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The contubernium was the smallest organized unit of soldiers in the Roman Army and was composed of eight legionaries, the equivalent of a modern squad. The men within the contubernium were known as contubernales.[1] Ten contubernia were grouped into a centuria. Soldiers of a contubernium shared a tent, and could be rewarded or punished together as a unit.
It was led by a Decanus, the equivalent of a junior non-commissioned officer. They were appointed from within the contubernium and were most likely the longest serving legionary.[2] Their duties would include organising the erection of the marching tent and keeping discipline.[3]
Two auxiliary "servants", comparable to modern support troops, were assigned to each contubernium.[1] They were responsible for the care of the contubernium's pack mule, making sure the legionaries had water during the march, and often had special skills like blacksmithing or carpentry.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "The Roman Army of the Roman Republic". About.com. 2010. http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/romeweapons/p/RomanArmy.htm. Retrieved 12 April 2010.
- ↑ "Roman Military Glossary". 15 Mar 2010. http://www.roman-britain.org/military/military_glossary.htm. Retrieved 12 April 2010.
- ↑ "Decanus 1st century AD". roman-empire.net. http://www.roman-empire.net/army/decanus.html. Retrieved 12 April 2010.
External links[]
The original article can be found at Contubernium and the edit history here.