Unit Browser for RTR: Imperium Surrectum

Short description

The Legatus Legionis is a general given overall command of a Legion.

Description

After the Marian reforms created a professional system, legions were commanded by a legionary legate (legatus). Six tribunes were still posted to a legion, but their duties and responsibilities had changed. The second in command to the legate was the tribunus laticlavius, a young man of Senatorial rank. He was given this position to learn and watch the actions of the legate. The other five tribunes were slightly lower in rank, and were called the tribuni angusticlavii. These were men of equestrian rank who had seen prior military action.

The commander of a legion in our period was invariably a Senator of some standing - a man who had already had a varied military and administrative career, and who had probably reached the rank of praetor at Rome. His official title was 'legatus legionis' because, while theoretically the Emperor held all military power, in practice he delegated it to trusted Senators. Such legionary legates were, on the whole, tough, experienced and highly competent officers, though there were some notable exceptions, and all must, at some time, have served as junior officers or tribuni. He has a bodyguard of loyal spear-armed and armoured cavalry to accompany him onto the field. Armed with spears, these men are shock cavalry, able to deliver a devastating charge attack; they are then well trained enough to fight effectively in continued hand-to-hand combat.

Like all general's guards, this unit is best committed to the fight at the point of crisis, when the general's inspirational leadership and the combat power of his men can tip the balance.