01-16-2019, 10:55 AM
Yes, the 10 men per century is a direct comment from Josephus - and my personal interpretation is that this is very likely to be 1 from each contubernia indeed. Moreover I believe these are most likely exactly half (so 2 per contubernia) of the 'antesignanii'; along with the 'guards' around the general - both of which precede, therefore, the standards on the march (cf Josephus again). These are armed and armoured slightly differently to the rest of the legionaires and carry spears/hasta rather than pila, which would be much more useful in marking out a camp. Each of those original 10, if they are one per contubernia (and provided security from attack) could even place their own kit directly on the contubernia's tent site.