01-13-2013, 02:03 AM
Quote:So assuming the tribunes command groups of two cohorts each, who commands what in 4-3-3 formation?
Good question. Thats why i said "2 cohors in peacetime and perhaps more flexible on the battlefield".
Actually we don't know! Perhaps
3 tribunes commanding the 3 lines
1 tribune back in the camp organizing the defense over there
1 tribune on a special mission with the 120 equites legionis
2 tribunes back in province capital with 500 other guys running the province
1 is sickening for the measles
This alone is enough for 8 tribunes of 5. And the list goes on. It seems, that it is a not appropriate to think in our clear defined and rather rigid modern structures, if it comes to the roman army.
Even in peacetime, 2 cohors per tribune does not fit, if we look to the special role, structure and perhaps lead of the 1st cohort. Perhaps we have just 3 tribunes leading 3 cohors each and the other 2 do something else.
There is no proof, that the tribunes leaded the cohorts, but the 4-3-3 formation or any other formation disproves nothing.
Ut desint vires, tamen est laudanda voluntas