07-11-2015, 09:19 AM
As George says, the word κεντυρίων appearing in later documents indicates that a rank of that name continued through later Roman history.
From the late 3rd century, legion centurions seem to be more commonly known as ordinarii - sometimes centurio ordinarius shows us that the words were connected, or perhaps even equivalent.
Ordinarius continued as a centurion synonym into the 6th century, when it appears on papyri from southern Egypt.
Except for one rather debatable inscription, the term centenarius is restricted to the new units of the field army, the auxilia palatina and (perhaps) the scholae. As far as I know, centenarii are never found in the regular legions, whether limitanei or comitatus troops. The term is connected to a new and different rank structure, including biarchus and circitor, that seems to have come originally from the cavalry.
Meanwhile, you might find these threads useful:
Diocletian: legions and rank structure
Late Roman ranks
Legionary Officers and NCOs - Late Roman Army
From the late 3rd century, legion centurions seem to be more commonly known as ordinarii - sometimes centurio ordinarius shows us that the words were connected, or perhaps even equivalent.
Ordinarius continued as a centurion synonym into the 6th century, when it appears on papyri from southern Egypt.
Except for one rather debatable inscription, the term centenarius is restricted to the new units of the field army, the auxilia palatina and (perhaps) the scholae. As far as I know, centenarii are never found in the regular legions, whether limitanei or comitatus troops. The term is connected to a new and different rank structure, including biarchus and circitor, that seems to have come originally from the cavalry.
Meanwhile, you might find these threads useful:
Diocletian: legions and rank structure
Late Roman ranks
Legionary Officers and NCOs - Late Roman Army
Nathan Ross
