(Late) (Roman) Formations

[John Conyard]

I'm very pleased the discussion is widening out.

I think we need to acknowledge that most Roman combat was carried out at a low level skirmish/patrol level, or in the local tavern. Battles were rare. Very rare. Skirmishes would require a different approach. But I would still like to feel my partner's shield against mine.

But in a big battle situation, when you fight hand to hand against an enemy who is well motivated such as the Germans at Strasbourg, it's close order, lock shields and push. As you say, it's the best way to withstand the assault, and maintain your formation. The "othismos aspidon" . Hoplite battles are full of references to the push of shields.

I understand that some of you still feel that Strasbourg was an exception and that the clash of battle lines were generally more open affairs. But I would love to see the evidence. [/i]