Question about the Roman \'wedge formation\'

[Sardaukar]

Well, what we know is that the Romans used a formation called cuneus, wedge, and that ad cuneum, to the wedge, was one of the commands that sent them there.

What we don't know is what that formation looked like, or how it was organized. Heck, we aren't even completely sure how a command to change formations was issued to 20K clattering, jingling, foot-tramping troops so they knew what to do. Voice, relayed voice, horn signals, signum (standard) signals, or some combination...all are good suggestions, but little is known about the specifics.

I would put my bet on a combination of all of them! In the thick of battle I would want as many ways as possible to make formation changes go faster. A little bit of preplanning might help too." Okay men after the initial clash I want the center to give ground while the sides advance and flank. If they don't follow; the center changes into a series of wedges and charges again. Wait for these signals." But as said above we know little of the specifics.

I'd not put my bet on voice and relayed voice. When 50k Gauls are baying for your blood, for example, it might be bit difficult. My bet is for something like to have cornicen sound signal to look at signum and have that relayed from century to century. And we know how well cornicen did in Gergovia, don't we...

I do have my suspicion that lot of complex maneuvers legions thought to be able to do after battle line had commenced were not really possible. This does not of course count troops not committed yet and lulls in battles were also apparently very common.