Decurion (Roman Cavalry Officer) - Republican Army

Republican Army

During the Roman Republic a "Polybian" legion (ca. 300–88 BC) of citizen-levies had a cavalry complement of 300 horse, divided into 10 turmae (squadrons) of 30 men each. Each turma was led by 3 decurions, who were elected by the squadron members themselves. Although decurio literally means "leader of 10 men", it does not appear that a turma was sub-divided into 3 troops of 10 men each. Instead, one decurion would act as squadron commander and the other two as his deputies. All decurions were members of the Roman equestrian order, as were many of their subordinates.

Read more about this topic:  Decurion (Roman Cavalry Officer)

Famous quotes containing the words republican and/or army:

    The climate of Ohio is perfect, considered as the home of an ideal republican people. Climate has much to do with national character.... A climate which permits labor out-of-doors every month in the year and which requires industry to secure comfort—to provide food, shelter, clothing, fuel, etc.—is the very climate which secures the highest civilization.
    Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822–1893)

    Roach, foulest of creatures,
    who attacks with yellow teeth
    and an army of cousins big as shoes ...
    Anne Sexton (1928–1974)