Hammer and anvil

[Ibrahim]

well, that depends on how you define "hammer and anvil". if you go by "infantry hold while cavalry smash", then it was quite common, even near-universal: Cannae is one such battle (as well as a classic double envelopement); the infantry held (and buckeled into a cresent shape), the cavalry struck the roman rear. It's worth noting the battles in the wars of the Diadochoi; they are classic cases too+Alexander the III's battles. in other words, "hammer and anvil" is a style of warfare, not a particular tactic, and as such was quite common in the mediterranean. more knowledgeble people may know more. I'd agree with quacking duck.