During the time of the Roman Empire, the tenth part of a legion, which consisted of between 300 and 600 men, was known as a "century." The term "century" may seem a bit misleading since it typically refers to a group of 100 individuals, but in the case of the Roman military, it denoted a larger unit of soldiers.

The century was led by a centurion, who was responsible for maintaining discipline, training the soldiers, and leading them into battle. Centurions were highly respected within the Roman military hierarchy and often served as role models for the soldiers under their command.

Each century was further divided into ten squads of ten men each, known as "contubernia." These smaller groups of soldiers lived and fought together, forming strong bonds of camaraderie and loyalty. The contubernia system helped to foster a sense of unity and cohesion within the century, ensuring that the soldiers would work together effectively on the battlefield.

Centuries played a crucial role in the organization and tactics of the Roman legions. They served as the basic building blocks of the army, allowing for flexibility and adaptability in various military situations. Centuries could be deployed independently for scouting or skirmishing, or they could be combined with other centuries to form larger units for more substantial engagements.

The Roman military's reliance on the century system contributed to the success of the legions in conquering and maintaining control over vast territories. The disciplined and well-trained soldiers of the centuries were able to outmaneuver and outfight their enemies, securing victory after victory for the Roman Empire.

In conclusion, the Romans called the tenth part of a legion a "century," which was comprised of between 300 and 600 men. These centuries were led by centurions and further divided into contubernia, forming the backbone of the Roman military machine. Through their organization and tactics, the centuries played a vital role in the expansion and dominance of the Roman Empire.

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