The Legion proper was a line or rather a triple line of Hastarii[862] or legionary spearmen. Livy[863] briefly describes the Acies, when it emerged from the Phalanx, as ‘drawn up into distinct companies, divided into centuries. Each company contained sixty soldiers,[864] two centurions, and one ensign or standard-bearer.[865] First in line stood the Hastati in fifteen companies with twenty Velites.[866] Behind them were the Principes with heavy shields and complete armour, also numbering fifteen companies. These thirty companies were called Antepilani, because there were fifteen others placed behind them with the standards; each of the latter consisted of three divisions, and the first division of each they called a Pilus. The first ensign was at the head of the third line proper, the Triarii. Behind them stood the Rorarii, whose ability was less by reason of their youth and inexperience; and, lastly, in the rear, came the Accensi, a body in which little confidence was reposed. The Hastati began the fight, and if unable to gain the day, passed to the rear through the ranks of the Principes. The latter now marched forwards to action, the Hastati following. Meanwhile the Triarii continued kneeling behind the Ensigns; the left legs extended to the front, the shields resting on the shoulders; the spear-points erect with butts firmly fixed in the ground, so that the line bristled as if inclosed by a rampart. If the Principes failed, “res ad Triarios rediit.” The Triarii, after receiving the Principes and Hastati into their intervals, closed files and fell upon the enemy in a compact body.[867] This was the most formidable attack, when the enemy, having pursued the vanquished, suddenly beheld a new line starting up.’ [Illustration: FIG. 272.—HASTATUS (FROM TRAJAN’S COLUMN).] Thus far Livy. I am tempted by the subject of the Roman legionaries, those ‘massive hammers of the whole earth,’ to add, despite its triteness, a few details.