Early Germanic armies would generally attack in a wedge formation, referred to as svinfylking in Old Norse sources. Such attacks were accompanied by much shouting and noise. In a svinfylking attack the commander would lead from the front. As this was a dangerous position, the death of the commander was frequent, and would generally throw the military organization into confusion. A svinfylking formation was difficult to maintain, and a battle would therefore develop into a fight between individuals or small groups. Under such conditions, managing a strategic retreat was a difficult task, resulting in panics in which it was every man for himself. The Battle of Vosges between Ariovistus and Julius Caesar in 58 BC is a typical example of such a fight.