05-20-2013, 12:10 PM
By following the conventional quincunx formation illustrated below, the problem with this arrangement is the deployment of the legion is not symmetrical. In order to close the gaps in each acies and still conform to Polybius’ description that the first centurion commanded the right half of the maniple and the second centurion commanded the left, would require the hastati and triarii posterior centuries to move to the left in order to eliminate the overlap.
However, to achieve the same results with the principes; the movement direction of the posterior centuries and the placement of the centurions has to be reversed. To have the prior centurion remain commanding the right half of the maniple and to eliminate the overlaps with the hastati and triarii, each senior principes centurion would have to command the posterior century and the junior centurion the prior century. In this manner, the senior centurion is on the left and not the right.
[attachment=7225]TraditionalQuincuxMovementcopy.jpg[/attachment]
It is possible Polybius did not concern himself with the reverse arrangements of the principes because no such reverse arrangement existed. If this is the case, then the conventional interpretation of the quincunx formation requires further scrutiny.
However, to achieve the same results with the principes; the movement direction of the posterior centuries and the placement of the centurions has to be reversed. To have the prior centurion remain commanding the right half of the maniple and to eliminate the overlaps with the hastati and triarii, each senior principes centurion would have to command the posterior century and the junior centurion the prior century. In this manner, the senior centurion is on the left and not the right.
[attachment=7225]TraditionalQuincuxMovementcopy.jpg[/attachment]
It is possible Polybius did not concern himself with the reverse arrangements of the principes because no such reverse arrangement existed. If this is the case, then the conventional interpretation of the quincunx formation requires further scrutiny.
