08-26-2014, 10:40 AM
Quote:................. Josephus’ mention of six abreast being commanded by one centurion does not work, and I have never been able to get it to work. Four abreast works perfectly. .................
That's an interesting view - for me the details of 6-abreast that Josephus mentions has been one of the most illuminating corroborations for me on Roman army organisations - that the legionaries most probably marched in the formations they they formed in - ie 6-men wide turning to 6-men deep. Let alone the obvious suggestion that one-quarter of each century are missing (half of those being directly accounted for in the text and the other half also possibly covered).
Arrian's 4 men wide, however, I see as a straight result of his decision to adopt a less deep formation (allowing greater deployment width or reserves) along with his change in weapons-mix against his cavalry opponent. He then chooses to march in the same formation.
