When did troops first march in step?
With the introduction of the Greek Phalanx around 700 BC we get the first record of coordinated troop movement that resembles organized marching. It was part of maneuvers like ‘the turtle’ or ‘porcupine’ (shields front sides and above, spears/javelins/pilum out through small gaps and GO!) when coordinated movement was sort of prerequisite for success. It’s also a great way of making yourself look like a proper ass while dying.
The Roman Legion is the first documented case of marching and running in step to each other as part of exercise and parade. This grew out of the rigorous discipline they employed to successfully handle the growing number of men per fighting unit. By 200 BC it was norm in the legions. But it wasn’t really marching in step, it was more like walking at the same pace and in strict formation.
Invention of march in step to a tap or drumbeat is attributed to various Swiss units in the 16th century, amongst them the famous Swiss Guard of the Vatican. There seems to be something in that Alpine air filled with edelweiss fragrance that just brings that anal retentiveness right out. Between the march in step and the Swiss Army Knife I’d say that the Swiss contribution to military development has gotten far too little focus over the years.
Sparc