Manipular Formation

[Goffredo]

Well one answer people give is that maniples had gaps. But the gap story is not completely understood so I will not pursue it further. One immediate reason I can imagine that gave the Phalanx more rigidity is that the presence of the men on the side and behind a certain soldier was denser. The Roman soldier was expected at one point to rely on his sword while the Greek sword was really a last-resort weapon. The use of the spear in the Greek Phalanx and the pike in the Macedonian Phalanx required a relatively small space and indeed in the Macedonian Phalanx there was almost no space left. In the Greek Phalanx each frontliner probably did duel with his opponent but the motions were probably constrained severely by the presence of the Hoplites on the side. Theri presence was indeed very desirable as their shield contributed to the protection from stabs from the opposing line. In swordplay one needs more room. Of course any motions would tend to break up a dense line while a more open formation can adjust and regroup more easily. The Phalanx could only go straight (any diagonal motion would be very risky and need great training.) A more open formation maybe could make more sophisticated motions. I am not an expert so I better stop my hypothizsing here. I am very curious to read the contributions of others. <p></p><i></i>