II/33 POLYBIAN ROMAN 275 BC - 105 BC

This list covers the Roman wars with Carthage, Macedonia and the Seleucids. The change from the Camillan system is dated to the last year of the war against Pyrrhos of Epeiros on the assumption that it was a response to the new problems posed by enemy pikes and elephants. Armies were not permanent, but raised annually by the two consuls if required. Each citizen had an obligation to serve in the army when called upon, so lost armies were replaced at a rate disconcerting to victorious opponents, even if raw legions took time to reach full efficiency. A consular army was normally 2 legions, supported by the same number of allied alae. Each legion should be deployed with the velites skirmishing in front with javelins, then the hastati and principes, each of whom had pilum (a heavy throwing spear capable of penetrating armour or immobilising an enemy’s shield), gladius Hispaniensis (an acutely pointed Spanish sword ideal for thrusting past your own shield, but rather longer than the Early Imperial gladius), scutum (a large stout oval shield), bronze helmet and either a mail shirt (if wealthy) or small rectangular breastplate (if not), and at the rear, a reserve of veteran triarii still armed with long spear instead of pilum. References: Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars D. Head, The Making of the Roman Army L. Keppie, The Complete Roman Army A. Goldsworthy, Scipio Africanus: Soldier and Politician H.H. Scullard.

II/33 — Polybian Roman Army 275 BC - 105 BC

List: 1 x General (Cv), 1 x equites (Cv), 4 x hastati/ principes (4Bd), 2 x hastati/ principes (4Bd) or allies (3/4Ax), 2 x triarii (Sp), 2 x velites (Ps)
Terrain: Arable
Aggression: 3
Enemies:
Allies: II/11 or (II/31j and/or II/34) or II/39a or II/39b or II/40