What is a prefect in the Roman army?
The praefectus castrorum ("camp prefect") was, in the Roman army of the early Empire, the third most senior officer of the Roman legion after the legate (legatus) and the senior military tribune (tribunus laticlavius), both of whom were from the senatorial class.
What does the title prefect mean?
Prefect (from the Latin praefectus, substantive adjectival form of praeficere: "put in front", meaning in charge) is a magisterial title of varying definition, but essentially refers to the leader of an administrative area.
What were the ranks in the Roman army?
The enlisted ranks in the Roman Army would be the equivalent of today's Privates, Privates First Class, Specialists, and Corporals. The lowest rank was the Tiro (plur. =Tirones). The Tiro was the new recruit, and would spend six months in training to become an official soldier of Rome.
What is the highest position in Roman?
In Roman society, the aristocrats were known as patricians. The highest positions in the government were held by two consuls, or leaders, who ruled the Roman Republic. A senate composed of patricians elected these consuls. At this time, lower-class citizens, or plebeians, had virtually no say in the government.
What were the duties of the Roman prefect?
The prefect of the city was responsible for maintaining law and order within Rome and acquired full criminal jurisdiction in the region within 100 miles (160 km) of the city. Under the later empire he was in charge of Rome's entire city government.
What are the types of prefects?
Prefects are elected through a free and fair process, from across the school and they comprise:Head and Deputy head prefects.Head and Deputy head girl.Academic prefects.Protocol prefects.Disciplinary prefect.House prefects.Mess prefects.Chapel prefects.More items...
What are the 5 levels of social class in ancient Rome?
At any time in Roman history, individual Romans knew with certainty that they belonged to a specific social class: Senator, Equestrian, Patrician, Plebeian, Slave, Free. In some cases they were born into that class. In some cases, their wealth or the wealth of their families ensured them membership.
Who were the most elite Roman soldiers?
There were two main types of Roman soldiers: legionaries and auxiliaries. The legionaries were the elite (very best) soldiers. A legionary had to be over 17 years old and a Roman citizen.
What were Roman officers called?
centurionThe Roman generals were called centurion, they stood at the front of his cohort and led the legionaries into battle. Also, there was a command hierarchy of military tribunes, a camp prefect, and a legate.
What were rich Romans called?
Patrician PatriciansPatrician. Patricians were considered the upper-class in early Roman society.
What rank is a Roman centurion?
centurion, the principal professional officer in the armies of ancient Rome and its empire. The centurion was the commander of a centuria, which was the smallest unit of a Roman legion.
What were Roman judges called?
PraetorsPraetors were part of the judicial branch, they were elected yearly by the people of Rome, and acted as judges. In the beginning of the Roman republic, all officials came from the patrician, or wealthy class, this led to the plebeians, Rome's poor and middle class feeling left out.
What does prefect mean in school?
prefect, in English public (i.e., private, secondary, boarding) schools and in some U.S. private schools, an older student given official charge of the conduct and tutoring of several younger students in his residence hall.
What does prefect mean in Harry Potter?
A prefect at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is a student who has been given extra authority and responsibilities by the Head of House or Headmaster or headmistress.
What is the difference between prefect and head boy?
A Head Boy or Head Girl was a seventh-year student who had authority over Prefects at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Each year, both a Head Boy and a Head Girl were selected by the Headmaster of Hogwarts.
How many prefects are there in a school?
One male and one female student were chosen from each house in their fifth year to act as prefects. They would continue to be prefects in their sixth and seventh years until they left school. Thus, there were approximately six prefects per house and twenty-four prefects in the whole school at one time.
What was the purpose of the prefect in the early Roman Republic?
The purpose of a prefect in the early Roman Republic is explained in the Encyclopedia Britannica : “In the early republic, a prefect of the city (praefectus urbi) was appointed by the consuls to act in the consuls’ absence from Rome. The position lost much of its importance temporarily after the mid-4th century bc, ...
What is the Latin word for the prefect?
In addition, there were several other military and civil prefects, including the Praefectus vigilum in charge of the city's police-like vigiles, and Praefectus classis, in charge of the fleet. The Latin form of the word prefect is praefectus .
What is a prefect?
A prefect was a type of military or civil official in Ancient Rome. Prefects ranged from low to very high-ranking military of civil officials of the Roman Empire. Since the days of the Roman Empire, the word prefect has spread to generally refer to a leader of an administrative area. In Ancient Rome, the prefect was appointed and had no imperium, ...
What is the alternate spelling of the word "prefect"?
Alternate Spellings: A common alternate spelling of the word prefect is ‘praefect.’
What is a prefecture in Rome?
In ancient Rome, a prefecture referred to a district governed by an appointed prefect. At the end of the Fourth Century, the Roman Empire was divided into 4 units (Prefectures) for the purposes of the civil government.
Who was responsible for maintaining law and order in Rome?
The prefect of the city was responsible for maintaining law and order within Rome and acquired full criminal jurisdiction in the region within 100 miles (160 km) of the city. Under the later empire he was in charge of Rome’s entire city government. Two praetorian prefects were appointed by Augustus in 2 bc to command the praetorian guard;
Who was the Emperor of Rome's prefect?
The office of prefect was given new life by the emperor Augustus and continued in existence until late in the empire. Augustus appointed a prefect of the city, two praetorian prefects (praefectus praetorio), a prefect of the fire brigade, and a prefect of the grain supply. The prefect of the city was responsible for maintaining law ...
What is the name of the city prefect in Rome?
Praefectus urbi, or praefectus urbanus: city prefect, in charge of the administration of Rome.
What is a French prefect?
Prefect (from the Latin praefectus, substantive adjectival form of praeficere: "put in front", i.e., in charge) is a magisterial title of varying definition, but essentially refers to the leader of an administrative area. A prefect's office, department, or area of control is called a prefecture, ...
What is the role of a prefect in Italy?
His office is called Prefettura – Ufficio Territoriale del Governo. The prefects have political responsibility and coordinate the local head of the State Police ( Questore ), who has technical responsibility, to enforce laws when public safety is threatened. Similar offices already existed under various names before the Italian unification (1861) (e.g., in the Kingdom of Two Sicilies it was named "intendente"); in Northern Italy, it was imported from France during the Napoleonic occupation (1802). Its current form dates back to 1861, when the government of Bettino Ricasoli extended the Kingdom of Sardinia 's administrative system to the entire country. In the early years the job entailed a more vigorous and vigilant application of central state authority, by enforcing regulations and dispositions in the fields of education, public works, public health, and the nomination of mayors and provincial deputies. He also plays the role of intermediary between the government and municipalities and other local governments.
How many prefects are there in Albania?
In Albania a prefect (Prefekti) is the State's representative in a region (qark). His agency is called the Prefektura. Albania has 12 prefects in 12 prefectures, appointed by the Prime Minister of Albania and the Government.
What is a prefect in school?
In the context of schools, a prefect is a pupil who has been given certain responsibilities in the school, similar to the responsibilities given to a hall monitor or safety patrol members.
What is the role of the prefect in Bangladesh?
In Bangladesh, Prefects are the leaders in Army based educational institutions namely Cadet Colleges.
What is the curial president called?
Traditionally these Curial officials are Cardinals, hence often called "Cardinal-Prefect" or "Cardinal-President". There was a custom that those who were not cardinals when they were appointed were titled "Pro-Prefect" or "Pro-President". Then these officials would be appointed prefect or president after their elevation to the Sacred College. However, since 1998, this custom has fallen into disuse.
What is the name of the city prefect in Rome?
Praefectus urbi, or praefectus urbanus: city prefect, in charge of the administration of Rome.
What is a French prefect?
Prefect (from the Latin praefectus, substantive adjectival form of praeficere: "put in front", i.e., in charge) is a magisterial title of varying definition, but essentially refers to the leader of an administrative area. A prefect's office, department, or area of control is called a prefecture, ...
What is the role of a prefect in Italy?
His office is called Prefettura – Ufficio Territoriale del Governo. The prefects have political responsibility and coordinate the local head of the State Police ( Questore ), who has technical responsibility, to enforce laws when public safety is threatened. Similar offices already existed under various names before the Italian unification (1861) (e.g., in the Kingdom of Two Sicilies it was named "intendente"); in Northern Italy, it was imported from France during the Napoleonic occupation (1802). Its current form dates back to 1861, when the government of Bettino Ricasoli extended the Kingdom of Sardinia 's administrative system to the entire country. In the early years the job entailed a more vigorous and vigilant application of central state authority, by enforcing regulations and dispositions in the fields of education, public works, public health, and the nomination of mayors and provincial deputies. He also plays the role of intermediary between the government and municipalities and other local governments.
What are the prefects of India?
In India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Malaysia, prefects are student leaders in primary and secondary schools, often along the lines of other Commonwealth schools, but with superior powers. The prefect systems in these countries have changed little from when they were under the British, as the present governments have seen them as effective.
How many prefects are there in Albania?
In Albania a prefect (Prefekti) is the State's representative in a region (qark). His agency is called the Prefektura. Albania has 12 prefects in 12 prefectures, appointed by the Prime Minister of Albania and the Government.
What is the role of the prefect in Bangladesh?
In Bangladesh, Prefects are the leaders in Army based educational institutions namely Cadet Colleges.
What is a prefect in school?
In the context of schools, a prefect is a pupil who has been given certain responsibilities in the school, similar to the responsibilities given to a hall monitor or safety patrol members.
What was the Roman Empire's first professional army?
The Roman Empire saw one of the first truly professional armies in history, and became the inspiration for European armies that followed it. Though its officers didn’t have the same titles as their modern counterparts, many of the same duties still needed to be fulfilled. There were distinct levels, including equivalents of modern NCOs.
What was the second principal?
The second of the principales was the signifer – the standard bearer. He carried the century’s eagle standard, creating a clear point for men to form up around and follow into battle. This was a prestigious post.
What was the unit of the cohort of six centuries?
The century was the unit men most identified themselves with, but the cohort of six centuries was the basic battlefield unit of a legion . Someone must have commanded the cohort in battle, and though we don’t know for certain, it is likely that this task fell to the pilus prior, the commander of the senior century in the legion.
What was the role of an auxiliary in the Roman army?
Commanding an auxiliary unit did not have the same status as commanding a unit in the legions. Auxiliaries were recruited from the provinces rather than Roman citizens. They were not equipped to the same standards, and were seen as lower quality troops. Service as a praefecti, or prefect, still created opportunities for these officers to advance their careers. They often garrisoned regions with no other Roman forces for miles around and acted independently, giving them freedom to show their initiative.
What class were the senior officers in Rome?
The senior officers were drawn from Rome’s senatorial class. Though the senate lost most of its political power under the empire, families of senatorial rank were still the elite. Like the nineteenth century aristocracy, they expected senior military positions to go to them.
Who was the third principal?
The third of the principales was the tesserarius, the guard commander for the century.
Why did some men start their careers as centurions?
Some men started their careers as centurions, either because they were wealthy or because they were equestrians who could not find a praefecti role.
What did the Praetorian prefect do?
The praetorians thus came to destabilize the Roman state, contrary to their purpose. The praetorian prefect became a major administrative figure in the later empire, when the post combined in one individual the duties of an imperial chief of staff with direct command over the guard also.
What is the insignia of the Prefect of Illyricum?
The insignia of the praetorian prefect of Illyricum, as depicted in the Notitia Dignitatum: the ivory inkwell and pen case ( theca ), the codicil of appointment to the office on a blue cloth-covered table, and the state carriage.
What reform did Diocletian do?
The tetrarchy reform of Diocletian (c. 296) multiplied the office: there was a praetorian prefect as chief of staff (military and administrative)—rather than commander of the guard—for each of the two Augusti, but not for the two Caesars.
Which prefecture was deprived of its military character?
Under Constantine I, the institution of the magister militum deprived the praetorian prefecture altogether of its military character but left it the highest civil office of the empire.
When did the Prefecture of Praetorio disappear?
The last traces of the prefecture disappeared in the Byzantine Empire by the 840s. The term praefectus praetorio was often abbreviated in inscriptions as "PR PR" or "PPO".
What is the generic term for the Roman government?
The generic term in Roman legal language was Rector provinciae, regardless of the specific titles, which also reflect the province's intrinsic and strategic status, and corresponding differences in authority.
Who governed the Roman provinces?
Provinces that lay on the empire's borders, thereby requiring a permanent military garrison, were governed by proconsuls who had served a term as consul (the highest rank of magistrate) the year before their governorship. They were given the authority to command provinces with actual Roman legions, rather than just using the militia.
What power did the Promagistrates have?
Generally speaking, they had autocratic power within their provinces. A provincial governor almost possessed unlimited authority and often extorted vast amounts of money from the provincial population—but, though he retained immunity from prosecution as long as he held his imperium, once he left office he became vulnerable to prosecution for his actions during his term.
What was the role of the council in the Roman Republic?
During the era of the Roman Republic, the council was in charge of appointing governors to Rome's provinces. This was done by appointing promagistrates to serve, either by random casting of lots or by senatus consultum (advice of the Senate); however, these appointments were not formally binding on a legal basis and could be nullified by Roman assemblies .
Who was the direct governor of Rome's most important provinces?
After Augustus established the principate, the Emperor himself was the direct governor of Rome's most important provinces (called imperial provinces) and even in the provinces he did not directly govern, was senior to other provincial governors through holding imperium maius, or supreme imperium. In imperial provinces, the Emperor would appoint legates to govern in his name. The Emperor had sole say in the appointing of these legates, who were lower in rank than other provincial governors, as officially they were only representatives of the province's true governor, the Emperor.
Who had the sole right to impose capital punishment?
The governor had the sole right to impose capital punishment, and capital cases were normally tried before him. To appeal a governor 's decision necessitated travelling to Rome and presenting one's case before either the Praetor Urbanus, or even the Emperor himself, an expensive, and thus rare, process. An appeal was unlikely to succeed anyway, as ...
What were the two types of provinces in the early empire?
By the time of the early empire, there were two types of provinces— senatorial and imperial —and several types of governor would emerge. Only proconsuls and propraetors fell under the classification of promagistrate .
Who was the Roman soldier who served out his time and obtained an honorable discharge?
Evocatus. An evocatus (plural evocati) was a soldier in the Ancient Roman army who had served out his time and obtained an honorable discharge ( honesta missio) but had voluntarily enlisted again at the invitation of the consul or other commander.
Who was the Roman soldier who served out his time?
An evocatus (plural evocati) was a soldier in the Ancient Roman army who had served out his time and obtained an honorable discharge ( honesta missio) but had voluntarily enlisted again at the invitation of the consul or other commander.
Overview
Prefect (from the Latin praefectus, substantive adjectival form of praeficere: "put in front", meaning in charge) is a magisterial title of varying definition, but essentially refers to the leader of an administrative area.
A prefect's office, department, or area of control is called a prefecture, but in various post-Roman empire cases there is a prefect without a prefecture or vic…
Ancient Rome
Praefectus was the formal title of many, fairly low to high-ranking officials in ancient Rome, whose authority was not embodied in their person (as it was with elected Magistrates) but conferred by delegation from a higher authority. They did have some authority in their prefecture such as controlling prisons and in civil administration.
Feudal times
Especially in Medieval Latin, præfectus was used to refer to various officers—administrative, military, judicial, etc.—usually alongside a more precise term in the vernacular (such as Burggraf, which literally means Count of the Castle in the German language).
Ecclesiastical
The term is used by the Roman Catholic Church, which based much of its canon law terminology on Roman law, in several different ways.
• The Roman Curia has the nine Prefects for the Congregations as well as the two of the Papal Household and of the Economic Affairs of the Holy See.
• The title also attaches to the heads of some Pontifical Council (central departments of t…
Academic
In the context of schools, a prefect is a pupil who has been given certain responsibilities in the school, similar to the responsibilities given to a hall monitor or safety patrol members.
• In some British, Irish and Commonwealth schools (especially but not exclusively independent schools), prefects, usually students in fifth to seventh years (depending on how many years the school in question has), have considerable power. They were once allowed to administer school …
Modern sub-national administration
• In Albania a prefect (Prefekti) is the State's representative in a region (qark). His agency is called the Prefektura. Albania has 12 prefects in 12 prefectures, appointed by the Prime Minister of Albania and the Government.
• In France the préfet (prefect) is a top ranking public servant who belongs to the so-called Corps préfectoral. The function was created on 17 February 1800 by Napoléon Bonaparte after his successful coup d'état of 9 November 1799 which made him Hea…
Police
The Prefect of Police (Préfet de police) is the officer in charge of co-ordinating police forces in Paris (see above under "France"). The local police in Japan are divided among prefectures too. Also, in several countries of Latin America, the rank of prefect is still in use. In the Investigations Police of Chile (Policia de Investigaciones de Chile) the rank of prefect is reserved for the highest-ranking officers. On the other hand, in Argentina the Argentine Federal Penitentiary Service (Servicio Penit…
Coast Guard
Several countries of Latin America use the term "prefecture" (prefectura) to denominate a Coast Guard service, whether these are independent organizations or as a part of a Navy. The Argentine Naval Prefecture it is a federal Coast Guard service of Argentina independent from the Argentine Navy. On the other hand, the National Naval Prefecture of Uruguay has similar duties to the ones of a regular Coast Guard but it is subordinated to the National Navy of Uruguay.
Overview
Praefectus, often with a further qualification, was the formal title of many, fairly low to high-ranking, military or civil officials in the Roman Empire, whose authority was not embodied in their person (as it was with elected Magistrates) but conferred by delegation from a higher authority. They did have some authority in their prefecture such as controlling prisons and in civil administrati…
Praetorian prefects
The Praetorian prefect (Praefectus praetorio) began as the military commander of a general's guard company in the field, then grew in importance as the Praetorian Guard became a potential kingmaker during the Empire. From the Emperor Diocletian's tetrarchy (c. 300) they became the administrators of the four Praetorian prefectures, the government level above the (newly created) dioceses and (multiplied) provinces.
Police and civil prefects
• Praefectus urbi, or praefectus urbanus: city prefect, in charge of the administration of Rome.
• Praefectus vigilum: commander of the Vigiles (firemen and police).
• Praefectus aerarii: nobles appointed guardians of the state treasury.
Military prefects
• Praefectus alae: commander of a cavalry unit.
• Praefectus castrorum: camp commandant.
• Praefectus cohortis: commander of a cohort (constituent unit of a legion, or analogous unit).
• Praefectus classis: fleet commander.
Prefects as provincial governors
Roman provinces were usually ruled by high-ranking officials. Less important provinces though were entrusted to prefects, military men who would otherwise only govern parts of larger provinces. The most famous example is Pontius Pilate, who governed Judaea at a time when it was administered as an annex of Syria.
As Egypt was a special imperial domain, a rich and strategic granary, where the Emperor enjoye…
Religious prefects
• Praefectus urbi: a prefect of the republican era who guarded the city during the annual sacrifice of the Feriae Latinae on Mount Alban in which the consuls participated. His former title was "custos urbi" ("guardian of the city").