As armies adopted flexible forces, subdivided into units, each with their individual function and strengths, tactical drills became the difference between victory and defeat. Layered tactical manoeuvres could be planned and executed to counter any enemy and overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. The Roman army undoubtedly set the standard and demonstrated the gains from their disciplined tactics in numerous battles, not least when faced with war elephants at the Battle of Zama in 202BC. Here the Romans effortlessly moved as one to create open lanes in their formation, allowing the rampaging beasts to charge harmlessly through their ranks.
