Feigned retreat

Feigned retreat

Feigned retreat is a false retreat, used to lure enemies, usually a larger force, into a position of vulnerability. This tactic has been used throughout history. It can be extremely effective if used properly. The Spartans at Thermopylae used this tactic, pretending to break and run. They acted panicked, and when the Persians broke formation, the Spartans turned around, and got back into their formation. Wreaking havoc on the Persians for 3 days, the Spartans at Thermopylae were masters of the feigned retreat. The next significant armies to use this were the Muslim armies led by Turkic dynasties of the Middle East. They constantly used this tactic against the Crusaders in 1097, and all throughout the other Crusades.

Feigned retreats have been considered as one of the more difficult tactics for an army to undertake, and require well-disciplined soldiers. This is because if the enemy presses it, undisciplined troops will lose coherence and the rout will become real. ["A History of Warfare" - John Keegan]

References


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