Question about the Roman \'wedge formation\'

[Matthew Amt]

Avete!

I also remember reading (LONG ago) that the Roman force used a "saw" formation against Boudica's rebels. But if it's not mentioned in an ancient account, it must be a modern theory. The impression I got was that a series of small wedges would dig into an enemy formation and tend to crowd them, meaning the Britons would not have had the elbow room they needed to wield their spears and longer swords effectively. Meanwhile the Romans would still have plenty of space for their own weapons. I don't think a line of small wedges would be any hinderance to a force breaking and running, no more so than a straight line.

It was also my impression that the carts and wagons were lined up across the back of the battlefield so that the wives and kids could stand on them to get a good view of the battle. The Britons were planning on *winning*, after all, and after a string of victories had no reason to fear defeat. But when they did break and run, the wagons trapped many of them, hence the horrific casualties. (Or wonderful casualties, depending on your point of view!)

Valete,

Matthew