Role in the Roman Military

Tessararius, or Tessararius, was a rank in the Roman army that played a significant role in the organization and leadership structure of the military. The term "tessararius" comes from the Latin word tessera, meaning "token" or "tablet," and refers to the individual responsible for overseeing the distribution and management of tokens that were used for identification, communication, and military organization.

The tessararius was typically a non-commissioned officer in the Roman army, ranking below a centurion but above a simple soldier. Their main responsibility was to ensure proper communication within the legion and coordinate the distribution of the military tokens known as tesserae. These tokens served a variety of purposes, including marking attendance, organizing guard duty, and providing orders or instructions within the camp or on the battlefield.

The tesserae were small, flat pieces of wood, stone, or metal, often inscribed with the unit’s name or a specific command. The tessararius kept a record of who had received the tokens and ensured that they were used properly during various military functions, including for roll calls and for assigning sentries or patrol duties. The rank of tessararius was crucial in maintaining the organization and discipline of the Roman legions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Apart from managing the distribution of the tesserae, the tessararius had other important duties:

Guard Duty Organization: The tessararius played a key role in organizing sentries and guards during both wartime and peacetime. Roman military camps were structured with tight discipline, and ensuring that guards were stationed appropriately was vital for the security of the camp and its soldiers.

Record-Keeping: The tessararius was responsible for maintaining records related to the guards' shifts, ensuring that each soldier was properly assigned to their duties. This record-keeping role helped maintain order within the military structure.

Communication Role: In addition to managing the tesserae, the tessararius would be involved in the communication of orders from higher-ranking officers down to the common soldiers. Their role was a vital link in the chain of command.

Disciplinary Functions: Like many non-commissioned officers in the Roman military, the tessararius helped enforce discipline within the ranks. They could report any soldiers who failed to fulfill their duties and maintain the proper standards of conduct. shutdown123