03-30-2004, 09:32 PM
Thanks for all the imput.<br>
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I would think that the kind of 'wedge' mentioned in Caeser's Gallic Wars would be different from an attack wedge. The defensive wedge would only make sense if all the soldiers were facing outward, three lines of a hollow triangle, similar to the Napoleonic square of much later times. Judging from accounts of squares, if indeed a connection can be drawn between them and the defensive wedge, then this formation is relatively immoble but almost impenatrable against cavalry. This makes sense in light of the Gallic War incident, well-trained veterans would be able to manouver in a difficult formation whilst being immune to the cavalry.<br>
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An attack wedge of a cohort could have been a 'pyramid' of the first century, supported by the second and third, supported by the fourth, fifth, and sixth, etc. Or it could have been echelon of centuries, but the situation could have dictated what was needed. I suppose a solid wedge would have the same effect as an attack column but with less vulnerable flanks, but I'm just guessing. If there is anything to the 'push of the rear ranks' in the attack, then this would work rather well. If this is the formation used by the beleagured Romans in Ceasar's account, then maybe those 300 veterans formed the point of the wedge to forge the way and the less experienced cohorts covered the flanks and rear.<br>
Most of this is speculation, but I think it is at least plausible in light of other historical formations, since that is all we have to go on.<br>
<br>
Good discussion, though, all around. <p></p><i></i>
<br>
I would think that the kind of 'wedge' mentioned in Caeser's Gallic Wars would be different from an attack wedge. The defensive wedge would only make sense if all the soldiers were facing outward, three lines of a hollow triangle, similar to the Napoleonic square of much later times. Judging from accounts of squares, if indeed a connection can be drawn between them and the defensive wedge, then this formation is relatively immoble but almost impenatrable against cavalry. This makes sense in light of the Gallic War incident, well-trained veterans would be able to manouver in a difficult formation whilst being immune to the cavalry.<br>
<br>
An attack wedge of a cohort could have been a 'pyramid' of the first century, supported by the second and third, supported by the fourth, fifth, and sixth, etc. Or it could have been echelon of centuries, but the situation could have dictated what was needed. I suppose a solid wedge would have the same effect as an attack column but with less vulnerable flanks, but I'm just guessing. If there is anything to the 'push of the rear ranks' in the attack, then this would work rather well. If this is the formation used by the beleagured Romans in Ceasar's account, then maybe those 300 veterans formed the point of the wedge to forge the way and the less experienced cohorts covered the flanks and rear.<br>
Most of this is speculation, but I think it is at least plausible in light of other historical formations, since that is all we have to go on.<br>
<br>
Good discussion, though, all around. <p></p><i></i>
