The entrenched Roman legions were then pitched in a battle against the Macedonian style phalanx troops in the centre with missile support in the form of stones and bolts coming from the rear.[17] The phalanx, unable to put up a full charge, engaged the Roman legions.[17] Despite this, the Romans still had to contend against pike phalanx units with their own short swords.[17] In order for the troops to use their short-sword they had to swat away the opposing pikes with their bare hands before drawing themselves near enough to attack.[18]