03-21-2004, 12:49 PM
That would seem to make sense.<br>
<br>
However the Greek phalanx would form from the right. Because of the tendency of the hoplites to seek protection from their right hand neighbour, the phalanx would veer to the right. In order to stop this movement the most steady men (i.e. the officers) would have to be on the right.<br>
The right side was also the position of honour. (It still is today).<br>
If the rear century would march to the left, the senior centurion of the maniple would end up in the centre, unless in the Roman army the positions were mirrored and the officers were posted on the left.<br>
Either way, such a deviation from Greek practice would surely have been remarked upon by Polybius.<br>
<p>Greetings<br>
<br>
Rob Wolters</p><i></i>
<br>
However the Greek phalanx would form from the right. Because of the tendency of the hoplites to seek protection from their right hand neighbour, the phalanx would veer to the right. In order to stop this movement the most steady men (i.e. the officers) would have to be on the right.<br>
The right side was also the position of honour. (It still is today).<br>
If the rear century would march to the left, the senior centurion of the maniple would end up in the centre, unless in the Roman army the positions were mirrored and the officers were posted on the left.<br>
Either way, such a deviation from Greek practice would surely have been remarked upon by Polybius.<br>
<p>Greetings<br>
<br>
Rob Wolters</p><i></i>
drsrob a.k.a. Rob Wolters
