| Principes (Polybian Heavy Infantry Maniple) | |
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![[defaults to 250]px](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/europabarbarorum/images/c/ce/SPQR_Principes_Late.gif/revision/latest?cb=20100505044245) Principes (Polybian Heavy Infantry Maniple) | |
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| Principes Polybian (Polybian Heavy Infantry Maniple) | |
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![[defaults to 250]px](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/europabarbarorum/images/a/a8/EB2_Polybian_Heavy_Infantry_Maniple.png/revision/latest?cb=20160119081159) Principes Polybian (Polybian Heavy Infantry Maniple) | |
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Principes form the second line in a legion’s battle formation. Armed with heavy javelins and swords, they will engage if the Hastati were unable to break the enemy formations.
Description[]
They can be recruited all Italian homeland provinces, the central heartlands of the Res Publica as well as the recently colonised areas in the south and the Po valley.
The Principes are the soldiers in the prime of their life and form the second line in a legion's battle formation. They will engage if the Hastati were unable to break the enemy formations. Having large reserves of fresh troops available on the battlefield to engage in critical moments is one of the Roman army’s keys to success.
Armed with two pila and a gladius, the Principes are protected by a scutum, a bronze Montefortino helmet, a bronze greave on the leading leg and now mostly by a coat of lorica hamata (chain mail). As soon as the enemy comes in range they will throw their pila to soften his formation and then engage at close quarters.
The high quality equipment has become one of the great strengths of the Roman infantry, besides their strict discipline. The scutum is an oval, canvas covered, plywood shield, around 1.2m high, that offers excellent protection against most weapons. The gladius hispaniensis, adapted during the late 3rd century BC conflicts, is a great weapon for fighting in close formations. Its strong, unbending blade has a sharp point to penetrate heavy armour and can deal an effective blow with both edges. So it can be used for stabbing or slashing as well. The pilum, the heavy Roman javelin, is designed to bend after impact so that it is worthless for the enemy and is difficult to remove from shields. Its weight also gives the weapon great penetration capability.
Historically, the legion's 1200 Principes were organised in ten manipuli, the basic tactical unit of the Roman army. Normally the legion advanced in the famous, chessboard like, quinqunx formation. Three lines of heavy infantry with broad gaps between the single manipuli covered by the next line's displaced marching units. This practice gave the Roman army a higher maneuverability on the battlefield and made it less dependant upon the terrain than the Greek phalanx. During the battle the gaps allowed beaten or retreating units as well as fresh troops to move through the lines.
Over many centuries the Romans had the reputation to be more willing than others to adopt new customs and techniques if they proved useful. This was seen as one of their greatest strengths. The Montefortino Helmet was probably of Celtic origin and was adapted during the 3rd Century BC conflicts.
Every male roman had the duty to serve in the infantry for 16 years, or 20 years in the case of national emergency, until he had completed his 46th year of life. Excepting those rated high enough by the censor to be members of the ordo equester or those rated with less than 400 drachmae worth of property, who have to serve in the fleet. Normally every roman must have served at least ten years in the military before he was permitted to hold any political office.
Usage[]
Available only after the "Polybian Reforms". These men are similar to the Hastati (Late) except heavily armored, and even more well trained. They are much able to hold the line against all odds and in guard mode almost unbreakable in front due to their good shields, chain mail and their discipline.
They can also be used as reserve infantry after the Hastati has weakened the enemy and they are also good at flanking the enemy. Their javelins well prove to be dangerous to heavy infantry and cavalry.
The only thing they should worry about are armor-piercing infantry capable of tearing them to pieces and heavy cavalry also capable of crushing them with their charge.
Principes(Late) AOR