odanny
Diamond Member
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.
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.
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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.
Primus Pilus | Roman Military