Republican Roman Army - The Units

Pictured, in the order in which they typically came in contact with the enemy:

velites - the skirmishers (light infantry) who spread out in front of the army

equites - the cavalry. They protected the flanks and, if competitive, engaged enemy cavalry.

hastati - the least experienced combat troops, with a shield but little armor

princepes - the second line of combat troops, well armed and wearing plenty of armor

triari - the legion's elite. By this stage, the battle was either won, or going very badly!