The praefectus castrorum ("camp prefect") was, in the Roman army of the early Empire, the third most senior staff officer of the Roman legion after the legate (legatus) and the senior military tribune (tribunus laticlavius), both of whom were from the senatorial class. The praefectus castrorum was a quartermaster responsible for military logistics and requisition (training, equipment procurement and maintenance, and construction of the camp, etc.) but could command the legion whenever the senior commanders were absent. The post was usually held by a soldier promoted from the centurionate, having already served as a chief centurion (primus pilus) of a legion, and was therefore open to ordinary, plebeian citizens. Prefects of this rank, for example Sextus Vibius Gallus, were awarded prizes (dona) to mark their achievements.
See also
References
- Sir William Smith; William Wayte; George Eden Marindin (1901). A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities. J. Murray. pp. 798–.
- SEG 57 1293
- Valerie A. Maxfield (1 January 1981). The Military Decorations of the Roman Army. University of California Press. pp. 204–. ISBN 978-0-520-04499-9.
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