Centurion vs. Praetorian — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 2, 2024
Centurions were mid-ranking officers in the Roman army, commanding centuries of soldiers, whereas Praetorians served as the personal bodyguards of Roman emperors.
Difference Between Centurion and Praetorian
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Centurions held a key position within the legion's command structure, responsible for the training and discipline of a century, typically consisting of 80-100 soldiers. On the other hand, Praetorians were elite troops specifically chosen for the protection and service of the emperor, often playing crucial roles in palace and political affairs.
Centurions were known for their experience and leadership in battles across the Roman Empire’s territories. They often ascended the ranks based on military merit and battlefield performance. Whereas, Praetorians, selected from the best of the legions, were stationed primarily in Rome or wherever the emperor resided, focusing more on security and less on front-line combat.
The armor of a centurion was distinguished by transverse crests on their helmets, making them recognizable in the heat of battle. On the other hand, Praetorians wore similar armor but often had additional decorations to signify their status and closeness to the emperor.
Centurions could be found in every Roman legion and were essential to maintaining the order and effectiveness of the troops. In contrast, Praetorians were concentrated around the political center of Rome, providing them unique access to the highest levels of power, including the ability to influence the succession of emperors.
While centurions had long military careers and could serve in various legions and provinces, Praetorians usually served in their role for a shorter duration, but often received generous pensions upon their retirement, reflecting their prestigious service.
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Comparison Chart
Role
Military officer commanding a century
Imperial bodyguard and elite troop
Main Function
Leadership in battle, troop discipline
Personal security for the emperor, political role
Typical Deployment
Various provinces across the empire
Primarily in Rome or with the emperor
Recognition
Distinctive helmet with transverse crest
Decorated armor, status symbols
Career Path
Rose through military ranks
Selected from elite, served near political power
Compare with Definitions
Centurion
Often started as ordinary soldiers and rose through the ranks.
The centurion had served as a legionary for ten years before his promotion.
Praetorian
Member of the elite unit tasked with the protection of the Roman emperor.
The Praetorian stood guard during the emperor's public appearances.
Centurion
Served in various locations as the empire expanded.
The centurion had commanded troops in Gaul, Britannia, and North Africa.
Praetorian
Served exclusively to ensure the safety and interests of the imperial family.
The Praetorians were dispatched to quell a conspiracy against the emperor.
Centurion
Known for their tactical role in Roman warfare.
Each centurion was crucial in executing complex battle maneuvers.
Praetorian
Benefited from close proximity to the center of Roman power.
Being a Praetorian provided unmatched access to the corridors of power.
Centurion
Symbolized military achievement and authority.
Being promoted to a centurion was a significant honor for a Roman soldier.
Praetorian
Often involved in significant political maneuvers.
Praetorians played a decisive role in the accession of Claudius.
Centurion
A Roman army officer in charge of a century.
The centurion led his troops with strict discipline and courage.
Praetorian
Received higher pay and better benefits than regular legionaries.
Upon retirement, a Praetorian was granted a substantial pension.
Centurion
A centurion (; Latin: centurio [kɛn̪ˈt̪ʊrioː], pl. centuriones; Greek: κεντυρίων, translit.
Praetorian
Of or relating to a praetor or the praetorship.
Centurion
The commander of a century in the Roman army.
Praetorian
Praetorian Of or belonging to the Praetorian Guard.
Centurion
(historical) An officer of the ancient Roman army, in command of a century of soldiers.
Praetorian
Venal; corruptible
"A large praetorian bureaucracy, filled with ambitious, possessive ... and often sycophantic people, makes work and makes trouble" (Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.).
Centurion
(cricket) A player who scores a century.
Praetorian
A praetor or ex-praetor.
Centurion
(US) A pilot in the United States Navy who has performed 100 night landings on an aircraft carrier.
Praetorian
Praetorian A member of the Praetorian Guard.
Centurion
A military officer who commanded a minor division of the Roman army; a captain of a century.
A centurion of the hand called the Italian band.
Praetorian
(Ancient Rome) Of or relating to a praetor.
Centurion
(ancient Rome) the leader of 100 soldiers
Praetorian
(Ancient Rome) Of or relating to the pretorium in an ancient Roman camp.
The praetorian gate was directly in front of the general's tent, and nearest to the enemy.
Praetorian
(by extension) Corruptly mercenary and venal.
Praetorian
(Ancient Rome) A praetor.
Praetorian
(Ancient Rome) Praetorian
Praetorian
(by extension) A venal mercenary.
Praetorian
See Pretorian.
Praetorian
Of or relating to a Roman praetor;
Praetorial powers
Praetorian
Characteristic of Praetorian soldiers in respect to corruption or political venality;
A large praetorian bureaucracy filled with ambitious...and often sycophantic people makes work and makes trouble
Common Curiosities
Where did centurions serve?
Centurions served in various provinces and military posts throughout the Roman Empire.
What were the main duties of a Praetorian?
The primary duties of Praetorians included the personal protection of the emperor and involvement in palace and political affairs.
What was a centurion?
A centurion was a professional officer in the Roman army who commanded a century, typically consisting of 80-100 soldiers.
What was the typical career duration for a centurion?
Centurions often had long military careers, serving in various capacities as needed across the empire.
What was a Praetorian?
A Praetorian was a member of the Praetorian Guard, an elite unit responsible for the protection of the Roman emperor.
How did one become a centurion?
Centurions were often promoted from the ranks of ordinary soldiers based on their leadership skills and military service.
What kind of benefits did centurions have?
Centurions received considerable respect and could accrue wealth and status through their service.
Did centurions participate in battles?
Yes, centurions were actively involved in battles and were responsible for leading their soldiers in combat.
Where were Praetorians based?
Praetorians were mainly stationed in Rome or wherever the emperor resided.
What kind of benefits did Praetorians have?
Praetorians enjoyed higher salaries, substantial pensions, and had opportunities for personal enrichment due to their proximity to power.
Did Praetorians participate in battles?
While they could engage in combat, Praetorians were primarily focused on the security of the emperor and rarely served in frontline engagements.
What was the typical career duration for a Praetorian?
Praetorians generally served for shorter periods, usually until they were discharged or retired with a pension.
How were Praetorians recognized?
Praetorians wore specially decorated armor that signified their elite status and close association with the emperor.
How did the roles of centurions and Praetorians affect their legacies?
Both roles were highly respected; centurions for their leadership in the field and Praetorians for their elite status and political influence.
How were centurions recognized in the field?
Centurions were recognized by their distinct helmets, which featured a transverse crest.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
