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The centurion. A man with at least fifteen years of faithful service to the Army. He had the ability to read
and write. He was in charge of training the legionaries, and leading them into battle. The Centurios were
a hard bitten lot, but they were the bravest and most experienced soldiers of the Legions. A general may command in
a battle, but he does it by saying "Centurio, take that hill".
It is said that the blood of Centurios ran the thickest in Battle, as their mandate to lead from the front lead to heavier
than usual casualties.
| Scutum of the Primi Pili |
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The vitis, or vine staff, was primarily used as a discipline tool. One centurion was called "Give me Another" because
he was constantly breaking the staff on his troops.
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A centurion could be identified by wearing greaves and a transverse crest (going from side to side). He carried
a small stick, known as a VITIS. These were laurel vines and were used for the disipline of soldiers. The Centurio
also wore his gladius on the left for easier access. He also was able to wear the awards given to him by the legate
or even the Emperor himself for his own bravery or awards given to his unit under his command. Centurios were career
soldiers.
The "C" in Centurio is pronounced like a "K". All c's in Latin have a K sound, or "hard" pronunciation.
Caesar (Kaesar) knew his Centurios by name, and recognizes a number of them for bravery in his works.
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