Caesar's Legions: Where Size Makes A Difference

Moving in the World of Caesar

Column To Line

With the third section of the column deploying into line behind the second line, the legion is now in three lines (acies triplex). Notice that last two lines are one stands deep. The front line is called a reenforced line. Typically this kind of deployment would be used when there were no know enemy in the area. The legion is now ready for battle. The legion was extremely flexible. Each line represents a number of cohorts. Four in the front and three in each succeeding line.

The legion can further extend its frontage by going into a single line of one stand wide. This would make it more difficult for the enemy to out flank the legions. Sometimes only the first line would face the enemy in extended line. The remaining lines could be reenforced or in extended line.



Next