Like bricks in a wall, the ranks were stacked one upon another, extending from a point outward toward both wings.
Botar guessed: the enemy had formed this single-sided formation because they had their backs to the wall and did not need to guard against potential attacks from the rear.
To some extent, Botar's assumption was correct. But when he actually commanded his troops to march toward the rebel square formation, he realized: because the line was spread out in ranks, the numerically inferior rebel line was instead broader.
Conversely, Botar's own troops, having deployed in a solid square formation, had soldiers inside and at the rear almost 'wasted.' Not only could they not outflank the enemy's wings, but they were also at risk of being outflanked by the enemy.
However, Botar neither dared nor could deploy in ranks like the rebels.
