centurion to tribune ?

[sicarii sam]

I was reading the other thread on tribunes and wondered of any documented cases of a career soldier moving from centurion to tribune. Ive always understood that equestrian class recruits would typically be appointed a centurion. Were they also able to become tribunes ? Thanks.

[sicarii sam]

also that commissioned centurions would be given command of a auxillary cohort to prove their mettle and gain experience before serving in the legions. Am I correct ? losts of confusion in the advancement process and seems to often go on individual cases rather than defined regulations.

[Tiberius Geracius]

I do know that in most cases in the early part of the Empire that Auxillaries were almost always under the comand of a Roman officer. Mostlikly a centurion. It all goes back to class for officers. Petritions were always officers. Equestrians could become officers, but to what extent I dont know. When in doubt you could aways bump off a few higher officers and get promoted htat way. lol

[Quintius Clavus]

During the Principate, senior legionary (Primi ordines) centurions could and did accept appointments to the Praetorian Guard, where they did assume the rank of Tribune. It especially held for the Primus Pilus; it was one career path to follow among others. This was also true for the camp prefects of the legions.
Praetorian tribunes commanded the cohorts of the Guard.
Equestrians, once the "cursus honorum" settled, often served in several capacities, starting as praefects of auxiliary infantry cohorts, then a stint as legionary tribunes (augusticlavi). Their third step would usually be as cavalry praefects. Some equestrians may have taken direct commissions as legionary centurions. This last option is possibly one to appeal to those equestrians who truly wanted a an army career. Otherwise, equestrians would go on to serve in various civilian praefect posts in addition to the military ones.
The ultimate "feather" in an equestrian's "cap" would be appointment as Praefect of Egypt, a position of great trust, as Egypt was the "personal" possession of the emperor.
You can take a look at "The Complete Roman Army" by Adrian Gokdsworthy for an idea of various career paths open to solkers of all levels.

Quinton Johansen
Marcus Quintius Clavus, Optio Secundae Pili Prioris Legionis III Cyrenaicae

[sicarii sam]

thanks. Ive read goldsworthy's Roman army at War. I didnt know he had another one. Ill have to get a second job, no a third job to pay for all the books I want.

I was also thinking of being a legionary tribune, not one of the senatorial types. seems there was some meeting of the classes in the army. But never fully integrated or leveled.

[Marcus Julius]

thanks. Ive read goldsworthy's Roman army at War. I didnt know he had another one. Ill have to get a second job, no a third job to pay for all the books I want.

I'll give an "amen" to that one! Then, once I have them, I'll have to retire completely so I have time to read them.

[tlclark]

During the Principate, senior legionary (Primi ordines) centurions could and did accept appointments to the Praetorian Guard, where they did assume the rank of Tribune. It especially held for the Primus Pilus; it was one career path to follow among others. This was also true for the camp prefects of the legions.
Praetorian tribunes commanded the cohorts of the Guard.
Equestrians, once the "cursus honorum" settled, often served in several capacities, starting as praefects of auxiliary infantry cohorts, then a stint as legionary tribunes (augusticlavi). Their third step would usually be as cavalry praefects. Some equestrians may have taken direct commissions as legionary centurions. This last option is possibly one to appeal to those equestrians who truly wanted a an army career. Otherwise, equestrians would go on to serve in various civilian praefect posts in addition to the military ones.
The ultimate "feather" in an equestrian's "cap" would be appointment as Praefect of Egypt, a position of great trust, as Egypt was the "personal" possession of the emperor.
You can take a look at "The Complete Roman Army" by Adrian Gokdsworthy for an idea of various career paths open to solkers of all levels.

Quinton Johansen
Marcus Quintius Clavus, Optio Secundae Pili Prioris Legionis III Cyrenaicae

Just wanted to say "sharp post!"