Tribunus Laticlavius
A Tribunus Laticlavius
The Tribunus Laticlavius was the second in command general and took control if the Legatus Legionis was carrying out duties. Coming some of the richest families in Rome, they were spoiled and constantly asked questions to the Prefect (Praefectus Costrorum). They were generally young and less experienced than the Tribuni Angusticlavii* who supposedly took control more often if the Legionis was busy.
On the other hand though, if the Legionis were to die in a battle or a war, the Tribunus Laticlavius evidently had to step up and take the place, even if the Tribuni Angusticlavii was more experience. But they were well trained to become commanders and learned quickly to take charge immediately. If they didn't, the cohort would be disarrayed and would not pay any attention.
Rarely though did the Legionis die in battle. Normally, he poisoned by a person in the cohort senate, forcing the Tribunus to take the Legionis' place. At same time though, even if they were well trained to become commanders, if there was a legionis before them, the Tribunus was instead and senate guard and scarcely ever spoke or give orders.
The reason the name laticlavius was given was because the Tribunus wore a tunic with a broad purple stripe which adversed with his narrow equestrian tribe stripe. This showed senatorial rank.
A Tribunus Laticlavius was important in the legion. Even if they seemingly didn't play an important role in the legion, it was important for them to learn quickly, undestand the role of a commander and take control immediately.
On the other hand though, if the Legionis were to die in a battle or a war, the Tribunus Laticlavius evidently had to step up and take the place, even if the Tribuni Angusticlavii was more experience. But they were well trained to become commanders and learned quickly to take charge immediately. If they didn't, the cohort would be disarrayed and would not pay any attention.
Rarely though did the Legionis die in battle. Normally, he poisoned by a person in the cohort senate, forcing the Tribunus to take the Legionis' place. At same time though, even if they were well trained to become commanders, if there was a legionis before them, the Tribunus was instead and senate guard and scarcely ever spoke or give orders.
The reason the name laticlavius was given was because the Tribunus wore a tunic with a broad purple stripe which adversed with his narrow equestrian tribe stripe. This showed senatorial rank.
A Tribunus Laticlavius was important in the legion. Even if they seemingly didn't play an important role in the legion, it was important for them to learn quickly, undestand the role of a commander and take control immediately.
Vocabulary:
A Tribuni Angusticlavii (Equestrian or Cavalry)
Tribuni Angusticlavii: One of five military tribunes that is an equestrian or part of the cavalry.
Laticlavius: Tunic with a broad purple stripe that contrasts with the narrow stripe of the equestrian tribe.