Centurion
Role
!A [historical reenactor in Roman centurion costume. Note that the vambraces used in this reconstruction are an anachronism.](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/18/Centurion2BoulogneLucViatour.jpg/250px-Centurion2BoulogneLucViatour.jpg)
Role
Centurions were drawn from five main sources within Roman society and the military. Some were promoted from the ranks of ordinary soldiers, often after holding minor posts under the centurionate. Others, though less commonly, gained their promotion after serving in auxiliary units. The remaining three sources were the most common. One group consisted of individuals from a class whose property qualifications were below that of the equestrian order. These men received their positions in the legions as a reward for merit. Many of them were magistrates from municipal towns who, through their service, secured full Roman citizenship, making them eligible for legionary service and subsequent appointment as centurions in recognition of their prior careers.
Role
A notable fourth category of centurions came from the equestrian order. These individuals (ordinem accepit ex equite Romano) had previously held equestrian status but either lost their wealth, failed to advance in the equestrian career (cursus honorum), or chose to resign from the order. They voluntarily accepted a centurion’s commission in the legions, often seeking a different path to distinction within the Roman military structure.
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