Centurion Position in Battle

[Macedon]

This seems to illustrate the dangers of relying on translations without checking the original. I hold out no claims for my knowledge of Greek and perhaps Macedon could comment upon what I am about to say but, as I read it, the word translated as 'command' in the text is hegeitai. This comes from hegeomai, meaning 'to go before, to lead the way'. If I am correct, this would seem to dispose of the 'command v. lead' argument and could also serve to put the centurion in, or at least towards, the front of the battle-line.

I have already commented on this Michael, regarding the term "hegemon", which Polybius uses to describe the centurions. The text is sadly not clear on that detail, as the verb could also both mean "lead" as "to go before" and (more usually) "lead" (in the sense of being in command).