Legatus legionis

Legatus legionis
Campaign history of the Roman military
Active - August 476
Country Ancient Rome
Type Infantry
Part of Roman Legion
Garrison/HQ Castra
Patron Mars
Equipment Gladius, Scutum, Galea
Insignia
Senatus popolusque romanus and
l'Aquila legionaria
Ancient Rome
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politics and government of
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    Legatus legionis was a title awarded to legion commanders in Ancient Rome.

    History

    By the time of the Roman Republic, the term legatus delegated authority (usually a consul or proconsul). Julius Caesar made wide use of the title throughout the Gallic Wars.[1]

    From Augustus, the emperor gave the title of legatus legionis to senior commanders (former military tribunes) of a legion, except in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where the legions were commanded by a praefectus legionis of an equestrian rank. The legatus legionis was under the supreme command of Legatus Augusti pro praetore of senatorial rank. If the province was defended by a single legion, the Legatus Augusti pro praetor was also in direct command of the legion.

    A legatus legionis could order capital punishment.[2]

    The senatorial legatus legionis was removed from the Roman army by Gallienus, who preferred to entrust the command of a legionary unit to a leader chosen from within the equestrian order who had a long military career.

    This post generally lasted 3 or 4 years, but could be much longer.[3] A legatus legionis was usually from a wealthy or important family.[4]

    In literature

    Bibliography

    References

    1. ↑ Smith (1901) Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities Vol. 1 PA797. Books.google.com. 2006-07-14. Retrieved 2011-04-16.
    2. ↑ Smith (1901) Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities Vol. 1 PA811. Books.google.com. 2006-07-14. Retrieved 2011-04-16.
    3. ↑ "Roman Legion". Unrv.com. Retrieved 2011-04-16.
    4. ↑ "The Roman Army Essay". Exampleessays.com. Retrieved 2011-04-16.
    5. ↑ "Voluptas (9780982188200): Jonathan Shane O'Brien: Books". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2011-04-16.
    6. ↑ A dictionary of Greek and Roman... - Google Books. Books.google.com. 2006-07-14. Retrieved 2011-04-16.
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