08-08-2013, 10:56 AM
Quote:....................... The formations in the above cases would be in open order, which would create a 3 foot wide empty interval or "lane" between each file through which the troops being relieved could easily move through without disrupting or jostling the formation of the relieving unit.)
Mark,
Thank you for that useful summary of quotes - for that's exactly where I'm coming from. I, indeed, would have no real problem accepting your last bit as a likely possibility - but the fact is that we don't know. From my current experiences (whilst I sometimes enjoy the cut and thrust) - if I said such a thing then I'd have all sorts of 'quote your source' & 'where's the evidence'!
For the bit we don't have is - 'the Triarii, currently resting in the kneeling position in 'Formation 3' (individual staggered quincunx 3ft separation laterally and 6ft by depth), stood to their feet and adopted 'Formation 4' by having even-numbered files step one pace to the right, thus opening a 3ft gap between files that the 'other troops' were able to transition easily; before stepping left once more to 'Formation 3'; advancing one pace to 'Formation 2' (ranks closed up to 'shieldwall'); and then rear ranks closing ranks to 'Formation 1', thrusting spears forward and leaning into the front ranks to provide physical support.'
That's what we don't have - it's just a theoretical and speculative interpretation - but it would work, so it's at least viable. Definitely teachable, simple orders, practice makes perfect and I know I could do it. But it might not be accurate - for we don't know.......
My interest is certainly picqued and, when the little thesis is done I shall happily try and put together a 'century drill manual' just for fun - with pictures!
Which is why, for Bryan (and I am sure that Forum rule has been tweaked, for I don't recall the "(first)" addition at all - and I've been 'talking at the TV this week over the twitter issues - for they wouldn't happen if people had to register and use their name - free speech and the right to face your accuser in action!).......but yes, it did seem personal, but no matter.
Your little 'thought piece' was interesting, but a big question intrudes.......you obviously don't think that the Roman century operated in 'semi-fixed' files of sections/contubernia and that you can happily muck about with internal structures at whim to move men about to your current desire?
And you would have been happy to be treated like that? For I think Sempronius/Adam is absolutely right - that dovetails with exactly my own experiences and I don't see the Romans as fundamentally different at all. The absolute situation may be a bit different, but 'man' hasn't evolved at all in about 10,000 years - and the harsh discipline of Rome is not that far removed from 18th & 19th century army discipline.
