The Importance of Cities and Passes in Ancient Warfare

In ancient warfare, cities and passes played a crucial role in determining the outcome of military campaigns. Contrary to popular belief, bypassing these strategic points was often the least favorable option for armies on the move. Instead, launching assaults or laying sieges were considered more effective strategies.

Armies in ancient China typically marched in long, thin columns that could stretch for dozens of miles. This formation made them vulnerable to ambushes and attacks from the sides, especially if the enemy lay hidden along the route. If the vanguard encountered hostile forces, the rear guard might be oblivious to the developing situation ahead. In such cases, the entire army could face encirclement and annihilation.

To mitigate these risks, armies would leave gaps between different segments of the marching column. This allowed time for units in the rear to react and prepare defenses if the vanguard was attacked. Scouts and warning systems, such as signal flags and beacon towers, were used to detect enemy movements and relay information along the length of the army.

However, the most critical vulnerability for ancient armies was their long and fragile supply lines. Baggage trains transporting provisions and equipment could be several times longer than the combat forces, with even less protection. Enemy raids on supply lines could cripple an army’s ability to sustain lengthy campaigns.

This is where cities and passes became vitally important. Cities served as hubs for supplies and reinforcements, while passes acted as chokepoints controlling key routes. If an advancing army chose to bypass a city, it would leave a dangerous enemy stronghold in its rear, threatening its supply lines. Losing a critical pass could sever an army’s lifeline completely.

Therefore, ancient Chinese strategists stressed the importance of assaulting and capturing cities and passes whenever possible. Even if it meant facing strong defenses and costly battles, securing these strategic points was deemed essential for the success and survival of the army.

The wisdom of this strategy was demonstrated time and again throughout Chinese history. During the Warring States period, the state of Qin emerged victorious by systematically capturing key cities and passes of its rivals. In the Three Kingdoms era, the armies of Shu and Wu vied for control over the Yangtze River by battling for cities and passes along its banks.

In conclusion, while bypassing enemy strongpoints may seem an expedient option, ancient Chinese armies understood the vital strategic value of cities and passes. Controlling these locations secured supply lines, blocked enemy movement, and paved the path to ultimate victory. Modern military strategists can still draw valuable insights from this ancient wisdom - neglecting the importance of key terrain features can imperil even the most powerful armies.