Cohortes urbanae

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Image:Roman_urban_cohort_info.jpg‎

Urban Cohort Deplicted in Rome Total War


The cohortes urbanae (Latin: urban cohorts), led by the urban prefect, of ancient Rome were created to counterbalance the enormous power of the praetorian guard in the city of Rome. Their primary role was to police Rome from the roaming mobs and gangs that so often haunted its streets. Very occasionally they would take to the field of battle, but in the army they really had no more than an honorary role.

[edit] In popular media

  • The Urban Cohorts are shown in the 2004 PC game Rome: Total War. They are portrayed as the strongest of the Roman heavy infantry units. They are also expensive and take a longtime to recruit.
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