Troop Rotations

[Carlton Bach]

I actuallxy don't think it was every intended to work like that. There is a place in Polybios that describes how the second rank can replace the first oif they tired out or were forced back. I haven't actually read the verbatiom quote, but what I would assume that to mean is simply that when the 'business end' of your standard three-deep manipular legion got into trouble (frex when exhaustion begins to tell and the enemy isn't breaking), the second line can move forward and join the fray.<br>
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A number of exercises have been proposed how the first rank centuries would fall back imn good order, poassing through gaps in the second line top reform behind while the second rank noiw took their pülace. I have yet to figure out how you can do that without the active cooperation of your enemy. You can't very well say "Awfully sorry, my spiky-haired friend, but I'm winded. Just wait a bit and my comrades will be up, now be a good Celt." <p></p><i></i>