Roman Legionaries vs. Spartan hoplites, who would win?

Question

I've always wondered this, who would win in your opinion?

Well, there are strong arguments for either side. On one end, the Spartans and their phalanx would be unbeatable from the front. And the Spartans themselves were toughened fighting machines.

But on the other end, a single flank attack by the legionaries would shatter the phalanx, therefore getting rid of the Spartan's edge in battle. I guess the legionaries would win

Answer 1

Wonder no more, the greek hoplites were easily undone by the more flexible Roman legions. The greek phalanxes were too unwieldy to counter flanking attacks and were easily surrounded and undone. The Spartans used the traditional greek phalanx and could easily be beaten by flanking attacks. Look at thermopolye, one of their showcase battles, it was a rear attack that was their undoing, not the frontal attack. Of course, i'm talking of the roman legions under Scipio or Gauis Julius Caesar, not the ones of latter-day Rome....

Answer 2

Well, the Roman Legions did defeat the Greek Hoplites, while invading Greece. So to answer your question, historically proven, the Roman Legionaries would win. However, it depends how the General actually manuevers them. No matter how well-trained, if the command they receive from the General is ignorant, then they have no chance of victory. Put the Battle of Waterloo or the Battle of Thermopylae into consideration for proof.

Answer 3

Legionaries. Hoplites relied on phalanx, which was very effective, as long as it was not flanked or attacked from behind. Romans, however, made flanking (especially flanking by cavalry) an integral part of their tactics.

Answer 4

In a 2 on 1 fight one being the Spartan definitely a Spartan they where born to fight the Spartans lived for that but Roman Legionares had numbers on their side so the Romans would win

Answer 5

Legionaries. This has also been proven when Rome invaded Greece and destroyed Phalanx formations easily

Answer 6

Spartan hoplites

their discipline was astonishing and they mastered the art of war

easily beaten?? the Persians and the Romans thought otherwise!!