09-01-2011, 02:40 AM
Quote:My impression is that the correct employment of the Gladius is related to the overall tactics of the formation rather than individual combat with the Century/Cohort/Legion striving for close combat where the enemy is pushed back crowded together unable to employ their weapons effectively and literally run over.
I agree with you. This text seems to go in the line you mention. It is situated at Zama (202 BC).
"Consequently by the first attack the Romans at once dislodged the enemy's line. Then beating them back with their shoulders and the bosses of their shields, being now in close contact with men forced from their position, they made considerable progress, as no one offered any resistance, while as soon as they saw that the enemy's line had given way, even the rear line pressed upon the first, a circumstance which of itself gave them great force in repulsing the enemy".
igitur primo impetu extemplo mouere loco hostium aciem Romani. ala deinde et umbonibus pulsantes in summotos gradu inlato aliquantum spatii uelut nullo resistente incessere, urgentibus et nouissimis primos ut semel motam aciem sensere, quod ipsum uim magnam ad pellendum hostem addebat (Livy, XXX, 34, 3-4).
David S.
David Sierra.
