The Centurion: Backbone of the Roman Army DOCUMENTARY

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00:00 Channel intro
00:10 Intro
00:44 Army overview
01:27 Command structure
03:30 Promotion to centurion
05:16 Importance of the position
06:50 Leader of a century
08:10 Discipline
10:20 Rewards
11:37 In combat
13:32 Other roles
14:34 Construction supervisor
15:12 Special operations
15:55 Police officer
16:41 Tax collector
17:24 Diplomat
18:19 Outro

The Roman army was absolutely essential for the Roman empire, not just in a military sense but much more than that; it was often the only representation of Roman authority abroad, of which the centurion was the most common representation. Therefore the job of centurion entailed much more than simply leading a unit of soldiers. Centurions were employed in many other ways. How? Find out in this video!

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Music: Rome Total War 1 Jeff van Dyck
Rome Total War 2 Richard Beddow
Adrian von Ziegler

Graphic design: German Reber

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[shaundavenport]

As a 35yr follower of Roman history, I've only recently found this channel and for people just taking an interest in this subject its absolutely essential viewing!
Extremely well done, excellent information clearly delivered. 👏 I'd just like to say to Imperium Romanum thank you, well done and please keep up the great work.😁👍👍👍

[ShadowtheDarkReaper]

Recently stumbled across this channel from Invicta's recommendation and immediately found myself hooked! The content your team creates is truly excellent from both the educational and technical perspectives. Thank you for sharing the product of your skillsets and passion for history with the world --

[williameichler]

That is a fantastic piece of content! I have already shared it with other members of our Roman Living history group. Thanks for doing it!

[etiennesharp]

Superb content! Oh, and you don't need the subtitles incidentally, the presenter/narrator's English is fantastic.

[cerberus]

This is really very good! Liked and subscribed!

[sygos]

i really commend your presentation even with very limited resources it reminds me a lot of history channel documentaries in the USA from the 90s/2000s. The reenactment stuff is really nice.

[mikecimerian]

I wish our Latin and civilization teachers had covered more these aspects, they would have got more attention as Latin was mandatory and we didn't enjoy learning it at the time. Now I am thankful for it.

[roxanasimion]

Better production then tv history documentarys

[ethangould]

11:29 it’s a common misconception that “primus pilus” translates to “first spear”, as pilus (m.) is quite similar to pilum (n.). Pilum doesn’t denote a spear though and the phrase would mean “first javelin.” Pilus refers to a cluster of definitions around linear objects: “a hair, column, pillar, et al.” Primus pilus likely means “First Pillar” suggesting their importance to maintaining structure, like a building cornerstone. It seems Primipili (the plural) at an earlier time could refer to the entire division of triarii, not one individual centurion. In this case, “hair” might also make some sense if the metaphor is that the grizzled veterans are the first and hence longest hairs of the legions beard, perhaps.

[lucianene]

Those were tough times. If you weren't high-born, options were few: either learn some skill or trade and become outstandingly good at it, or join the army. And the army was no joke back then, 20-30 years of service with very slim chances of getting to enjoy retirement. But if you were brave, skilled, and smart enough, only the sky was the limit.

[larsrons]

Great video, very informative. I am looking forward to seeing more videos. Invicta directed me to you. You have a new subscriber.

[realname]

Here cause of Invicta, stayed because you're awesome

[Jaysteez]

Dude, a lot of people are hungry for knowledge regarding ancient Rome. Why don't you consider setting-up a patron account. Many of us would be happy to support your works as you are capable of delivering quality content.

[geemanamatin]

I wonder, how did the chain of command work between auxiliary centurions and legionary ones? Could a Centurion of the auxiliaries give an order to a legionary and vis'versa? Did a legion centurion out-rank his auxilia counterpart?
The relationship between auxiliaries and legionaries is something i dont very well understand outside of media depictions, which are in themselves, unreliable. It would be nice to see a accountant about these relationships, did the legionaries and there centurions manage to have a amicable relationship with their auxiliaries? Was their respect? Or just constant loathing. Would be a topic i would love to learn more about.

[BM-gkfb]

we need to know where you can buy the equipment, armour, clothing etc. its to cool to be kept secret.

[ciddax]

Well done! And what filters where used in those drawn like images?

[johnw]

Reminds me of a Top Hat and an SFC....lol 1000 years and still on top

[current]

Historical Titus Pullo later appeared in historical records as one of Pompey's centurions. I believe that tells us all about which one ultimately didn't get the promotion :D

[jelkel]

In the British army for as long as theres been sergeants you've probably heard this, a sergeant to a new recruit-"Don't call me sir, I work for a living". Centurions probably said something very similar.

[oldgysgt]

It sounds like a Centurion functioned very much like a Staff NCO in Modern Armed forces.