Rome — “The Stolen Eagle”

Myths and Misconceptions

Patterns the archive sees cinema repeat about the past, and where this title stands on each. Each links to a page setting out what the record shows.

Rejects the myth

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  The Free for All FightRejects

  The record: Armies from antiquity until past the Napoleonic period fought in formation because individual soldiers are vulnerable. Battles were usually contests between blocks of men holding together, and the side whose formation broke first usually lost. Further, maintaining clear formations was essential to maintaining battlefield operations and communication, both for commanders to be able to give orders to their subordinate officers as well as for individual soldiers to know where to rally and position themselves.

  Though how Rome depicts the precise matter of Roman infantry rotation (via whistle commands and quickly forming paths away from the shield wall) is up for historical debate, the organization of the Roman army and the use of proper military formation is on full display in this episode.

  Methods and Tactics