07-20-2011, 01:32 AM
Primus Pilus is usually translated as 'first file', being the leader of the first file or rank of the first cohort. 'First spear' is a false etymology.
Under the empire, the position of primus pilus was usually held for only one year, and promotion was probably based on seniority within the legion (although some men - notably those directly commissioned to the centurionate, seem to have risen faster than others). A man would hold the position of primus pilus for one year and then either retire or move on the higher posts of praefectus castrorum or one of the Rome tribunates.
During the republic, the situation seems to have been less structured, but the primipilate was still probably a one-year post. In the Gallic Wars (5.35), during the description of the massacre at Aduatuca, Caesar mentions 'T. Balventius, who the year before had been chief centurion, a brave man and one of great authority' and 'Q. Lucanius, of the same rank', who is 'slain while he assists his son when surrounded by the enemy'. Lucanius, therefore, is serving as primus pilus of the legion (probably XIV), with a son of military age. Balventius was primus pilus the year before, but is still with the legion. Whether he returned to a subordinate centurion's position or (more likely) held something like the position of the praefectus castrorum, or was merely remaining with the legion in winter quarters prior to his retirement we don't know. In any case, this suggests the one-year rule held at that time.
In the case of Crastinus, then, it would seem likely that he was promoted by seniority to primus pilus in 49, served his year and was then discharged. At such a critical time, however, veteran soldiers were likely kept with the colours as evocati - and so Crastinus remained with the army.
Caesar doesn't state what his exact position was at Pharsalus, but he was clearly close enough to the general to speak with him before the assault - in the years immediately following, the triumvirs are known to have recruited their own praetorian cohorts (ie bodyguards) from discharged veterans, particularly centurions. My guess would be that Crastinus was serving as a centurion of Caesar's praetorian bodyguard cohort (commanding 120 men, we are told) in 48BC.
- Nathan
Under the empire, the position of primus pilus was usually held for only one year, and promotion was probably based on seniority within the legion (although some men - notably those directly commissioned to the centurionate, seem to have risen faster than others). A man would hold the position of primus pilus for one year and then either retire or move on the higher posts of praefectus castrorum or one of the Rome tribunates.
During the republic, the situation seems to have been less structured, but the primipilate was still probably a one-year post. In the Gallic Wars (5.35), during the description of the massacre at Aduatuca, Caesar mentions 'T. Balventius, who the year before had been chief centurion, a brave man and one of great authority' and 'Q. Lucanius, of the same rank', who is 'slain while he assists his son when surrounded by the enemy'. Lucanius, therefore, is serving as primus pilus of the legion (probably XIV), with a son of military age. Balventius was primus pilus the year before, but is still with the legion. Whether he returned to a subordinate centurion's position or (more likely) held something like the position of the praefectus castrorum, or was merely remaining with the legion in winter quarters prior to his retirement we don't know. In any case, this suggests the one-year rule held at that time.
In the case of Crastinus, then, it would seem likely that he was promoted by seniority to primus pilus in 49, served his year and was then discharged. At such a critical time, however, veteran soldiers were likely kept with the colours as evocati - and so Crastinus remained with the army.
Caesar doesn't state what his exact position was at Pharsalus, but he was clearly close enough to the general to speak with him before the assault - in the years immediately following, the triumvirs are known to have recruited their own praetorian cohorts (ie bodyguards) from discharged veterans, particularly centurions. My guess would be that Crastinus was serving as a centurion of Caesar's praetorian bodyguard cohort (commanding 120 men, we are told) in 48BC.
- Nathan
Nathan Ross
