[Centurions' Rings]

I've read mention of rings worn by Centurions as a symbol of office (most often they have an eagle design). A quick google search brings up several images of rings designed after what these officers' rings are supposed to look like. I've even seen a few which were supposed to be actual rings from the Roman Legions. My question is, did these things really exist? (I have alot of doubts about finding the "real deal" for sale on ebay, lol.) Is there any historical mention of rings being worn as symbols of office in the Legions?

 

Rings were common throughout the Roman Empire, particularly in the later periods, when everyone was allowed to wear them, except slaves.

 

However, in ancient (Republican) times, the rings were usually worn by aristocrats and senators, in fact, wore a plain old iron ring, which was probably handed down from one paterfamilias to another over generations. If I recall, only the first eight senior most centurions were granted the privilege of wearing rings and I'm sure they were plain and not gem studded, as people would like to imagine.

 

Of course, aristocrats also had a signet ring, which was used to seal documents and evidence their signature.

 

well said skarr, i would like to add that a centurion ring was regarded as a priceless hierloom and was frequently past from genereation downwards, thi s is probably why many think that the it was either the firxt cohort (therefore 10 centurions) or 8 as you say and i agree.

[how far could a pilum be thrown?]

i was curious on this matter, ive read an extract of a book suggesting a pilum could be thown about 100

metres, i considered this and considering a pilum is thrown at about a 60 degree angle it seems to be impractical. any clues?

[Why Do You Like Rome?]

i like the roman empire as I am fascinated in its Militiary achievements and how it shook the world. I have also visited many Roman places like TRIER, VERULANIUM, THE ICKNIELD WALK, LONDINIUM etc

[What Does Unrv Stand For?]

Title pretty much explains it

[What Browser Do You Use?]

Internet explorer, firefox takes to long to download

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[This Gladius Is A Bit Short Sir...]

I think that like in any era that people will cut corners, Every household or business wants to make money so i think your scenario could be highly likely, however i if he is just re-using the iron and making lesser swords the legionaries would know. Also, an order of 2000 swords might not be given to any old armourer so the centurion would expect quality. Back to the point, this sounds highly plausible.

[Your Favourite Roman City]

Trier is an amazing city and I went there and it was a beautiful remnant of Roman past.

Cool Question btw

[Formations And Tactics]

In the Republican army you would first have your velites harass the enemy while sceening the approaching main force. The hastati would first engage to wear down the enemy. Once the hastati tire, they fall back through the openings in the maniples and the principes would finish the job. The triarii would hold ground in case all failed. They had the interesting job- if you were a triarii you would rarely have to fight, but when you did, it meant you had to protect the routing army, and not fall back yourself. The cavalry alae were mainly to protect the flanks and ham a fleeing army. Besides ambushing, the legions really didn't do too much fancy meneuvering like today's armies. (I think)

 

As for post-marian legions, you may find the different formations at the bottom interesting.

 

This has been incredibly helpful, thanks for the points

 

De Re Militari by Flavius Vegetius Renatus has pretty much everything you'll need to know about the workings of the Roman army

 

http://www.pvv.ntnu.no/~madsb/home/war/vegetius/

 

The site you have given me has been a real help, My pre-marius is rally bad compared to my after marius and this will hlep me on my way. cheers

[Rome Total War]

If you go to large on unit scale you get a century, times that by 2 you have a maniple, times the maniples by 3 you have a cohort. Now times that by 9 and add 800 men for the 1st cohort and add mercernaries add cavalry

 

thats 5000 men (a legion)

in most battles there are 6-8 legions 30000-40000 men on 1 side, my total war connection only allows me 3000 men overall.

 

Oh total war is the best game ever

[How Do I Get A Latin Quote On The Bottom Of My Screen]

On top of the forum you see a link called "My Control" click on it, then you should see on the left side a link called "Edit Signatur", click and put in your text of choice...

 

cheers

viggen

 

Thank you so much mate I can not be more grateful

[How Do I Get A Latin Quote On The Bottom Of My Screen]

Well the title explains it really, so how do I get a latin quote at the bottom of the posting screen.

[Congratulating Unrv]

I Think this is a fantastic site, with tonnes of brilliant info and a selection of friendly users, members and staff members, I say a big Thank You for his good site especially for young and keen guys like myself.

[Formations And Tactics]

I would love to know more about roman tactics especially, I know a fair bit on the maniple orders and cohort strengths but pre- Gaius Marius I know very little apart from Hastati, Princepes and Triarii were the bulk of a force, I would be most grateful for some detailed replies. Cheers

[Legions Major Weakness - Cavalry?]

Roman Cavalry was poor, you are right but it was not used as a charging force or an infantry supplement (like the Germanic hordes) it was used to protect the flanks and harass routing or fleeing enemy. The triarri equipped with their hastas were a perfect retalliation force for charging cavalry like in syria but the skirmish style Germans were to much hastle for the romans. Perhaps the most famous Equite unit is the Extraordinnarri of Julius Caesar.

 

Cool topic starter mate

[Celtic Swords.]

A Celtic Longsword was brilliant against another longsword but against an interlocking shield system of Roman shields there is no room to admininster a fatal blow. The Legionaries learnt in the 3rd century bc when invading Cisalpine Gaul to duck/crouch to 1 knee, raise their sheild above their head and stab upwards into the groin of the Celtic Warrior.

[Which Cultures Would You Like To See Discussed?]

The Carthaginians were once so powerful and their infantry has never been explained to me, I know of roman legionaries and gallic cavalry, british chariots and barbarian warband. Also I would like to know more about Asia Minor, especially Pergamum adn Phrygia.