Phalanx+Warfare


 * Phalanx Warfare**


 * See Grade 7.36 for more on the expansion of roman power in the Mediterranean region**

In the early years of the Republic, the Romans used Greek-style Phalanx Warfare, but were forced to abandon it after finding that the Phalanx was too inflexible when fighting on rough terrain against flexible and disorganized "barbarian opponents". Therefore, after a few major defeats of the spear-wielding Phalanx, the Romans developed Manipular battle line which relied far more heavily on legions of swordsmen but still had trace elements of Greek organization.
 * [[image:http://scottthong.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/800px-phalanx.jpg width="480" height="245" caption="An example of a phalanx, which involved ranks of men. As one goes farther back in the phalanx, there is less protective gear and men of a lesser status"]] ||
 * An example of a phalanx, which involved ranks of men. As one goes farther back in the phalanx, there is less protective gear and men of a lesser status ||

The Roman Manipular battle line through its superior flexibility would eventually defeat the Greek and Macedonian Phalanx, allowing the Romans to conquer Greece itself.
 * [[image:http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2014/028/4/5/the_roman_legion__the_manipular_polybian_legion_by_jefffletcher-d743f1m.jpg width="623" height="519" caption="Magnified is a Roman Maniple, which contains equally armed men"]] ||
 * Magnified is a Roman Maniple, which contains equally armed men ||