On the Front Line ... the Very Front

[Mithras]

This is the biggest question I have about the Roman army, and ancient warfare in general. How was it decided who stood on the frontline, who entered combat first? Who took the full force of that first high energy impact?

Veterans at the front? But you risk them dying. But they perform well.
Newbies at the front? Well they are more expendable, but if they break and run? Actually they probably have no option other than stand and fight. But how do you get the recruits at the front to march orderly into battle? Whether Roman, Syrian, Mayan or Mesopotamian?

This question really vexes me. Do any ancient authors shed light on this?

[Tarbicus]

It's been discussed before in these threads:
[url:3n3whypv]http://www.romanarmy.nl/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=3372&highlight=veterans+front[/url]
[url:3n3whypv]http://www.romanarmy.nl/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=1614&highlight=veterans+front[/url]

They put the veterans at the rear during the Republic. I'm sure I've also read they were at the front at times. The initial attack was often the deciding moment, and the veterans were sometimes placed up front to try and attain a quick victory (I seem to remember). Mixing the veterans with the new recruits could also mean cool heads watching the youngsters and encouraging them.

Cheers.

[Mithras]

Ah, nice thread discussions. Thanks, I'd forgotten about those!