I agree with antisocialmunky Roman soldiers must have braced top and bottom. I am proposing techniques to do this. I also think these techniques have some implications for EB. First, a side fighting stance calls for a tighter formation. Second, if the shield is wielded as suggested in my chart, the shield protects the entire body from a front attack, which in turn calls for a higher shield rating (higher than the Hoplon). Third, maybe we should reduce the attack strength...

I agree with Geticus the techniques I have described only show how Roman soldiers would stand while "holding the line". In particular, I agree with with Geticus the stances and techniques I described do not allow for the charge. In Monday's post I included a note explaining I am still working on the charge. I said back then:


V THE CHARGE, RUNNING WITH SHIELD, TACKLE WITH SHIELD

I am now working on the charge. I need to do a bit more research before I am ready to post on this subject.

To figure out how roman soldiers used the shield during the charge, we first have to figure out how romans carried their shield while running. I am looking for contemporary art (friezes, statutes, etc. showing legionaries running) I have found only one. If any of you have any useful source, I would appreciate you share it with me.

After we figure out how Roman soldiers carried their shield while running, then we have to figure out the techniques (shield and body movements) they used to transition from a "run" to a "tackle". Again, I am working on this.