II.

Military Tribunes

In the traditional organization of Roman citizens, the leader of the soliders provided by each of the three Roman tribes was called tribunus clerum, or commander of the horsemen. From 444 to 367 bc, military tribunes with consular power were frequently elected in place of the regular magistrates or consuls. During the Roman Republic, six military tribunes served as senior officers of the Roman legions. After 362 bc they were elected annually by the people in the comitia tributa, or assembly of tribes. The number was gradually increased to 24, and more could be nominated by the consuls. Towards the end of the republic, however, command in the field was entrusted to a skilled officer, and the tribunes served as the general's honorary staff. Election to the military tribuneship was a means of gaining higher public office.