The Roman legion was separated into smaller units called centuries. A centurion was in command of a century, which consisted of 80 men. Though century means 100, it is widely accepted that the Roman legion used 80 for this size of unit. The centurion was a battle hardened leader, often raised from the ranks of the legion troopers themselves, or else a wealthy senator who found favor with the emperor. The famous red plume separated the centurion from the rest of the soldiers and increased the apparent height of the centurion as to intimidate the enemy. The centurion was a prominent person on the battlefield, and his attire upheld him as such.

The Roman legion was separated into smaller units called centuries. A centurion was in command of a century, which consisted of 80 men. Though century means 100, it is widely accepted that the Roman legion used 80 for this size of unit. The centurion was a battle hardened leader, often raised from the ranks of the legion troopers themselves, or else a wealthy senator who found favor with the emperor. The famous red plume separated the centurion from the rest of the soldiers and increased the apparent height of the centurion as to intimidate the enemy. The centurion was a prominent person on the battlefield, and his attire upheld him as such.