| The way the battles were fought showed why | | | | strength. If they continued to fight and lose |
| the army became so powerful. The main force | | | | ground, then the Principes would fall back through |
| advanced in three lines, consisting of the Hastati, | | | | the line of Triarii, which were the last line of |
| Principes, and Triarii, in that order. The Velites | | | | defense. They then would present the enemy |
| formed a light screen in front. Though it is unclear | | | | with a line of heavy spears and fresh strength, |
| the exact formation the army took, it is generally | | | | which would hopefully be enough to win the battle. |
| agreed that the maniples (units of 120 men) were | | | | As the Roman saying went, "It has come to the |
| arranged in a checkerboard formation, so the first | | | | Triarii", meant that the battle had progressed to |
| line could fall back if need through the lines of the | | | | the bitter end, and was possible the turning point. |
| second without breaking up formation. | | | | Often times the Triarii did not even need to fight |
| As the enemy approached, the Velites would | | | | in the battles, as the first lines of the Hastati and |
| pepper the enemy with javelin fire until the | | | | Principes were enough to win the battle. |
| depleted their ammunition or else the charging | | | | As the Roman Republic expanded and spilt blood, |
| enemy got too close, and then they would | | | | so did the power of the army and the effect it |
| retreat through the lines of the Hastati and on to | | | | had on society. During this time of aggressive |
| the back of the army. When the enemy came | | | | expansion, economic benefits constantly |
| within thirty or so yards, the Hastati would | | | | strengthened the empire, and the army's |
| release a volley of their pila, to further weaken | | | | achievements continued to bring glory to |
| the lines and the morale of the enemy. | | | | militaristic culture of Rome. As the republic came |
| When the fighting became hot, and the first line | | | | to an end and the first emperor took the seat as |
| Hastati become tired or incur too many losses, | | | | Imperator of Rome, the army continued to |
| they would fall back through the Principes, in which | | | | influence the lives of the Roman people. |
| case they would pick up the fight with renewed | | | | |