09-16-2014, 01:25 PM
During much of the Republican period, the Roman infantry was composed of three infantry lines. The first two, the Hastati and Princeps, were equipped with a short sword (gladius) and pilum. However, the Triarii, the third infantry line, was equipped differently and retained the traditional spear (hastae).
Any thoughts and/or references to primary sources as to why the Triarii were equipped differently?
Any thoughts and/or references to primary sources as to why the Triarii were equipped differently?