Why did the scutum have a horizontal grip?

[Robert Vermaat]

If we follow the vegetius advice; [...](three foot distance beetwen each warriors: the scutum are side by side, not side on side...)

Damien, where does Vegetius say 3 feet between each soldier? In my translation he says 3 feet for each soldier, that is 3 feet of space for each soldier, not between one man and the next.

Another experience we think that the Hasta is not use (except for the tactical technics against cavalry) like thrusting weapon, but primary like an throwing weapon. Some simulation show that if you use the hasta like thrust weapon (ex: under the shoulder or like the ancient hoplite...) the swordman with his scutum always come in the adversary and push the hasta with the shield and touch easy the adversary.

But why would you use the hast underarm for? If the hasta was a throwing weapon, than why make it so long? Besides, why compare it to an ancient hoplite when this sort of fighting is alien to Roman tactics? If Roman armies fought in a phalangial manner, that never meant they fought like hoplites!

For all the video technics, we have just need to the Vegatius distance to using the scutum and sword like that. in pushing situation the co-militio bottom the first line figther push on the back to resist and the soldier try to touch the ennemy and conserve the protection scutum distance. The most important point don't breaking down by the massive number to the ennemy pushing. But they must conserve a minimal place to use the sword and the shield because the game is not a Rugby or american soccer rules to destroy the warriors lines but but kill and hurt the ennemy to destroy the lines!!

I agree, it's not a pushing game or something like that, but you need closed ranks so that the enemy can't push inside your formation. If one man would fall with 3 feet left as well as to the right of him, a huge gap would open for an enemy to push into. Especially a cuneus (where pushing is part of the formation) could then easily 'pry apart' a formation that was too loose.[/quote]