01-17-2013, 08:11 PM
As a whole century that was commanded by a centurion.
The second in command would of been an optio and he would of been assisted by certain personal within cohort ranks.
The primus pilus was actually first in command of first cohort (earlier first maniple).
The primus pilus was adviser to the lēgātus.
For the other cohorts they all had 6 centuries with a centurion, optio and tesserariusin in charge of each.
The pilus prior was in command of each cohort and was an elected centurion right underneath primus pilus during battle.
THe other cohorts generally fell underneath first cohort who carried the eagle and lead by primus pilus who had authority of each of the other 6 cohorts.
When it comes to the actual organization here, one needs to be aware that you need assistance and people in command to answer to the primus pilus to orchestrate the other cohorts when the primus pilus was with the first cohort in battle. But take this into consideration, the first cohort wasn't the first flank to engage and they only had one javelin unit. And they were 8 centuries of triari which actually served as a personal guard to the tribune (e.g. Legatus Augusti pro praetore, Legatus legionis, Tribuni angusticlavii).
That's why the best centurions were issued the rank of pilus prior to command other cohorts in battle.
In peace time... this really starts delving into uncharted fog of war. I can only presume that prior pilus maintained a role in keeping things orderly within other cohorts.
The second in command would of been an optio and he would of been assisted by certain personal within cohort ranks.
The primus pilus was actually first in command of first cohort (earlier first maniple).
The primus pilus was adviser to the lēgātus.
For the other cohorts they all had 6 centuries with a centurion, optio and tesserariusin in charge of each.
The pilus prior was in command of each cohort and was an elected centurion right underneath primus pilus during battle.
THe other cohorts generally fell underneath first cohort who carried the eagle and lead by primus pilus who had authority of each of the other 6 cohorts.
When it comes to the actual organization here, one needs to be aware that you need assistance and people in command to answer to the primus pilus to orchestrate the other cohorts when the primus pilus was with the first cohort in battle. But take this into consideration, the first cohort wasn't the first flank to engage and they only had one javelin unit. And they were 8 centuries of triari which actually served as a personal guard to the tribune (e.g. Legatus Augusti pro praetore, Legatus legionis, Tribuni angusticlavii).
That's why the best centurions were issued the rank of pilus prior to command other cohorts in battle.
In peace time... this really starts delving into uncharted fog of war. I can only presume that prior pilus maintained a role in keeping things orderly within other cohorts.