| Much of the success of the Roman army can be | | | | multiple purposes. First and foremost it served as |
| attributed to the command structure also. Though | | | | a nightly defense against surprise attacks and as |
| after the Marius Reforms the army was much | | | | a base to retreat to just in case a defeat should |
| more organized and therefore more effective, | | | | ever happen. |
| the early Roman Republic army was still organized | | | | The construction of camps also gave the soldiers |
| legibly, not into hordes. The Hastati and Principes | | | | and officers a place to rest peacefully. Much of |
| were divided into ten groups of 120 men called | | | | the Roman army's success depended on coolness |
| maniples, and the Triarii into ten maniples of sixty | | | | of temper. A Roman soldier was kept from |
| men. There were ten maniples of Hastati and | | | | nervous strain as long as possible, so as to |
| Principes in each legion, totaling 2400 men. The | | | | perform well under the intense stress of battle. |
| remaining force was made up of 1200 Velites. | | | | The existence of a camp contributed greatly to |
| Each maniple had two centurions, in which the | | | | this. It also exemplified the tenacity of the |
| most experienced held the command of the | | | | Romans. If defeated in battle, they would not |
| maniple. A legate was in command of the whole | | | | have to retreat far, and they would fight again |
| legion consisting of 4200 men. | | | | the next day, if not the same day. |
| Another part of the army's tactics was to build a | | | | Also, instead of being pushed back far back into |
| camp at the end of every day's march. The | | | | their own lands, the camp served as a fortified |
| afternoon saw the rapid construction of an army | | | | stronghold, which could be used to fend off the |
| camp, and the night was reserved for rest from | | | | left over attackers from the previous battle until |
| the day's march and labor. The camp served | | | | reinforcements could arrive. |