Roman Republic way of war

[TulliusDetritus]

For those of you who don't know Roman history here are some tips, an introduction:

First of all each year the Romans appointed 2 bosses who ruled one year: the Consuls.

Normally the Republic would raise 4 legions: two for each Consul. But these Consular armies always had auxiliaries attached: minimum the 100% of a Roman force, but in fact many times the 200%! So in theory each Consul would have an army of 8.000 Romans (legionaries) + around 16.000 allies = 24.000 men

Even when the Romans raised many legions each Consul would still command only two legions (+ the allies, don't forget it). For example, in 209 BC, during the II Punic War, 21 legions were raised. Only 4 of them were commanded by the two Consuls. The rest were commanded by other guys. But almost always each command consisted of 2 legions (+ auxiliaries).

So in fact, in the operations in 209 BC the Consuls only commanded 1/5 of the Roman forces. The Romans liked the pairs, as you can see. With Cesar & Co. you can see they might command 7, 8, 9 legions though. But that was the road that lead to the end of the Republic [:D]

So when the expansion pack will be available, remember this "pairs" thing. 2 consuls with 2 legions each, a legate in let's say north Italy with 2 legions, another guy in Sicily with 2 legions and so on and so on. Small forces of 2 legions that is, who fight independently in their own theater.

And of course don't forget the auxiliaries.

At Cannae, they concentrated their forces though.

Cheers

[Missouri_Rebel]

Very much appreciated.

mo reb

[wodin]

Command Points more or less keeps it like that in game...

[TulliusDetritus]

ORIGINAL: wodin

Command Points more or less keeps it like that in game...

Yep, that's what I have noticed. It proves these guys did their homework, they know their stuff (as it should be, but sometimes it is not) [:)]

Anyway, what I said is 100% true with the pure Roman Republic (the Polybian legion, etc.). We shall see this Republic in the expansion. Now we are dealing with a rotten regime, with wannabe-kings (Cesar etc.) who want to get rid of the senate, clownish oligarchs and aristocrats... to rule above everyone else [:D]

[fvianello]

ORIGINAL: TulliusDetritus

ORIGINAL: wodin

Command Points more or less keeps it like that in game...

Yep, that's what I have noticed. It proves these guys did their homework, they know their stuff (as it should be, but sometimes it is not) [:)]

Anyway, what I said is 100% true with the pure Roman Republic (the Polybian legion, etc.). We shall see this Republic in the expansion. Now we are dealing with a rotten regime, with wannabe-kings (Cesar etc.) who want to get rid of the senate, clownish oligarchs and aristocrats... to rule above everyone else [:D]

The 2 legions limit was probably enforced until the Macedonian / Syrian wars and quickly disappeared after. Gaius Marius commanded 6 legions at Aquae Sextiae in 106 BC.