The Manipular Legion
The origin and actual structure of the early Roman legions are somewhat obscure, as there are conflicting accounts. It is generally accepted that the Roman military utilized the Greek phalanx until the Samnite Wars (343-290 BCE), as the phalanx would have been poorly suited for fighting in the uneven terrain of Italy. The organization described here is based on the description by the Greek historian Polybius (c. 200-118 BCE). Early legions utilized the maniple as the basic tactical unit. The actual organization and strength of the legion during this time may have varied, it is accepted that the legion was made up of four rows of units, organized based on experience and seniority. The first were a group of skirmishers about 1,200 men strong known as the velites. The next three rows were made up of 10 maniples each, with the first and second containing 1,200 soldiers each, and the last containing only 600. This brought the total strength of a legion at this time to 4,200 men. Each legion also maintained an attachment of cavalry of about 300 men. The cavalry mainly served as scouts and messengers.
The ManipleThe maniple was formed in three different classes, which each occupying one of the three rows of maniples in a legion. The first was the hastati and the second was the principe, both made up of two centuries of 60 men each. The third line was the triarii, and was comprised of only one 60 man century. Attached to the hastati were the velites, who stood at the front lines. Each century was commanded by a centurion along with other officers as described in the imperial legions.
The VelitesAlthough the velites occupied their own line on the battlefield, they were not a group of their own. They were instead attached the to hastati for organization. The velites were skirmishers, comprised of poor citizens that were lightly armored and equipped with javelins. Serving as the front line of a legion, they would charge the enemy and release their javelins before falling behind the hastati. Since they were lightly armored, the velites were also useful in flanking maneuvers.
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The HastatiThe hastati occupied the first line of maniples within a legion. The soldiers in these maniples were generally young, wealthy, and inexperienced. As the primary force, they were heavily armored and carried the traditional gladius and pilum. After the skirmishing attacks of the velites, the hastati would move forward as the main attacking force. If overwhelmed, the hastati would move behind the more experienced principe.
The PrincipeThe principe formed the second manipular line of legion and were similarly equipped as the hastati. However, they were older and much more experienced than the hastati, and were usually had better equipment because of their wealth. The principe would wait until the hastati had weathered down the enemy before engaging in combat. Of course, if the battle went poorly they would be forced to relieve the hastati sooner.
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The TriariiThe triarii were essentially the reserves of the legion, and were comprised of the oldest and most experienced soldiers. Though similarly armored as the hastati and principe, the triarii were equipped with a more phalanx style spear. The triarii would only attack as a last resort, and would charge the enemy much like a Greek phalanx. This would hopefully shock the enemy and allow the hastati and principe to regroup.
The Cavalry (Equites)The cavalry of the legion were organized into 10 turmae of 30 soldiers each. Each turma was usually split into three groups of ten, with each group commanded a decurio. One of the three decurions would hold seniority and the title of praefectus. Each decurio was assisted by an optio, much like the centurions of a century. The cavalry was regarded as a prestigious position, as only those wealthy enough to afford a horse could be in the cavalry.
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