I don't recall there being much on the "Marian Reforms". Our only two sources of any supposed reforms by Marius comes from Plutarch, who mentions Marius introduced a change in pilum design and Sallust about the land requirements. However Sallust never actually states that Marius did away with land requirements. The actual text: www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0126%3Achapter%3D86 It is not stated that Marius did away with land requirements, rather he ignored them for one specific campaign, either because there wasn't enough good men around. Marius did nothing new here, other commanders had done so previously. The Romans ignored it in 281 BC when they fought against Phyrrus and in 217 BC against Hannibal. On the most extreme end Sempronius Gracchu raised an army of slaves. It's obvious that there's nothing much to support the "Marian reforms" and the actual evidence is pretty abysmal.
Marian Reform isn't a single event. It's a series of changes, like privatizing legions and making them loyal to generals rather than the state, changing recruitment requirements, etc.
Marius's reforms included introducing the Eagle standard,making the army a full time profession,plus getting the legionnaires to carry their own equipment hence the term Marius's mules, making them physically stronger & more flexible in the process, also the Romans were getting absolutely slaughtered before Marius took command, so his reforms were pretty major
This is so far the best military visualizations I've seen so far. I liked that you guys showed the smaller units and how they interacted in the battles. I remember reading and seeing information on how the Spartans had even smaller specialized units in their legion groups. Would be interesting if you guys ever go over how complicated it can get. Great work!
That was the best visualization I have seen as to why the Roman Doctrine was superior to the Phalanx. I have heard it described a million times but never could get why until the very end of this video where it was demonstrated very well. Thank you.
It took you some time (pretty sure you were busy) but this video is very good. A very well trained and equiped roman army lead by a general that knows what he's doing is your worst nightmare if you decide to attack them.
I'm a recent subscriber. Other than a small audio issue on the 2nd Julius Caesar video you have wonderful content! Another comment mentioned that the quality rivaled the History Channel and he's correct. Keep it up and ignore the comments about the adverts. I realize that you have to make a living. Thank-you.
14:15--This is the first time I've ever seen the "line relief system" graphically demonstrated in a historical presentation. It helps to explain how legionaries could stay in the field for hours while often suffering light casualties. In George Shipway's book Imperial Governor this tactical maneuver is noted by the character of Paulinus as he describes the epic battle which destroyed Boudicca's army. Do you have any contemporary documentary evidence to support this? Thanks. (A most informative video btw. Keep 'em coming!)
@@queldron My understanding was that hoplite front-rankers fought 'til they dropped or were seriously wounded. Back-rankers mainly pushed to help drive the enemy back while using spikes at the butt end of their spears to finish off fallen foes they trampled on. Sorta like an armed rugby scrum, no?
@@jonshive5482 Yes and no. They were refreshing their ranks and also were pushing in unison. They also developed other maneuvers with the times, starting with the Spartans and later on with the other Greeks.
@@queldron Interesting. What's your reference if you don't mind my asking. BTW was using Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire for what little I know of hoplite tactics.
14:56 I always wondered how the manipular formation in triple acies of three lines manage to avoid enemy formations in the "holes" by the cheese board type formation. Is this one of the reasons? 15:52 seems to show another reason that enemy could not overflow the triple acies formation but I am not really sure.
An excellent question that has no perfect answer. The best summary I can think of is by a youtuber named Lindybeige "How did the Romans swap units around mid-battle?". The whole video I consider interesting but the most relevant bit starts at 23:45. To summarize: The centuria were paired to form a maniple. Each centuria could independently move, but worked together. It seems for both to engage at once was not always the norm. If the second rather then engaged moved to watch the flanks of the first then any enemy unit who engaged that first unit would then be charged by the fresh second centuria. The enemy was aware of this possibility so was very nervous to really engage in it.
Wow, that was so informative and explained everything in great detail. A lot of time and effort has gone into the research and making the video. Thank you so much👍
A few Latin issues, but the tactical section was superb - really insightful. Taking everything Polybius writes at face value is a bit risky, but I appreciate there's not a lot else to go by! A very good summary of how Polybius perceived the Roman army at this time.
I loved the video and watched it all- great job- but was surprised to see the word "equipment" misspelled in a video that was so obviously carefully done.
Conversion from Hopite phalanx to manipluar legion was not gradual, it was a reform that happened after the Disaster at Allia, where the ruling classes were massacred. The ruling classes still wanted control, so introduced the Reserve Trairii but now allowed more of the poorer classes into the army as Hastati & Princeps.
You could be correct but the essential need at this time was to massively increase the size of the army, allowing commoners / poor into the army as HI. This would mean allocating arms and armour to those who could not afford it. Maybe the old 1st classis battle line was divided into princeps and triarii. ? but i suspect the manipular formation did not happen until contact with the samnites, thus for a short period ? The hoplite phalanx still existed with the triarii as reserve.
yes you are correct but I'm talking about a time when Rome's threats were neighbouring city-states, who used a similar military system, ie rich own the army. But then they had to face a large celtic army which led to the disaster at Allia, and we all know nothing changes radically unless there has been a disaster. So I suspect some initial reform to enlarge the army happened post-Allia ( 390 - 340 ) then there were the Samintes wars and reforms again.
@Khristophoros1001 the princeps basically was the first man on the census list, Scipio was princeps at one time. Augustus was the first person to make it his and his alone, his time in power was even known as the principate, it become such a part of Augustus that it was no longer used after his death and the term Imperator was again used for the Emperor, obviously the word emperor came from the word General.
At about the 14:45 minute mark, the narrator says each soldier had "three square feet available to fight." Should that be a three-foot by three-foot square, or nine square feet?
I have a feeling a new game is about to be released great video and absolutely loved the 3d models just epic for real you should make a game ok that's a little too far but keep up the good work plus you just got a new subscriber
These ARE great! They would be SO much better if they were narrated though. Oh! I commented after watching only two videos. I now see that they are indeed narrated and are therefore even better now!
In the "Commentaries on the Gallic War" Caesar relates a story where his soldiers and their enemies close the gap between them so fast "There was no time to throw javelins, so they were abandoned and swords were used." ("Commentaries on the Gallic War" Julius Caesar, book 2. libravox audiobook) That means the Pilum was not used as a melee weapon, it's a ranged weapon. It would make a terrible hand to hand weapon due to the soft iron shaft bending when it comes into contact with a shield.
Very, very nice. Thank you. Just as a side note, I believe the correct pronunciation for "Iberian" is 'I-beer-ian' as opposed to 'I-behr-ian' in both US and British pronunciation.
I imagine even just finding myself in front of a Velite. A man with the skin of a wolf, armed and used to the battle ... To think that even he solo would frighten many people, imagine instead of being in front of a Praetorian, or Caesar himself ... Probably they are men who are even rarer today. At the time they were united in thousands within 28 legions, several fleets and garrisons and under a single banner. In the greatest Empire of all time because the only ray of light in a dark world. Good job Syntagma.
The great thing about watching historical videos non-stop is getting recommended channels as impressive as this. Subbed...
thanks and welcome to the channel :)
Incredible video. Seriously one of the most informative, well constructed I've seen.Thank you. Roma Invicta
Angrypolack Coolus helmet coolest helmet greatest video.
Gli 🇺🇸americani credono di scimmiottare la potenza di Roma che non bombardava a tappeto prima di attaccare. La potenza militare di Roma è inimitabile.
It's 1 minute past midnight, aaand now I want to play total war rome 2.
Thanks guys. ;-)
Pferd Schild DEI
+Pferd Schild
While I agree with you, there's no need to use such strong language. This aint one of those videos where it belongs
@@OCinneide Yes. If you play Rome 1 : You need EB. If you play Rome 2: DeI.
@@artichoke00 And EB 2 for Medieval.
i will crush you
This was great!! Please do the Marian reform next time. Great Work!!
thanks man :)
@@Syntagma hey do more than more yo
I don't recall there being much on the "Marian Reforms". Our only two sources of any supposed reforms by Marius comes from Plutarch, who mentions Marius introduced a change in pilum design and Sallust about the land requirements. However Sallust never actually states that Marius did away with land requirements. The actual text:
www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0126%3Achapter%3D86
It is not stated that Marius did away with land requirements, rather he ignored them for one specific campaign, either because there wasn't enough good men around. Marius did nothing new here, other commanders had done so previously. The Romans ignored it in 281 BC when they fought against Phyrrus and in 217 BC against Hannibal. On the most extreme end Sempronius Gracchu raised an army of slaves. It's obvious that there's nothing much to support the "Marian reforms" and the actual evidence is pretty abysmal.
Marian Reform isn't a single event. It's a series of changes, like privatizing legions and making them loyal to generals rather than the state, changing recruitment requirements, etc.
Marius's reforms included introducing the Eagle standard,making the army a full time profession,plus getting the legionnaires to carry their own equipment hence the term Marius's mules, making them physically stronger & more flexible in the process, also the Romans were getting absolutely slaughtered before Marius took command, so his reforms were pretty major
How I wish this channel was around when I was younger.... production quality and the depth of analysis truly appreciated!
That was the best presentation of the Roman military system I have seen yet
This is so far the best military visualizations I've seen so far. I liked that you guys showed the smaller units and how they interacted in the battles. I remember reading and seeing information on how the Spartans had even smaller specialized units in their legion groups.
Would be interesting if you guys ever go over how complicated it can get. Great work!
Wonderful video. What a great military machine was the Legion!
A video from you is a rare but enjoyable treat, keep up the good work
Another golden channel :) greeting from Serbia... I love the idea, and animation...Will recommend and share :))) keep it up !!!
Best presentation ever .Amazing work, all very clearly illustrated and to the point.
That was the best visualization I have seen as to why the Roman Doctrine was superior to the Phalanx. I have heard it described a million times but never could get why until the very end of this video where it was demonstrated very well. Thank you.
This was very good! Especially the part about manipular flexibility. The voice was also a very welcome addition.
Well done! Thanks for sharing. It's incredible that this much detailed information about Rome is available after about 2200 years.
This is so well done. Keep them coming!
It took you some time (pretty sure you were busy) but this video is very good.
A very well trained and equiped roman army lead by a general that knows what he's doing is your worst nightmare if you decide to attack them.
Finally!! more content! been waiting for this for a while now! Awesome! Love this channel!!!! =]
I've been watching quite a few battle recreations and I must say, in my opinion, yours are the best!
I'm a recent subscriber. Other than a small audio issue on the 2nd Julius Caesar video you have wonderful content! Another comment mentioned that the quality rivaled the History Channel and he's correct. Keep it up and ignore the comments about the adverts. I realize that you have to make a living. Thank-you.
14:15--This is the first time I've ever seen the "line relief system" graphically demonstrated in a historical presentation. It helps to explain how legionaries could stay in the field for hours while often suffering light casualties. In George Shipway's book Imperial Governor this tactical maneuver is noted by the character of Paulinus as he describes the epic battle which destroyed Boudicca's army.
Do you have any contemporary documentary evidence to support this? Thanks. (A most informative video btw. Keep 'em coming!)
That was the main strength of the Hoplite Phalanx too. That's why they could take out many enemies with minimal casualties for many hours.
@@queldron My understanding was that hoplite front-rankers fought 'til they dropped or were seriously wounded. Back-rankers mainly pushed to help drive the enemy back while using spikes at the butt end of their spears to finish off fallen foes they trampled on. Sorta like an armed rugby scrum, no?
@@jonshive5482 Yes and no. They were refreshing their ranks and also were pushing in unison. They also developed other maneuvers with the times, starting with the Spartans and later on with the other Greeks.
@@queldron Interesting. What's your reference if you don't mind my asking. BTW was using Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire for what little I know of hoplite tactics.
Thanks. This was brilliantly put together, by far the best explanation of Roman battle tactics that I've seen. I'm looking out for more!
Honestly the most interesting channel I've ever stumbled across on YT. Subbed. watched everything. Can't wait for more!!!
14:56 I always wondered how the manipular formation in triple acies of three lines manage to avoid enemy formations in the "holes" by the cheese board type formation. Is this one of the reasons? 15:52 seems to show another reason that enemy could not overflow the triple acies formation but I am not really sure.
An excellent question that has no perfect answer. The best summary I can think of is by a youtuber named Lindybeige "How did the Romans swap units around mid-battle?". The whole video I consider interesting but the most relevant bit starts at 23:45. To summarize:
The centuria were paired to form a maniple. Each centuria could independently move, but worked together. It seems for both to engage at once was not always the norm. If the second rather then engaged moved to watch the flanks of the first then any enemy unit who engaged that first unit would then be charged by the fresh second centuria. The enemy was aware of this possibility so was very nervous to really engage in it.
Very good work. Very informative and well animated, professional quality. Thank you for sharing!
Great job on this video! It was an amazing mix of knowledge and entertainment.
This is one of the best TH-cam channels...
Now this is a top-quality youtube video!
You are a treasure. Thanks for the excellent videos. I wish you success in your goals!
Its whole new level with a voice over! Great job!
thank you :)
An absolutely excellent presentation
one of best videos i have ever seen .
very rich of information and very nice graphic work
well done
These videos are amazing! Thank you soooo much for them!
Wow! Simply superb, great job!
Wow, that was so informative and explained everything in great detail. A lot of time and effort has gone into the research and making the video. Thank you so much👍
Crazy high quality for how few subs and views these videos have. Subbed...
In a role play game I am a general, this is the material I needed for a long time. Thanks
Wich game?
@@myntzgaming1316 anima
Subbed. Your animations really bring the battle tactics to life.
Outstanding!! Would love to see the same presentation for the Imperial legion through the fall of the empire. Wonderful stuff, very informative.
The best video documentary about republic legion! :0
Awesome, been waiting for a new upload. Keep em coming!
And I was about to go to bed.
Me too haha
And you supposed to be dead? Just kidding, don't take it serious.
Are u alive?
Roma victa!
we gotta sleep
Really well done, very informative.
Great vid mate, very informative and enjoyable.
Visually great and also informative. I've never subscribed that fast before! Keep it up.
Why no more views; TH-cam should support independent creators like you.
Amazing video. Cheers from Brazil. I'm sharing with my friends.
amazing video! awesome job
A few Latin issues, but the tactical section was superb - really insightful. Taking everything Polybius writes at face value is a bit risky, but I appreciate there's not a lot else to go by! A very good summary of how Polybius perceived the Roman army at this time.
Excellent video, you definitely deserve more subs!
thank you :)
You gave a lot of useful information. Great video!
nice to see you upload again
Amazing work as always.
my god the music choice is brilliant
BEAVTIFFVLLY DONE, A CLEVER AND SVPERB VIDEO!
Great video! Very accurate and well thought of.
So brilliant!
Great video. Just a small but important correction. At 8:27, Julius Caesar was not asesinated in the Senate but in Pompey's theater
That was excellent, kudos to you.
Your animations are great! :)
I loved the video and watched it all- great job- but was surprised to see the word "equipment" misspelled in a video that was so obviously carefully done.
Great video bro! I hope this series continues!
Liked and subscribed!
thanks man, welcome to the channel :)
@@Syntagma
Cheers bro!
Loved it, very informative and so so much more interesting than I was ever taught in school over 40yrs ago lol
Seen dozens or Roman videos this is the best.
thanks a lot :)
Very interesting. Liked, subscribed and shared.
Your animations are *so* satisfying
Conversion from Hopite phalanx to manipluar legion was not gradual, it was a reform that happened after the Disaster at Allia, where the ruling classes were massacred. The ruling classes still wanted control, so introduced the Reserve Trairii but now allowed more of the poorer classes into the army as Hastati & Princeps.
You could be correct but the essential need at this time was to massively increase the size of the army, allowing commoners / poor into the army as HI. This would mean allocating arms and armour to those who could not afford it. Maybe the old 1st classis battle line was divided into princeps and triarii. ? but i suspect the manipular formation did not happen until contact with the samnites, thus for a short period ? The hoplite phalanx still existed with the triarii as reserve.
yes you are correct but I'm talking about a time when Rome's threats were neighbouring city-states, who used a similar military system, ie rich own the army. But then they had to face a large celtic army which led to the disaster at Allia, and we all know nothing changes radically unless there has been a disaster. So I suspect some initial reform to enlarge the army happened post-Allia ( 390 - 340 ) then there were the Samintes wars and reforms again.
@Khristophoros1001 the princeps basically was the first man on the census list, Scipio was princeps at one time. Augustus was the first person to make it his and his alone, his time in power was even known as the principate, it become such a part of Augustus that it was no longer used after his death and the term Imperator was again used for the Emperor, obviously the word emperor came from the word General.
Awesome channel. Thanls
Awesome video and very good narration 👍🏼
2:51 It’s like the ancient version of picking teams for PhysEd dodgeball
At about the 14:45 minute mark, the narrator says each soldier had "three square feet available to fight." Should that be a three-foot by three-foot square, or nine square feet?
Very informative... Thanka for the narration, BTW..
This was great, good job
Absolutely excellent!
Liked, subscribed, shared...GREAT WORK! RESPECT! AVE SYNTAGMA!
Great content
Holy crap, a new video !
Great video, keep it up!
I have a feeling a new game is about to be released great video and absolutely loved the 3d models just epic for real you should make a game ok that's a little too far but keep up the good work plus you just got a new subscriber
Brilliant video!
A very good video, thank you!
11:37 Coolest helmets.
Yeah its a "Coolus" !
the gallic helmet
Great vid very educational! Thx.
This is a great channel. Well done and thank you! How is that video on the Marian reforms coming?
cheers man. keep up the narration
thanks man, will do :)
That was awesome!
These ARE great! They would be SO much better if they were narrated though. Oh! I commented after watching only two videos. I now see that they are indeed narrated and are therefore even better now!
thank you :) they will narrated indeed from now on
is that your voice or is there some way to get narration on videos via youtube?
GRRRRREEEEAAAAAAAATTTTTT¡¡¡¡ Superb¡ The best explanation I have seen
thank you :)
In the "Commentaries on the Gallic War" Caesar relates a story where his soldiers and their enemies close the gap between them so fast "There was no time to throw javelins, so they were abandoned and swords were used." ("Commentaries on the Gallic War" Julius Caesar, book 2. libravox audiobook) That means the Pilum was not used as a melee weapon, it's a ranged weapon. It would make a terrible hand to hand weapon due to the soft iron shaft bending when it comes into contact with a shield.
There were different Pila in use with the Legions. At Pharsalus, the 4th line was specifically instructed to fight as spearmen.
Good show!
Love ur videos
Very, very nice. Thank you. Just as a side note, I believe the correct pronunciation for "Iberian" is 'I-beer-ian' as opposed to 'I-behr-ian' in both US and British pronunciation.
Amazing video
This is so good!
Not bad at all. A few oddities and a few strange pronunciations, but I think good information. Well done 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Very good. Thank you
Amazing work!
thank you :)
Alright thx.. time to go build my army now... still accepting applications!
Great job sir.
thank you, good sir :)
Very good video ! :)
thank you
I imagine even just finding myself in front of a Velite. A man with the skin of a wolf, armed and used to the battle ... To think that even he solo would frighten many people, imagine instead of being in front of a Praetorian, or Caesar himself ... Probably they are men who are even rarer today. At the time they were united in thousands within 28 legions, several fleets and garrisons and under a single banner.
In the greatest Empire of all time because the only ray of light in a dark world.
Good job Syntagma.