Decurion

[Praefectusclassis]

There is very little evidence for an actual 'rank' for anyone in charge of a contubernium, as far as I know. On Carlton's recent visit to the Nijmegen museum, we finally realized that therer's one there. A bronze kettle/pot is inscribed for ownership, saying it belongs to "the contubernium of Y in the century of X"

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Perhaps it was a shorter word starting with C and ending in T? :roll:

[D B Campbell]

There is very little evidence for an actual 'rank' for anyone in charge of a contubernium, as far as I know.

Of course, the Roman army is full of "functions" which did not affect a man's rank. (See Ancient Warfare #2 p. 50 for some of these. )

But why would we need a contubernium leader? To make sure the room gets kept tidy?

[Matthew]

There is very little evidence for an actual 'rank' for anyone in charge of a contubernium, as far as I know.

Of course, the Roman army is full of "functions" which did not affect a man's rank. (See Ancient Warfare #2 p. 50 for some of these. )

But why would we need a contubernium leader? To make sure the room gets kept tidy?

Maybe to lead a small detail? I could imagine a contubernium being detached to perform some small task or duty. If it wasn't feasible for an Officer to lead them, they would need some sort of nominal leadership, I would think. Perhaps they had something analgous to a Sergeant?

The variable sizes of Units in action (depending on period and locale) suggest to me that variable sized contubernium grouped around an individual would make sense as a practical method of organisation within the Century. All just supposition, though.

[Edit] Just to be clear, I think it is Polybius' Legionary Cavalry that is the origin of the Decurion as leader of ten men:

The cavalry is divided also into ten parts or troops. In each of these, three captains first are chosen; who afterwards appoint three other officers to conduct the rear. The first of the captains commands the whole troop. The other two hold the rank and office of decurions; and all of them are called by that name. In the absence of the first captain, the next in order takes the entire command.

Matthew James Stanham

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Look at hadrians wall! Each section shows a difference in build, as if the contaburnium built this! Each one would surely require some on the spot direction, hence a contaburnium leader! 8)

[Tarbicus]

There is very little evidence for an actual 'rank' for anyone in charge of a contubernium, as far as I know. On Carlton's recent visit to the Nijmegen museum, we finally realized that therer's one there. A bronze kettle/pot is inscribed for ownership, saying it belongs to "the contubernium of Y in the century of X"

Jasper, are Y and X men's names?

[M. Demetrius]

May be, Tarby, but we know they wore genes. :lol:

[Hugh Fuller]

I remember reading somewhere that decurion was also used as a title for what amounted to the civilian town councilmen in the Late Empire. Is this a correct memory?

[D B Campbell]

I remember reading somewhere that decurion was also used as a title for what amounted to the civilian town councilmen in the Late Empire.

Not just the Late empire, Hugh. The civic elite of any Roman city were organised as an ordo decurionum. Inscriptions (e.g. ILS 6121 from Canusium, Italy) suggest that there might be up to 100 decurions.

[Hugh Fuller]

Thank you, D.B.

[LUCIUS ALFENUS AVITIANUS]

I have read that the chief of the Legionary cavalrymen (the quoted 120) were too a centurio and not a decurio. So decurio were only at the auxiliary cavalry.

[Praefectusclassis]

Jasper, are Y and X men's names?

Yup. I just forgot the names. You can check it for yourself this November.

[brennivs - tony drake]

Lvcivs that is right since they are mounted infantry used as gofers in the Legion. They are just another specilist trade within the Legion.
Regards Brennivs

[Matthew Amt]

Lvcivs that is right since they are mounted infantry used as gofers in the Legion. They are just another specilist trade within the Legion.

And yet in battle they were apparently brigaded with the rest of the cavalry. So I don't think we can dismiss them as simply "scouts and messengers".

Matthew

[Tarbicus]

Jasper, are Y and X men's names?

Yup. I just forgot the names. You can check it for yourself this November.

Cheers.

Well there you go, proof of a man in charge of a contubernium. Well spotted you two.