Manipular Barracks

The greatness of Rome's army lay in training, tactics and the spirit of the people. Before the Second Samnite War in 315BC the Romans fought as a phalanx. As they suffered heavy defeats on difficult terrain a more manoeuvrable maniple system was adapted from the Samnites' tactics. Three divisions replaced the phalanx in battle: the young hastati in the front, the experienced principes as the main line and lastly the veteran triarii at the rear. This tactical system served Rome well until new enemies and new economic realities weakened it. Consul Gaius Marius made dramatic changes when he reformed the whole Roman army, creating what is now seen as the 'classic' Roman Legion as the basic battle force. His system proved extremely effective and was adopted by successive generations of leaders. It was the Marian Legions that went on to conquer the known world...