Roman Centurions 753–31 BC The Kingdom and the Age of Consuls

The history and image of the ancient Roman war machine are inextricably linked with the figure of its most famous class of officer – the centurio, marked out by the transverse crest (crista transversa) on his helmet, the decorated greaves (ocreae) protecting his legs, and the Latin vine-staff (vitis latina) in his right hand. These men were the true architects of the victories and of the triumphs of the Roman legions, both by the discipline they instilled in their men – sometimes with extreme brutality – and by the military virtues and exemplary bravery they displayed on campaign and in battle.