Roman soldiers were
trained in such a way as to have a strategic advantage over their enemies. The
typical military unit in the Roman army was called a legion, which consisted of
about 6,000 soldiers at full strength. When approaching an enemy in battle, the
infantry would create three lines of soldiers, each with gaps between the
lines; in front of these gaps would be a solid line of soldiers called velites.
As they neared their enemy, these velites would throw their javelins and
retreat through the gaps in the lines of their fellow soldiers. The first line
would then fill in the gaps to create a solid line. When the enemy came closer,
this solid line of soldiers would charge. Once this initial skirmishing
occurred, the heavy infantry would engage the enemy. They would throw their
pila (javelin-like weapons), then pull their swords and attack. Because the
army was set up in lines, one line would attack at a time. If it was being
defeated, it would fall back and another would take its place, so that the
attacking was consistent. This tactic is said to have been an important reason
for success in battle. They also had heavier armor, better training, and were
expected to endure strong discipline.
I just came back from my brother's renewal of vows. He lives in Wisconsin, and this particular week, they experienced colder-than-average temperatures. I could tell because my hands began to go numb as I attempted to tie down a trailer after last night's reception. As a result, I appreciated the fact that the temperature in Stockton was in the mid-sixties when I came back. It was, however, good to take part in this, a dream of my brother and sister-in-law, after at least two years without seeing them. I saw the incredible support of their friends, who helped set up the day before, took part on the day of the event, and stayed late to help clean up. Aware of how tired everyone was late last night, one of Chris's friends even lent Chris his truck to take the last of the decorations home, a favor that allowed the family to return home before two o'clock in the morning last night. Here are some of the highlights: 1. Hearing on a plane what sounded like a baby's fi...
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