Roman Fact of the Day

Roman armies were sub-divided in two different ways, one before the reforms of Gaius Marius and the other after the reforms.

Before Marius, 80 men made a Century. Two Centuries made a Maniple, the standard military unit of manuever. 25-30 Maniples made a Legion. Before Marius, a Legion would be between 4000-4800 soldiers.

After Marius, 80 men made up a Century. 6 Centuries made a Cohort, the standard unit of manuever. 10 Cohorts made a Legion. After Marius, a Legion would be exactly 4800 soldiers.