Contubernium (Roman army unit)

The contubernium (Latin for 'tenting-together') was the smallest sub-subunit organized unit of soldiers in the Roman Army and was composed of ten legionaries, essentially the equivalent of a modern squad, although unlike modern squads contubernia seemed to serve no tactical role in battle. It was likely used to maintain morale and group solidarity by keeping soldiers in close contact with each other. The men within the contubernium were known as contubernales. Ten contubernia, each led by a decanus experienced soldier who assumed leadership when there were no orders from above. Ten contubernium were grouped into a centuria of 100 men (eighty legionaries plus twenty support staff), which was commanded by a centurion. Soldiers of a contubernium shared a tent, equipment and a mule for transporting supplies, and could be rewarded or punished together as a unit (see Decimation (punishment)).