The triarii and the fourth squadron's disputed conduct

The triarii were the longest-serving veterans at the rear of the Republican army, probably its wealthiest soldiers and equipped with its best armour. Reaching that reserve usually meant the earlier ranks were under serious pressure, though veterans could also intervene before the battle deteriorated that far. Rome's fourth naval squadron carried the same name. Its conduct under attack is interpreted as a deliberate decision to hold position and let the Carthaginians approach for close combat. That reading differs from the disarray described by Polybius. The behaviour supports a suggestion that the squadron contained actual triarii, but does not establish its composition.