Roman Army Formations

Different Formations for Different Battle Situations The Roman Army did not use one single formation Believed that each Battle required a different Formation Change their formation to fit the Battle

Open Field Combat For open field combat the Roman Army used two different formations Up Front Pigs Head

Up Front This was used when attacking an enemy face to face This formation was the simplest This formation also was the worst for protection

Pigs Head Similar to the Up Front formation Attacked the enemy from the front Roman Army formed a wedge Used their shields to push the enemy to the outside

When Surrounded If the Roman Army was surrounded they would form a square or diamond formation Soldiers would form a square or diamond with the commanders on the inside Soldiers would interlock their shields to prevent the enemy from getting inside

Tortuous This was the most famous Roman Army formation This was used when the enemy fired arrows or spears at the Romans Also used when the Romans were out numbered Used for protection and power

The Praetorian Guard

A Brief History The Praetoria Guard was formed from the: Best Bravest Most Loyal Men The Praetoria Guard was usually exempt from any standard camp duties Had the job of protecting the generals

The Praetoria Guard The Guard moved from protecting Generals to protecting the Caesars These were the only Roman soldiers allowed in the city of Rome These soldiers were chosen by the Caesar himself

The Praetoria Guard The Guard moved from being a position that the Caesars chose Became a standing job that would not change with the Caesars

Later Years of the Guard As time went on the Guard became more and more corrupt Members would take bribes Would often look the other way or not protect the Caesars