The use of vehicles in the baggage train of the Macedonian army of the era of Philip II

Kleymeonov Alexander Anatolevich

The problem of pack animals and wheeled wagons in baggage train using in Phillip’s II army is under consideration in the article. It defends that in spite of the information from ancient author who had used Ephorus’ of Cyme opus, there was no complete baggage train failure in the Macedonian army. The soldiers were really accustomed to carrying weapons and part of the field equipment by themselves and the unnecessary auxiliary personnel were removed from the army but wagons and pack animals continued to use. It was impossible to do without them when transporting the siege engines available in the Macedonian army, heavy camp equipment, provisions and trophies. The baggage train was not destroyed by Phillip but it was optimized for military needs what allowed to increase the speed of movement of troops, provided the possibility of conducting campaigns in different theaters of military operations, including those characterized by difficult terrain and a poor food base.

Keywords:Philip II, Macedonia, baggage train, wagons, infantry, siege engines, logistics.