Who are the centurions?
The position of a junior commander, the centurion, was the most respected and desired role for a Roman legionary. Noble Romans from the equestrian class could immediately claim this title upon joining the service, as well as praetorians who transferred to serve in the regular legion — corniculate (analogous to a sergeant in modern armies) or evocative (veterans). However, most centurions were promoted from the ranks of ordinary legionaries. The title of centurion granted high pay and honor, opening further career opportunities. Along with high status and a pay raise, a centurion received almost unlimited power over the soldiers under his command.
A centurion (literally “captain of a hundred”) is a military leader who commands a century consisting of 10 contubernia (squads). A legion consisted of 60 centuries, grouped into ten cohorts. The centurion of the first century in a cohort was called “pilus prior.” The centurion of the first century in the first cohort bore the title “Primus pilus” or “first spear.” He was the legion commander’s assistant. He was entrusted with guarding the legionary eagle, giving the signal to march, and managing the delivery of sound signals concerning all cohorts.
