Interesting thoughts on the checkerboard formation I must use this more often.... Hellenic commanders must have gone through hell trying to fight the more manuverable Roman formations.

Something I've always wondered is why Roman commanders held back the Triarii. Its seems wasteful to allow your "green" troops to be slaughtered and only sending in your more experienced troops when absolutely necessary. (I understand the importance of reserves, of course, by why hold all of your best troops in the back lines?)