Why no hastati/principes?

[ethan340]

i only see "polybian republican cohorts" in the roman campaign i just started. there was historically a reasonable difference between the two, so why were they merged into one?

[Jakethe_Snake15]

I believe that if you read the unit descriptor, it tells you why.
Something along the lines of before the reforms, the principe and hastati's were merged into one unit...
I can't remember why though.

[En_tu_Brute]

I believe that if you read the unit descriptor, it tells you why.
Something along the lines of before the reforms, the principe and hastati's were merged into one unit...
I can't remember why though.

If i can remember it was enacted after the battle of Cannae, can't remember why though

[nhinhonhinho]

Historically it's because the Roman now rich enough to province equipment to their troops unlike before when men should spend their money for equipment

Beside that after Cannae the Roman found the 3 lines tactic of Hastati, principle, triarii still inflexible

[Lt.Speirs]

Yes, and according to the description its because the youngest and less experienced hastati wouldnt rout as quickly with their older and tougher principes next to them in line.

[chaplain118]

From the previews:

When the dust from the Second Punic Wars had settled, the Romans faced a dilemma on their hands. The extensive war had all but drained the City of its able-bodied men who can still serve in the legions. Farming had been neglected in favor of war and the Roman economy plummeted. The monetary requirements established by Marcus Furius Camillus for those wishing to enlist in the Roman legion was largely ignored by the end of the Second Punic Wars due to the eroding of a middle class in Rome. Thus, those who used to qualify as Principes fell to Hastati status. The destruction of the middle class meant that the Roman legion could no longer be divided based upon economic standing and instead must rely upon fighting skill. Due to the need to press those who previously were unable to afford to serve in the military, the State began to provide armor and weapons to her soldiers, further blurring the lines between Hastati and Principes until the two units existed only in name. This became known as the Polybian system and the concepts that came from this particular system would become driving forces behind the Marian reforms.

While not entirely accurate, it's what the team decided to do with regards to the Polybian cohorts.

[Coldfire88]

While not entirely accurate, it's what the team decided to do with regards to the Polybian cohorts.

but wait, why isnt it entirely accurate?

[dvk901]

Well, let's just say it is a 'heavily interpreted conclusion' based on what Polybius said about the Battle of Cannae (the use of cohorts vs. maniples), and the known fact that the formation was used in Spain during the 2nd Punic War.

The fact is that the Hastati and Principe ARE both present (if you click on them during battle, they will identify themselves as one or the other randomly). It's just the formation that is cohort based. Polybius mentions that this was done to present a more unified front to the enemy (I'm paraphrasing, not quoting) at Cannae...presumably to frighten or bother the Carthaginians more. Obviously, that didn't work out too well for Rome at that time. But Scipio used it in Spain to advantage. So I\we admit there is little evidence concerning this....then again, there is little against it as well. The 2nd Punic War was a time of military transition for the Romans, that much is known for sure.