The Role & Status of "Praefectus Castrorum"

[john m roberts]

I recall reading somewhere that the rank of praefectus castrorum was held for only a single year, that it was awarded to a primus pilus a year before his retirement, and that it was a reward for a career of distinguished service, and a final opportunity to line his purse with bribes for all the contracts he awarded. I don't know if this is true, but it certainly fits in with the ethic of every other military establishment I've ever studied.