As known, a maniple was formed by 2 centuries, 60 men each; there was the centuria prior (with red leathers, see my previous posts) and the centuria posterior with black feathers. In front of them marching and indicating the direction there were the signa.
When the order was given by tubae to attack, the cernturio prior (on the top left) ordered the cornicen to blow in order to make the signa move at his side, giving evidence that the maniple had to form a line.
While the centuria prior advances the signa and cornicen stay in order to move back (see bottom picture)
Meanwhile, the centuria posterior, seeing the signa going back understands to move on to flank the centuria prior in order to pass from a sort of maniple on coloums to a maniple in line, ready for fighting. (here bottom)
Now cornicen and signa are protected by their own maniple arrayed for battle. All the men became "antesignani" (i.e. before the standard) indicating the line of impact with the enemy
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