Within a legion, what was the role of the first cohort relative to the others?

• A. The first cohort was the smallest group.
• B. The first cohort was larger than other cohorts and often given senior command.
• C. The first cohort were all infantry of basic training only.
• D. The first cohort consisted of cavalry only.

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is that the first cohort is the legion’s elite core. This unit was made up of the most experienced, capable soldiers and was typically reinforced relative to the other cohorts, giving it greater strength and prestige. That combination—extra manpower and a higher status—made it the group that commanders relied on for critical, high-responsibility tasks, often leading important operations or serving as the backbone of the legion in battle. The other cohorts provided regular fighting power, but the first cohort’s enhanced size and senior standing meant it was trusted with senior command roles. It’s not correct to think of it as the smallest group, infantry only in training, or cavalry-only—cavalry in a legion was a separate component, and the first cohort was infantry, elite rather than basic.