Decurion

A decurion was a cavalry officer in command of a troop or turma of thirty soldiers in the army of the Roman Empire.

There were 120 cavalry in an Ala (auxiliary cohort) of a legion. There were four decurions, each commanding thirty men (adhering to 43, under Emperor Claudius).

In the infantry, the rank carried less prestige â€" a 'decurion' only led a squad called a contubernium or "tent group" of eight men â€" but they were still allowed to carry a pugio or dagger as a sign of their rank.