The Art of War: Ancient Military Institutions in Modern Times

The main takeaway is that a well-ordered Republic or Kingdom should not permit its citizens or subjects to employ the military as their profession, but to use it as an exercise in times of peace and as a necessity and for glory in times of war.

### The Art of War: Machiavelli's Discourse on the Military and Civic Life
* 🛡 Machiavelli discusses the common misconception that civilian and military life are entirely dissimilar, arguing that both are **equally necessary for a well-ordered society**.
* 🏛 He highlights the importance of the military in **preserving good institutions, loyalty, and peace** in a state.
* 📜 Despite the corruption and deviation from ancient military practices, Machiavelli believes it is possible to **restore the military to its former virtues**.
* 💂 He asserts that soldiers should not view war as a profession but rather as a civic duty, to be undertaken in times of **necessity and for the common good**.
* 🌍 Machiavelli discusses the selection of soldiers, suggesting that they should be chosen from **one's own country**, with foot soldiers from the **countryside** and cavalry from the **city**.
* ⚔ When forming a new army, men of all ages capable of military service should be selected; when replenishing an existing army, **17-year-olds are ideal recruits**.
* 🏆 Machiavelli's praise of the existing military ordinance and his defense against accusations of wrongdoing suggest that he views the **current system as generally effective and justifiable**.

### Fabrizio's Military Strategy: Organizing Infantry and Cavalry
* 🛡 Fabrizio believes that forming armies is essential for defending the state and that **no army can be more useful than one's own**.
* 🗡 He proposes a mixed approach to arming the infantry, combining the **heavily armored Roman style** with the **pikes of the German infantry**.
* 🐎 Due to the increased stability provided by modern saddles and stirrups, Fabrizio considers contemporary cavalry **more secure on horseback** than the ancients.
* 🛡 The German infantry, known for their pikes, is praised for their ability to **overcome cavalry** but is considered less effective in combatting **well-armed infantry**.
* 🏹 Fabrizio criticizes the lighter armor of the modern infantry, which mainly consists of a breastplate and a pike, and **emphasizes the importance of armor in protecting against enemy attacks**.
* 🛡 He suggests that **half of the infantry should be armed with shields like the Romans** and the other half with **pikes like the Germans**.
* 🐎 The selection of cavalrymen is based on **wealth, age, and quality**, with **300 chosen for each legion** in the Roman army.
* 🛠 When creating a new army, Fabrizio recommends selecting men of **all ages between 17 and 40** to quickly build up the forces.
* 🗡 Fabrizio argues that the effectiveness of an army is not guaranteed by the **number of troops** but by the **quality of the organization and the selection of soldiers**.

### Formation and Training of Infantry Companies According to Machiavelli's "The Art of War"
* 👣 Maintaining ranks is crucial in training soldiers, and they must be able to **proceed forward or backward**, **pass through difficult places**, and **reorganize quickly** if they become broken due to location or enemy attacks.
* 🛡 Soldiers are considered seasoned if they can maintain order well, even if they have not faced the enemy directly. Those who cannot maintain order are always considered **new soldiers**.
* 🔢 To facilitate quick reorganization, soldiers must have many **countersigns**, and the constables, centurions, and heads of ten should have **distinct and recognizable marks**.
* 🔄 Soldiers must be trained to turn in step, and it is relatively easy when turning from the flanks to the front or vice versa. However, it requires **great care and practice** when the entire company needs to turn as a **solid body**.
* 🏛 The ideal formation for a company is a **solid square** with pikemen in the front and shield bearers behind. However, two other formations are also useful: the "doubling by the straight line" method, which is **easier but less organized**, and the "doubling by the flanks" method, which is **better organized and more adaptable**.
* 🪖 Soldiers must be able to form themselves into an army, and the method of **forming a company with two wings or a plaza** is useful when the company has to **operate independently in suspicious places**.
* 🎖 Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of **training soldiers to obey orders, fight in formation, and quickly reorganize when necessary**, as disciplined soldiers are the **foundation of a good army**.

### Fabrizio's Military Strategy for Organizing an Army
* 🛡 Fabrizio combines the Greek phalanx and Roman legion formations to create an army with **pikes in the front ranks** and **swordsmen with shields behind them**, allowing for both **cavalry resistance** and **infantry penetration**.
* 🏹 He arranges the army into two battalions, each mirroring the other, with **10 companies in each** and **500 extraordinary pikemen and veliti on the flanks**.
* 🐉 The general head of the entire army is positioned between the **first and second order of companies**, surrounded by **picked men who can execute orders and resist attacks**.
* 🏰 Fabrizio employs artillery in the front of the entire army, using cannons with **no more than 50 pounds per charge** for town reduction and other artillery with **no more than 15 pounds per charge**.
* ⚔ The army's formation allows it to **reform ranks according to both Greek and Roman methods**, ensuring the ability to **resist the enemy's onrush and reform after retiring**.
* 🔒 Fabrizio's strategy focuses on guarding against artillery fire by **quickly moving the cannons after firing only once**, as it is more important to **avoid being shot than to shoot the enemy**.
* 🎯 When the enemy lines are pierced, Fabrizio's remedy is to **quickly reorganize and counterattack**, as the speed and directness of the formation do not allow the artillery to **fire again**.
* 🏛 Fabrizio attributes the decline of military virtue to the lack of republics and principalities in Asia and Africa, where virtue is extinguished in kingdoms, and the **fear of ruin and slavery** that once motivated soldiers to maintain military exercises is now lost.

### Army Organization and Tactics According to Machiavelli's "The Art of War"
* The importance of **seizing enemy artillery quickly** is emphasized to **render it useless and avoid its harmful effects**.
* The use of artillery smoke to **obstruct enemy vision** is discussed, with an **example from history** provided.
* The strategy of **firing artillery over infantry heads** to avoid obstructing vision is explained.
* The Swiss formation and armor usage are justified as **effective defenses against artillery**.
* The Swiss practice of forming **close infantry companies** and its vulnerabilities to **artillery** are discussed.
* Various tactics, such as **pretending to attack**, **ambushing the enemy**, and **spreading false information** during battle, are recommended to **demoralize and confuse the enemy**.
* The significance of training and organizing the army to **quickly adapt to different situations**, such as **changing the formation based on the enemy's strength and the battlefield conditions**, is highlighted.
* The importance of **sound military discipline**, effective communication through signals, and training in **quickly assembling and moving the army** is stressed.

### Organization, Strategies, and Logistics of Ancient Armies
* 🛡 Ancient captains used various strategies to deceive the enemy in battle, such as setting ambushes, digging ditches, and using **oxen-drawn chariots with towels set on fire to disperse enemy forces**.
* 📜 Captains like Lucius Sulla and Sartorius employed **deception and dissimulation** to maintain morale and secure victories.
* 🏃 It was challenging to stop a fleeing army and return it to battle, with methods like **shaming them**, **threatening deserters**, and using **banners to encourage valor**.
* ⚔ ️ After battles, it was crucial to **quickly pursue a retreating enemy or find opportunities to counterattack**, as seen in the examples of Caesar and Martius.
* 🛡 Before engaging in battle, captains needed to assess advantages, necessities, and the enemy's strength, with the general rule being to **fight when the advantages outweigh the risks**.
* 🔊 Captains had to be skilled orators to **inspire and command their troops effectively**, with speeches playing a **vital role in boosting morale and determination**.
* 🔲 When facing an unseen but feared enemy, ancient armies adopted a square formation for security, with **cavalry scouts, road clearers, and regular training exercises** to maintain discipline.
* 🥖 In terms of logistics, ancient armies primarily relied on **flour, vinegar, bacon, and lard** for provisions, and the Romans established a system where all **booty and ransoms belonged to the public** to prevent disorder and maintain discipline.

### Organizing and Protecting a Military Camp According to Ancient Roman Strategies
* 🏕 To maintain order and prevent robbery, the Romans distributed booty based on **merit** and kept soldiers focused on **winning and following orders**.
* 💰 This method enriched the public treasury with **ransoms and booty**, and soldiers were paid in a way that encouraged **saving and discipline**.
* 🌲 When marching through enemy territory, captains needed to guard against **ambushes and enemy deception**.
* 🏞 Captains were advised to have the terrain described and depicted, **send cavalry ahead**, and consider the **enemy's habits and tactics**.
* 🌊 Various methods, such as **diverting rivers**, using **grids**, and creating **diversions**, were employed to **cross rivers and overcome obstacles**.
* 🔥 Using fire strategically was also a tactic, as seen in the examples of **creating fires to stop enemies**.
* 🛡 When surrounded by enemies, creating a ditch or finding and **exploiting weak points** in the enemy's formation were effective strategies.
* 🎖 In battle, as well as in camp organization, the Romans placed heavy emphasis on discipline, with **severe punishments for violations** and **rewards for exceptional deeds**.

### Fortification and Warfare Strategies in "The Art of War" by Machiavelli
* ⛏ Fabrizio explains that towns can be made strong by nature, such as those surrounded by rivers, or by industry, like **walls with twisted patterns and ditches**.
* 🏰 He suggests building walls with ditches inside and not outside, as it is the **strongest way to construct them**.
* 💧 While water-filled ditches protect from tunnels, dry ditches make it **harder to fill them in**.
* 🛡 Fabrizio advises not to build bastions outside the town, as **losing them can lead to the city's fall**.
* 🏗 He also warns against building redoubts inside fortresses, as they can become **shelters for the enemy** when the main walls are breached.
* 🚪 Gates should be fortified with shutters to allow **retreating soldiers to re-enter** without letting the enemy in.
* 🇮🇹 Fabrizio notes that Italian fortifications were weak before the French invasion in 1494, and the French methods of building **wide battlements and narrow bombarding positions** were adopted in Italy.
* ❄ Machiavelli argues that waging war in winter is **imprudent and dangerous**, as cold and wet conditions make it **hard to maintain army discipline and organization**.
* 🏛 He also discusses the importance of the **reputation of a captain in keeping the army united**, and the role of **virtue, justice, and chastity in gaining the loyalty of the people**.

### Strategies for Defending and Capturing Towns in "The Art of War" by Machiavelli
* 🏰 Machiavelli suggests various strategies for fortifying towns, such as using **shutters made in the form of a grid** to defend gates effectively.
* 🔒 He also discusses French ultramontane customs, like using drawbridges with gridded beams that can be raised or lowered like a curtain, offering a **secure method of controlling access**.
* 🥩 In addition to physical defenses, Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of **ensuring a steady supply of provisions** for both defenders and attackers.
* ⚔ When it comes to capturing towns, he advises **guarding against the enemy's first onrush** and **exploiting opportunities for unexpected attacks**.
* 🕵 Machiavelli highlights the role of **deception** in both defending and capturing towns, including tactics like **feigning retreats** or **disguising soldiers as allies**.
* 🐶 He notes that **vigilance is crucial**, suggesting the use of **dogs and geese as sentinels** to detect the presence of the enemy.
* 🐴 Machiavelli also touches upon the importance of cavalry in warfare, suggesting that a **well-organized infantry** is essential for creating **effective cavalry**.
* 👑 Ultimately, Machiavelli argues that the **ability to train and command armies** is a defining trait of successful princes, and he laments the **lack of such leaders** in Italy during his time.

The Art of War by Niccolò Machiavelli 1520

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Age of Enlightenment

Nicolo Machiavelli's Preface to "The Art of War" - Key Summary

Machiavelli discusses the difference between civilian and military life, the importance of military institutions, and his decision to write "The Art of War" to restore ancient virtues to the military.

He also describes a conversation between Cosimo de' Medici and Fabrizio Colonna, where they discuss the imitation of ancient methods in war and the preparations necessary for military organization.

The Impact of Professional Soldiers on Peace and War

Professional soldiers, driven by the need to provide for themselves in times of peace and war, often resort to robbery, violence, and deception, causing chaos and instability.

The concept of professional soldiers is criticized for their negative impact on society, as they prioritize personal gain over the well-being of the state.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of a well-ordered city or kingdom in not allowing its citizens to take up the profession of war, highlighting the corrupting influence of professional soldiers on peace and stability.

Selecting and Organizing an Army: Ancient Principles and Modern Application

Ancient military regulations emphasized selecting soldiers from temperate countries, with a focus on training and discipline.

The use of force and voluntary participation were seen as equally important in forming a well-balanced army.

The selection of soldiers was based on experience and conjecture, considering age, profession, and physical attributes for future employment.

The Roman Army Organization and Military Selection

The Roman army's selection and organization process involved the allocation of military tribunes and the method of choosing soldiers.

The selection process aimed to equalize the legions and was based on experience in warfare.

Fabrizio argued that a larger number of soldiers was necessary for a perfect organization, refuting the idea of selecting fewer men for better quality.

The organization of the army was also discussed in terms of potential confusion and disorder in the country, with Fabrizio explaining how a disciplined organization could actually prevent internal troubles.

He also addressed the use of armed men to cause disorder, emphasizing the importance of controlling the leaders to prevent such issues.

Fabrizio further discussed the selection and organization of the Roman cavalry, emphasizing the need to train them at home and provide necessary provisions.

The section concluded with a mention of the infantry's arms and the importance of selecting the best from those used by the ancients, particularly focusing on the Roman division of infantry into heavily and

The Superiority of Roman and German Infantry in Ancient Warfare

The ancient Roman army initially had minimal armor, using a round shield, sword, and staff, while the German infantry relied on pikes for defense.

The Romans later transitioned to heavier armor and larger shields, allowing them to effectively combat both infantry and cavalry, unlike the German infantry.

The discussion highlights the advantage of well-armored infantry in withstanding cavalry attacks and engaging in battle, ultimately showcasing the superiority of the Roman infantry in ancient warfare.

The Importance of Infantry Training in The Art of War

Infantry is crucial in war, and their training is essential for success, including hardening the body, teaching the use of arms, and instilling discipline.

The organization of the infantry is detailed, with a focus on different types of soldiers and their specific training.

The overall training of the army, including individual companies and the complete battalion, is vital for ensuring the army can march and fight effectively.

The Importance of Military Training and Formation

Proper training and discipline are crucial for an army to maintain ranks and quickly reorganize in the face of adversity.

The use of countersigns, distinctive markings, and maintaining positions within the company are essential for reformation during disorganization.

The method of forming and arranging companies, including the use of different formations and the placement of infantry, is vital for effective military operations.

Military Company Formation and Training in Ancient Times

Centurions and Shield bearers are arranged in specific formations to create a company with two wings.

The training of pikemen and valiti is conducted separately, with a focus on maintaining ranks and returning to their places quickly.

The use of flags, guides, and bugle corps is essential in controlling the movement and organization of the army, with specific calls used to enkindle or quiet the spirits of the men.

The number of excellent and virtuous men in war is influenced by the presence of republics and principalities, where virtue is honored and military organizations are kept alive.

The decline of virtue in Europe is attributed to the extinction of republics and the lack of necessity to defend the Christian religion.

The fear of ultimate ruin and examples of pillaged towns have not been sufficient to change the opinion on the importance of military training.

The arrangement of the Cavalry and its organization is not extensively discussed, as the focus is primarily on the Infantry

Reorganizing the Army for Battle: Insights from The Art of War

Nicolo Machiavelli suggests reorganizing the army by imitating the methods of the Greeks and Romans.

He emphasizes the importance of dividing the army into multiple parts to easily receive and support each other during battle.

Machiavelli also proposes a specific arrangement of infantry, cavalry, and light-armed soldiers to effectively engage the enemy.

Military Battalion Deployment and Strategy

A detailed plan for deploying a battalion with specific arrangements and spacing.

The use of artillery and the role of pikemen in defending against the enemy.

The strategy of quickly seizing enemy artillery and the use of vision obstruction in battle.

Organizing and Equipping an Army: Ancient Warfare Strategies

Ancient armies relied on specific organization and equipment to defend themselves, believing that a well-organized army with ancient virtues could overcome any modern army.

The use of artillery in the field was not seen as a major threat if the army could quickly capture it, and the organization of the army could render the enemy's artillery useless.

The arrangement of the army, especially the placement of the extraordinary Pikeman, was crucial in withstanding the enemy's cavalry and maintaining a strong defense.

Organizing and Training an Army: Insights from The Art of War

- The importance of flag recognition and bugle calls in the army's commands is highlighted, with a focus on the use of different instruments for specific purposes.

- The organization of the army in battle is discussed, emphasizing the strategic placement in relation to the enemy's size and tactics, as well as the consideration of sun and wind conditions.

- Various battle strategies are outlined, including the method of surrounding the enemy, using lightly armed infantry amidst the cavalry, and the arrangement of different army elements for optimal combat effectiveness.

Tactics for Disturbing and Overcoming the Enemy in Battle

Feigned assaults and deceptive tactics, such as creating illusions of reinforcements, have been used to dismay and frighten the enemy during battle.

Disturbing the enemy cavalry with unusual sights or noises has been a successful strategy, as seen in historical examples.

A captain's careful consideration before engaging in battle, taking into account the advantage, necessity, and the condition of their own soldiers, is crucial for success.

Organizing an Army for Battle: Strategies from The Art of War

Fabrizio explains how to organize an army when facing a seen enemy, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for various circumstances during the march.

He details the formation of the army in a square to ensure security and the ability to respond to surprise assaults from any side.

Fabrizio also provides instructions on how to reorganize the army quickly in case of an organized enemy assault, whether from the front, rear, or flank.

Military Tactics and Army Organization in The Art of War

Army organization and formation of fronts are crucial for a well-disciplined and trained army, requiring clear commands and careful planning to strengthen and defend against enemy assaults.

The ancient Roman method of distributing booty, providing soldier's pay, and managing dangerous incidents during marches served to enrich the public, maintain soldier discipline, and avoid ambushes.

Captains are advised to double their diligence when marching through enemy territory, to guard against ambushes, and to carefully consider the characteristics and customs of the enemy to prepare for potential attacks.

A captain can use fire and other tactics to impede the enemy's passage, as seen in historical examples.

Crossing rivers can be facilitated by diverting the water, using grids of wood, or taking advantage of fords.

The organization of the army for encampment is crucial for safety and repose, with the Romans being a model for strategic encampment formation.

Military Camp Organization and Defense Strategy

Fabrizio describes a detailed layout of the military camp, including the arrangement of quarters for cavalry and infantry, as well as the placement of roads and the plaza.

He emphasizes the importance of wide spaces for the movement of troops and artillery, as well as the practical use of the designated quarters for the convenience of the soldiers.

Additionally, Fabrizio discusses the necessity of fortifying the camp near the enemy and the strategic placement of guards within the ditches for protection.

The Romans had strict punishments and rewards for their soldiers to maintain discipline and motivation.

They prioritized military exercises to keep soldiers focused and avoid seditious activities.

The Romans also had strategic encampment arrangements to avoid being besieged and to keep the army healthy.

Additionally, they believed in the power of deception and diversion in warfare to confuse and defeat the enemy.

Captains can weaken their enemies by sowing discord among their ranks and dividing their forces.

It's important to maintain the loyalty and unity of one's own soldiers, ensuring they are paid and disciplined.

War should be avoided in winter, as it hinders the organization and discipline of an army, with the Romans being a prime example of avoiding winter campaigns.

Fortresses should have a deep ditch for protection, with heavy artillery positioned behind the enclosing wall.

It is crucial to avoid building redoubts for retreat, as they can lead to the loss of the entire fortress.

The arrangement of walls, ditches, and bridges should prioritize security, and the use of grid-shaped shutters for gates is more effective in defense.

The design of French artillery carriages, with bent spokes, provides greater strength and stability, especially when carrying heavy loads.

In addition to traditional defenses, cities should have open fields around the walls to prevent the enemy from finding refuge.

Both the provision of resources and the organization of defenders are essential for a successful defense strategy.

Strategies for Besieged Cities and Encampments

Besieged cities should be wary of enemy deceit and cunning tactics to avoid being starved or tricked into surrender.

Repairing walls and creating internal ditches can strengthen the defense against enemy attacks and artillery.

The besieged should remain vigilant at all times, especially during times of repose, and use various methods to send and receive messages.

It's crucial for the defenders to keep all their forces united and guarded on all sides to prevent the enemy from easily overwhelming them.

Sudden and united counterattacks from the besieged forces can sometimes overcome the enemy.

Military success relies on the loyalty and virtue of soldiers, the careful organization of forces, and the ability to adapt to new challenges.

The key to a strong army is disciplined training and a well-organized, well-led infantry.