Organization of the Roman Army
The Legion: The Core Unit
The backbone of the Roman Army was the legion, a highly trained and professional force of around 5,000–6,000 soldiers. Each legion was divided into several smaller units for flexibility and effectiveness in battle.
- Centuria (Century) – The smallest unit, consisting of around 80 men, commanded by a centurion.
- Cohort – A group of six centuries (approximately 480 men).
- Legion – Made up of 10 cohorts, making it a powerful and self-sufficient force.
Each legion was led by a legatus (legionary commander), who was appointed by the emperor or Senate. Supporting officers, such as tribunes and prefects, helped in administration and logistics.
- Auxiliary Troops (Auxilia)
In addition to the legions, Rome relied on auxiliary troops, non-citizen soldiers who supported the regular army. They provided specialized skills such as archery, cavalry, and slinger units. After serving for 25 years, auxiliaries were often granted Roman citizenship, a valuable incentive for service.
- The Praetorian Guard
The Praetorian Guard was an elite unit responsible for protecting the emperor and maintaining order in Rome. Unlike the regular army, they were based in the capital and had a privileged position within the empire. shutdown123