Flexibility of various Greek/Hellenic phalanxes.

[Bryan]

I remember reading that it was common for esteemed consulars, who had succeeded in every command position they ever served in, who had triumphed for victories multiple times, to spend their waning military years serving as Military Tribunes. This is amazing, as it would mean a level of command expertise at a lower level that would absolutely be unheard of in any other nation in human history. Not only would it mean having a legion command structure that knew exactly what it was doing, but also that the tribunes were sometimes more senior in dignitas than the commander themselves, which means they would expect a greater level of autonomy and ability to act on initiative. Later, during Caesar's day, the military tribunes seemed to be much younger men, most not even of an age to become Senators, so under 10 years of military experience. Meanwhile, Caesar's legates and centurions might have usurped much of that power previously held by tribunes, which would explain why tribunes are nearly never mentioned in his commentaries, other than their high casualty rates (front line service), while legates and senior centurions seem to be the ones making spur of the moment judgment calls mid-battle.

Michael, how can I read the John Ma paper? Is it online?