singular later armies early roman republic men prime lives fairly wealthy afford decent equipment heavier infantry legion carried large shields wore good quality armour usual position second battle line fought formation supported light troops eventually away reforms history deployment appear born remnants old class army kings reformed second class stood ranks large equipped similar manner support heavier class ranks probable engagements crushing defeat hands lots smaller military units large ones taught romans importance flexibility rough hilly ground central italy system early system organisation 3rd 4th centuries men classes based wealth wealthiest armed short spears metres long fought formation usually carrying large rectangular shields bronze helmets number feathers fixed increase stature wore heavier armour types common form offered good degree protection movement type legion formed military units men stood second battle line line pitched battle armed light infantry form legion harass enemy fire cover advance light failed break enemy engagement fall let heavier break retire heavy engage enemy turn pursue routing enemies final battle line troops support role providing mass reinforcing areas line system time wars 2nd century form organisation found inefficient new system infantry classes according age experience wealth older veterans greater degree experience equipment role similar previous system carried swords instead spears carried heavy bent impact prevent removed victim thrown increased number legion formed men away replaced similar role attached legion pitched battles conducted similar fashion gather cover advance armed swords failed break enemy fall break retire engage enemy order battle followed battle great plains battle notable exceptions great plains roman general formed men usual manner begun engage enemy flanking force routing opposing arranged men columns large lanes opposing elephants drawn lanes killed inflicting casualties romans surviving elephants routed formed men long line centre flanks ready engage infantry reforms formal military reforms intended combat shortage manpower wars africa tribes north different classes units away entirely wealth age requirements scrapped soldiers join career service city equipped miles soldiers state purchased equipment local irregular troops fulfill roles serving cavalry
Principes