09-22-2006, 06:35 PM
Robert, I wonder if you could elaborate just a little on this subject of legionary subdivisions. I am struggling to comprehend what may have been going on in the 4thC. And I need to know!
I understand that many infantry units may have dropped to 1200, 1000, 800 or even 500 men. Some subdivision was necessary, but what were these divisions? The title of centenarius suggests that 100 man 'centuries' continued to exist, and Vegetius seems to back this terminology up. But he can be confusing, and at one point seems to confuse the terms. At one point he seems to be saying that there were no cennturies - only cohorts. From my understanding of an ancient cohort, the name meant a flexibly sized unit, determined only by the size of the units in it. Could the legionary subdivisions have been 100 man 'cohorts'?
He is an unreliable source. What is your best guess?
I understand that many infantry units may have dropped to 1200, 1000, 800 or even 500 men. Some subdivision was necessary, but what were these divisions? The title of centenarius suggests that 100 man 'centuries' continued to exist, and Vegetius seems to back this terminology up. But he can be confusing, and at one point seems to confuse the terms. At one point he seems to be saying that there were no cennturies - only cohorts. From my understanding of an ancient cohort, the name meant a flexibly sized unit, determined only by the size of the units in it. Could the legionary subdivisions have been 100 man 'cohorts'?
He is an unreliable source. What is your best guess?
~ Paul Elliott
The Last Legionary
This book details the lives of Late Roman legionaries garrisoned in Britain in 400AD. It covers everything from battle to rations, camp duties to clothing.
The Last Legionary
This book details the lives of Late Roman legionaries garrisoned in Britain in 400AD. It covers everything from battle to rations, camp duties to clothing.
