Quick question about historical Roman army formations.

[Dayve]

During the early and polybian eras, (Hastati, Principes and Triarii), did the Romans use any troops on the flanks of the front and/or second line? Like spearmen or something? Or did Hastati make the front line on their own, solely? Also same goes for the reformed troops of Marius, did the legionaires first line have spearmen/other infantry on its flanks?

Thanks.

[abou]

I would have to find my Goldsworthy book to confirm this, but if I am correct the hastati, princepes, and triarii would from the center of the line; on either side of them were auxiliaries from their various allies; on the wings would be cavalry. It also seems that these troops were arranged in the quincunx formation as well.

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

Thats basically it, although the principle is basically in infantry centre with cavalry on the wings, the Roman word for wing is Ala, plural Alae this is where our word Ally comes from, because the Roman's Allies were the cavalry on the wings.

The Infantry Auxilleries were usually equipped in a Roman fashion, even the "standard" infantry Auxillary from the Imperial Period is a Legionary with a spear instead of Pila and a round shield that couldn't form Testudo.

[Dayve]

What can we use in EB 'allies' on the flanks? Samnite spearmen or Samnite heavy infantry mercenaries? But they are a little expensive i must say...

[QwertyMIDX]

Gallic Auxilliaries from Northern Italy fighting on the Roman wings are mentioned by Livy in describing the battle of Trebia. Now Livy is pretty bad when it comes to these things, but the provision of Auxilliary troops by loyal gallic tribes makes perfect sense.

[Dayve]

Actually in a previous campaign as the Romans i used those troops on my flanks... Mala Geroas their name is... Only problem is, they have terrible defense and, well, not the best attack either... No armour or helmet, just a shield, spear and throwing javelins...

[jedispongee]

They will still block a unit attacking your flank for a bit, giving you time to adjust and move in a heavier infantry unit to counter.

[QwertyMIDX]

They're not too bad, 120/240 men with an attack of 11, total defense of 13, and a bonus against cavalry for a mere 1340. With the number of men they have per unit they can afford to take the casualities that the lower defense causes. They also have a ton of javelins, which can be very helpful.