 The distinction between the heavy infantry types of "hastati", "principes" and "triarii" began to blur, perhaps because the state was now assuming the responsibility of providing standard-issue equipment to all but the first class of troops, who alone were able to afford their own equipment.By the time of Polybius, the "triarii" or their successors still represented a distinct heavy infantry type armed with a unique style of cuirass, but the "hastati" and "principes" had become indistinguishable.In addition, the shortage of available manpower led to a greater burden being placed upon its allies ("socii") for the provision of allied troops.