Middle republican triplex acies: a problem of space

[drsrob]

But not Polearm, Rob. Obviously a matter of preference, though.

You're right, perhaps it's my English that's at fault. I was thinking of the Dutch word "geweer" which today means "rifle" and also "musket", but which originally could also mean "pike" (a half pike was known as a "kortgeweer"). With pole-arm I simply meant 'a shafted weapon'.

That passage certainly could be interpreted to mean that Philip's Light Foot lacked Shields, but on the other hand it may simply mean they lacked Swords [i.e. the Velites are equally prepared for attack and defence, but the Greeks only for defence]. Ancient Greek Peltasts regularly made use of 'Light' Shields. I wouldn't be surprised to find Philip's Light Foot with Shield and Spear, it may just be the combination of Sword and Shield that is being highlighted.

True. However, even with shields, the hastati light infantry would still have been unable to engage in close combat, so the rest of my argument would remain unaffected.