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  1. #1

    Default Questionable legionary formation on History Channel

    As a longstanding fan of HBO's Rome series, I thought I'd bring this up.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ndh3b9wC-A0

    Watch from 4:25 onwards. The legionaries appear to be using a very strange formation involving the rotation of men from the front rank directly to the rear of the formation, the next man in line taking his place. I've read Goldsworthy's Complete Roman Army and don't recall any mention whatsoever of such a formation in use at the time.
    It would seem highly dangerous as the legionaries fighting in the front lines would turn their backs to the enemy, leaving them exposed and wide open to attack while they retreat through the ranks.

    While I don't believe for even an instant that the Romans ever used this formation, at 4:46 in the video there is a ? History Channel excerpt showing this exact formation playing out as well.

    Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't this meant to be the History Channel?
    Last edited by Jormungand; 12-05-2011 at 15:15.

  2. #2

    Default Re: Questionable legionary formation on History Channel

    IMO, graphics and presentation takes up 99% of the History Channel's budget, and historical research takes up only 1%. The accuracy of the show seems to reflect that kind of balance.

  3. #3
    COYATOYPIKC Senior Member Flatout Minigame Champion Arjos's Avatar
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    Default Re: Questionable legionary formation on History Channel

    There was a sort of rotation with the triplex acies, where maniples could withdraw into the gaps, some distortion out of that is possible...
    But formations were "fluid", injured soldiers retreated through it (this happened even in phalanxes), so it's not wholly implausible (ofc not with the legionaries giving the backs to the enemy, but stepping to the side between each row)...

  4. #4

    Default Re: Questionable legionary formation on History Channel

    (ofc not with the legionaries giving the backs to the enemy, but stepping to the side between each row)
    ah yes one of many flaws of most RTS games :D when your guys fall back they turn tail and run :/
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    Member Member stratigos vasilios's Avatar
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    Default Re: Questionable legionary formation on History Channel

    Quote Originally Posted by Titus Marcellus Scato View Post
    IMO, graphics and presentation takes up 99% of the History Channel's budget, and historical research takes up only 1%. The accuracy of the show seems to reflect that kind of balance.
    Hahaha outstanding TMS! I enjoyed this considerably.
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  6. #6

    Default Re: Questionable legionary formation on History Channel

    Quote Originally Posted by stratigos vasilios View Post
    Hahaha outstanding TMS! I enjoyed this considerably.
    Then you'll love this. From a program called Battles B.C., also on the History Channel.


    Apparently Hannibal had the physique of a bodybuilder, went shirtless into battle and held his arms out and screamed like a crazy man after decapitating Romans.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUX-WvWvvsE --- 0:08 - 0:17

    and the funniest part

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3ZG...eature=related --- 4:33 to 4:43
    Last edited by Jormungand; 12-06-2011 at 22:46.

  7. #7
    Member Member Vilkku92's Avatar
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    Default Re: Questionable legionary formation on History Channel

    What? They even don't try to be realistic?

  8. #8
    ‘Abdü’l-Mecīd-i evvel Member Kival's Avatar
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    Default Re: Questionable legionary formation on History Channel

    You're kidding me. Something like that has been shown on a history channel?

    ‘Abdü’l-Mecīd-i evvel

  9. #9

    Default Re: Questionable legionary formation on History Channel

    Quote Originally Posted by Jormungand View Post
    Then you'll love this. From a program called Battles B.C., also on the History Channel.


    Apparently Hannibal had the physique of a bodybuilder, went shirtless into battle and held his arms out and screamed like a crazy man after decapitating Romans.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUX-WvWvvsE --- 0:08 - 0:17

    and the funniest part

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3ZG...eature=related --- 4:33 to 4:43
    I have to revise my estimate. Maybe the History Channel is 99.9% graphics and presentation, and 0.1% historical research. Maybe they just get a low-paid admin worker to spend a day browsing Wikipedia or searching in Google.

  10. #10
    Member Member Vilkku92's Avatar
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    Default Re: Questionable legionary formation on History Channel

    Maybe they hired Mel Gibson do it!

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    JEBMMP Creator & AtB Maker Member jirisys's Avatar
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    Default Re: Questionable legionary formation on History Channel

    Quote Originally Posted by Titus Marcellus Scato View Post
    IMO, graphics and presentation takes up 99% of the History Channel's budget, and historical research takes up only 1%. The accuracy of the show seems to reflect that kind of balance.
    My thought exactly.

    But fatigue would be quite common in the ancient armies wouldn't it? Especially since people fought for hours.

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