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The Structure of the Legion A Roman Legion at full strength consisted of 6000 men. There were cohorts of 480 men each. The first cohort was double strengthened at 960 men. They were the best of the legion. The first cohort was also in charge of administration for the legion. Each cohort had 6 centuries of 80 men, each century was made up of ten Contubernia which were eight men. A Contubernia was the smallest unit. They shared a tent and fire. Two Centuries comprised a Manipulus. Manipulia were also known as a “Band”. Each legion also had an attachment of about 120 cavalry, along with artillery pieces, and other specialized Auxiliary units. Every Legion had one gold eagle standard, the Aquilum, and each Cohort had its own standard. A unit’s standard was its greatest pride. To lose one was the worst disgrace. Each legion was a self contained entity. It had to be able to do any specialized task needed to function. These tasks might include building bridges, forts, or siege engines. Many of the soldiers were specialists , their duties might be cooks, carpenters, hunters, doctors, surveyors, priests, surveyors, et