08-06-2013, 05:40 PM
Mark wrote:
What this thread refers to and I for one do not consider unreasonable to have considered is 'something in the middle' - a replacement of 'tired' troops in the front line of combat (by century in this case) in such a rank-rotation method. As a drill movement it's perfectly doable. As a not unreasonable troop management issue it could be eminently sensible and only possible to sword & shield troops like the Romans and not to spear/sarissa-armed.
Since the ancient sources are indeed quite vague on the subject, its time for speculation. From the perspective of a centurion or tribune please describe to us why you, Mark Hygate, feel replacing an entire rank, whether during a lull or during active hand to hand combat, is "eminently sensible."
Stipulations:
You have a century of 80 men, made up of all types, some brave and some timid, some veteran, some tyro without battle experience. Per the abovementioned sources provided in Mark Graef's excellent post, you have the option of placing the best and most experienced soldiers in the front ranks. The enemy you face are members of the Helvetti tribe and are fighting with shield and spears in a phalanx like shield wall, many ranks deep. They too have installed their best units in the front ranks. Your orders from the Imperator are to break the enemy infantry formation and drive them from the field of battle. You must stay in line with the centuries to the right and left as best as you can. Retreating is discouraged, your reputation and future promotions are on the line.
Personally, I am looking for a reply that describes how you would form the century in terms of personnel, any standard signalling procedures you would include in pre-battle training/orders, as well as a relatively detailed description of any orders you would issue to subordinates before or during the fight. However, please write it any way you feel comfortable. Please be descriptive.
I look forward to reading your response, it might explain your theories better.
What this thread refers to and I for one do not consider unreasonable to have considered is 'something in the middle' - a replacement of 'tired' troops in the front line of combat (by century in this case) in such a rank-rotation method. As a drill movement it's perfectly doable. As a not unreasonable troop management issue it could be eminently sensible and only possible to sword & shield troops like the Romans and not to spear/sarissa-armed.
Since the ancient sources are indeed quite vague on the subject, its time for speculation. From the perspective of a centurion or tribune please describe to us why you, Mark Hygate, feel replacing an entire rank, whether during a lull or during active hand to hand combat, is "eminently sensible."
Stipulations:
You have a century of 80 men, made up of all types, some brave and some timid, some veteran, some tyro without battle experience. Per the abovementioned sources provided in Mark Graef's excellent post, you have the option of placing the best and most experienced soldiers in the front ranks. The enemy you face are members of the Helvetti tribe and are fighting with shield and spears in a phalanx like shield wall, many ranks deep. They too have installed their best units in the front ranks. Your orders from the Imperator are to break the enemy infantry formation and drive them from the field of battle. You must stay in line with the centuries to the right and left as best as you can. Retreating is discouraged, your reputation and future promotions are on the line.
Personally, I am looking for a reply that describes how you would form the century in terms of personnel, any standard signalling procedures you would include in pre-battle training/orders, as well as a relatively detailed description of any orders you would issue to subordinates before or during the fight. However, please write it any way you feel comfortable. Please be descriptive.
I look forward to reading your response, it might explain your theories better.
