Logistics

[Rex Somnorum]

Most ancient armies carried a moderate amount of supplies with them from home, but, deep into enemy territory, relied on forage after the initial cache was exhausted. Supply by land was highly inefficient and most armies procured food and water from captured sources, like cities or major farming areas. Navies, however, could easily transport sufficient quantities of supplies to forces within range of the coast or navigable rivers, and Alexander occasionally exploited the source during his campaigns. To my knowledge, Alexander garrisoned occupied settlements with the allied Greek contingents of his army, preferring to march into battle with Makedonian pike phalanxes instead of hoplites.

According to some of my research, though, land routes were a feasible source of supply based on the marching speed of an army and the quality of road connections. Roman and Persian paved roads, for instance, supported high volumes of wheeled traffic.