Roman Military Hierachy
The Roman military had a fairly sophisticated rank structure, seemingly based on both experience and wealth. Senior ranking officers were wealthy and part of the senatorial class of citizens. Those serving in the cavalry were part of the equestrian order, and were offered such positions in part because they could afford a horse. The regular soldiers joined very young and could work their way up the ranks, so to speak, to become a centurion. Listed here are many of the ranks present in the Roman legion after Marius's reforms. This of course is not an exhaustive list, and some positions may have changed throughout the years of the Roman military.
Senior Officers
Legatus LegionisThe legatus legionis was the senior commanding officer of the legion. A legatus was usually 30 years of age and served a term of 3 years, although it could last longer. The legatus also served as the provincial governor in provinces of only one legion, and in the years of first and second century CE were members of the Senate.
Tribunus LaticlaviusAlso known as a tribune, they were second-in-command to the legatus. A tribune was usually around 25 years of age and served for only one year.
Praefectus CastrorumThe praefectus castrorum was third-in-command of a legion. Men in this position were former primus pilus centurions with 30 years of experience. The praefectus castrorum was in charge of the camp or barracks, and would also oversee siege operations during war.
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Tribuni Angusticlavii
Members of the equestrian class, each legion had five tribuni angusticlavii. This post normally lasted 3-4 years and consisted of mainly administrative duties, such as monitoring centurions, although each tribune served in combat operations as well. After serving in this post, a tribune would usually assume command of an ala, or cavalry unit.
Primus Pilus
The primus pilus was fourth-in-command of the entire legion and the most senior centurion, serving in the first century of the first cohort. This post usually lasted for one year, and granted entrance into the equestrian class of citizens.
Centurions
Centurions within a legion were ranked and placed within a cohort based on seniority. The senior centurion and likely commander of each cohort was known as the pilus prior and served in the first century. The exception is the primus pilus, who was also considered a pilus prior but outranked the others. Second in seniority was the pilus posterior, who commanded the second century. Following the pilus posterior were the princeps prior, princeps posterior, hastatus prior, and hastatus posterior, who commanded the third through sixth centuries, respectively.
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Lower-Level Officers (Principales)
AquiliferThe Aquilifer position was a single position within a legion. A person in this position carried the legion's standard, or eagle, and ranked just below a centurion. The aquilifer was also in charge of the legion's funds. These men were paid double-wages.
SigniferEach century contained a signifer. A signifer carried the century's signum and was in charge of finances at the century level. A signifer also received double-wages.
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OptioAn optio was second-in-command in a century. An optio could be recognized by his staff, or hastile, and was appointed by the centurion. An optio received double-wages.
TesserariusThe tesserarius was in charge of the watch and sentries. They were recognized as third-in-command of a century, with a each century containing a tesserarius.
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CornicenThe cornicen, or hornblower, carried the cornu and assisted the centurion and signifer in getting the attention of the soldier and giving commands.
ImagniferThe imagnifer carried the symbol of the emperor, or imago. Each century had an imagnifer, presumably to remind the soldiers of their loyalty to the emperor and to encourage bravery.
Praefectus CohortisThe praefectus cohortis was a commander of an auxiliary unit.
VexillariusThe vexillarius carried the standard of an auxiliary unit, the vexillum.
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Rank and File
DecanusA decanus was in charge of the 8 man contubernium. This post could be considered as equivalent to the rank of sergeant or corporal.
ImmunesThe immunes were experienced soldiers who had learned a specialized skill. These included engineers, craftsmen, blacksmiths, and other professions. These men were "immune" to regular camp duties.
MilesThe miles was the basic infantry soldier in a legion and served for 20-25 years.
TironesA tiro was a recruit in the Roman military. It normally took a tiro up to 6 months to become a full miles.
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Cavalry
DecurioThe decurio was the commander of a cavalry turma. Promotion to this rank most likely occurred after reaching the rank of optio.
Praefectus AlaeThe praefectus alae was the commander of an auxiliary cavalry unit, or ala.
Eques or EquitisThe eques was the standard cavalryman of an ala.
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