Primus Pilus

odanny

Diamond Member
Joined
May 7, 2017
Messages
22,291
Reaction score
18,013
Points
2,290
Location
Midwest - Trumplandia
This was a singular rank of much distinction, you were essentially the most badass Roman centurion that all of Rome had to offer. Whatever cohort Primus Pilus commanded was also made up of the most elite centurion's of Rome, this cohort was two doubled century's, consisting of roughly 160 men each, for a total of around 320 centurions. Other auxillaries would increase the size of this, and the size would often vary. This cohort was most always attached to whatever was considered the most elite legion in Rome at the time. He was only ever outranked by any legion he was attached to by 8 men, the Legate (commander), the Prefect, the senior Tribune and the five junior Tribune's. After being released from this position he was usually promoted into the Equestrian class, which entitled him to far higher ranks and privileges, including that of a Tribune.


roman-centurian.jpg






The Roman army was one of the most formidable fighting forces in the ancient world, and at the heart of its organization were the centurions. These experienced soldiers were responsible for leading the individual units that made up a Roman legion, and among them, the most prestigious and elite was the Primus Pilus (Latin for "first spear" or "first javelin"). The name is derived from the Roman Pilum, which was a long javelin weapon.

The Primus Pilus, as the senior centurion of the first cohort (the legion's most elite unit), was one of the most important and prestigious positions within the Roman army. The responsibilities of the Primus Pilus were varied and extensive.

In battle, the Primus Pilus led from the front, often fighting alongside their soldiers. They were responsible for ensuring that the first cohort was in the right position on the battlefield, and for coordinating with the other centurions to make sure that the legion as a whole was fighting effectively. The Primus Pilus was also responsible for leading the legion in the charge, and was expected to be the first to engage the enemy.

In addition to leading the first century in battle, the Primus Pilus was responsible for overseeing the training and discipline of the soldiers under their command. They also acted as a liaison between the legion's commander and the other centurions, relaying orders and ensuring that they were carried out effectively.


 
The main character on HBO's Rome was one.

R.20ed1dd5a38284309407aed6a201d439

I watched season 1 and never made that connection, I will be watching season 2 and 3 soon. I heard the guy who played Titus Pullo just died last year. At the time this was the most expensive mini series HBO ever produced.
 
I watched season 1 and never made that connection, I will be watching season 2 and 3 soon. I heard the guy who played Titus Pullo just died last year. At the time this was the most expensive mini series HBO ever produced.
Damn, sorry to hear that, I saw him in a few roles and always liked him....He excelled as Blackbeard in Black Sails.

Best Pullo/Vorenus scene:




IMHO, Rome was the best HBO historical series made up till Band of Brothers and The Pacific came out.

Oddly enough, over time, I have come to prefer The Pacific.
 
Damn, sorry to hear that, I saw him in a few roles and always liked him....He excelled as Blackbeard in Black Sails.

Best Pullo/Vorenus scene:




IMHO, Rome was the best HBO historical series made up till Band of Brothers and The Pacific came out.

Oddly enough, over time, I have come to prefer The Pacific.

All three are the best ever done by HBO. Deadwood deserves a place and I guess GoT does as well but I don’t care for it and didn’t watch it,

I hope you have read the memoir of Eugene Sledge, easily my favorite from either theater of WWII
 
This video is best watched from the beginning to understand the origins of a Roman Legion, but in the interest of brevity, I skip to the command structure, which explains Primus Pilus (First Spear)

 
Back
Top Bottom