One disadvantage of the phalanx was that it was only effective when fighting in large, open spaces, which left the Romans at a disadvantage when fighting in the hilly terrain of central Italian peninsula. In the 4th century BC, the Romans abandoned the phalanx in favour of the more flexible manipular formation. This change is sometimes attributed to Marcus Furius Camillus and placed shortly after the Gallic invasion of 390 BC; it is more likely, however, that they were copied from Rome's Samnite enemies to the south, possibly as a result of Samnite victories during the Second Samnite War (326 to 304 BC). COUNT 5
QSN1 What was a detriment of using the phalanx formation? ANS1 only effective when fighting in large, open spaces QSN2 In what century was the phalanx formation finally discarded by the Roman people? ANS2 4th century BC QSN3 What fighting formation would eventually replace the phalanx in battle? ANS3 manipular formation QSN4 Where is the likely source of the change to the manipular formation? ANS4 copied from Rome's Samnite enemies QSN5 What type of ground could be found in the central Italian peninsula? ANS5 hilly terrain