An Odd Contender for "Fanatic"

[IanN]

Having looked at definition for Fanatic  ("represents the most dedicated of fighters who would rather die than run"), and reread some Greek history, am wondering if Theban Sacred Band qualify. Am odd thought, but look at battles they fought in, and they were always in the front line, never ran away, and frequently did not survive. This to my ears sounds like they meet the criteria. Question is am I missing something or should Theban armies have and option to upgrade the Sacred band to Fanatic ??

[mad lemmey]

Go on, dare ya

[AntiokosIII]

Counterintuitive, yes, but a sound argument.

[lionheartrjc]

Why only Theban Sacred Band?  There were other groups of "Sacred Band" hoplites.  Will make a note for consideration for 2021 list changes.

Richard

[mad lemmey]

Which makes the other Hopilites scared bands, as if they meet the sacred band, they'll become scarred bands.

B'dum the...
I'll be here all week, try the veal.
Unless I get banned.
I'm scared!

[IanN]

Thebans were only "Sacred band"  am aware of that made a hobby of fighting literally to the death.  Most 'others' have interpreted have interpreted as tyrant's bodyguard or similar, so may have been mercenaries; and Carthaginian SB did break and rout  (in Sicily ??).

[nikgaukroger]

Only fought to the death once IIRC. However, plenty of time to look into it and other such units before 2021.

[IanN]

Nik : agreed if only referring the the Sacred band by that title.  My understanding is that they only became called the Sacred Band after about 378 BC. A elite force of 300 was mentioned at Plataea (fighting for Persians) and were described as "the first and finest" (and were destroyed), and at Delium in 424BC. My interpretation is that this elite force was the precursor of the SB, the tradition was already there.

I am not fully convinced but feel it requires review. Another issue is that they normally only formed the front rank - and with any realistic level of scaling, should only really comprise about 4 bases .... how challenge how can MeG represent this ?

[badhabum]

Open pandora's box ...what about the spartans, remember the 300 guys . Ok they were doomed by encirclement but if a sacred band may be fanatic, what about the spartan elite royal guard ...

Yhose will be expensive indeed

The Xth Legion ?

Be prudent with your arguments

[peter c]

Do not forget all those dedicated chieftains guards. I agree this will open an unnecessary can of worms. Of course the Romans will not get any, as history shows what Emperor would trust the Praetorian Guard.

[nikgaukroger]

Do not forget all those dedicated chieftains guards. I agree this will open an unnecessary can of worms. Of course the Romans will not get any, as history shows what Emperor would trust the Praetorian Guard.

Actually there is at least one case for fanatic Praetorians ...

[Simon Meg-Meister]

Some expensive fanatics on the cards there ....

S