Psychological Warfare in 335 BC …

In 15 years of brutal but dazzling conquest, Alexander the Great never lost a battle.

A close-run encounter with the Illyrians demonstrated his brilliance – even when caught off guard as he faced them outside the city of Pelion.

Arriving at nightfall, tired after one of his trademark lightning-fast forced marches, Alexander made a hasty camp a short distance from the city walls.

At first light, they discovered that their predicament left a lot to be desired.

Finding themselves trapped between the fortified city and the Illyrians holding the high ground behind him where thousands of slingers, javelin men and cavalry waited for the moment to strike.

Thinking on his feet, he decided that his only way out was to lay on a stunning show of psychological warfare.

As a lover of theatre, Alexander decided to put on a show of force directed at the enemy forces gazing down at him.

Gathering his troops, he assembled them into battle formation with cavalrymen on either wing.

With his audience hooked, Alexander began to issue his commands.

In complete silence, they raised and lowered their weapons in perfect unison like a field of wheat in a summer breeze.

Then, they wheeled one way then another with well-practiced discipline acting as if with one body and one mind.

Suddenly, without warning the troops formed a sharp wedge and pointed their weapons towards the enemy. Leading the way, Alexander ordered the attack.

Breaking their silence, the troops roared their battle cry and charged.

With predictable results, the Illyrian forces fled.

Today, many of us will face competitors with what may look like greater resources. But with a little imagination, they can be beaten.

What’s your theatre? What can you deploy to beat the competition?

If you’d like a sounding board I’m on hand for a chat about anything to do with Print or Web Design.

Stay safe.

Alec