Roman Organisation & Military Command Flashcards
What are the key factors for successful command?
- Clear chain of Command
- Fighting alongside comrades
- Support roles
- Strategic commander
- Detached commander
- Inspirational commander
How many legions were there in the Imperial Period, and what was a legion made up of?
30 legions
- Made up of 10 cohorts
How many men made up each section of the Roman Military?
Cohort- 480 men
Century- 80 men and led by a Centurion
Contuberniam- 8 men
Who was the legatus?
- Roman commander of whole legion
- Rich politican, not a soldier
Who was the camp prefect?
- Roman
- In charge of day-to-day running of legion
- Most senior professional soldier in the legion
What is a Tribune?
- Roman junior managers
- Young men who would spend some time in the army before going back to Rome to be politicians
What is an optio?
The centurions second in command
What is a Tesserarius?
Roman commander of the watch- in charge of organising guards and passwords
What is the Primi Ordines?
- What the centurions of the First Cohort were known as
- The most senior of these Centurions would be known as the Primus Pilus
- The Primus Pilus would join the most senior commanders of the legion in war councils
What were some support roles in the Roman army?
Cornicen- a horn player
Signifer- A standard bearer
Aquilifer- Responsible for carrying legions emblem into battle
Equites Legionis- cavalry unit of a Roman legion
What was the Principia?
- HQ of a Roman Legionary fortress
- Included a courtyard with a notice board, a meeting hall, offices for admin work and a small temple
What is a Praetorium?
- Like a luxury villa in a Legionary Fortress, for the legatus to live in
Who appointed the Legatus, what experience would he have, and how long would he stay in position for?
- Appointed by the Emperor
- Would have had some experience in the legions, as a Tribunus Laticlavius
- Serve for 3 or 4 years
How did a Camp prefect get his role, and what would he do?
- He would have worked his way up to the position by proving his ability and dedication, first as a soldier, then as centurion, Primi Ordines then Primus Pilus
- Contributed to strategic councils and responsible for overseeing legion’s equipment and transport
How did someone become a Centurion?
- Reward for serving well