Chapters
Roman army was one of the most effective armies on the battlefields in history. For much of Rome’s existence, the foundation of the legions was a disciplined heavy-armed infantry, which, thanks to its training and organization, was able to repel virtually any opponent. The implementation of the strategy and skills for quick regrouping was an indispensable factor in the face of e.g. the environment or the numerical superiority of the opponent.
Roman army was effective not only for its professionalism but also for its ability to regenerate after even the toughest disasters (e.g., the battle of Cannae in 216 BCE). The huge population potential, which largely resulted from the conquest of conquered peoples who provided military contingents, allowed them to operate effectively on many fronts simultaneously. Polybius in his work “The Histories” reports that in 225 BCE the Roman Republic was able to mobilize over 700,000 infantry and 70,000 cavalries.
Battle
Roman army moving towards the battlefield was formed into several columns, which allowed manoeuvrability. Before the main part of the army were reconnaissance troops: cavalry, light infantry and scouts who followed the movements of enemy troops and made sure that there was no ambush. At the head of the army was also a military tribune or other officers who chose a place to build a camp. Legions marched as separate units with their rolling stock.
In the face of battle and closeness to the enemy army, legion movements were more cautious. The Roman command was looking for the best possible area for combat operations or adapted to the situation. To increase morale, religious rituals were carried out to strengthen the spirit of the soldiers and ensure that the gods were on the Romans’ side. Before the clash, manoeuvres and mutual observation of troops took place, which was to allow the best use of the terrain and the weaknesses of the opponent.
It is noteworthy that Roman legionaries remained silent before the clash, listening to orders, which was to give the command better control of the battlefield. Supervision of the discipline of the army was maintained mainly by centurions and optiones, who were their helpers in the centurion. Optio was guarding troops, patrolling his own centurion in the back. Certainly, the behaviour of the legions that stood in front of the enemy must have made a huge impression on the opponent. It had to prove full self-control and professionalism.
Period of the Republic
During the Republic, light troops (most often velites), which were involved in the fight against enemy skirmishers or light cavalry, started to fight first. Often, such an initial clash led to the involvement of the entire army. A great example is the battle of Trebia in 218 BCE when Hannibal’s light ride pulled across the river the entire Roman army of consul Tiberius Sempronius Longus.
Heavily armed infantry of the Republic period was usually formed in three lines (so-called triplex acies), less often when conditions off-road did not allow – two lines (duplex acies, e.g. Caesar’s army under Ruspina in 46 BCE), single formation (acies simplex) or deep quadruple formation ( quadruplex acies). Individual formations were arranged in a kind of “chessboard”, with free space between them so that riding or skirmishers could freely operate there. Ancient historians compare the pre-battle manipulation setting to the quincunx formation – four elements in the four corners of the quadrangle and one in between.
The closest enemy was hastati, then principes, and finally triarii. Hastati together with velites (light infantry) were the youngest and least experienced group in the legion. They were recruited from among men aged 17 to 24 who could afford adequate armament. D