Possible tactic against hoplite formations?

[rotorgun]

I think that Don Esteban has a point-the only way it could work effectively is with a combined arms approach. The Hoplite formation was, operating alone, very vulnerable to missle armed troops. That it would be equally vulnerable, or maybe even more so, if those missles were incendiary is very likely. The problem would be to isolate the formations so that your attacks would be effective. Then, once the formations begin to break up, they must be charged with either light or heavy infantry, or particulary cavalry. This must take place immediately in order to take advantage of their panic and disorder.

Cavalry is especially useful in this way. It is an intersting phenomena in the nature of horses that they will usually try to head for any gaps in a crowd rather than run over other animals. Police horsemen take advantage of this nature when dealing with large crowds. First the crowd is broken up by tear gas, rubber bullets, and other non-lethal means, then the horsemen rush into the gaps and begin to use their superior moral advantage, shall we say, to further isolate individuals within the throng. The foot police then follow up and the arrests can begin. I watched an interesting program in how police horses were trained, and it works wonderfully once the animals are accustomed to all the distractions. Their inborn fear of fire would no doubt be an obstacle to overcome, but it could be done with patience.