Description

The tribune was an important officer of the Roman state. The tribunes who represented the Plebeians were called “tribuni plebis” tribune of the plebs. In the Legions there were the “tribuni militum’ or military tribunes.
Although key officers of the legion in the Republican period, the tribune role was somewhat reduced in the Imperial period. Six tribunes were assigned to each legion for one year. These tribunes were usually of the Senatorial or Equestrian class. The tribune rank in a legion was a necessary first step toward future advancement.
Because so much of the legions military duties were dictated by centurions, the often young and inexperienced tribunes were assigned staff work or as aides to the legate – the exception being the seasoned and experienced tribunes who stayed with the legion beyond their one year tour.