this post was submitted on 27 Nov 2025
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Explanation: In the armies of the mid-Republic era, the poorest soldiers who regularly accompanied the Legions were the Velites - men who could only afford a shield, a sword, and some javelins. Hoping for recognition and status from their actions, since they sure as shit weren't getting it from their vast wealth, they would wear distinguishing marks - one of which cited by ancient sources was a wolf pelt, which they have become associated with in the modern day.
In order to defeat elephants, a variety of tactics were employed, but the most effective involved pelting the big bastards with as many javelins as possible. At the Battle of Zama, Scipio Africanus had his troops funnel the elephants down empty 'channels' in the lines with a bunch of Velite javelineers waiting for them at the end of the line. Spear-throwing furries win!
I think this strategy worked so well because elephants are intelligent.
A javelin can do a lot of damage from a short distance, sure, but an elephant has a really thick skin; odds are you won't cripple the elephant, at most hurt it.
If you're dealing with a "dumb" animal, like a horse, this wouldn't be enough. The animal will still follow orders as instructed, even if it's a bit painful.
It doesn't help that descriptions of the Battle of Zama have the Romans hitting their shields to make a loud, rhythmical noise. Like they were threatening the elephants. No wonders the elephants were like, "they hurt me, and now they're threatening me? They're telling me they'll hurt me even more. Fuck this shit! Fuck all those stinky monkeys! I'm out of here". Plus as soon as some elephants start running away, others follow fashion, by herd mentality.