Не знаю как там в оригинале сказано, но в переводе:
[1.24] they themselves, after having repulsed our cavalry and formed a phalanx, advanced up to our front line in very close order.
и фаланга есть, и очень плотное построение
[1.25] It was a great hinderance to the Gauls in fighting, that, when several of their bucklers had been by one stroke of the (Roman) javelins pierced through and pinned fast together, as the point of the iron had bent itself, they could neither pluck it out, nor, with their left hand entangled, fight with sufficient ease;
четко сказано. Пилум пробивал несколько щитов, изгибался и его нельзя было вытащить.