09-27-2014, 09:04 AM
The actual average ages of the Polybian/Manipular army is entirely dependent on the subset of men chosen from the whole.
- the Velites are the youngest (and will contain at least some entirely inexperienced new soldiers); they are not normally expected to engage in close combat
- the Hastati form the front line and will contain the youngest and fittest of the battle-fighting legionnaires, under the command of experienced centurions; they are most likely there to both prove themselves and absorb the initial and earliest part of the battle
- the Principes containing the prime soldiers, therefore, are the main battle line, and, hence the name, responsible for either: backing up the Hastati if in trouble (as attested); replace the Hastati and hopefully overcome the now more tired enemy (who haven't probably changed lines in any way it seems); or exploiting any early breakthroughs
- the solid and dependable older soldiers, with most (likely) experience, form the Triarii (and not, as noted, with any different armour), are armed with a standard spear as a, mainly, defensive option, equally efficacious at holding off infantry or cavalry and so perform their primary role as a reserve. I do not believe the standard hasta-spear ever goes out of use, throughout the period, simply because of its flexibility.
- the Velites are the youngest (and will contain at least some entirely inexperienced new soldiers); they are not normally expected to engage in close combat
- the Hastati form the front line and will contain the youngest and fittest of the battle-fighting legionnaires, under the command of experienced centurions; they are most likely there to both prove themselves and absorb the initial and earliest part of the battle
- the Principes containing the prime soldiers, therefore, are the main battle line, and, hence the name, responsible for either: backing up the Hastati if in trouble (as attested); replace the Hastati and hopefully overcome the now more tired enemy (who haven't probably changed lines in any way it seems); or exploiting any early breakthroughs
- the solid and dependable older soldiers, with most (likely) experience, form the Triarii (and not, as noted, with any different armour), are armed with a standard spear as a, mainly, defensive option, equally efficacious at holding off infantry or cavalry and so perform their primary role as a reserve. I do not believe the standard hasta-spear ever goes out of use, throughout the period, simply because of its flexibility.
