The Roman Legion

[Magister Militum Flavius Aetius]

Although the Legionary system of fighting was ended in the 7th century, it was still an effective fighting force...
I'd like to know more about infantry mixes and styles of infantry in the Legions.
Thanks

[SeniorBatavianHorse]

Check out these threads which already exist on the site:

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=142738

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=106375

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=175023

[Magister Militum Flavius Aetius]

Okay, thanks SeniorBatavianHorse. But what I'm more interested in Is 5th century AD tactics like would they put heavy infantry in the first line, followed by lighter infantry and than Archers/Scorpios? For example

[Valentinian Victor]

Okay, thanks SeniorBatavianHorse. But what I'm more interested in Is 5th century AD tactics like would they put heavy infantry in the first line, followed by lighter infantry and than Archers/Scorpios? For example

There is evidence that the practice of having the Legiones with archers forming the last two ranks stems from at least the 3rd century AD. It was certainly in vogue during the 4th Century as Vegetius, Ammianus and Julian all make reference to it. The tactic came about probably when the Romans began to encounter nations who used cavalry as their majority troop type, especially bow armed cavalry whom the Romans had no effective reply other than to either stay put and weather the arrow storm, or rush the enemy cavalry and attempt to drive them off the battle field. At one stage during the 4th Century AD a legionarii would have been armed with Pilum or Spiculum, Javelin (Veruta), five lead weighted darts and sword plus dagger. This enabled the Legionarii to fire at range almost equivalent to short range horse archery ranges.

[SeniorBatavianHorse]

If you'd read the threads, all your questions would be answered.

[julianus heraclius]

To add to VV's comments, these formations would have lasted into the 5th Century and beyond.

[Magister Militum Flavius Aetius]

I've looked at and read the entire threads, they're great scources of Info, but it doesn't entirely answer my question, I'd like to know unit ratios and armored infantry ratios in the legion and stuff like that

[Valentinian Victor]

I've looked at and read the entire threads, they're great scources of Info, but it doesn't entirely answer my question, I'd like to know unit ratios and armored infantry ratios in the legion and stuff like that

This work does examine the size of units, but I would caution against some of the conclusions raised as the work is not without its faults- BAR –S645, 1996 Unit Sizes in the Late Roman Army by Terence Coello. ISBN
0 86054 830 9

You will not find any ancient reference to the make up of the legiones during the Late Roman period apart from Vegetius.

[Magister Militum Flavius Aetius]

And Veggetius said that the majority of the army was unarmored. The notitia dignitatum for the western half was written around the time aetius came into play. Maybye there's a copy in aetius' grave lol.

[Valentinian Victor]

And Veggetius said that the majority of the army was unarmored. The notitia dignitatum for the western half was written around the time aetius came into play. Maybye there's a copy in aetius' grave lol.

There is a very real problem with that particular statement from Vegetius. If he were writing in 395AD then he would be wrong as all the evidence points to Roman infantry still wearing armour at that date. However, if he is writing from 420AD then he may well be right. I favour the later date due to him stating that the arms of the Roman cavalry had been brought into perfection after the manner of the Goths, Alans and Huns, and also referencing that these nations were recruited when he wrote.

[Magister Militum Flavius Aetius]

Yes, in 425 AD, Aetius Brought the Huns into western roman affairs, used them until 439 when litorius was defeated by the visigoths. The Huns were a mobile assault cover up for rome's army, while aetius was secretly rebuilding the armored heavy infantry force of old, preparing for attila's assault

[Valentinian Victor]

Yes, in 425 AD, Aetius Brought the Huns into western roman affairs, used them until 439 when litorius was defeated by the visigoths. The Huns were a mobile assault cover up for rome's army, while aetius was secretly rebuilding the armored heavy infantry force of old, preparing for attila's assault

There is evidence of Huns being recruited as early as 400AD.

[Magister Militum Flavius Aetius]

Interesting, ill look it up