More Roman Formations

The saw was the opposite tactic to the wedge. It was a detached unit behind the front line capable of fast sideways movement down the length of the line to block any holes that might appear. During a Roman civil war, the saw formation would inevitably be the response to the wedge formation.

The skirmishing formation was a widely spaced line of troops, as opposed to the tighter packed battle ranks typical of Roman legionaries. Every second man in the line stepped forward a few paces, essentially doubling the amount of ranks. It allowed for greater mobility and found many uses in the tactical handbooks of Roman generals.

"Roman Army Tactics." The Roman Empire. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/tactics.html.

Skirmishing Formation. Digital image. Roman-Empire.net. Web. 1 Apr. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/skirmishing.html.