Roman Legion Command Structure

The Roman legion's command structure was a blend of top-down and bottom-up systems. The smallest unit, the contubernium, consisted of 8 soldiers led by a Decanus. A century, made up of 80 men, was led by a centurion. Cohorts, consisting of 6 centuries, had a unique command system with no dedicated leader. The first cohort was special, led by the Primus Pilus. The camp prefect, a former Primus Pilus, managed supplies. The military tribune, often a young aristocrat, was second in command. The legate, a senator, led the legion. This structure balanced professional soldiers, senate authority, and aristocratic influence.

What was the primary role of the Decanus in the Roman legion?

• To lead a contubernium of 8 soldiers

• To command a century

• To lead the entire legion

• To manage supplies and logistics

How many soldiers made up a Roman century?

• 100 soldiers

• 80 soldiers

• 60 soldiers

• 120 soldiers

Who was the second in command of a century?

• Decanus

• Legate

• Optio

• Primus Pilus

What distinguished the first cohort from other cohorts in a legion?

• It was led by the legate

• It had a dedicated commander

• It was double the size of other cohorts

• It consisted of 5 double-strength centuries

Who was the highest-ranking front-line soldier in the Roman legion?

• Military Tribune

• Camp Prefect

• Primus Pilus

• Optio

What was the role of the camp prefect in the Roman legion?

• To train new recruits

• To lead the first cohort

• To command the entire legion

• To manage supplies and encampments

Which position in the Roman legion was often held by young aristocrats?

• Centurion

• Optio

• Military Tribune

• Decanus

Who was the official commander of a Roman legion?

• Legate

• Camp Prefect

• Primus Pilus

• Optio

Which command position in the legion represented the will of the senate?

• Camp Prefect

• Military Tribune

• Legate

• Primus Pilus

What was the unique aspect of the Roman legion's command structure?

• It was based on a single leader's decisions

• It was entirely top-down

• It was entirely bottom-up

• It combined top-down and bottom-up elements