3. Roman generals improved on Greek military tactics by employing
a. the phalanx system.
b. larger, more powerful divisions of troops.
c. smaller, more mobile divisions of troops.
d. a tolerant attitude toward deserters, which boosted morale.
To determine the answer to this question, let's analyze each option and its relationship to Roman military tactics.
a. The phalanx system: The phalanx was a Greek military formation characterized by soldiers standing shoulder to shoulder in a tightly packed formation. While the Romans were aware of this tactic and occasionally used it, they did not primarily employ the phalanx system. Therefore, option a is not the correct answer.
b. Larger, more powerful divisions of troops: This option suggests that Roman generals improved military tactics by using bigger and stronger groups of soldiers. While the Roman military did frequently organize troops into large formations, this was not a development that they introduced or improved on from Greek tactics. Hence, option b is not the correct answer.
c. Smaller, more mobile divisions of troops: This option proposes that Roman generals enhanced their military tactics by employing smaller and more agile groups of soldiers. This is accurate and aligns with the tactics the Romans adopted. The Romans utilized legions, which were smaller and more maneuverable units compared to the massive formations used by the Greeks. Therefore, option c is the correct answer.
d. A tolerant attitude toward deserters, which boosted morale: This option suggests that Romans improved their tactics by being tolerant of deserters, which helped boost morale. While the morale-boosting aspect may have played a role, promoting desertion is not a military tactic that the Romans actively employed. Therefore, option d is not the correct answer.
In conclusion, the correct answer is c. Roman generals improved on Greek military tactics by employing smaller, more mobile divisions of troops.