07-30-2010, 08:30 AM
To hypothesize more:
Apparently wedge-formation was more psychological than adding any combat power. It might help to breach enemy line, since those facing "wedge point" would be nervous and might want to shift to left and right. On the other hand, it'd be risky, since it limits the amount of men able to bring weapons into combat to very small number. This could easily lead to extra casualties and disorganized formation, if wedge is stopped cold.
During late Republic and Principate, Romans apparently favoured more shallow battle line, that being more effective in combat power but required disciplined troops. Of course triplex acies helps, but generally deep formation was seen as mark of inexperienced troops.
One good example of discipline and training of Roman troops was of course Pharsalus, where Caesarian troops coolly stopped their assault and calmly redressed their formation before continuing. Of course not all units had that sort of proficiency.
One trait Romans also had was that they rarely took enemy assault standing still. Usually, even when in defense, they charged toward enemy, making most of use of thrown pila & charge.
Apparently wedge-formation was more psychological than adding any combat power. It might help to breach enemy line, since those facing "wedge point" would be nervous and might want to shift to left and right. On the other hand, it'd be risky, since it limits the amount of men able to bring weapons into combat to very small number. This could easily lead to extra casualties and disorganized formation, if wedge is stopped cold.
During late Republic and Principate, Romans apparently favoured more shallow battle line, that being more effective in combat power but required disciplined troops. Of course triplex acies helps, but generally deep formation was seen as mark of inexperienced troops.
One good example of discipline and training of Roman troops was of course Pharsalus, where Caesarian troops coolly stopped their assault and calmly redressed their formation before continuing. Of course not all units had that sort of proficiency.
One trait Romans also had was that they rarely took enemy assault standing still. Usually, even when in defense, they charged toward enemy, making most of use of thrown pila & charge.
(Mika S.)
"Odi et amo. Quare id faciam, fortasse requiris? Nescio, sed fieri sentio et excrucior." - Catullus -
"Nemo enim fere saltat sobrius, nisi forte insanit."
"Audendo magnus tegitur timor." -Lucanus-
"Odi et amo. Quare id faciam, fortasse requiris? Nescio, sed fieri sentio et excrucior." - Catullus -
"Nemo enim fere saltat sobrius, nisi forte insanit."
"Audendo magnus tegitur timor." -Lucanus-
