, 59, 64; 18.256; 19.91
Kpa<; 4.114; 6.167; 7.172, 285, 315, 338, 440:
9.208, 262, 319, 322, 324, 353; 12.48, 476,
478, 485, 493, 496, 505, 568; 14.336, 434, 46n,
588, 589; 17.111; 18.33, 34, 77, 84, 714; 19.293;

20.372, 930
KEpataptov 19.28
KlALKlOV 5-36; 6.146; 14.516; 15.263
KivTJm<; 1.3, 5; 2.62; 7.110, 129, 147, 156, 161,
170, 177, 19}, 425, 465, 477> 480, 486; 11-44,
169; 12.376, 432, 436, 612, 613 13.9: 14.174;
15.224, 245, 391, 393; 17-457, 468; 18.10, 25, 39,
s6, 74; 19.11, 101, 172, 264; 20.557, 653, 847,
852, 934; Ep.98, 237, 259
KA.nooupa 9.122; 20-415
KAl~CtVta 5.22; 6.27, 166, 169, 199, 203, 207;
9.278; 18.535: 19.88, 90
KOf!ECtTO<; 8.13, 43
KOflfj<; 447> 76, 78, 124, 174> 195, 270; 7.206;
8.10, 87; 11.103; 12.32, 424, 633, 635, 689; 13.6;
18.746, 8o1; 19.150, 159
K0Vt0pt6<; 7.348; 9.177; 12.345; 20.552
KOVTapaTO<; 12.226, 228, 266, 648; 14.166;
18.149, 186
KOVTCtplOV 5.12, 13, 16, 31; 6.17, 21, 34, 54, 63,
115, 119, 171, 174> 175, 177, 179, 185, 187, 200,
212, 213, 220, 226; 7.26, 32, 37, 39> 77, 78, 151,
168, 264, 386, 390, 421, 479; 9.280; 12-41,
268, 303, 312, 494, 583, 584, 587, 651, 652, 716;
14.225, 283, 422, 594; 18.152, 161, 164, 189,
250, 252, 388, 419, 437> 534; 19.278; 20.314,
955
KOVTOU~EpVtV (KOVTOU~EpVLOV)
4.17, 18, 150,

157, 168, 295, 314; 6.67, 143, 155> 156, 161; 10.17;
12.261, 643, 644; 13.6; 16.59; 17.525, 528, 529;
20.784, 995, 997, 1139; Ep.226
K6p15a 6.14
KOpTT] 4.124; 11.102
Kopucpa15tv 6.52
KOUKoupov 5.9, 27; 6.15, 129, 130
KOUfl~aptov 18.657; 19.428
Koupowp 4.96, 101; 7.156, 158, 162, 189, 194,
209, 213, 221, 222, 225; 12.136, 204, 249, 460,
463, 465, 542, 580, 6oo; 18.30, 37, 39, 43, 47,
48, 55, 59, 334, 749, 755, 792, 836
KOq>lVO<; 536; 6.146
KOXAU~ 15.387; 19.93
Kpa~~UTO<; 19.57; 20.397
KplKEAAlOV 519; 6.10
KptO<; 15.100, 165, 266
KU~EpV~Tfj<; 2.163; 19.52; 20.848
KUfl~UAOV 18.518, 680, 683
KUVT]YETTJ<; 19.131; 20.1135
KUV~YlOV 9.91; 12.438, 725; 14.157; 17.506
KWf!0110At<; 20-412
661
KWITT]AU<J[a 19.269
KW11f]AU1:w 19-49
KWTrfjACtTf]<; 19.47, 50
A.a~l5apaio<; 11.132
A.mtoupy6<; 5.39; 6.151
A.twv (to (<jJOv) 2.220, 221; 20.634, 634
Alf!~V 19.179; 20.849

Aif!VT] 5-46; 11.193; 18.342
Al110TUKTEW 7-142; 12.53, 79; 20.759
A.iTpa 8.86; 10.52; 12.677; 13.60
A.oytaTtK~ (TEXVfJ) Ep.215, 226, 232, 237, 280,
284,288
A.6-yxf] 6.172, 174; 20.583, 956
A.oxay6<; 4.91, 298, 310, 315, 317; 7.258, 410,
453, 455, 460; 14.417; 18.772, 779
A.Oxo.; 4.255, 301; 7.489; 9.132
AUKO<; 19.445; 20.1135
AWptKCtTO<; 14.549; 15.52, 54
AWp[KlOV 5.19, 26; 6.122, 166, 169, 199, 203,
207; 7.372; 9.278; 14.223; 15.53; 18.250, 535;
19.88, 90
A.wpiov 5-19; 6.10, 17; 18.389
AWpOOOKKOV 5.28; 6-49
flayyavapto<; 5.39; 6.151; 15.179

flayyavtK6<; 5.38, 44; 6.150; 14.519; 15.157;
Ep.254
f!ityyavov 15.262, 271, 279, 281, 284, 310, 350;
19.83, 372
f!UVDCtTOV 4.89; 7.267, 279; 8.25, 26; 11.144;
12.389; 13.17: 14.389, 424, 572; 17.109, 301,
538, 543: 19.451
f!UVI5aTWp 4.55, 89, 148, 214; 7.116, 258, 266,
270, 272, 326; 11.101; 12.602, 661; 14-424, 507
f!UVlKEAAlOV 6.124, 199
f!UVLKlOV 6.59
f!Upt(u~ap~OUAOV 7.24
flUT(OUKlOV 6.146; 7.384; 14.523
f!CtXatpa 5.17; 6.19, 198; 9.215; 18.649
f!CtXTJ 2.59, 62; 4.87, 159, 163, 273, 328; 6.46, 75,
176; 767, 76, 81, 199, 213, 248, 320, 335, 397;
8.6s; 9.138, 146, 150, 18o, 183, 266; to.s, 8, 15,
21, 36, 42, 48, 53; 12.9, 59, 81, 116, 195, 199,
231,288,290,303,305,309,364,377>380,
392,442,481,528,533,54h595,597,625,650,
659> 674> 682, 694> 716, 717, 719, 724, 735;
13.36; 14.20, 30, 62, 71, 104, 106, 109, 134> 213,
228, 230, 232, 312, 316, 372, 459, 498, 506, 547,
552, 575> 633> 667, 690; 15375, 367; 16.9, 32,
33, 34, 35, 39, 46, 67; 17.56, 59, 71, 89, 128,
662
Greek Terms
Greek Terms
f!UXTJ (cont.)
130, 147> 182, 352; 18.140, 141, 142, 149> 155>
157> 165, 172, J76, 178, 182, 189, 194> 219, 225,
251, 268, 281, 317, 325, 345> 374> 382, 384, 387,
392, 396, 398, 418, 429, 431, 439, 554, 563, 566,
655, 747; 19.84, 89, 111, 112, 138, 200, 217, 229,
232, 233> 319, 375> 409, 432; 20.19, 71, 162, 224,
237, 238, 25S, 2S3, 296, 31S, 356, 367, 391, 393>
529, 537> 544> 549> 561, 590, 663, 666, 722, 752,
765,7S2,7S3,S23,S25,S26,S29,S30,S59.954,
964, 96S, 975> 1026, 1054> 1097, 1126, 1147
Ep.lOO, 135> 137> 162, 179, !S4, 194, 200, 222
f!E800EUW 12.340; 14.190, 195, 237; 18.13;
19.211, 334; 20.Sl, 96, 264, 334
f!EVUUAOV 6.171; 9.35S; 11.133, 135; 19.S7, 100,
107, 3S5
f!EpapxTJ~ 4-46, 69, 70, 1S3, 277; 7.277; 12.45S;
17.212; 18.742
f!Epo<; 1.20; 2.137; 3.50; 4.70, 72, 73, 182, 1S6,
1S9, 190, 191, 198, 200, 226, 249> 253> 275> 27S,
2S6, 290, 291, 294; 5.16; 7137> 150, 172, 175>
207, 231, 252, 259, 325, 277, 339, 356, 357, 417,
434, 439, 441, 447, 46o; 8.65, 67, 75, 89; 9.39,
69, 121, 218, 226, 236, 243> 260, 285, 287, 319,
320, 321, 322, 324, 327, 329, 330, 332, 333, 346,
347, 34S, 349> 354; 10.69; 11.92, 169; 12.33, 44>
70, 119, 131, 132, 133> 134> 136, 139, 142, 144>
146, 149> 151, 155, 156, 165, 175> 17S, 183, 297>
319, 326, 32S, 331, 334, 335> 3S3, 386, 434> 450,
457, 464, 477> 479> 482, 494> 508, 509, 511,
513, 524, 546, 567, 568, 579> 581, 598, 600, 621,
699; 13.70; 14.16, 44, 74, 78, So, 167, 172, 181,
245> 246, 297> 330, 334, 336, 357, 367, 417, 426,
471, 474> 476, 510, 513, 516, 554, 585, 587, 588,
6os; 15.75, 82, 97, 102, 103, 281, 294; 17.57, 58,
63, 116, 117, 118, 212, 214, 215, 218, 243> 291,
320, 385, 450, 475> 533; 18.19, 43> 52, 75> 81,
142,144,256,268,273>309,339,393,698,
701, 705, 707, 709, 715, 724, 733> 743> 745> 749>
750, 777> 778, 78o, 782, 786, 790; 19.212, 263,
375> 364; 20.276, 752, 928, 929, 930, 931, 934,
978, 979, 983, 1003; Ep.236, 260
flfJVOEtOW~ 12.478, 501; 19.292, 432; 20.923
flfJXUV~ Pr.30; 15.44, 104, 106, 113, 175, 276,
277; Ep.252
flfJXUVfJf!U 15.10, 88, 100, 101, 161, 178, 181, 261;
18.613; 20.13; Ep.282
llfJXUVLKO~ 5-45; Ep.251, 290
f!LV<JOpatwp (f!tVOOUpatwp,
f!LVOWpUtWp) 4.104, 106; 9.36; 12.323;
17.273; 20.S6S
f!ivowp 4.103
f!Olpa 4.72, 74, 17S, 1S2; 12.2S9; 14-426; 18.32,
3S, 46, 47> 4S, 49> 52, 55> 269, 393; 20.979
f!OtpapxTJ' 4.179; 12.135, 352
f!Ovapxw 18.226, 237
f!Ovaxo<; Ep-42
f!OVTJ (Lat. move) 7.126
f!OV~pfJ<;
19.67
7.23
f!OVO~UAOV 17.45
f!UTa 19.343
f!OVOf!axia
va6<; 20.338, 341; Ep.39

vauapxo<; 19.57> 150; 20.1164
VUUKEAALOV 5-46
VUUf!UXEW 5.50; 1S.659; 20.709
vaullaxia Pr.109; 19.2, 3, 16, 32S, 460;
20.1097, 1105
VUUf!UXLKO~ 19.10
vaU1lfJY6~ 19.30
vau~
5.50; 19-41, 43, 69, 195, 301, 317, 330, 373,
376, 3SO, 3S3, 3S9; 20.712, 1040, 1104, 1105
VUUTTJ<; 19.79
VEKpO~ 8.5S; 13.S3, S4; 16.64; 20.1124
VEUptKOV 5.25; 6.41; 19.91
viKfJ Pr.39, 46; 2.214; 12.21, 447, 594, 732;
13.14, S2; 14.39, 147, 159, 672, 707; 16.5, 7, 8,
51; 17.563; 18.126, 542, 611, 615, 651; 19.288,
319, 327, 419; 20.86, 171, 224, 291, 292, 294>
384, 391, 394, 404, 555> 568, 621, 671, 672,
750; 820, 893> 96S, 1024, 1027, 1044> 1112,
1150; Ep.77, 33S
VLKfjt~ptOV 12.397; 18.625
VOJ.llOf!U 8.44> 86, 87; 12.284
VUKTOflUXlU 18.545
vwtoq>uA.a~ 4.118, 2oo; 14.17; 9.169, 290;
12.158, J70, 211, 534> 542, 45; 17.322; 18.60, 6).
707,729,736,758,783,833
~EV01lpE1!Eta
14.257
18.25
~t<paptov 11.135
~iq>o~ 5.16; 6.54, 119; 7.77, 264; 14.422; 15.26;;
20.955
~EVO<j>WVEW
006<; 4.107; 9.44, 87, 127, 130, 173, 200; U.l/6!

12.324; 14.531; 15.184, 230; 1735, 159> 190, t8~,
!86, 187, 345> 468, 560; 18.632; 20.329, 331,
348, 861, 862, S66
olvo~ 13.61; 14.566; 17.305; 18.417
OLWVLOf!U 20.1019, 1022

6ha<; Pr.9o
6Jl<paA6<; 14.591
OVEtpO<; 20.405, 746, S92, 893, S95, 1110, 1117
ovo~ 1S.st8; 20.767
6mo8eAA.iva 6.23, 51
6mo8oKoup~wv 6.92; 12.298
6TIA.i<w 2.124, 193, 216; 5.6o; 6.3, 25, 39, 6o,
114, 127; S.Sl; 12.264; 14.562, 659; 17-457>
461; 1S.219, 229, 250, 3S8, 597> 612, 620, 6S7;
19.220, 403, 405, 444; 20.105S; Ep.241
cmA.hfJ~ 4.235, 244; 6.108, 112, 114, 194, 195,
201, 216, 217, 218; 7.22, 279> 422; 9.264, 33S;
11.146; 1477> 412, 431, 482, 494, 498, 594, 597>
6o6, 607, 617, 624, 6S4; 17.2S2, 443; 20.769,
989
cmA.tttK~ (tEXVfJ)
Ep.214, 216, 287

o1tA.ov Pr.10o, 101; 2.32; 5.2, 4, 7, 15, 27, 55, 57,
62, 67; 6.9, S9, 103, 105, 142, 193> 205, 215;
7.49, Ss, 273, 463, 4S7; 8.33, so, S4; 9.18, 264,
278; 11.138, 233; 12.277; 14.66, 213, 225, 503,
595> 59S, 618, 646, 647> 676, 682; 15-46, 117,
126, 128; 17.90; 18.123, 124, 307, 498, 504,
528, 533> 595, 603, 6S7, 774> 768; 19.37> 72, 77>
81, 82, S3, S6, 94, 97> 105, 136, 237, 403, 44S;
20.13, 211, 213, 216, 384, 410, 423, 442, 572,
573. 575, 835, 836, 954> 958, 969, 996, 1061,
1064, 1143; Ep.6s, 69, 79, 146, 14S, 216, 221,
224,254,274,2S2,2S7
6p.StvEia 4.149
6pOtVEUW 4.143, 273, 291, 321; 7.184
opOtVOV 4.91, 95, 141, 32S; 7.61, 64, 115, 141;
9133> 261; 11.90; 14.369, 370, 381, 414, 480;
20.371
6p8o06~w~ Ep.6t
6pf!fJOia 19.177, 1S2
opu~ 535; 6.145
oupa 452, 94> 306; 6.126; 7133> 144> 180, 1Sl;
12.153> 336, 472, 540, 545> 546; 14.586, 5S9;
17.111; 18.707
oupay6<; 4.51, Si, 94; 767, 141, 367, 461, 489;
12.266, 647; 14.496; 18.773> 779
6<pt<; 19.345
oxupwf!a 11.71, 138, 193, 202; 13.63; 14.152,
636, 639; 15-11, 23, 47> 142, 149, 183, 238, 250,
259> 317, 361, 370; 17.158, 175> 258, 259, 262,
286, 345> 360; 18.289; 20.160, 210, 245> 613
TiaA.atot~~ 20.617
1laAAtKaptov 10.5, 13, 33; 14.77; 17.291
1lUAJ.la 12.604; 18.337, 341
663
1lUJ.lq>UAOV 19.252
1lUV01lAta 2.84; 5.52; 7.23; 16.12; 18.534, 606;
19.249; 20.990; Ep.219
Jla~Uf!UTLOV (1la~Uf!UTLV) 6.154; 10.51
TiapaKA.~twp 455
TiapaKovtaKiou (see note ad. loc.) 7.42
Tiapaf!~ptov 5.17; 6.19, 167, 198
1tapa7!6pnov 11.S1; 15.22, 280
7tapa1!UATJ 15.282
TiapaOfJf!UOia 19.185
1tapamy~
4.252, 282; 6.222, 225; 7.65, 122,
125, 145> 274> 325; 12.10
Pr.108; 1.5; 4.50, S7, 96, 116, 118,
141, 163, 241, 254, 273, 280, 286, 298, 322;
5.6o; 749> 59, 172, !78, 198, 200, 224, 225,
Tiapam~t~
233,260,286,291,292,295,305,30~309,
310, 315, 316, 351, 352, 354> 35S, 362, 367, 370,
379> 395> 409, 41S, 426, 432, 434> 437, 440,
441, 444, 449, 451, 455, 496; 8.56, 62, 64,
75; 923, 162, 208, 260, 261, 266, 292, 301,
309, 317, 322, 328, 329, 341, 351, 361, 363, 366;
10.30, 72, 73> 74; 11.199> 202, 206, 208; 12.5, 6,
S, 12, 34> 37> 40, 44> 4S, 52, 59, 60, 67, 69, 72,
73, 75, 77, 79, So, S5, 89, 92, 101, 105, 107, 109,
113, 117, 127, 131, 142, 147, 148, 156, 165, 171,
175> 180, 182, 185, 202, 204, 213, 216, 218, 237,
245, 251, 254> 264, 274> 281, 286, 294> 311, 326,
332, 335> 337> 370, 3S3, 387, 391, 436, 453> 484,
514, 521, 532, 534> 558, 562, 564, 571, 572, 602,
603, 607, 629, 700; 13.57, 59; 14.10, 18, 21,
23, 25, 33> 35> 40, 42, 47> 56, 61, 70, 74> 77> 79>
100, 109, 134> !68, 181, 182, 212, 233, 236, 240,
280, 298, 306, 307, 311, 326, 331, 334, 337, 343>
344.346,34~348,352,354>360,366,368,
370, 400, 418, 427, 434> 438, 439> 440, 443>

451, 453, 455> 461, 471, 475, 481, 485, 487, 488,
489, 492, 502, 506, 511, 512, 514, 524, 534> 543>
548, 554, 557, 558, 560, 568, 576, 582, 5S6, 593,
597, 599, 6oo, 601, 602, 603, 607, 616, 617,
634,640,649,650,657,676,679,685,68S;
17.10S, 111, 342, 419, 429, 440, 443; 18.2, 3> J7,
24, 26, 37, 45, 62, 74, ss, S9, 141, 142, 148, 150,
169, J70, 172, 1S4, 230, 233> 265, 270, 271, 274>
277, 27S, 279, 335, 337> 339> 342, 355> 358, 397>
422, 429, 440, 495, 51S, 550, 553, 555, 557> 560,
635,6SS,694,696,69~702,704,70S,710,
717, 721, 722, 724, 735, 739> 759> 763, 770, 7S6,
789, 792, 810, 812, 820, 830, 833; 19.165, 176,
193, 200, 216, 23S, 250, 287, 290, 299, 302,
303, 333, 431, 433; 20.161, 321, 372, 459> 520,
545> 549, 550, 578, 656, 677, 755, 759, 769, 875,
664
Greek Terms
rrapa-ra~t~
(cont.)
878, 902, 912, 923, 928, 935, 953, 965, 981,
986, 1038; Ep.18o, 197, 209, 228
rrapaxqta.Swv 6-4, 97; 8.40, 45; 11.232
rrapefl~OA~ 7.484
rrapv-ra~t~ 7-485
1tUpOlfllUOT~~ 20.7
rra-r~p
Pq; 2.7, 51, 56, 108, 112; 9.6o; 18.453,
571, 673; Ep.!O, 16, so
1lE0lKAOV (rr0!1KAov) 5.2S; 6-49
1l(OflUXlU 18.391, 563
rre\ayo\iflllV 20.1011
1lEAKU~ 6.145, 18S; 18.534
rrehaa-r~~ 6.194, 209, 215
rreh11 5.11; 6.110, 211
rrev-rapxll~ 4-49, 79, 140; 7.135, 149; 8.7, 8;
12.4S6; 14.130; !8.773, 799
rrev-rapxia 14.370; Ep.22S
1tplKV!1fll0~ 6.2S, 125, 200, 203
rrept-rpax~\wv 5.24, 30
rre-rpo~6\o~ 15.156, 262, 273
rr~xu~
5-13; 6.214, 220, 225, 226, 227, 22S;
17.42S, 429
rriaaa 15.270, 395; 19.30, 370
ma-reuw 2.16S; 4.41; 8.19, 47, 72; 12.36; 14.199;
15.301, 305; 17.!66, 169, 242, 436, 4S4, 561;
20.89, 643, 652, 811, 893, 967; Ep-4S, 73
1llGTOV 6.153; 10-51; 13.60
mcr-r6~ Pr.s; 2.55; 337: 4.21; 11.10S; 14.314;
15.306; 17.460, 493: 20.324, 432, 497
rr\ayto<pu\a~ 4.112; 7171, 195, 201, 230; 12.77,
144, 2os, 330, 475; 14.16, 41; 18.59, 64, 72, s1,
170, 715, 7IS, 736, 765, 7S4, 793, 833
1lAT1YiiTO~ 8.68, 73; 12.656; 20.527
1lAOL<lptOV 17.45
rr\6Yflo~ a-ro\o~ 18.217, 665, 67o; 19.5, 17, 154,
157, 15S, !62, 211, 390; 20.1102, 1104
rr\olov 2.163, 165; 18.564, 656; 19.76, 136, 140,
216, 222, 327, 339, 344> 347, 351, 364, 371, 406,
41S, 426, 430
1lVUflU Pq; 19.11, 147> 183; Ep.209, 259
rroM'JieUa 5.23; 6.2S, 125, 203; 18.535
1l0lflUlVW Ep.22, 23, 55
1l0lflVlOV 19.445
1lOAflEW 12.78, 91, 122; 14.87; 15.124, 243, 369;
17.342; 18-457: 19.223, 270, 316, 339: 20.243,
315, 751, 1098
rr6\eflo~ Pr.2, 31, 37, 47, 57, 74, 86, 97, 105,
106, 107; 1.14, !6, 41; 2.193> 194, 207, 210, 211,
215; 4.5, 13, 97, 211; 53> 71; 6.73, 91; 7.8, 249,
250, 462, 463; 8.43, 54, 56, So; 9.21, 86, 99,
Greek Terms
185, 272; 10.23, 40, 44> 57: 11.54, 187, 190,
192, 240; 12.2, 3, 15, 17, 21, 25, 27, 51, 58, 6o,
95, 111, 123, 124, 126, 130, 202, 236, 278, 292,
319, 321, 391, 410, 415, 417, 426, 430, 448, 526,
552,584,592,593, 6o1, 631, 651, 6ss, 663, 671,
672, 675, 68!, 683, 708, 725, 727, 735: 13.2, 4.
26, 32, 34, 44, 46, 48, 51, 52, ss, 67, 69, 76, 8s.
90, 103, 107; 14.2, 3. 6, 18, 61, 77, 8!, 97, !00,
119, 146, 157, 165, 168, 171, 204, 205, 215, 314,
390, 409, 465, 467, 533, 545, 563, 570, 593,
664, 688, 709, 711; 15.74, 78, 203, 239: !6.2, 3,
7> 13, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 48, 87, 91, 112; 17.6,
177; 18.27, 73> 87, 103, 131, 137> 139> 154> 177,
191, 262, 263, 343, 345, 380, 417, 459, 467, 511,
512, s88, 589, 617, 767, 797, 838; 19.80, 172,
203,213,214,222,236,240,256,262,276,
367, 390, 436, 450; 20.83, 99, 101, 106, 136,
158, 195, 241, 248, 257> 267, 273, 277, 280, 288,
317, 355, 363, 378, 384, 415, 445, 452, 464, 466,
4S3,493,542,570,SS4,SS9,593,603,622,
636, 647> 664, 675, 67S, 702, 745, 749, 755,
792, S4o, 841, 845, S47, ss1, ss3, ss7, s6o,
894, 909, 952, 9S4, 1000, 1025, 1092, 1096,
1122, 1130; Ep.66, 73, 81, S6, S9, 119, 128, 133,
155, 214, 312, 31S
1lOAlOpKEW 15-4, 5, 17, 19, 28, 32, 47, 53, 65,
77, S4, s6, 99, 129, 136, 143, 145, 164, 1n, 215,
243, 246, 249> 251, 254, 261, 32S, 335, 338, 339:
20.121, IS!, 233
rro\topKilTLKO~ 15.101, 161
rro\topKta Pr.106; 5-44; 15.9, 2, 3, 27, 37, 41,
67, 73, S2, 93, 109, 132, 139, 16!, 195, 225, 229,
257> 303, 308, 404; 17.359: 20.12
rro\neia Pr.2o, 44, 46, 52; 4.13, 22, 59; 13.17:
14.1So; 18-496, 690; Ep.154
rro\uav.Spew 18.234; 19.411
rro\uapxo~ 18.223
rro\urrpayflOVEW 12.709; 13.8; 14.27; 17.30,
442
rropve(a 20.739, 741, 1114
rr6p-ra u.So, 82, 97, 225, 229; 14.68; 15.22, uo,
350; 20.183, !S4
1lOTUflO~ 5-46; 7.104; 953, 62 11.71, 165, 168,
171, 193: 14.63S; 17.43> 56, 57: 18.341; 19.429:
20.676; Ep.!S5
1lOU~AlKt(w 7.192; 14.120; 18.16, 63, 74; 19.39
rrouyyiov 6.15
rrpalOa 9.2oS, 210, 216, 222, 223, 235, 243;
11.126; 17.176, 191, 196, 217, 24S, 29S, 300,
349; 18.ss5, 594, 616, 628, 65S; 20.532, 536,
878
rrpai-rwp
4.128
17.28; 20.178, 1155
rrplf.!O~
4.92, 308, 310, 315; 7.410
rrpoarroa-r\\w 15.231; 20.867
rrpoytVWGKW 12.324, 689; 14.30, 26S; 19.333;
20.406, 1162
rrpo\euat~ 4.123; 6.8
rrpoe~aKov-r((w 6.186
rrpoemvoew 18.7
rrpoepeuvaw 9.299; 12.602; 14.167; 20.329
rrpoKUTUAUfl~CtVW 6.157; 9.62, 121, 127, 202,
254:.272, 314; 11.S, 117, 212; 14.51, 227; 17.16,
157> 345:
rrpoK\aaTil~* 4.98; 7.157, 189; 12.137, 204,
580; 18.30, 755
rrp6flaxo~ 4.96, 199, 24S; 7.1S9; 12.131, 238,
240, 274, 456, 508; 14.115, 116; 18.58, 334, 697,
751, 772, S36; 20.9Sl
rrpOf.!UXWV 14.517; 15.264, 265, 286, 290
1tpOflTW1llOV 5 29; 6-41
rrp6vota Pr.14, 17; 2.161, 162, 169; 3-53; 16.84,
103; 17.382; 18.2!6, 347: 19.335: 20.359> 407,
52S, 572, 587, 627, 68S, m2; Ep.3o, 36, 123
rrporrapa-raaaw 14.299
rrporre-reUOflat 12.364
rrpoaev-ra~t~ 7.484
1tpOGKOUAKUW 14.340; 17.507
rrp6a-ra~t~ 7.4S4; 9.369; 12.634, 657; 20.157,
rrpa~eu~
734
1tpOGU1lOfllflV~GKW
13.17; 14-466
15.317
rrpow8tafl6~ 12.222
1tpUflVIl 19.57, 323, 342, 377, 3S2; 20.1039
rrpwpa 19.32, 36, s6, 300, 326, 342; 20.1041
rrpwpeu~ 19.54, 56
rrpw-roKapa~o~ 19.53
rrpw-rovo-rapto~ 4.127
rrpw-roa-ra-r11~ 4.92, 309, 310, 312, 315; 7.69,
259, 410, 453: 12.225, 257, 264, 287, 290;
14.624, 659; 18.6S2, 772, 779; 20.162
rr-ruaptov 5.36; 6.146
rriip (EGKUUGflEVOV) 19.33, 300, 340, 354, 360
rrupyo~ 1.23; 15.100, !66, 273> 27S, 2SO; 17.46
rrupo~6\o~ 15.273
rrpOTElXlUflU
f>~KTapwv
5.15; 6.37, 132, 182, 1S3, 206; 7.24,

27; 17.89, 290, 3S4, 3S6; 9.2SI, 358, 359:
14.437, 628, 632; 19.SO, 87; 20.91S
ptVlOV 5.29; 6.17
pwflaia y\waaa 20.868
665
aayina 5.9, 27; 6.15, 16, 66, ss, 129, 130, 149,
154: ].30, 35, 77, 319, 404; 11.S7, 207, 209;
12.231, 653; 14.463, SIS, 523, 62S, 632; 15.155,
!56; 18.124, 12S, 129, !63, 179, 187, 484; 19.80,
87, 105, 343: 20-413
aaytna-rwp 4.242; 7.281
aaytno~6\ov 7.163, 361, 379; 12.150, 157, 331,
336,342,349,370,466,484,495,520,572;
14.1S2, 302, 307, 512; !8.334, 701; 20.771
aaytnorrot6~
4.216
aaYfl<'tptov 4.152, 154; 5-42; 6.77; 9.167, 2S3;
10.25, 49, 77; 11.215
GUYflUTCtplO~ 6.155
aa\[~a 7.25
aa\myKT~~ 454
aa\my~ 2.62; 20.822
aa\rri(w 4.216; 11.106; 15.119
GUfllCITWp 4.216
aavi~ 15.394, 401, 402; 19.29, 34, 35, 39
aaptaa 6.213, 225
aaupa 19.345
GKOiiVOO~ 4.93, 308, 311, 315; 7.401, 409
ae\11valov 5.29
GA~VIl 15.224; 17.31, 93; 19.13
ae\Aa 6.43, 47, 49, 55; 12.297, 675
ae\Aorrouyywv (ae\Aorrouyytv) 6.so; 12.677;
13.59
Gllfllov 4.85, 154, 226; 6.82; 7.33, 125, 331,
344: 927, 138, 293; 11.9S; 12.351, 612, 6IS;
14.53> 219, 226, 284, 288, 350, 686, 705;
15.372; 17.99.!86, 496, 534, 536; 19.12, !81, 245>
259, 265, 271, 276, 2SO, 281; 20.115, 386, 405,
1018, 1112, 1116; Ep.263
mo~peo~ 2.85; 6.148, 166; 7.463; 18.256;
19.!6S, 358; 20.399, 584, 733
ai<pwv 19.32, 34, 300, 340, 358
at<pwva-rwp 19.55
GKaAa 5.44; 6-49; 12.297, 300, 301; 15.97, 99,
102, 104, 106, 114, 159, 169, 287, 291
GKU1lAl~ 14.223
GKUpflO~ 19.27
GKrrapvov 5.33; 6.145; 19.31
GKUO<p6pov 1lAOLOV 19.7S
OKUO<j>Op0~ 5.42, 51; 7-48S
aK6pmo~ 19.345
GKOUAKCtTWp 4.110; 12.317, 660; 17-430, 466,
471, 472, 496
GKOUTapa-ro~ 14.433>435,438,493,525,541
GKpl~WV 4.58, 86
GKplVlOV 8.85
GKUAU~ 20.1123
666
Greek Terms
Greek Terms
aKuAeuw 8.57; 12.293, 68o, 683; 13.83, 84

OKUAOV 16.27; 20.978
crou~Awv 5.29; 6.17; 20.399
crna6apto~ 7.272; 14.508
anaell 6.ns, n8
crna6[ov 5.9, 16; 6.18, 54, 187; 7.78, 336, 386;
9.280; 14.594; 18.250, 388, 533> 537; 19.87,
106,164
crm6af!~ 6.220; 11.131, 132, 136
OTU (Lat. sta) 7.128
OTU~apii>crat* 11.41
crmup6~ 12.397, 593
0Tll6CtpLOV 5.30; 6-41
OTLXO~ 450, 51, 91, 94, 312; 7448; 17.1U;
18.278, 773, 779
crt6f!a 2.7; 6.54, u8, 120; 7.333, 470; 14.476,
591
crtpata 11.88
OTpCtTEUf!U 1.13; 2.59; 4.234; 7.46, 76, 89, Ill;
95> 9. 103, us, 121, 125, 132, 140, 161; 11.20,
22, 25, 116, 238; 14-579. 6u, 644> 694. 698;
15.21, 34, 234; 16-4, 74; 17.549, 563, s6s; 18.5,
86, sSs, 6os, Su; 20.14, 256, 301, 303, 3n, 327,
328, 391, 427, 431, 436, 469, 471, 477. 489, 491,
507, 525, 545, 552, 577> 6!6, 635. 734. 738, 766,
no, 782, 787, 842, 853, 863, 866, 869, 935,
uo7, 1052, u14, u16, 1144; Ep.83, 90, 92, u9,
124, 184, 185, 189, 226, 259, 267, 285, 305
crtpaTEUOf!UL 2.22; 4.257; 18.592, 6oo, 602,
604; 20.910, 1056, 1059, 1086, 1090; Ep.172
crtpaTllYEW Pr.42, 73, 84; 2.95; 20.670
crtpaT~YllflU 1.8; 12.24; 17.12; 18.6, 230, 355,
358, 613; 19.2U, 394, 397; 20.93> 273, 459, 517,
559, 673, 882, 1007; Ep.129, 138, 309, 328;
crtpatlly[a Pr.87, 91; 2.167; 4.240; 7.203;
17.392; 18.104; 20.69, 403, 404, 595> 763,
10oS; Ep.130, 174
crtpana 4.26o; 5.4; 12.3S; 14.580; 17.257, 3S5;
1S.528; 20.S46, 1060; Ep.233
OtpaTLWTll~ 2.99; 4-4, 5, 83, 90, 261; 5.26, 70;
6.3, 25, 3S, 53. 69, 76, S3, 90, 95. 98, 103, 104,
141, 147, 230; 7.10, 22, 43, s6, 72, s3, u9, 120,
192, 251, 462, 496, 49S; S.7, 35> 3S, 41, 44> 46,
56, 63, So, S2; 9-4, 15, 25, 70, 74, 81, 91, u2,
230, 240; 10.6, 7, 14, 27, 70; 11.4S, 52, 234.
235, 242; 12.234. 270, 2S1, 2S3, 296, 300, 359>
364, 42S, 451, s4s, 619, 624, 625, 6s6, 666,
667, 674, 675> 6S2, 6S6; 13.24, 29, 59, S3;
14.S6, 92, 143, 567, 572, 575> 659. 704; 15.24,
57, 120, 147, 299; 16.24, 2S, 6o; 17.79, 292,
30S, 321, 327, 329, 430, 518, 520, 537. 540, 543;
1S.u, 24, 1S1, 597, 6oo, 747, 803, S15; 19.51,

S2, 102, UO, 124, 135, 162, 233. 236, 24S, 403,
437. 441, 444; 20.16, 26, 46, 4S, S3, 213, 216,
219, 246, 24S, 249, 257> 25S, 269, 285, 313,
335, 360, 392, 415, 423, 42S, 43S, 503, sos,
512, 52S, 533, 535. 536, 660, 695. 703, 708, 711,
745> S1S, S26, S30, 893. 954. 969, 997. 1001,
1019, 1023, 1026, 1077, u34, 1148; Ep.99, u4,
153. 220
OtpaT01lEOEUW 9.38; 11.10; 20.139, 726
crtpaT01lEOOV 2.64, 66, 135; 7.9; 9.37; 11.28,
112, 174; 16.20; 18.547; 20-495. 501, 561, 741,
758; Ep.244, 247
crtpat6~
Pr.99, 102; 1.20; 2.125; 4.2, 15, 19, 61,
129, 144, 177, 190, 207, 225, 274, 285, 331; 5.8;
6.107, lll; 7-47> 207, 313, 326, 414; 8.40; 93>
43. 47> 48, 73. 84, 97. lll, 128, 198, 241, 251,
254, 271, 275, 286, 372; 10.21, 34, n; 11.4, 23,
33. 44> 74. 79, 147, 150, 155> 167, !68, 216; 12.17,
42, 101, 108, 140, 149, 164, 172, 192, 197. 212,
259.368,398,406,422,449.5SO,SS!,62S,
630, 706; 13.21, 23, 42, 44> 6S, 90, 92; 14-4S,
ss, s6, 61, 64, 79, u1, 125, 176, 215, 245, 259,
271, 282, 317, 328, 377> 495. 579, 584, 596;
15.18, 3S, 68, 141, 145, 336, 360; 16.32; 17.81,
95. 9S, 109, 114, 120, 124, 139. 151, 154. 175.
1S9, 196, 233. 268, 276, 278, 303, 314, 324, 363,
372, 394. 495, 515, 532, 542; 18.73, 90, 105, 129,
175, 190, 325, 326, 437, 6oS, 662, 667, 670,
808, 813, S17, S22, 839; 19.144> 24S; 20.42, 92,
95> 107, 345, 3S6, 397, 46S, 457, 762, 775, 79S,
S01, 817, S21, 836, sn, 913, 923, 932, 986, 991.
1018, 10S9, noS; Ep.136, 1SS, 197
OTpatwp 7.272; 14.sos
OTU1!1ll0V 15.395; 19.30, 363
cruyKaKOJlCtOXW 1S.u3
OUf!f!UXO~ 16.54; 18.212, 365, 620; 20.290, 305,
379. 385, 456, 801
OUflflETU~aAAw 11.27
OUflf!LKTO~ (crtpat6~) 4245; 569; 10.7S; 11.7);
12.12S; 14-409, 534, 578; 18.347; 20.369, 986
OUf!1!EpLcr<jJ(w 18.643
cruv6~Kll 16.87, SS; 18.244, 245 20-493
OUVTEAEOT~~ 8.31, 39, 41; 19.U5, 225; 20.48
crucrtpatLWTll~ 4.12; 12.40S; 16.5S
O<pEVOO~OALOT~~ 4.243; 7.291; 14-439
crcpevoo~oAov 5.28; 6.u8, 133; 7.27; 14.522;
20.91S
crcpevoovaw 14.67, 619, 621
crcpev06v11 6.206; 14.622; 20.1064
O<pEVOOVLOT~~ 9358; 14.600
crcpupa 5.35; 6.146

OXOLVLOV 15.264, 271, 287, 288; 19.27; 20.1010
OWAllVCtpLOV 527; 6.129
TCtYflU 4.15, 19, 54, 74, 76, 134, 137, 149, 173,
175, 176, 178, 194, 205, 210, 237. 241, 247, 250,
264, 266, 267, 272, 275; 6.69, 79. 81, 97. ll7;
7.U4, 124, 1SS, 194. 241, 242, 245, 253, 255.
269, 296, 326, 434, 466, 467, 496; s.s, 9, u,
55, 6o, 64, 66; 9.So, 267; 10.19; 11.96, 231;
12.52, 202, 219, 234. 236, 238, 243. 244> 246,
251, 255. 276, 277, 288, 315, 316, 317. 348, 352,
366,37h424,48S,4ShS00,523,546,589,
626, 639, 657, 667, 670, 671; 135> 6, J9, 27;
14.U6, 130, 414, 425, 441, 574; 16.23; 17.137,
22S, 237. 533; 18.30, 146, 720, 725, 793 813,
835; 20.260, S64, u39; Ep.238
TUKTLK~ Pr.2, 40, 50, 55, 63, 65, 6S, 85, 97,
110; 1.2, 3, s, 9, u, 13, 26, 3S; 2.139> 147> 226;
375; 457> 232, 236; 6.10S, 162, 209, 231; 7.254;
14.578, 582; 17.427; 18.10, 87, 686, 853; 19.3,
397; 20.7; Ep.238, 243, 289
Ta~UTLWV 8.14
T<i~L~ Pr.66, 78, 87, 91; 2.167; 4.62, 100, 113,
157, 162, 192, 198, 199> 222, 229, 243, 245> 248,
255, 317, 318; 5.69; 6.19, 54, 107, 111, 112, 121,
163, 190, 192, 215;.223; 7.ss, ss, 73, 74, ws,
121, 123, 154. 160, 166, 196, 198, 199, 203, 209,
210, 218, 243, 295, 323, 327, 335, 387, 427; s.s6,
6o, 66, S4; 9.21, 23, 52, 68, 132, 133, 139, 141,
222,224,233,237,24S,284,305,329,334,
346, 354. 355; 11.133. 139. 145. 196, 226; 12.25,
37. 68, 75. S2, S4, ss, 90, 91, 94. 96, 9S, 103,
110, 114, 115, 122, 130, 133. 142, 147. 148, 158,
160, !69, 178, 181, 211, 221, 23S, 239. 240, 246,
256,260,265,334.336,360,372,378,379,
388, 453, 456, 461, 465, 470, 473. 4Sl, 518, 522,
523, 525, 528, 535, 538, 539, 541, 554, 563, s66,
567, 598, 6o6, 627; 14.26, 29, 31, 36, 45, 62,
ss, 115, 135, 141, 143, 1S9, 190, 193, 242, 299>
303, 325, 337, 33S, 362, 387, 392, 390, 40S,
432, 471, 493. 513, 555. 617, 646, 647; 15.352,
396; 17.86, 112, us, 27S, 281, 2S3, 292, 298,
397, 423, 427, 433; 18.16, 19, 23, 26, 28, 31, 37.
48,5hs8,63,64,6h68,69,70,73,79,8o,
105, 145, 146, 147, 160, 161, 174, 183, 199, 222,
224, 283, 301, 306, 331, 347, 393, 407, 538, 635,
699, 700, 703, 705, 706, 708, 7ll, 714, 718,
726,727,729,735.739.748,750,752,754.756,
757, 777, 780, 781, 7S3, 799, So6, 813, 818, 837;
19.10, 161, 174> 204, 292, 324; 20.151, 279> 332,
667
423, 518, 551, 699. 860, 863, 870, 902, 909,

924, 928, 933, 971, 1046, 1051, u37; Ep.175,
198, 227, 242
mupea 7.129, 345
mcp~ 14.206; 16.64; 20.107, 357; Ep.164
tacppo~ (tpacpo~) 11.10, 3S, 76; 14.66; 15.14,
361; 17.279, 501; 18.139; 20.12
TEAETPO$ 19.31
TEAEUTCtW 20.355
tevta 5.48; 6.78; 10.49, so; 11.S3, 86, 89, 103;
17.521, 523, 524; 18.264
TETp<ipeu~ 15.157
tetpapxll~ 449. 81, 140; 6.8; 7.135, 136, 140;
8.7, 8
T(LKOUplOV (T(LKOUptv) 5.15; 6.53, US, 120, 121,
133, 146; 725, 290, 384; 9.280, 2S2; 14437>
522
TO~CtpLOV 5.9; 6.12, 14, 35, 60, 62, 63, 88, 131,
154; 1S.l24
TO~ELU 6.32, 132; 7.26, 94, 148, 371; 11.S6, 235;
12.307; 18.125, 126, 131, 180, 25S, 638
TO~EUW 4.139, 288; 6.21, 31, 36, 205; 7.29, 32,
33. 34. 155. 382; 12.229, 268, 271, 306, 308;
14.66, 619; 18.639; 20-419, 772
TO~O~OA[OTPll~ 5.38; 6.149; 14.519; 15.321;
19.342; Ep.254
to~o(wvwv 6.16
t6~ov 6.182, 184; 7.35, 3S; 12.269, 270; 17.89;
18.150, 250, 254> 484, 533. 612; 19.92; 20.413,
1064
T0~01l0LO~ 4.216
TO~Otll~ 7.155, 281, 284, 285, 292; 9.307, 358,
361; 11.84; 12.140, 145. 226, 229, 648, 653.
717; 14.18, 144, 429, 432, 433, 6oo; 17.33, 85;
18.127, 164, 186, 426, 629, 640; 20.381, 579>
917,987
to~ocpapETpov 6.31, 128; 9.281
tou~a 7.128, 346
touAoo~ (touA<Sov) Pr.104; 4.120, 154, 220,
221; 6.74; s.ss; 9.167, 207, 213, 216, 221, 27S,
288, 373; 10.2, 3, 12, 26, 38, 41, 43, 45> 4S, 67,
6s, 69, 71, 76;11.198, 213, 223; 12.6S4, 6ss,
687, 6S8; 13.S4; 14.56, 70, 73, 143. 335. 366,
524; 16.24; 17.137. 195, 215, 267, 268, 291, 442;
1S.14S, 273. 323; 19.69, 137; 20.9S5
TOUpf!U 473, 196; 7.207, 270, 277; 12.317, 31S,
351, 619; 16.23
TOUpf!CtPXll~ 3.S; 4.46, 70, 73, 1S4, 189, 277,
27S; 6.7, S4; 7244> 271; 8.S6; 951; 11.91, 101,
103, 232; 12.353> 355> 369, 450, 452, 509, 577>
579, 590, 596, 59S, 6oS, 609, 617, 61S, 620,
668
Greek Terms
-roupf!UPXll~
(cont.)
621, 622, 634. 689; 133> 49: 14.507; 17.141, 213,

244: 18.741, 743. 802; 19.155:
wuc:piov (wuc:piv) 6.12, 23, 51, 52, 117
-rpane(a 16.57; 20.398, 970
TpUUflU 2.67; 12.275> 282; Ep.273
TpUUflaTLU~
2.68; 4.87; 12.302; 20.536
Tpt~OAO~ 4.224; 5.33; 6.147; 11.38, 77, 137, 148,
150, 216, 218; 14.278, 285, 291, 293. 323, 530,
532 19.351, 362; 20.733> 736
-rpt~pl]~ 19.8
-rptaayto~ (Uf!VO~) 11.107; 12.637, 641
T1Jfl1'CUVOV 18.518, 679, 683; 20.374
c:pop-r!]y6~ (vau~) 19.69

c:p6aaa 11.38; 14.183, 253; 20.182, 216
<pO<J<JUTOV 4.8, 103, 122; 5.36, 43; 6.4; 8.58,
75, 76, 83: 9.367: 10.24, 31, 52, 54, 58; 11.3,
8, 55, 6o, 70, 72, So, 88, 94, 97, 99, 152, 163,
164, 166, 181, 194> 198, 200, 213, 219, 221, 223,
224, 226, 229; 12.391, 461, 526, 639: 13.39. 84,
90, 95: 14.66, 68, 69, 84, 95. 138, 562; 15.14,
352; 1777> 82, 86, 136, 194> 277, 448, 501, 532;
18.137, 261; 20.139, 145, 209, 715; Ep.244, 245
c:pou\Kov 7.335.370
c:ppouptov 15.11, ss, 154, 376; 20.13; Ep.251
c:puyoflaxew 14.110; 18.2oo; 20.1040
c:puA.a~ 3-38; 4.81, 140; 11.13; 16.79; 20.495, 717,
985, 1137
uyp6maaa 19.30
Mwp 9.41; 11.71, 170, 190; 12.302, 676; 13.40;
14.567; 15.43> 324, 325, 349> 385, 389, 390, 391,
393, 399, 402; 17.308; 20.607, 1014; Ep.183,
252, 258, 276
ul6~ Pq; 20.m9
unavaytvwaKw Pr.102; 8.51; 19.204
UTCEpEKTELVW 12.47
unEpKepaat~ 18.78
unEpKEpan~~ 4.114; 7.171, 195, 201, 230, 237;
12.145> 208, 333> 483, 503, 507, 510, 515, 516;
18.6o, 65, 72, 75, 84, 168, 715, 717, 736, 765,
785, 793. 834> 837
unooeta-repo~ 4.151, 296, 307, 325; 12.242,
244, 316, 657: 15.48
uno(uytov 4.121; 542; 6.155: 18.517> 523; 20.767
unoa-rpC!Tl]YO~ Pr.63; 4.63, 67; 12.354; 17.241;
18.568,742
UTCO<JUV8l]f!U 20.804,807
UTCOTU~l~ 7-484
U<pOpflO~ 19.179
XUAlVUplOV 6.47
539: 6.151, 218; 20.399
xah6-rov~a 6.125, 200, 204; 7393
xapaKW<Jl~
11.40
xapa~ 11.140, 166, 219; 17.288; 18.139: 20.182,
209, 225, 1137; Ep.245
xap(avta 7.80
xapwuA.apto~ 4.127
xetf!wv 7.8, 92 12.19; 13.77: 15.388; 18.263, sn
584; 19.15; 20.364; Ep.190, 191, 195, 258
XElPOf!UVlKOV* 6.22, 124
xetpof!uA.tov (xetpof!uA.tv) 5.35; 6.145
XELpoaic:pwv 19.359
XElPO'i'EAAOV (XELPO'i'EAOV) 523; 6.22, 124;
18.535: 19.89
xeA.wvll (xeA.wv) 15.100, 168, 267
xtA.tapxia 4.178
xtA.iapxo~ 4.181; 18.801
xop-roA.oyew 11.61, 6s; 13.96, 101; 14.81
c:paA.ay~
'i'EVOO~Ol]8la
4.239: 6.222; 7.65, 483, 488; 9.149,

2o8; 10.75: 14.141, 584, 585, s86, 592,643
c:pahi~ 6.146
c:papia 18.640
<ptAO~Evia 18.461
<ptAOTCaTpt~ 18.100
<pAUflO\JAl<JKlOV 5.31; 6.123
<pAUf!OVAOV 5.31; 6.18, 24, So; 7.127; 12.303,
304, 306, 312, 583, 584, 65o, 651; 18.525; 19.52,
142, 259
<pAU<JKtOV (<pAU<JK[v) 12.302, 676; 13.61
<pOlVlKt~ 19.277
c:popaOtov 18.259
c:p6po~ (Ol]f!O<Jto~) 20.346
XUAKEU~
20.1002
'i'EVOoeyKpUflflU 20.1003
'i'EVOominov 19.34
'i'EVOonpolioaia 20.1003
'i'tAoi, oi 4.242, 243, 250, 281, 288; 6.109, 110,
112, 128, 194. 202, 216, 210; 725, 264, 280,
283,289.382;9.280,290,292,299.303,304,
305, 314, 316, 323, 335. 342, 347> 359: 11.83;
14.421, 428, 430, 437, 598, 603, 6o6, 607, 616,
623, 631, 636, 641, 642, 647; 18.529; 20.917,
987
INDEX FONTIUM
SACRA SCRIPTURA
Ioannes
8.44: Pr.27-28
10.11: Ep.22-24
15.13: 2.50
Numeri
25.7-14: 20.738-744
2 Maccabaei
12.43-45: 16.66-67
Deuteronomia
6.5: U52
Matthaeus
6.25-28:2.161-162
7.24:2.172
22.37: 2.152
Acta
17.28: Ep.l8
Lucas
12.22-26:2.161-162
Ad Hebraeos
4.12-13: Ep.ll-13
Psalmi
144.19: 2.157-158
Proverbi
1.5: Pr.ll2-113; 20.8
8.15: Ep.32-33
13.13:2.178-179
ALII SCRIPTORES
Aelianus
Aristoteles
Tact. Theoria
Meteor. 362b17:
praef.6: 16.33-38
2.1: 1.3-25;
6.160-168
2.7: 6.190-201
2.8: 6.200-211
2.12:6.168-178
2.13:6.178-189
7.3: 14.475-477
12.1:6.218-221
14.1: 6.222-229
25-31: 7.468-494
36: 7.468-494
42: 7.468-494
Ep.257-265
Phys. 197a30: 14.157-158,
469-470
Pol. 1.6.1255b: 2.96-102
7.13.8: 20.464-467
Anon. Strat.
16.31-39: 5.12-15
Arrianus
2.7:6.178-189
3.2: 7.468-494
4:6.160-168
Demosthenes
61.20: 19.215-216
Euripides (Scholia)
Phoen. 600: 14.48-50
Ioannes de Nikiou
Chron. 9.6: 17.309-313
Isocrates
Ad Demonicum 29.3: 20.25

Leo Diaconus
3.7: 15.146-148
Liturgia sacra
Trisag. Hymn.
ll.107
Mauricius
Strategicon praef.10-35:
Pr.40-78
praef.36-69: 2.149-192
praef.65-68: 2.190-192
1.1: 7.21-53
1.2: 5.9-30; 6.1-95
1.3-5:4.61-122
1.4:4.127-136, 173-209
1.5:4.137-154
1.6-8:8.1-90
1.9: 9.14-96
670
Index Fontium
Mauricius (cont.)
1.12-34: 20.409-420
l.B.12.4: 14.148-9
2: 12.18-430
2.7:4.168-172
2.18: 14.3-7
3.5: 7.117-248
3.11-16: 12.431-582
4: 14.229-407; Ep.226-237
4.3.53: 14.293-305
5: 10.1-70; Ep.216-225
6.praef.: 18.10-93
6.1: 18.28-29
6.1.12: 20.83-86
6.2: 18.37-39
6.3: 18.45-47
7.A.praef.: 12.691-733
7.A.1: Pr.90-96
7.A.1-14: 13.1-102
7.A.7: 11.67-72
7.B.1-14: 14.8-196
7.B.6: 14.204-208
7.B.ll-12: 16.3-86
7.B.13: 11.39-66
7.B.15: 14.2ll-228
7.B.16-17: 12.583-690
7.B.17: 7.98-108
8.1.1: 20.9-29
8.1.2: 20.30-34
8.1.3: 20.35-48
8.1.4: 20.55-57
8.1.5: 3.41-42; 20.62-65
8.1.6: 20.66-68
8.1.7: 20.69-73
8.1.9: 20.58-61
8.1.10: 20.78-82
8.1.11: 20.87-90
8.1.12: 20.83-86
8.1.13: 20.91-94
8.1.14: 20.95-98
8.1.15: 20.99-102
8.1.16:20.106-108
8.1.18: 20.103-105
8.1.20: 20.ll3-120
8.1.21: 20.121-124
8.1.22: 20.130-133
8.1.23:20.125-129
8.1.24: 20.134-137
8.1.25:20.143-147
8.1.26: 20.138-142
Index Fontium
8.1.27: 20.109-112
8.1.28: 20.148-154
8.1.29:20.155-166
8.1.30:20.167-169
8.1.32:20.170-173, 194-198
8.1.33: 20.174-180
8.1.34: 20.181-185
8.1.35: 20.186-189
8.1.36: 20.199-203
8.1.37: 20.204-208
8.1.38: 20.209-216
8.1.39:20.219-223
8.1.40:20.190-193
8.1.41: 20.229-231
8.1.42: 20.232-236
8.1.43: 20.224-228
8.1.44: 20.237-247
8.2.1: 20.251-255,600-603
8.2.2: 20.256-257
8.2.3: 20.258-261
8.2.4: 20.265-268
8.2.5: 20.262-264
8.2.6: 20.272-274
8.2.7: 20.275-278
8.2.8: 20.279-280
8.2.9: 20.269-271, 285-287
8.2.ll: 20.292-296
8.2.12: 20.288-291
8.2.13: 20.297-299
8.2.14: 20.301-304
8.2.15: 20.248-250
8.2.16: 20.305-310
8.2.19: 20.3ll-313
8.2.20: 20.314-318
8.2.22: 20.319-322
8.2.23: 3.43-48;
20.323-325
8.2.24: 20.326-328
8.2.25: 20.329-334
8.2.26: 20.432-437
8.2.27: 20.438-440
8.2.28: 20.441-443
8.2.29: 20.444-449
8.2.30: 20.335-337
8.2.31: 20.450-455
8.2.32: 20.470-474
8.2.33: 20.475-482,
486-488
8.2.34: 20.483-485
8.2.36: 20.493-499
8.2.37: 20.489-492,
500-504
8.2.38: 20.456-463,
505-514
8.2.39: 20.552-555
8.2.40: 20.519-523
8.2.41: 20.524-526
8.2.42: 20.548-551
8.2.43: 20.527-531
8.2.44: 20.532-540
8.2.45: 20.544-547
8.2.46: 20.577-578
8.2.48: 20.579-581
8.2.49: 20.556-559
8.2.51: 20.564-567
8.2.52: 20.568-570
8.2.53: 20.571-576
8.2.54: 20.582-584
8.2.55: 20.585-587
8.2.56: 20.590-597
8.2.57: 20.598-600
8.2.58: 20.468-469,
ll07-ll18
8.2.60: 20.464-467
8.2.61: 20.601-604
8.2.62: 20.629-630
8.2.63: 20.626-628
8.2.64: 20.635-638
8.2.65: 20.639-641
8.2.66: 20.588-589
8.2.67: 20.642-646
8.2.68: 20.647-649
8.2.69: 20.657-661
8.2.71: 20.653-656
8.2.72: 20.650-652
8.2.73: 20.515-518
8.2.74: 20.560-563
8.2.75: 20.605-610
8.2.76: 20.6ll-616
8.2.77: 20.617-620
8.2.78: 20.621-625
8.2.79: 20.631-634
9: 17.8-570
9.2: 17.8-ll, 64-69
9.4: 9.188-254
10: 15.3-405
11: Ep.244-250
11.1: 18.ll8-132
11.2: 18.204-359
11.3: 18.360-440
11.4: 18.441-492
12.20: ll.3-9
12.B.1: 6.133-139
12.B.4: 14.147-148
12.B.4-5: 6.107-133
12.B.6: 6.142-149
12.B.7-8: 4.213-312
12.B.l1-13: 14.412-463
12.B.l1-16: 7.254-461
12.B.17-18: 14.478-532
12.B.l9-20: 9.255-371
12.B.22: 11.73-115,
143-230
Menander
Sent. 419: 14.148-149
Nicephorus Phocas
De Velit. Belli 4:
17.348-351
20: 17.370-376
Onasander
1.1-14:2.3-70
1.4: 20.35-54
1.13: 20.560-563
1.17: 20.662-667
1.17-25:2.71-113
2.1:2.114-116
2.2: 2.131-136
2.3-5: 4.19-29
3.1-5:4.30-36
3.3: 20.759-763
3.4: 20.966-973
3.6: 20.355-362
4.1:20.839-844
5.1: 20.251-255
6.1-8:9.130-182
6.10:9.3-8
6.11-13: 9.97-1ll
6.13: 9. 9-13
6.14:9.115-118
7.1-2:9.119-129
8-9: 11.10-27
9.2: 7.8-20
10.1: 7.8-20, 54-97
10.1-6:7.54-97
10.12: 20.109-112
23.1: 20.83-86
24:4.155-167
28: 14.675-680
33:20.761-765
34: 20.968-75
34-37: 16.3-86
36.6: 16.84-86
40-41: 15.9-26
Plutarchus
Apophthegm. Lac. 210E:
20.216-218
Lys. 5: 20.798-803
Mar. 3:20.216-218
3.187.3: 2.220-221
Polyaenus
1.29.1: 17.42-63
2.13: 20.87-90
2.10.5: 20.798-803
2.20: 20.804-807
3.9.17:20.138-142
3.9.22: 20.787-791
3.9.35: 20.248-250,
269-271
3.9.36: 20.1007-1013
3.9.61: 17.42-63
3.10.2: 20.774-778,
1018-1023
3.13.1: 17.517-544
4.3.3: 20.9-25
8.16.1-2: 20.395-409
671
Polybius
Hist. 10.32.11-12:
20.138-142
Skylitzes
Basil.Mak. 37-38:
15.201-202
Leon.Phil. 12: 18.210-221
Suidae Lexicon
n 3033: Ep.290-298
A 3745: Ep.290-298
r 131: Ep.290-298
Sylloge tacticorum
1.1: 2.226
83.2: 17.517-455
99.1: 20.837
Theognis
Eleg. 1.949: 2.220-221
2.1278c: 2.220-221
Theophanes Cont.
438.13-14: 15.146-148
Theophylactus Simocatta
Hist. 6.5: 17.75-78
Thucydides
7.61: 14.101-103
General Index
GENERAL INDEX
Most entries refer to constitution (in boldface), then section.

Italic numerals refer to pages.
Abulfer (Apoulfer, emir of Saracens), u21,

1765
acrostic, 201n
action
damages from, 314
deliberations about, 314; 2094
fear prohibiting, 316
Adana, 18119, 132
advance preparation for battle, 121-109;
20122-126; Ep22-23
naval warfare, 192-24, 35, 41-43, 75-77, 81
siege warfare, 151-18, 41-64; 1767
surprise attacks, 1727, 38, 50-52, 59,
62-69; 18102; 2032
See also planning/deliberations; training/
drilling
advisors. See planning/deliberations
adzes,54;623;195
Aegean Sea, 1926n
Aelian, ix; Pr6n; 625; 767-68; 653
age, 29; 442. See also youth
agriculture, 20209
akrobolistai, 627-28; 740. See also archers
alakation/alakatia, 56; 623; 1474; 1526; 649
alarm, sounding, 969
Alexander the Great, 630; 201n, 88; 653
allied forces, 2062, 89, 162, 212
ambassadors, 175; 2033, 219
ambushers (ambush troops), 429; 1225, 28, 33
ambushes/ambuscades, 472n
avoiding,1242;144-5,62;2025
by Franks and Lombards, 1891
during marches, 929, 38, 59
in narrow passages, 18128
in naval warfare, 1953-56
preparation for, 1277-79, 104; 1435-55;

20185
training for, 729, 43
See also surprise attacks; traps
ancestry
deeds vs., 215-16; 20116
of generals, 215-17; 20116
animals
marches and, 919
poisonous, as weapons, 196o
provisions for, n10
reporting stray, 89
Saracens', 18106-107, 134
surprise attacks and, 176
See also specific animals
antikensores, 425; 20174; 649. See also
surveyors
Apoulfer. See Aboulfer
Arabia, 18104, 104n
Arabs. See Saracens
Aratos, Ep67
archers
during battle, 1231, 40; 146o; 1833, 35
for camps, n14
importance of, 65-6; n41; 1822-23;
20115
placement, 741
role of, 470; 722; 972; 1220
for surprise attacks, 175
architectonics, Ep59-6o, 67
arithmos/arithmoi, 411, 56; 649
armaments
ancients on, 620-35
assessment and purchase of, 619; Eps6
for battle lines, 1236
for cavalry, 61-19, 25-28

craftsmanship, Ep54, 66
of files, 1294
handsome, impacts of, 63
for hoplites, 620-21, 30, 33-34
for infantry, 61-35; 146o, 86-92;
20183, 205
Macedonian, 630, 32
out of use, 17
Saracens', 18109
shiny, 1434, 98; 157; 20168, 188
training with, Ep55
winter quarters and, 61, 19; n41
See also armor, body; weapons; specific
weapons
armor, body, 53
cases for, 53; 62, 18
chain mail, 53; 62
for horses, 53; 68
for infantry, 621
mantles over, 613
materials for, 53
quilting as, 53; 68
army size
ancients on, 463
estimation of, 450; 96; 1234, 58; 146;
1770-75, 85; 2099
file position and, 435, 48
formations and, 18147-149; 2099
increasing, 20162
large army division, 121-23, 29; 18149;
20193
medium army division, 1224
sedition and large army, 93
small armies, number of men in, 18147
small armies, strategies of, 1227; 2096,
138, 154, 162, 193
tagma size and, 443, 50-51, 64
Arrian, Pr6n; 767; 653
arrow makers, 452
arrows, 52-3
extra, 617, 23
fire-bearing, 1526
flies, 196o
guides, 53, 3n
poisoned, 18100, 129
quivers and, 53; 62, 5, 22
artillery crews, 56; 623
Asclepiodotus, 653
assault troops (promachoi/promachos/
proklastai)
673
in formations, 187-10, 142, 149

organization of, 1220, 28, 33, So
role of, 422; 1261
during training, 723-24, 27, 30-33
See also koursores
astrology, Ep6I, 6111, 67n
astronomy, Ep61, 6In, 67, 67n
attacks/charges
frontal, 1226
launching, 1410, 47-48; 20102, 188
during marches, 928-41, 46, 48-50, 59,
66-69
from rear, 1222, 26, 67, 73; 1478
See also surprise attacks
avarice, 21, 8
avengers. See defenders
awls, 53; 62
axes, 52, 4
for cavalry, 628
double-bladed, 52; 611, 21
for infantry, 611, 14, 21-23
baggage train, 101-17
assignment to, 615
camps and, 105, 8, 12-13; 1135, 38
children and relatives with, 101
defined, 431
equipment with, on day of battle, 109-11
extra weapons in, 617
grooms with, 101, 3-5
horses with, 104, 6-9, 11, 13
location of, 438; 12102; 1413, 73; 1826
during marches, 910, 37, 45, 56, 58;
1015-16; 12102
officers in charge of, 454; 1010, 16
pack animals in, 431
servants with, 431; 101, 3-5
surprise attacks and, 1747-48, 51
See also karagos/karagoi; pack animals;
supplies; wagons
baldrics, 62
ballistai, 623, 23n; 1474; 649
bandon/banda, 649. See also tagma/tagmata
baptism, 1893, 95, 95n
Basil I, ix; 914; 1822n, 95, 133n; 2o214n; 653
battle
beginning/moment of, 1251-57, 61, 83
communications during, 1253-72, 74-83,
86-89,91
day before, 131-18; 1827
day of, 109-11; 141-101; 1832; 20149
674
General Index
battle (cont.)
defined, 166
desertion during, 129; 1425
hunting and, 1259, 107; 1422; 165
location of, 1310; 144, 6, 9, 28, 34, 77, 92;
1831, 34; 2056, 64, 189
in narrow passages, 2064
plundering/pillaging after, 12101; 1315;
164; 1733; 20104, 191
reconnoitering area before, 1285;
1424-29
speeches before, 134; 1924, 35
taking stand vs. fleeing, 20190
times for, favorable, 12103; 1827; 2031;
Ep47, so
times for, unfavorable, 1314; 1827
wagons during, 1462-63, 73-78
See also advance preparation for battle;
attacks/charges; close combat; defeat;
retreat; victory/success; war; specific
groups/individuals
battle formations. See formations
battle lines
abandonment and running away from,
20142
ancients on, 459-63; 1486-89
armaments for, 1236
depth/thickness of, 46; 1223, 30, 32, 34;
1459,61,66,94-95
distance between, 1493
division of army and, 435, 67, 69; 12137, 45-47; 18136-149
formation of, 966; 1285; 1465-69, 96;
2099-102, 106-107
front and tail of, 1222
giving way and wheeling, 20151
as hoplites, 1486
horns, 18136
large army division, 121-23, 29; 18149
left horn and tail of, 1486
marching in front of, 1472
of mixed army, as trunk of body, 20193
mouth and eye of, 1465
opening/extending, 763
positioning of, Ep51
punishment for breaking ranks, 820-21
right horn and head of, 1486
single, advantages/disadvantages of,
127-11
skribones following behind, 417
See also file(s); formations; phalanx
General Index
belts, 62
besieging a city. See siege warfare
betrayal, 20164, 178. See also defectors;
traitors
bishops, Ep11
Black Sea, 184m; 1977n
blasphemy, 18105, 123
blessings
of priests, 20172
of standards, 131; 1924
boats, 58. See also naval warfare; ships
booty. See plundering/pillaging; rewards
Boris (Bulgarian Khan), 1842n
boukinon, ?son
bow ballistai, 56; 623
bow makers, 452
bowmen. See archers
bows, 52
extra, 617, 23
extra strings for, 62
importance of, 2081
for infantry, 62, s-6, 22
bowshot, 647
bravery. See courage/bravery
breastplates, 53; 64, 30
bribe-taking, 2083
bridges, 177, 9
bridles, 69
brothers,441;1257
buglers. See trumpeters/buglers
Bulgarians, 1122; 1840-42, 42n, 59, 73
burials, of dead soldiers, 1431; 1611; 2020, 72
Calabria, 1532, 32n; 1765, 6sn
caltrops, 455; 54; 623
during battle, 1476
camps and, 118, 13, 22, 24, 38
defined,649
in naval warfare, 1962, 65
shoes as protection from, 20147
in traps, 1441, 46
camels, 18106-107, 134
camouflage, for ships, 1910n
camps, 111-41
baggage train and, 105, 8, 12-13; 1135, 38
cavalry and, 1116, 29, 31-32
communications in, 1117-20, 23
ditches around, 1012; 112, 8
food in, 1012
gates for, 1114, 17, 40
generals in, 1116
locations for, 113-4, 12, 21, 26-27, 29-31,

33,35
marches and, 97, 52, 55, 74; 1138
moving, 1123; 1717
near water, 1129, 31, 33; 179
palisades around, 118, 22, 39
provisions and, 116, 10-12, 33
punishment and, 824
security/fortification of, 1012; 111-2, 8,
13-14, 17, 20-22, 33-40; 1412; 152-3;
1750, 86; 1825; 2027; Ep59
servants in, 1110-n; 1412
setting up, 424; 97; 1243; 1750
shapes for, 1125
siege warfare and, 152-3, 10, 23, 57-58;
2034
streets in, 1115-16
surprise attacks and, 179-17, 42, 45-46,
50-52
surveyors' role in, 424; 97
Turks', 1851
wagons and, 118, 13-14, 34-38
as winter quarters, 114-5
canopy, 1011
cantatores, 47. See also kantator/kantatores;
trumpeters/buglers
cantor, 1298
captives. See prisoners
carpenters, 623
catapults, 196o
cavalry, 17
ancients on, 462-63; 625-28
armaments for, 61-19, 25-28
camps and, 1116, 29, 31-32
commands for, 77, 17-26
division of army and, 1217-19, 28, 30,
32; 1489
formations of, 459; 78, 15-34; 1456, s8,
61-63; 1770-71; 1826; 20193
of Franks and Lombards, 1883, 87
heavy-armed vs. not heavy-armed,
625-28
in infantry battle, 1480-81; 20142
marches and, 99, 38, 45, 47, 52, 55, 58,
60-61
siege warfare and, 1537, 62
surprise attacks and, 1712, 22-25, 66
training for, 74-5, 8, 13-36, 40, 42-44
See also mixed forces
centurion, 198
centurion's pallet, 198, 8n
675
Chaldean Oracles, Ep67, 67n

chalkotouba, 621
charges. See attacks/charges
chariots, 17
chartoularios/chartoularioi, 433; 649
cheiropsella, 63, 21
children
assistance to fallen soldiers', 1432, 2072
with baggage train, 101
chiliarchs, 444. See also droungarios/
droungarioi
chiliarchy, 649
Christianity, 1816, 40, 42, 59, 74 See also God
Cilicia, 1765; 18109n, 119, 131-132; 20212
cisterns, for water, 1563-64
clans. See tribes and clans
cloaks, 1011
close combat
dangers of, 12108; 1499; 20153
double phalanx for, 757
formations for, 1828-29
in naval warfare, 1914, 20, 37, 73
weapons for, 511; 627, 34
close ranks
command for, 720-21, 53-54
open vs., 1466
clothing, 612-13, 22, 31. See also armor, body;
specific clothing
clubs and maces, 623
columns, marches in, 917, 29, 31-33, 37, 45-46
combat. See battle; close combat
commander's tent (on ship), 198n
commands
during battle, 1253, 66, 74-76, 91
for cavalry, 77, 17-26
for close ranks, 720-21, 53-54
countermarch, 1274
for double phalanx, 757, 61
for increasing/doubling file depth, 764
for infantry, 746-69
to march, 719, so-51; 1717
for opening/extending battle lines, 763
specific,722-24,55;1266
to straighten out, 752
during training, 77, 17-26, 46-69; 1259
for turning formation around, 726, 65
for turning left and right, 725, 60-62
See also communications
common good, 218; 20140, 200
communications
during battle, 1253-72, 74-83, 86-89, 91
676
General Index
communications (cont.)
in camps, 1117-20, 23
capturing spies and, 1789-90
during marches, 929, 69, 75; 1717
naval warfare and, 1944-48
through officers, 20186
during surprise attacks, 1717-20
See also commands; fires; flags; lanterns;
orders; passwords; signals; silence;
standards; streamers; symbols;
trumpeters/buglers; war cries;
watchword
conspiracy, 85
Constantine (son of Basil I), 20214n
Constantine VII (Leo's son), ix, 201n
Constantinople, x; 1524n; 1926n
countermarch
command, 1274
Laconian, 769, 69n
counts
assigned to tagmata, 443
defined, 649
in formations, 18141
of general's tent, 432
ranking of, 46
role of, 412
courage/bravery
anxiety vs., 941
arousing, 212
cowardice vs., 2030, 78, 191
decline in, Prs
as desired quality, 111; 41, 3, 35, 44, 71;
1232; 1499; 156; 1820, 142; 205152, ss, 57
in naval warfare, 1920-21, 24, 35, 38, So
rewards for, 163-5, 10; Ep41
test of, 2076
training and, 736
cowardice, Prs; 1791
courage/bravery vs., 2030, 78, 191
discerning, 20165-166
in naval warfare, 1920, 40
Saracens', 18112
cranes (weapons), 1967
crescent formation, 1267; 1950; 20184, 201;
649
Crete, 1942n
cuirasses, 630
customary gratuities, 1919
cymbals, 18106, 134
Cyprus, 20212
General Index
daggers,52;62,30
Dain, Alphonse, x
daktylos/daktyloi, 647
dancing, 1120, 20n
Danube (Ister), 1840, 75, 93
dead soldiers
burials of, 1431; 1611; 2020, 72
hiding numbers from army, 20158
deception, 2019-24, 51, 53; Ep46
by concealing army size, 2099
with defectors, 2015
by dressing like local inhabitants, 20144
by pretending opposite of what is
expected, 20123-124
prisoners and, 2022-23
with shiny armaments, 20168
traitors and, 2035
decision-making skills, 226; 209, 88
deeds, ancestry vs., 215-16; 20116
defeat, 1415-20; 1612-14. See also second
fortune
defectors, 1732, 75; 2015, 29, 38
defenders (avengers/ekdikoi)
defined, 649
in formations, 187-10, 142
role of, 423; 1220, 28, 61
during training, 723-24, 31-32
defiles. See narrow passages/defiles
dekarchies, 42-3, 35; 650
dekarchs
assignment to, 474
file position of, 46, 14; 18142
qualities of, 435
ranking of, 46
second, 473
deliberations. See planning/deliberations
Demetrios Laskaris Leontares, x
deputies (medical corpsmen), 47; 1237-39,
96; 650. See also skribones
desertion
during battle, 129; 1425
by enemy, 135; 1425; 1732; 2044
preventing, 72o; 1550; 20152
punishment for, 86-7
Turks and, 1864-65
See also defectors
desperation, 1719; 2028, 146
devil, Pr4
discipline, Prs, 8; 1818; 205, 55, 211
disease/pestilence, 96; 113, 4, 28; 20213
dissension, sowing, 2022
ditches (fossae)
for ambushes, 1439
around camps, 1012; 112, 8
See also palisades
divine justice, 2058
division of army, 41-76
ancients on, 459-63, 76; 1486-89
battle lines and, 435, 67, 69; 121-37,
45-47; 18136-149
cavalry and, 1217-19, 28, 30, 32; 1489
into dekarchies, 42-3
formations and, 459-63; Ep48
large army division, 121-23, 29;
18149
medium army division, 1224
during mustering, 94
personnel ranking in, 46-76
relatives and friends in, 441; 20160
siege warfare and, 1514-19
into squads, 42; 132
for surprise attacks, 1739-41
into tagmata, 42-3
tetrarchs in, 46, 15
into units, 434, 6o, 65, 67
See also specific groups/individuals

divisions, xiv, 445-46
first in command of, 456
during marches, 957, 66, 69
doctors, 17. See also deputies
domestic, 432; 6so
dreams, 20149, 179, 213
drilling. See training/drilling
drills (tools), 195
dromons, 191; 6so
benches and oarsmen for, 198
equipment of, 194-13, 75-77
See also naval warfare
droungarios/droungarioi
defined, 411, 44; 6so
during marches, 911
position of, 411
ranking of, 46
droungos/droungoi
defined, 6so
in division of army, 411, 45
during marches, 96
number of men in, 447, 49
officers in, 43
training for, 732
677
drums
Saracens' use of, 18106, 134
for test of bravery, 2076
dust
in face of enemy, 20108
as warning of enemy approach, 939
earthquakes, Ep61
Egypt, 18104; 20212
ekdikoi, 723. See also defenders
elephants, 17
emperors, Ep7
concern for subjects, Pr2, 2n; 1535
generals appointed by, 110; 48
as supreme general, Pr6n
enemy
assessment of, 12106; 133; 1417, 25,
98; 1769-79, ss; 1975-n. 81; 2o68,
98-99, 105, 109, 177; Ep19, 21, 36
breaking agreements with, 2039
deception of, 2015, 19-24, 35, 51, 53, 99,
123-124, 144, 168; Ep46
desertion by, 135; 1425; 1732; 2044
different modes of operation against,
2012
formations secret from, 728-29; 1411
pursuit of, 12104; 147; 1838, 57-58;
2025,59,180,202
strength of, Pr9; 922; 1218; 1731,
74-75; 2098
See also hostile territory; prisoners; spies
entrenchments, 111, 39. See also camps
envoys. See ambassadors
epigram, 2om
epistates/epistatai, 6so. See also sekoundoi/
sekoundos
equipment. See baggage train
Ethiopians, 18109, 109n, 129
Euxine Sea, 1977
excavation, in siege warfare, 1528
excrement, time determined from, 1785
exercises. See training/drilling
exhortation. See speeches
expenses, Ep3o, 56, 64
face-to-face battle (one on two fronts), 78
family. See ancestry
farmers, 41; 916-18; 119; 20209
fatherland, love of, 1816-17, 19
fathers, generals as, 21, 11
favorable wind, 1924, 31
678
General Index
fear
impacts ot; 3'~16; 1791; 18112; 2076
siege warfare and, 155, 9, 15, 20-21, 38
See also cowardice
field guides
position of, 1459, 72
during training, 738, 38n, 39, 50
See also kampidouktor
fighting units, 17
fighting while fleeing (maneuver), 1415; 20201
file(s), 472
armaments of, 1294
depth/thickness of, 472, 76; 764; 1469;
18143-144
formation of, 439, 66, 71-76; 18143-145
number in tagmata, 458
See also lochos; squads
file closers, 753, 65, 69; 1470
file position
army size and, 435, 48
ofdekarchs,46,14;18142
qualities of men and, 436
of tetrarchs, 415
files (tools), 53; 62
fire-bearing arrows, 1526
fires
burning down estates, 20161
for distraction, 1121; 2021, 44
naval warfare and (prepared fire), 196,
6n, 33, 51, 57, 59, 63-67; 20212
pitch and, 1543-44; 1967
pointing to location of enemy, 939
siege warfare and, 1526, 44, 57; 2044
wind and, 1526; 20146
See also Greek fire
flags, 54
colors of, 616; 1947, 47n
red, 1947
See also bandon/banda; pennants;
standards
flank guards
defined, 650
in formations, 1812-13, 30, 136, 142
role of, 427; 1221, 28, 45, 63
during training, 725, 29, 34
flies (arrows), 196o
flint and tinder, 53
fodder/forage
availability of, 98; 109, 13; 1110-u
burning, 1014
gathering, 1317; 1414
food (rations)
General Index
banquets after war/battle, 1610; 1979;
20191
during battle, 12100; 138, 12
in camps, 1012
importance of, 712
in saddlebags, 610
of Slavs, 1899
transportation of, 623-24
See also provisions
foot, 647
foot coverings, 53. See also shoes
forage. See fodder/forage
foreign peoples
formations of, 181-150
in own army, keeping them away from
battle, 1290; 136
fortune, 2010
reversals of, 1936
See also second fortune
fossae, u8. See also ditches
foulkon, 748, 54; 650
Franks, 1874, 74n, 76-92
freedom
fighting for, 1257; 1824
value of, 1876, 82
friends
in division of army, 441; 20160
relationship with/avenging, 1539; 1879;
20207
frugality and unpretentiousness, 21, 5
fugitives, rewards for, 1792
furloughs, 84, 15
See also specific peoples

foretelling future, 20141. See also prophecies
formations, 181-150
army size and, 18147-149; 2099
of cavalry, 459; 78, 15-34; 1456, 58,
61-63; 1770-71; 1826; 20193
changes in, 2065
for changing locations, 1420
for close combat, 1828-29
crescent,1267;1950;2o184,201;649
encircling, 448; 725, 33-34, 6o; 931,
67; 128, 11, 21, 26, 68; 1494-96; 186,
136,148
of files, 439, 66, 71-76; 18143-145
for infantry, 746-69; 1459-96; 177274; 20193
irregular, 724, 27, 29, 34; 962-63;
1453-55; 1853-56, 142
mixed forces and, 1458, 77, 85; 1872;
2075, 193, 206
for naval warfare, 1930, 33-34, 40, 49-58,
78; 20201
number of men in, 18139
retreat and, 18137
secrecy from enemy, 728-29; 1411
semicircular, 1950
shields in, 754
suggestions for, 18136-150
training and, 77-10, 15-34, 46-69; 1456l
182-5, 11-14
types of, 186-10, 26-28; 20182; Ep48
wagons and, 1136-38
See also battle lines; commands; marche~;
phalanx; row depth; specific groups!
individuals
fornication, 20148, 213
galleys (ships), 1910, 10n, 81; 650

garrison duty, 84; 2030
gates
for camps, 1114, 17, 40
siege warfare and, 154, 49; 2028, 34
gauntlets, 53; 63, 21, 30
generals, 18-13
age of, 29
ancestry of, 215-17; 20116
appointed by emperor, 110; 48
avarice and, 21, 8
during battle, position of, 1252, 71, 105;
143,86
in camps, 1116
confidence of, 142; 20181
decision-making skills of, 226; 209, 88
deliberations between officers and, 44
enterprises for, 20209
entourage of, 432
as examples/role models, 202, 131, 135, 181
as fathers, 21, 11
goals of, 112-13
greatest failing in, 20106
as hard workers, 21, 6; 202
importance of, Pr9
intelligence of, 21, 7, 9; 20110, 117, 121;
Ep49
leadership of, 1423, 33
as lieutenant generals, Pr6n; 48
during marches, 910, 14-15
naval warfare, role in, 1950, 74; Ep45
noble soul of, 21, 14
as physician, 20213
protection of, 2036, 153, 193; Ep34
679
punishments and, 228; 204, 6

qualities of, 18-13; 21-34; 45; 1499100; 152, 6; 1982; 202-7, 137, 210-211;
Ep22, 29, 38-43
ranking of, 46, 8
relationship with God, 218, 21-24, 32, 34;
1982; 2047; Ep2-17, 73
relationship with other people, 210, 19,
27; 45; 1617; 205, 111, 215
reputation of, 213, 16; 2095, 97, 111
respect and love for, 210, 13, 19
self-control of, 21, 3, 18; 20118, 148; Ep39
ships/naval personnel for, 1942-43
speeches by, 21, 12; 14101; 1924, 35;
2074, 110, 165, 181, 217-218; Ep4o, 52
supreme, emperor as, Pr6n
during surprise attacks, 1726, 39, 62
in themes, role of, 110, 12; 48
as vipers, 20159
wealthy vs. poor, 214, 16-17
See also strategos/strategoi
gifts/honors, 1919, 79, 82; 2085. See also
customary gratuities; rewards
goatskin matting, 55
God
as ally, 2077
generals' relationship with, 218, 21-24,
32, 34; 1982; 2047; Ep2-17, 73
giving thanks to, 162; 20221
influence of, 1496, 98, 101; 1531; 161516; 1819, 127; 1958; 20149, 169-170
Saracens on, 18105, 112
speeches about, 1257
temples of, 2070
gold, as bait, 2036
greaves, 64, 21, 30
greed, 91; 2083. See also avarice
Greek customs, adoption of, 1895, 95n
Greek fire, 196, 6n; 6so. See also fires
grooms, 101, 3-5
group leader. See leader, group; lochagos/
lochagoi
guards, 435. See also flank guards; rear
guards; tetrarchs
guides. See kampidouktor
hair, length of, 622
halt. See stop/halt
hammers, 55
hand mills, 55; 623
hand-to-hand combat. See close combat
harbor at sea, 20196
68o
General Index
General Index
hardtack, 623; 1012; 1210o; 650

hatchets, 54; 623
heads of households, 41
hekatontarchs, 413, 35; 650. See also kentarchs
helmets, 53; 62, 21, 30
plumes on, 62, 21
hemp, 195, 65
Herakleios, 1712
heralds
defined, 650
role of, 418, 52; 1256-57, 8s; 1459
in tagmata, 47, 37, 52
during training, 716-17, 37-39
hippakontistai, 628
hippotoxotai, 628
hobbles, 53; 610; 1137
honors and prizes. See gifts/honors; rewards
hoplites (skoutatos/skoutatoi), 458, 59
armaments for, 620-21, 30, 33-34
defined, 650
entire battle line as, 1486
horns, 18136
left horn and tail, 1486
right horn and head, 1486
horsebreakers, 1442-43
horses
armaments for, 68-10
with baggage train, 104, 6-9, 11, 13
body armor for, 53; 68
provisions for, 1311, 16-17; 1414; 1752, 54
rescue, 1239
role of, 56
Saracens', 18129, 129n
ships for transporting, 59; 1911, 13
spare/reserve, 106, 11
special mark on, 456
tassels on, 610
training for loud noises, 18134
Turks and, 1848-51, 55, 60-62, 72
See also cavalry; pack animals
horseshoes and nails, 53
hospitality, toward strangers, 1896, 96n
hostile territory
aggressive fighting in, 2045
encampment in, 112-3
marchesthrough,922-25,27,42-43,56
naval warfare and, 1933, 40
ravaging/ruining, 922, so; 113, 21
supplies from, 923-24
surprise attacks in, 178, 27-56
human nature, Ep72
Hungarians, 1438n; 1838n

Huns, 1861n
hunting
battle and, 1259, 107; 1422; 165
during marches, in time of peace, 920
hypostrategos/hypostrategoi, 1219; 650
for infantry, 67, 22

in wooded territory, 971, 73
jealousy, 1539; Ep43
john Lydos, Ep67, 67n
justice, 20169
divine, 2058
idleness, 72; 94; us; 2046, 52, 61, 175

imperial fleet, 1926-27, 26n, 42n
infantry, 17
armaments for, 61-35; 146o, 86-92;
20183, 205
cavalry in battle with, 1480-81; 20142
commands for, 746-69
formations for, 746-69; 1459-96;
1772-74; 20193
noncombatants in, 17
qualities of, 2049, 134
reserve soldiers in, 468
row depth of, 476
training for, 71-3, 6-70
See also mixed forces; specific groups!
kalpa (measured gait), 722

kamelavkion/kamelavkia, 1947, 47n; 650
kampidouktor, 738n, 39; 650. See also field
guides
kantator/kantatores, 651. See also trumpeters/
buglers
karagos/karagoi, 454-55; 1139; 651. See also
wagons
kentarchs (hekatontarch), 46, 13
Khan of the Avars, 1712
Kibyrraiotai fleet, 18132, 132n; 1926n
kleisoura/kleisourai, 927; 651
klibania, 64; 651
knives, 62, 30
kontubernion, 651
koumbarion/koumbaria, 18131; 1977; 651
koursores, 651
Kurds, 1822, 22n
individuals
infantry, heavy
ancients on, 459; 620-21
armaments for, 620-21, 34; 1486, 91;
20183
during battle, 1459-60, 69, 75, 78
during marches, 956-58, 67-69
stature of, 475
tagmata of, 458
training for, 73, 40, 55, 6o
See also hoplites
infantry, light
armaments for, 620, 22, 31; 1487; 20183
during battle, 1459-60
during marches, 956, 58-65, 67
position of, 461
during surprise attacks, 1740, 45
training for, 73, 40, 55
injuries
preventing, 915, 28; 1113
restitution for, 810, 13-14
intelligence, 1778
of generals, 21, 7, 9; 20110, 117, 121;
Ep49
janus Laskaris, x
javelins
for camps, 1114
for cavalry, 628
Lacedemonian soldier, 2040

Lacon ian countermarch, 769, 69n
ladders, 57
siege warfare and, 1519-20, 26-27, 46
lakes, 58
Lami,j.,xiii
lancers, 1231; 1826, 28, 35
lances, 54
for cavalry/infantry, 63, 6, 21, 32
golden vs. iron, 20116
pennons on, 62; 1240-41, 81, 95
See also spears
languages, 452; 1521
lanterns, 20145
lasso with thong, 53; 610
laughter, 20198
leader, group (primos/protostates), 472n
assignment of, 473-74
position of, 419; 18143
role of, 471
during training, 737
Leo VI, Emperor, ix
other treatises, Pr6, 9; 233
in Theodosioupoulis, 18134n
letters, 2023, 29
681
lieutenant generals, Pr6n; 49

generals as, Pr6n; 48
as second meros, 445
See also hypostrategos/hypostrategoi;
merarchs
lime, unslaked, 1961
liter, 647
lochagos/lochagoi, 472n; 651
lochos, 472, 72n; 651
logistics, Ep57, 64, 66
Lombards, 1532; 1874, 74n, 76-92
lost, avoiding getting, 1735
lost and found
duties, 453
reporting objects, 89
Lusius (Roman general), 172n
Macedon ian armaments, 630, 32
Macedonian phalanx, 634, 34n
maces and clubs, 623
Magyars,1438n;1838n;652
manganika, Ep6o
manikellia, 621
mantles, 613
manuscripts
Ambrosianus B 119 sup. (139) (A), xi-xiii
Barberinianus graecus II 97 (276) (B), xii
Mediceo-Laurentianus graecus (M), x-xiii
Monacensis graecus 244, xiii
Neapolitanus graecus 284 (N), xii
Parisinus graecus 2442 (P), xii
Scorialensis graecus Y-III-11 (E), xii-xiii
Vatican us graecus 1164 (V), xii
Vindobonensis phil. graecus 275 (W),
x-xi,xiii
maps, 644-645
marches, 91-76
ambushes during, 929, 38, 59
animals and, 919
antikensores' role in, 425
attacks during, 928-41, 46, 48-so, 66-69
baggage train during, 910, 37, 45, 56, 58;
1015-16; 12102
camps and, 97, 52, 55, 74; 1138
cavalry and, 99, 38, 45, 47, 52, 55, 58,
60-61
in columns, 917, 29, 31-33, 37, 45-46
command to march, 719, 50-51; 1717
communication during, 929, 69, 75;
1717
682
General Index
marches (cont.)
conserving water and, 20197
across cultivated lands, 916-18
during day vs. night, 939-40
disturbance during, 1755
divisions during, 957, 66, 69
in formation, 95, 11, 15, 29-37, 45-48, 57,
65-70; 1244i 1718; 20173
through hostile territory, 922-25, 27,
42-43> 56
hunting during, in time of peace, 920
Laconian, 769, 69n
for long distances, 1471, 82
through narrow passages/defiles, 92728, 36, 42-46, 49, 51, 56, 65, 70; 1758;
20203
through own country, 921, 24, 26
plundering and, 925, 45-46, 48-49
preparation for, 2041
prisoners and, 948, 50
in relaxed and leisurely manner, 941
resting during, 1471, 82
in rough terrain, 99
scouts/scouting during, 961
shoes for, 622
surprise attacks and, 175, 17-18, 38, 5758
wagons during, 953, 56
through wooded territory, 944-45, 61,
70,73
See also formations; specific groups!
individuals
Marianos Argyris, 1524n
Maurice, ix
measurements, 647
mechanics, Ep6o
medical attendants/doctors, 47. See also
deputies; skribones
medicine, Ep63
menaulon/menaula, 627, 27n, 651
merarchs (lieutenant generals), Pr6n; 49
ranking of, 46
role of, 445, 67
See also meros
merchants, 17; 619; 117
meros
defined, 411; 651, 652
role of, 445; 1465
tourmarchs in command of, 410
General Index
metal workers, 56; 623
Meurs, Joannes, xiii
Migne, J.-P., xiii
mile (milestone), 647
minsoratores, 649. See also surveyors
missiles, 628, 31; 1491; 1551
mixed forces
baggage train with, 1017
battle line as trunk of body, 20193
formations and, 1458, 77, 85; 1872;
2075> 193 206
moderation, 2092-93, 211; Ep43
moira/moirai
defined, 411; 651
in division of army, 445
in formations, 187-9
moirarchs, 444
money, 20150. See also avarice; expenses;
greed; nomisma/nomismata
monks, Ep9-10
monoremes (ships), 1910, 82
monoxyla (boats), 177
moon. See stars and moon
morale
boosting, 1313; 2016, 69
impacts on, 218; 1414-18, 31, 33; 1823;
2019-20
movements in warfare, 11
moving camps, 1123; 1717
Muhammad, 18104
Muslims, 18104n, 109n. See also Saracens
mustering
division of army during, 94
punishment during, 826
registering servants and weapons during,
615
mutiny, 85
narrow passages/defiles
ambushes in, 18128
battle in, 2064
marches through, 927-28, 36, 42-46, 49,
51,56,65,70;1758;2o2o3
naval warfare, 17; 191-83
ambushes in, 1953-56
ancients on, 1947, 59, 71-72
close combat in, 1914, 20, 37, 73
communications and, 1944-48
courage/bravery in, 1920-21, 24, 35, 38, 80
cowardice in, 1920, 40
in Cyprus, 20212
dropping anchor and, 198, 30-32

fire and, 196, 6n, 33, 51, 57, 59, 63-67;
20212
formations for, 1930, 33-34, 40, 49-58,
78; 20201
general's role in, 1950, 74; Ep45
gifts/honors in, 1919, 79, 82
harbor at sea for, 20196
hostile territory and, 1933, 40
officers and, 198, 24-27, 41-43
personnel for, 198-9, 12, 14, 19-21,
38-40,42-43.73.80
preparations for, 192-24, 35, 41-43,
75-n. 81
retreat in, 1954-56, 78
Saracens and, 18116, 131-133, 132n-133n;
1910n, 16, 77
scouting and, 1910n, 33, 82
ships for, 59; 191
ships/naval personnel for general,
1942-43
standards for, 1924, 44, 46-47, 47n
strength and, 1917
surprise attacks with, 20139
training for, 1929-30
weapons for, 196-7, 6n, 14-16, 59-67,
69,73
weather and, 191, 30-31
See also dromons; ships
neck pieces, 53
night
marches during day vs., 939-40
patrols at, 1430
planning/deliberations at, 207, 94
Saracens' fear of battle during, 18112
siege warfare during, 154-5, 15-16, 25,
36, 53. 59
surprise attacks at, 175, 10-16, 25, 29, 76;
20147
Nikephoros Phokas, n21, 2m; 1532, 32n; 653
in Calabria, 1532, 32n; 1765, 65n
nomisma/nomismata, 815, 26; 1237; 651
noncombatants, 17. See also doctors;
merchants; slaves
Northern Scythians, 1977, 77n
Northern tribes, 1438, 38n
nourishment. See food
oarsmen, 198
officers, xiv
appointment of, 110; 28; 41-76; 18146
683
baggage train and, 454; 1010, 16

communications through, 20186
deliberations between generals and, 44
fallen, during battle, 1250
naval warfare and, 198, 24-27, 41-43
position of, during battle, 1251, 84
punishments and, 82, 3, 12, 26
qualities of, 41; 20127-128, 208
wealthy, 43
See also specific titles
omens, 2014, 156, 198
Onasander, ix; Pr6n; 1498; 653
orders
disobeying, punishments for, 88; 1790;
20176
in writing, 128o
orguia, 1770; 647
ouragos/ouragoi, 46, 21; 651. See also tetrarchs
Ouranos, Nikephoros, xiii, 1942n
outflankers
defined, 651
in formations, 1812-13, 30, 136, 142
role of, 428; 1221, 28, 64, 68-70
during training, 725, 29, 34
oxen,456;1137;1474
pack animals
assignment to, 438; 615
in baggage train, 431
riding, impression oflarge army by, 20154
role of, s6; 624
Palestine, 18104, 126
palisades, around camps, n8, 22, 39. See also
ditches
palmata, 1285
pamphylian (ship), 1942, 42n
parakontakiou training model, 75
passwords, 1790; 20216; Ep37
Patrologia graeca, xiii
patrols, 1426-30; 1553. See also scouts/
scouting
pay distribution, 615
peace
carelessness during, 2037
hunting during marches in time of,
920
negotiations, 20112
war vs., Pr4; 230; 2090
See also truce/treaty
pechys/pecheis, 647
684
General Index
pelta/peltai, 620, 32; 651

peltastai/peltasts, 52; 629, 32
pennants, 54; 18107
pennons, on lances, 62; 1240-41, 81, 95
pentarchs, 46; 651
Persian tribes, 1821, 37, 104, 135
pestilence. See disease/pestilence
phalanx
defined, 651
double, 757-59, 61; 965; 1476
Macedon ian, 634, 34n
navel and mouth of, 1486
perfect, 1486
training for, 78, 57-59, 61
pharia (Arabian horses), 18129, 129n
philoxenia, 1896n
Phinees, 20148
picks, ss; 623
pikes, 632
pillaging. See plundering/pillaging
pilots, for dromons, 198
pitch, 195
fire and, 1543-44; 1967
for sealing cisterns, 1564
pits, as traps, 1442-43
planning/deliberations, Ep26
about action, 314; 2094
betrayal and, 20164, 178
considering all possibilities in, 34;
20126
importance of, 31-17; 123-5; 1818;
2011, IJO, 132; EpJJ, 35
for naval warfare, 1941-43
at night, 207, 94
with other people, 31, 4-7, 9-11; 44;
139; 1617; 1941; 2o6s-66; Ep32-33
secrecy and, 37; 1971; 208, 133, 178
See also strategy
plumes, on helmets, 62, 21
plundering/pillaging, n21; Ep46
after battle/war, 12101; 1315; 164; 1733;
20104, 191
marches and, 925, 45-46, 48-49
surprise attacks and, 1725, 27, 33-34,
36-37, 39-40, 42, 53, 6o, 65
podopsella, 64, 21
poisoned arrows, 18100, 129
poisoned provisions, 1754
poisonous animals, as weapons, 1960
Polyaenus, Pr6n; 653
General Index
praetor, 433; 651
praise, punishments vs., 711
prayers, n9; 141; 1924; 2047, 77; Ep62
pretend withdrawal. See retreat
priests, 312; 1924; 20172; Ep62, 68
primos/primoi, (group leader)
assignment to, 474
designation of, 473
position in row/line according to depth,
419
prisoners, n21
deception and, 2022-23
exchanging, 169
humane treatment of, 1522, 31-35, 39;
1939
interrogation of, 1731, 75, 89; 2038
killing, 169
marches and, 948, so
selling, 168
Slavs on, 1897
stripping/parading, 135
surprise attacks and, 1731-32, 43, 48-49,
54,s6,So,87
testing for poisoned provisions, 1754
proklastai. See assault troops
promachos/promachoi, 1219, 32; 652. See also
assault troops; koursores
prophecies, 2o8o; Ep67, 67n
protonotary, 433; 652
protostates/protostatai, (group leader)
assignment to, 474
designation of, 473
position in row/line, 419
proverbs, 232; 201
provisions
camps and, n6, 10-12, 33
destroying, 12106; 178
for horses, 1311, 16-17; 1414; 1752, 54
poisoned, 1754
siege warfare and, 1513, 41, 52-53, 57,
63-64
storing, 137
surprise attacks and, 1728, 34, 37, 54
See also fodder/forage; food
Ptolemy, Ep67, 67n
punishments, 81-27; 2085
for breaking ranks, 820-21
camps and, 824
for causing injuries, 810, 13-14
for conspiracy or mutiny, 85
for desertion, 86-7

for disobeying orders, 88; 1790; 20176
for disorderly soldiers, 136
furloughs and, 84, 15
generals and, 228; 204, 6
for injury to taxpayer, 810, 13-14
for losing standards, 823
during mustering, 826
for not maintaining weapons, 811
officers and, 82, 3, 12, 26
for pillaging, 1753
praise vs., 711
reminders about, 1484; 1935
for sedition, 2018
for surrender, 816
for throwing away weapons, 825
during training, 711; 817
after war/battle, 164; 1979; 2018
winter quarters and, 814-15
wounded soldiers' exemption from,
822-23
quartering parties, 98, 12; 649
quilting, 53; 68
quivers, 53; 62, 5, 22
rams, in siege warfare, 1527, 42
rations. See food
readiness
for every eventuality, 512
to lay down your life, 1816
rear guards
defined, 652
during marches, 937, 58
role of, 430; 1222, 28; 1756; Ep45
red flag, 1947
relatives, 441; 20160. See also brothers;
children; fathers, generals as; sons;
wives
reputation
of generals, 213, 16; 2095, 97, 111
of scouts, 2084
respect and love, for generals, 210, 13, 19
restitution, for injuries, 810, 13-14
retreat
during battle, 129, 23
across bridges, 177
feigned, 1439-41; 175; 1837; 1954-56;
2024
formations and, 18137
in naval warfare, 1954-56, 78
685
reversals
of fortune, 1936
preparation for, 618; 122; 179
secrecy and, 2016
rewards, 212; 1257; 134; 1456; 1819
for courage/bravery, 163-5, 10; Ep41
for fugitives, 1792
after war/battle, 163-5, 8, 10; 1979;
20191-192
rhetoric. See speeches
Rhos, 1438n; 1977n
riktaria, 622
rivers
boats for crossing, 58; 177
bridges for crossing, 177, 9
diversion of, to delay battle, 20138
marches across, 912-14
training cavalry near, 715
roads
reconnoitering, 1243; 1730; 2068, 174
signs on, to avoid getting lost, 1735
Roman manner, for carrying swords, 62, 2n
Roman state
deterioration of, Pr3, 5
loyalty to, 43
row depth
of infantry, 476
position and, 419
rumors, 1417, 97, 99
dealing with, 2013
spreading,2o8,14,79
saddles, 53; 69, 10
sails, 195
saliba (dart), 73
Saracens
animals of, 18106-107, 134
cymbals and drums used by, 18106, 134
defined, 652
fear of battle during night, 18112
fighting against, 1121; 1765; 1822-24,
22n, 40; Ep71
on God, 18105, 112
horses of, 18129, 129n
naval warfare and, 18116, 131-133,
132n-133n; 191on, 16, 77
saws, ss; 623; 195
sayings, 14101; 201-221
Scipio, 208o; 653
686
General Index
General Index
scouts/scouting
during marches, 961
naval warfare and, 1910n, 33, 82
qualities of, 1777-78, 85; 2084
reclining vs. standing, sleep and, 1430;
1782-83
role ot~ 1242, 97; 133
surprise attacks and, 1750-51, 56;
1776-88
See also patrols
scythes, 54
Scythians,1438,38n;1738;1841,41n;6s2
Northern, 1977, 77n
seasons, 1827; 192; 2o6o; Ep61
second fortune (ill fortune/defeat), 137, 7n;
1866; 20125
secrecy
formations secret from enemy, 728-29;
1411
planning and, 37; 1971; 208, 133, 178
reversals and, 2016
secret attacks for boosting morale, 1313
sedition
large army and, 93
punishment for, 2018
sekoundos/sekoundoi
defined, 420
designation of, 473
during training, 757-58
self-control, 37
of generals, 21, 3, 18; 20118, 148; Ep39
servants
with baggage train, 431; 101, 3-5
in camps, 1110-11; 1412
registration and inquiry about, 615
shank, 754
shelter, 20194
shields, 52
for cavalry, 627
color of, 621
in formations, 754
for infantry, 63, 21-22, 30, 32-33; 1491;
20183
See also pelta/peltai; thyreos/thyreoi
shin guards, 630
ships, 59; 191, 82
camouflage for, 191on
capsizing, 1968
filling with water through oar holes, 1970
generals' naval personnel and, 1942-43

number/size of, 193, 12, 39, 75-77
for transporting supplies/horses, 59;
1911, 13
See also dromons; naval warfare; specific
types
shoes,622;20147
shovels, 55
sickles, 54; 614
siege warfare, 1422; 151-65
camps and, 152-3, 10, 23, 57-58; 2034
capturing people outside city, 1522
cavalry and, 1537, 62
dangers of, 1524, 24n
dissension during, 1548
division of army and, 1514-19
evacuation of useless people before, 1541
excavation in, 1528
fear and, 155, 9, 15, 20-21, 38
fires and, 1526, 44, 57; 2044
gates and, 154, 49; 2028, 34
humane treatment of prisoners and,
1522, 31-35, 39
immunity promised during, 2023
ladders and, 1519-20, 26-27, 46
machines/engines for, 57; 1519, 26-29,
41-45> 49
during night and day, 154-5, 15-16, 25,
36, 53, 59
preparation for, 151-18, 41-64; 1767
provisions and, 1513, 41, 52-53, 57,
63-64
rams in, 1527, 42
rest during, 1518
rumors and, 1554, 57
scouts/scouting and, 153, 56
signals during, 1559
surrender and, 1511-12, 20-22
traitors and, 1517, 30, 36-37, 48
trumpeters during, 1520
water and, 1552, 63-64
sigma, 20184, 184n
signals
for "Move," 718
for recall, 1414
during siege warfare, 1559
for stop/halt, 718; 1717
during training, 718, 49-50; 1288
See also communications
signs, Ep61. See also dreams; omens
silence, 717, 47; n2o; 1253-54; 1470; 1717

war cries vs., 20204
sin, Pr4; 141; 20172
siphons, 196, 6n, 51, 59, 64; 652
size, army. See army size
skoulkatores. See spies
skoutatos/skoutatoi, 652. See also hoplites
skribones, 47, 17 See also deputies
slavery, 1893
slaves, 17
Slavs, 1875, 93-101, 95n; 652
slingers, 741
slings, 53; 622, 31
sneezing, 20198
soldiers. See infantry
sons, 20214, 214n
spatharios (commander's weapon carrier),
739; 1472
spearbearers, 627
spears, 52
for cavalry, 627-28
for infantry, 630, 32-34
position of, 1459
See also menaula/menaulon
speeches
before battle, 134; 1924, 35
by generals, 21, 12; 14101; 1924, 35;
2074, uo, 165, 181, 217-218; Ep4o, 52
about God, 1257
by heralds, 1256-57
after war, 1612
spies
avoiding, 921
dealing with, 1791-92; 2087
detection/capture of, n2o; 1768, 73,
89-92; 20216
role of, 426; 178o; 18132
See also scouts/scouting
spithame/spithamai, 647
spoils. See plundering/pillaging; rewards
spurs, 64
squads (kontubernion)
agein,442
arrangement/organizing of, 440, 42, 71,
74; 1293
defined, 652
division of army into, 42, 37; 132
rest in shelter, 20194
See also file(s)
stabarosai (pointed stakes), u8
687
stadion/stadia, 647
stakes, 11 8; 1440, 42
standard-bearers
for naval warfare, 198
qualities of, 438
role of, 416, 69; 1468
in tagmata, 47, 16, 37, 51
standards
blessing and presentation of, 131; 1924
distinctiveness/recognition oL 616;
1248,s4,58,82,86,88-89;1445
guarding/defending, 1249, 97
for naval warfare, 1924, 44, 46-47, 47n
number of, 450-51; 1258, 99
position/movement of, 1265, 87; 1465
punishment for losing, 823
stars and moon, 1536; 1716; 192, 31; 20141;
Ep67
steersmen, 198
stirrups, 610
stone throwing
machines, 56; 623; 1474; 1526, 41; 649
stop/halt, signals for, 718; 1717
strategia, 458
strategos/strategoi, 652
strategy
ancients on, Ep31, 70
defined, 13; 652
importance of, Pr3, 5-6, 8; 729; 1818;
20119, 136, 153; Ep44, 69, 72
Onasander on, 1498
Scipio on, 2o8o
for surprise attacks, 1768
stratelates/stratelatai, 445, 67; 652
strator, 739; 1472
streamers, 616. See also pennons
streets, in camps, 11 15-16
strength, 29; Ep28
of enemy, Pr9; 922; 1218; 1731, 74-75;
2098
impacts on, 2017
naval warfare and, 1917
weapons matching, 52; 62
subcommanders, Pr6n
subjects
concern for, Pr2, 2n; 119; 1535
supply scarcity and relations with,
1918
688
General Index
General Index
success. See victory

sun, in face of enemy, 20108; Ep51
suppliants, 2043, 70
supplies, 431; 2067
from hostile territory, 923-24
from merchants, 619; 117
scarcity of, 1918; 202, 63
ships for transporting, 59; 19n, 13
See also food; provisions; weapons
supporttroops,1222,28;148;1547
surcoats, 53; 64, 22; 1914
surprise attacks, 171-92
ambassadors and, 175
camps and, 179-17, 42, 45-46, 50-52
cavalry and, 1712, 22-25, 66
communication during, 1717-20
division of army for, 1739-41
generals during, 1726, 39, 62
in hostile territory, 178, 27-56
impacts of, 1314; 1836
marches and, 175, 17-18, 38, 57-58
with naval warfare, 20139
at night, 175, 10-16, 25, 29, 76; 20147
plundering/pillaging and, 1725, 27,
33-34,36-3~39-40,42,53,60,65
preparation for, 1727, 38, 50-52, 59,

62-69; 18102; 2032
prisoners and, 1731-32, 43, 48-49, 54,
s6,8o,87
provisions and, 1728, 34, 37, 54
scouts and, 1750-51, 56, 76-88
strategy for, 1768
training for, 727
from two or three sides, 1719
See also ambushes/ambuscades
surrender
punishment for, 816
siege warfare and, 15n-12, 20-22
surveyors (antikensores/minsoratores), 424;
97; 1243; 1749; 20174
swords, 52
for cavalry, 628
for infantry, 62, 21
Roman manner for carrying, 62, 2n
symbols, 2078, So
Syria, 914; 18104, 109n, 126; 20212, 214n. See
also Saracens
tactics, Prr-n; 11-7
defined, 11-2; 652
handbooks of (Procheiros nomos, Sylloge

Tacticorum), Pr6, 9; 233; 1972n
neglect of, Prs
purpose/functions of, 14-6; Ep58
tagma/tagmata (banda)
army size and, 443, 50-51, 64
into chiliarchies/moirai/droungoi, 444
counts assigned to, 443
defined, 652
division of army into, 42-3
file number in, 458
of heavy infantry, 458
heralds in, 47, 37, 52
number of men in, 443, 47, 58
officers in, 43, 6
other men assigned to, 47, 52
standard-bearers in, 47, 16, 37, 51
training for, 735, 37, 39
trumpeters/buglers in, 47, 52
Tarseote, 18132
Tarsus Mountains, 1765; 18119
tassels, on horses, 610
Taurus, 18128, 131, 133
taxes, 41; 2071
taxpayers, 810, 13-14; 1918
temples, of God, 2070
tents, 58, 8n
in camps, 111, 14-16
capturing spies in, 1789
commander's (on ship), 198n
count of general's, 432
on day of battle, wn
terrain
impacts of, 2056
rough, 710, 15, 35; 99; 144
Tetrabiblos (Ptolemy), Ep67
tetrarchs (guard/ouragos), 46, 15
tetrareai (stone-throwing machines), 1526
thematic fleets, 1926, 26n, 42n
themes
defined, 652
domestic of, 432
generals' role in, 110, 12; 48
number of men in, 18146
protonotary of, 433; 652
Theodosioupolis, 18134, 134n
Thrace, 1712; 1840
throwing weapons, 67, 31. See also siphons;
stone throwing
thunder, 20156
thyreophoroi (soldiers with shields), 627

thyreos/thyreoi, 52; 621; 652. See also shields
tools, 195. See also specific tools
tortoises, in siege warfare, 1527, 43-44
touldos/touldon, 652
tourma/tourmai
defined, 651, 652
divisions as, 445-46
number of men in, 447, 49
officers in, 43
training for, 733, 39
tourmarchs, 31
during marches, 911; 1472
in naval warfare, 1926
ranking of, 46
role of, 410, 45-46, 67
standards of, 1286, 88
during surprise attacks, 1726, 39
during training, 1259-60
towers
with bridges, 177
in siege warfare, 1527, 45
toxobolistrai, 623n; 1474; Ep6o
training/drilling, 71-70
for ambushes, 729, 43
ancients on, 767-69
for cavalry, 74-5, 8, 13-36, 40, 42-44
commands during, 77, 17-26, 46-69;
1259
courage/bravery and, 736
exercises in writing, 735
formations and, 77-10, 15-34, 46-69;
1456; 182-5, 11-14
horses, for loud noises, 18134
importance of, Pr5; 71-2, 6, 12, 28, 36,
66; 18149; 2048, 129, 167, 175, 195;
Ep18
for naval warfare, 1929-30
praise during, 711
punishment during, 711; 817
in rough terrain/hills, 710, 15, 35
signals during, 718, 49-50; 1288
tourmarchs during, 1259-60
wagons during, 743
weapons for, 73-4, 10, 41, 55
weather and, 735
during winter quarters, 72
See also specific groups/individuals
689
traitors, 20164
deception and, 2035
siege warfare and, 1517, 30, 36-37, 48
See also defectors
traps
avoiding, 1426
setting, 1429, 35-55
See also ambushes/ambuscades
treaty/truce, 1615; 2097; Ep25
trenches. See ditches
tribes and clans, 1851, 64, 79, 122. See also
Northern tribes; Persian tribes
triremes, 191; 652
Trisagion hymn, 1119; 1292; 652
truce/treaty, 1615; 2097; Ep25
trumpeters/buglers
during battle, 1253, 83
in camps, 1119, 23
for discerning cowardice, 20166
during marches, 975
during naval warfare, 1945
during siege warfare, 1520
during surprise attacks, 1720
in tagmata, 47, 52
during training, 737, 40
trumpets, 54; 750, son
tuba, 750, son
tunics, length of, 622
Turks, 1438, 38n
camps and, 1851
defined, 652
desertion and, 1864-65
fighting against, 1822n, 38, 38n, 40-41
horses and, 1848-51, 55, 60-62, 72
weapons of, 1847
units, xiv
division of army into, 434, 6o, 65, 67
fighting, 17
Wri, R., xii-xiii
Vegetius, 191on
victory cry of the cross, 1255, ssn, 83
victory/success
anniversary of, 20199
of battle, 1421-23
moving in/pursuit after, 2042, 59, 202
views on, 1613-14; 1939; 2051, 79-80,
86, 92, 136-137> 143> 150
690
General Index
vigilance, 21, 4; 1430; 1933; 207, 37, 48, 145

vipers, 196o; 20159
wagons, 455; 55-6
armaments in, 623-24
during battle, 1462-63, 73-78
camps and, 118, 13-14, 34-38
formations and, 1136-38
during marches, 953, 56
See also baggage train; karagos/karagoi
war
defined, 166
estimate of, Ep2o
justifications for, 229-31; 20143, 169,
210
looking to end of course of, 20171
matters after, 161-17
origin of, Pr4
peace vs., Pr4; 230; 2090
punishments after, 164; 1979; 2018
rewards after, 163-5, 8, 10; 1979;
20191-192
skills required for, Ep53-68
speeches after, 1612
truce/treaty and, 1615
unjust, 231; Ep14, 16
See also battle
war cries, 1255, 83; 20114, 188, 204
watchwords, 929; 20163
water
availability of, 98; 109; 137, 11, 12;
1483
camps near, 1129, 31, 33; 179
cisterns for, 1563-64
conserving, marches and, 20197
filling ships with, through oar holes,
1970
siege warfare and, 1552, 63-64
stagnant, preventing, 1563
See also lakes; rivers
weapon makers, 452
weapons, 51-13
banging, 20188
cases for, 52; 62, 21-22
for close combat, 511; 627, 34
extra, 617
importance of, 2040, 113
maintenance/preparation of, 511

marches and, 956, 62, 71-73
for naval warfare, 196-7, 6n, 14-16,
59-67, 69, 73
poisonous animals as, 196o
punishment for not maintaining, 811
punishment for throwing away, 825
registration during mustering, 615
ships for transporting, 59
strength matching, 52; 62
for training, 73-4, 10
See also armaments; specific peoples!
weapons
weather
impacts of, 1827, 118-120; 20108, 115
naval warfare and, 191, 30-31
tents/shelters as protection from, 58
training and, 735
wind
in face of enemy/at your back, 20108;
Eps1
fire and, 1526; 20146
naval warfare and, 224; 192, 24, 30
wine, 1483; 1754
winter quarters
armaments and, 61, 19; 1141
camps as, 114-5
preparation in, 1141; 2073
punishments and, 814-15
training during, 72
withdrawal, pretend. See retreat
wives, 1432; 2072
women
fornication of, 20148
Slavic, strong feelings of, 1898
wooded territory, 944-45, 61, 70-71, 73
wooden castles, 197
wounded soldiers
care of, 1237, 39, 96; 1431; 20103-104
punishment exemption for, 822-23
wrestling matches, 20157
writing
orders in, 128o
training exercises in, 735
See also letters

Tactica of Emperor Leo VI The Wise

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CORPUS FONTIUM

EDIDIT, ANGLICE VERTIT, ADNOTAVIT

2010 Dumbarton Oaks

TEXT AND TRANSLATION

In accordance with the rules adopted by the

About Tactics and the General

Constitution 2: About the Qualities Required

Constitution 3: About How It Is Necessary to

Constitutions: About Weapons

Constitution 6: About Armament for the Cavalry

Constitution 7: About Training for the Cavalry

Constitution 8: About Military Punishments

Constitution 9: About Marches

Constitution 10: About the Baggage Train

Constitution 11: About Camps

About Advance Preparation for Battle

Constitution 15: About Besieging a City

Constitution 16: About Matters after the War

Constitution 17: About Surprise Attacks

Constitution 18: About the Practices of Various Peoples

Constitution 19: About Naval Warfare

Constitution 20: About Various Concise Sayings

Greek proper names

My dissertation director, Raymond-J. Loenertz, OP, once told me that, in old

Los Gatos, California

George T. Dennis, S./.

Although he probably never set foot on a battlefield, the Byzantine emperor

into a large volume of Greek military treatises, a sort of military encyclopedia,

Nl copy of M, a sort of second edition. Although mutilated in the beginning and

3. A. Martini and D. Bassi, Catalogus codicum graecorum Bibliothecae Ambrosianae

4 C. Mazzuchi, "Dagli anni di Basilio Parakimomenos (Cod. Ambros. B 119 sup.),"

27; 13 (1959): 177-209.

:o11stitution IV, as found in codex Monacensis graecus 244, were printed in

lt is clear that any scholarly edition of the Taktika must be based on M,

Aelianus' Theorie der Taktik. In Griechische Kriegsschriftsteller.

Anonymous. "Strategy." In Three Byzantine Military Treatises. Edited

Anonymous. "Campaign Organization and Tactics." In Three

Anonymous. "Skirmishing." In Three Byzantine Military Treatises.

Arriani Tactica et Mauricii Artis militaris libri duodecim. Edited by

"Tactics." In Aeneas Tacticus, Onasander, Asclepiodotus. Edited and

Constantine Porphyrogenitus. De administrando imperio. Vol. 1,

Constantine Porphyrogenitus. Three Treatises on Imperial Military

De cerimoniis aulae byzantinae. Edited by J. Reiske.

Heron of Byzantium. Two Tenth Century Instructional Manuals.

Leo the Deacon. Leon is diaconi Caloensis historiae libri decem.

Maurice. Das Strategikon des Maurikios. Edited by G. Dennis with

Nikephoros Phokas, Le traite sur Ia guerilla de Nicephore Phocas.

"The General." In Aeneas Tacticus, Onasander, Asclepiodotus. Edited

Polyaenus. Strategematon libri VIII. Edited by K. Woelfflin and

John Skylitzes. Joannis Scylitzae Synopsis historiarum. Edited by

Suidae Lexicon. Edited by A. Adler. 5 vols. Leipzig, 1928-38.

Ahrweiler, H. Byzance et Ia Mer. Paris, 1966.

"Some Reflections on Byzantine Military Theory." John K. Zeender: A Festschrift.

- - . "Theory and Practice in Tenth Century Military Administration: Chapters II, 45

For bibliographical abbreviations see above, Select Bibliography.

Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies

Corpus Fontium Historiae Byzantinae

Dumbarton Oaks Papers

Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Studies

]ahrbuch der Osterreichischen Byzantinistik

Lexikon zur byzantinischen Griizitiit

Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium

Patrologiae cursus completus, series graeca, edited by J.-P.