09-24-2003, 07:11 PM
It appears that this legion formation first occurred in Romes wars against Greek type armies. It seems to last throughout the period until Rome starts fighting mainly barbarian type foes.<br>
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My opinion is that the checkerboard formation is not at any disadvantage when fighting a phalanx, in fact it has a significant advantage over the Greek formation. The phalanx must keep aligned (at least roughly) so that one of its battalions does not advance beyond the support of its neighbors. Any rough terrain or any too aggressive advance by one unit will place the phalangites at the mercy of the gladius armed legionary. It is not necessarily easy for the phalangite to keep formation. Dust or missile weapons effects might obscure visibility, aggressive behavior by the rear rankers might cause the front rankers to advance in an uncoordinated manner, the very helmets might obscure vision and hearing or signals might be misunderstood.<br>
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In the end the phalanx appears to be a formation where everything must work just right, the manipular legion a formation that is designed to take advantage of the 'fog of war. Much as I like Connely and Warry and all the other authorities we just don't know for sure how this formation fought, maneuvered, or relieved ranks of fighters. It is always interesting to discuss and read opinions. <p></p><i></i>
<br>
My opinion is that the checkerboard formation is not at any disadvantage when fighting a phalanx, in fact it has a significant advantage over the Greek formation. The phalanx must keep aligned (at least roughly) so that one of its battalions does not advance beyond the support of its neighbors. Any rough terrain or any too aggressive advance by one unit will place the phalangites at the mercy of the gladius armed legionary. It is not necessarily easy for the phalangite to keep formation. Dust or missile weapons effects might obscure visibility, aggressive behavior by the rear rankers might cause the front rankers to advance in an uncoordinated manner, the very helmets might obscure vision and hearing or signals might be misunderstood.<br>
<br>
In the end the phalanx appears to be a formation where everything must work just right, the manipular legion a formation that is designed to take advantage of the 'fog of war. Much as I like Connely and Warry and all the other authorities we just don't know for sure how this formation fought, maneuvered, or relieved ranks of fighters. It is always interesting to discuss and read opinions. <p></p><i></i>
