Commands for BALLISTARII, SAGITTARII et FVNDITORES

In addition to the general commands used in the Centvria formation during the combat demonstration on the Campvs Martivs, different orders are also used for carrying out the shooting demonstration.

DUE TO THE HIGH RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY AND EVEN LOSS OF HEALTH, THIS STAGE OF THE DEMONSTRATION MUST BE CARRIED OUT UNDER STRICT CONTROL AND ON THE ORDER OF THE HIGHEST COMMAND!!!

SOLDIERS during the shooting demonstration are assigned to one of three missile sections:

Archers (Sagittarii)
Slingers (Fvnditores)
Artillerymen (Ballistarii): scorpiones, high-powered manvbalistae

The positioning, formation, and manoeuvres are agreed in advance between the main commander (Tribvnvs, Centvrio, Optio) conducting the demonstration and the selected Optiones (leaders) commanding the assigned shooting groups.

The potential risk of being hit by friendly fire must always be taken into account during these actions. Therefore, we follow the main principles below:

Each section has its designated leader (Optio), who issues orders and directs its actions. All commands must be given in Latin according to the table below.
Sagittarii, as the most numerous section occupying the largest space, cover the extended centre of the formation. For a good impression before the audience, milites may, by decision of the commander, set up shields leaning against pila in a double rank several metres in front of them, with gaps between them as in the “LAXATE” formation
Fvnditores are positioned on the left wing because they need to run out in front of the formation.
Ballistarii are positioned on the right wing, at a slightly greater distance than the Fvnditores on their side, due to their great power and effective range.
The Optio of his group raises his sword, signalling to the commanding officer conducting the demonstration (Tribvnvs, Centvrio, Optio) that the group is ready to attack (machines, bows, and slings loaded, and the men ready)
ONLY AFTER MAKING SURE THAT THERE IS NO RISK OF DANGER TO BYSTANDERS IN THE SURROUNDINGS OR TO THE AUDIENCE DOES THE COMMANDER AUTHORISE THE ATTACK BY ISSUING THE COMMAND TO THE INDICATED GROUP.
Archers, manvbalistae, or slingers run out onto the field in front of the formation simulated by shields (running between them), and only then draw their bowstrings, except in the case of manvbalistae / make the swing and attack. After firing, they return to their original position in the formation.

AN ATTACK MUST NEVER BE CARRIED OUT BY ALL GROUPS AT ONCE!!!

THE RISK OF ENTERING ONE’S OWN CROSSFIRE AND, AS A RESULT, SUFFERING EVEN FATAL INJURIES IS VERY HIGH!!

COMMANDS:

BALLISTARII (concerning scorpiones and manvbalistae)
Latin command	meaning	description of the action
Ballistas tendite!	Tension the ballistae!	The crew places the locking hooks on the bowstrings and tensions the mechanism to the desired firing power
In manubalistas tela inserite!	Load the manvbalistae!	The crew places the locking hooks on the bowstrings and, resting the nose of the machine on the ground, tensions the mechanism to the desired firing power
Tela accendite!	Ignite the projectiles!	In the case of projectiles with incendiary tow, the crew initiates ignition at this moment
Ballistas parate ad emittendum!	Prepare to fire!	The crew sets the firing angle, places the bolt in the launcher, and retreats several steps behind the artillery machine for safety reasons
Tela! iacite!	Fire! Shoot!	The person operating the trigger releases the mechanism and fires the machine

SAGITTARII
Latin command	meaning	description of the action
Sagittas imponite!	Nock the arrows!	The archer takes an arrow from the bundle of projectiles stuck in front of him and places it on the bowstring WITHOUT DRAWING IT!
(Prae)parate Vos!	Prepare yourselves!	The archer draws the bowstring to the desired power and range he wants to achieve, correcting the firing angle
Ignem parate!	Prepare fire!	When projectiles with flammable tow are being presented, the archer lights the arrow
Sagittas iacite!	Fire! Shoot!	The archer releases the bowstring and shoots the projectile from the bow

FVNDITORES
Latin command	meaning	description of the action
Fundas parate	Load the slings!	The slinger places the projectile in the pouch of the sling
Parate vos!	Prepare yourselves!	The slinger prepares to begin the swing
Fundas iacite ab infra	Shoot from below!	The projectile is released from the sling with an underhand swing
Fundas desuper iacite!	Shoot from above!	The projectile is released from the sling with an overhand swing