07-29-2004, 07:12 PM
Yes, we've discussed this many times before. My view is that the manipular formation (checkerboard) was a formation specifically designed to fight the phalanx. Having the gaps might actually have encouraged phalangites to break formation as they tried to close with the legionaries. The gladius armed and close-combat trained legionaries would have had the advantage in such a situation. Against an enemy who did not fight in such a rigid formation like the Spaniards and Gauls it would definitely have been a disadvantage. <p></p><i></i>
