04-28-2018, 08:27 AM
Ross Cowan wrote:
In 109 BC, as he advanced towards the river Muthul, Metellus detected an ambush prepared by Jugurtha. He strengthened the vulnerable right flank of his army with ‘three lines of reserves’. These reserves (subsidia) are described as being formed of manipuli (maniples) (Sall. Iug. 49.6). The usual interpretation of this is that Metellus’ legions were still organised in maniples, of which there were 30 per legion, and that he deployed them in the traditional triplex acies (triple battle line).
I believe the main problem here is the usual interpretation about Metellus’ formation being in the traditional triplex acies is wrong. Metellus can still be in march order, except this time the right flank is marching in three columns. Polybius discusses this, and Caesar (BG 4 14), also mentions his army marching in three parallel columns. In Metellus’ case, with the right flank reinforced, the right flank can also reinforce any part of the march column that is in distress when attacked.
Ross Cowan wrote:
This, it is asserted, is last instance of the maniple being deployed as a tactical unit, but as the battle develops, the legionaries fight not in maniples but in cohorts (ibid. 51.3).
Polybius tell us that maniples make cohorts, so why does this theory still persist that the cohort replaced the maniple? The term maniple and cohort together, can be found together, and the term maniple to the fifth century AD, and yet academics reject such terms because sadly, such terms do not conform to modern day theories. Well how about academia taking a progressive step and admit that could be wrong. Dear god, if they did so, they might find the brakes have finally been released and they are moving forward.
Ross Cowan wrote:
Dunno. That's for others, like you, to determine.
Why do you rely on others? Surely, as a historian writing on the Roman army as yourself, it should be your role to investigate and find the answer?
In 109 BC, as he advanced towards the river Muthul, Metellus detected an ambush prepared by Jugurtha. He strengthened the vulnerable right flank of his army with ‘three lines of reserves’. These reserves (subsidia) are described as being formed of manipuli (maniples) (Sall. Iug. 49.6). The usual interpretation of this is that Metellus’ legions were still organised in maniples, of which there were 30 per legion, and that he deployed them in the traditional triplex acies (triple battle line).
I believe the main problem here is the usual interpretation about Metellus’ formation being in the traditional triplex acies is wrong. Metellus can still be in march order, except this time the right flank is marching in three columns. Polybius discusses this, and Caesar (BG 4 14), also mentions his army marching in three parallel columns. In Metellus’ case, with the right flank reinforced, the right flank can also reinforce any part of the march column that is in distress when attacked.
Ross Cowan wrote:
This, it is asserted, is last instance of the maniple being deployed as a tactical unit, but as the battle develops, the legionaries fight not in maniples but in cohorts (ibid. 51.3).
Polybius tell us that maniples make cohorts, so why does this theory still persist that the cohort replaced the maniple? The term maniple and cohort together, can be found together, and the term maniple to the fifth century AD, and yet academics reject such terms because sadly, such terms do not conform to modern day theories. Well how about academia taking a progressive step and admit that could be wrong. Dear god, if they did so, they might find the brakes have finally been released and they are moving forward.
Ross Cowan wrote:
Dunno. That's for others, like you, to determine.
Why do you rely on others? Surely, as a historian writing on the Roman army as yourself, it should be your role to investigate and find the answer?
