Are elephants like a WW?

[landmeister]

According to the page 40, Elephants can't be pused-back by land troops. Additionally foot other than psiloi can't pass through them either. Does it mean that a foot element backed by a friendly elephant applies -1 in close combat as it can't recoil (as it happens when you are with a sea shore at your back)?

Thanks

[Barritus]

It certainly looks that way. Note that the entry under Tactical Factors on page 37 says:

-1 If mounted or foot , and with troops, terrain or a battlefield edge already in contact with its rear edge or rear corner that would prevent any recoil.

So troops and terrain are treated identically in this situation.

To take the example you give, I'd read it as:

-1 If mounted or foot , and with troops, terrain or a battlefield edge already in contact with its rear edge or rear corner that would prevent any recoil.

I suspect there's a lesson in that for people who mix their elephants and infantry.

[landmeister]

This is how I read it. Thank you