How property and age organized the pre-Marian legion

Before Marius's reforms, wealth and age placed Roman citizens into different parts of the battle line. Poorer and younger velites skirmished without the armor needed to hold close combat, while hastati formed the first heavy-infantry line. More experienced principes relieved them if the initial attack stalled, and veteran triarii served as the final reserve in a desperate fight. The layered formation placed fresh, experienced soldiers behind younger men but depended on citizens financing equipment appropriate to their class. Opening this moment makes the later reforms easier to understand because it shows the manpower and equipment system Marius replaced.