Optio’s staff

[jvrjenivs]

Well, in this view, it's interesting to name a major 'stereotype', which is the way we use terms like 'centurio' and 'optio'. We all seem to use them in a way they can be used within a re-enactment unit, namely as the first and second man in charge. However, ones centurio job shouldn't have to reflect that of the other.

Especially in this discussion, where the 'measuring' use is discussed it is interesting to note that there are sources (which I can't name at the moment, unfortunately) which mention that agrimensori (surveyors) held the rank of optio. This doesn't have to mean they were the type of optio as we tent to use the term, but of course, it could also be that in battle this same agrimensor had the 'regular' optio role.