Ars Dimicandi about european Reenactment in german news

[Tarbicus]

How can we imagine that the men cannot take turns in the fight inside the battle lines? While it is impossible to fight in first battle front line more than three minutes in complete armor?

I don't think that's the issue, it's about how the rotation was made. There are references from both Josephus and, IIRC, Plutarch or Pliny, saying they changed men at the front. However, the latter also points out that this was normal, for both sides to do so at the same time, and it was only those who fought like barbarians (Celts or Gauls are specified) that don't slightly withdraw from each other to get fresh troops in the front. If I am correct about the source, I'm left with the impression that combat was like a boxing match, and both sides took advantage of a brief period to collect themselves. It sounds outlandish, but in a way it makes sense to me, and is no stranger than formal single combat challenges.

So, ironically, it is in combat with the Celts and their like that the Romans probably would not get to rotate their men. The AD method is merely speculation but could be taken by many to be fact, and hence the need for people to keep reminding us that this is the case.