Next followed men of more robust age, in the same number of companies, who were called principes, all wearing shields, and distinguished by the completest armour.

This band of thirty companies they called antepilani, because there were fifteen others placed behind them with the standards; of which each company consisted of three divisions, and the first division of each they called a pilus.

Each company consisted of three ensigns, and contained one hundred and eighty-six men.

The first ensign was at the head of the Triarii, veteran soldiers of tried bravery; the second, at the head of the Rorarii, men whose ability was less by reason of their age and course of service; the third, at the head of the Accensi, a body in whom very little confidence was reposed.

For this reason also they were thrown back to the rear.