A war's outcome depends on more than the number of small engagements each side wins. A force can perform well in skirmishes and still lose the major battles or sieges that determine a campaign. Roman opponents provide a broad illustration: success in smaller encounters did not necessarily overcome Roman strength in larger operations. Logistics could sustain the eventual winner even when its opponents repeatedly fought well at a local level.
Notable Point · 17:10-17:59
Why winning skirmishes can still lose a war
Roman logistics illustrates why success in smaller engagements does not guarantee victory in a campaign.