06-22-2007, 05:40 AM
I suspect when the front ranks have engaged the enemy, the rear ranks would close up and push, with the file closers actively ensuring the whole formation is tight, pushing the unwilling forward. Any weapon released would be useful, but there would be little room to throw a insult or swing a cat let alone find the room to swing a dart!
Any sign of the formation loosening, or rear ranks looking behind them for a route of possible escape, would be fatal for the unit as a whole. It would encourage the enemy to push all the harder. Hard to hand is a pushing match, and the push needs to be co-ordinated and involve everyone in the unit.
Any sign of the formation loosening, or rear ranks looking behind them for a route of possible escape, would be fatal for the unit as a whole. It would encourage the enemy to push all the harder. Hard to hand is a pushing match, and the push needs to be co-ordinated and involve everyone in the unit.
John Conyard
York
A member of Comitatus Late Roman
Reconstruction Group
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York
A member of Comitatus Late Roman
Reconstruction Group
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.comitatus.net">http://www.comitatus.net
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.historicalinterpretations.net">http://www.historicalinterpretations.net
<a class="postlink" href="http://lateantiquearchaeology.wordpress.com">http://lateantiquearchaeology.wordpress.com