| The extraordinary demands of the Punic Wars, in addition to a shortage of manpower, exposed the tactical weaknesses of the manipular legion, at least in the short term. |
| In the 4th century BC, the Romans abandoned the phalanx in favour of the more flexible manipular formation. |
| The manipular army was based upon social class, age and military experience. |
| They often arrayed in checkerboard, quincunx fashion which, together with their training, allowed them to move back and forth through each other, giving the manipular legion a remarkable flexibility on the battlefield. |
| The heavy infantry of the maniples were supported by a number of light infantry and cavalry troops, typically 300 horsemen per manipular legion. |
| But I have not found that much was gained by manipular attempts to realize the world of thought. |
