Rank Vs File

[lars573]

I always use a standard pattern for attack or defense. I also use the default depth it provides all the rank you need. I also use light cavalry/infantry on flanks to keep threats away.

Republican
Velites=V
Hastati=H
Princepes=P
Triari=T
Archers=A
Equites=E
General=G
Special=(siege engine arcani gladiator merc heavy cav)

V V
EHHHHE
PPPP
TTTT
AGSA

Imperial (early)
Legionary cohort=M
First cohort=F
Auxilia spears=L
Archers=A
Auxilia cavalry=C
Roman Cavalry=E
Legionary cavalry=K
General=G
Special unit (siege engine arcani gladiator)=S
C
LMMMMFL
EMMMMME
AGSA K

Imperial (late west field)
Comiteneses cohort=C
Comiteneses first cohort=F
Fedeorati infantry=B
Fedeorati cavalry=L
Equites Saggitarii=M
Archers=A
Sarmatian auxilia=H
General=G
Special (siege weapon, Praeventores, priest, cart ballista)=S

M M
BCCCCCCCFB
LHA GS AHL

Imperial (late east field)
Comiteneses cohort=C
Comiteneses first cohort=F
Archers=A
General=G
Special (siege weapon, priest, cart ballista)=S
Hippo toxotai=H
Equites auxilia=E
Equites cataphractii/clibinarii=K
H H
ECCCCCCCFE
E A GS A E
KK
Imperial (late west palantina)
General=G
Plumbataii=C
Auxilia palantina=L
Buccelarii=A
Equites saggitarii=M
Fedeorati cavalry=W
Scholae palantina=K
Special (siege weapon, priest, cart ballista)=S

M M
WCCCLLLLCCCW
A GS A
KK

Imperial (late east palantina)
General=G
Plumbataii=C
Legio lancerarii=L
Eastern archers=A
Hippo toxotai=M
Equites auxilia=W
Scholae palantina=K
Special (siege weapon, priest, cart ballista)=S

M M
W LLLL W
CCCCCC
AGSA KK

Now in most of these cases even heavy cavalry will only just push through 1 line of my armies. With phalanx/shield wall armies it is even less penetration of the line. Provided the phalanx/shield wall is prepared of course.