[129] TRIBUNE OF A LEGION. Augustus appointed the so-called _legati_ or _praefecti legionum_ commanders of the legions. The _legatus_ thus corresponded with our colonel. The next in rank to the _legati_ were the tribunes (corresponding to our majors) who, however, with special qualifications, might undertake the command of a legion. Usually the tribunes did not have the reputation of possessing remarkable military ability, as the sons of the knights and senators began their military career with this dignity. According to their age and experience, the tribunes were second lieutenants. The men next in rank to the tribunes were the centurions, the really experienced officers, who were held in high esteem on account of their superior knowledge. At the time of our story the pressure of the young men for tribuneships was so extraordinary, that the places actually at disposal were not nearly sufficient to supply the demand. The Emperor Claudius had therefore created supernumerary tribuneships (_supra numerum, imaginariae militiae genus._ Suet. _Claud._ 25) a brevet-rank, which without claiming the performance of any duty, flattered the vanity. [130] ANCESTRAL IMAGES. Statues of ancestors, modelled in wax (_imagines majorum_) formed one of the principal ornaments of the atrium in the houses of aristocratic Romans. The ancestors here mentioned of our (imaginary) Titus Claudius Mucianus are all historical characters. [131] TATTOOED NATIVE OF BRITAIN. The original Celtic inhabitants of England. For the impression made by Roman magnificence on the British chieftain Caractacus, see Dio Cass. LX, 33. [132] AMBER CHAINS. Amber (_Electrum_) was greatly admired by the Romans for necklaces, rings and bracelets, until its value decreased by over-importation. It was chiefly brought from the shores of the Baltic. [133] BROKEN RINGS OF GOLD. The priest of Jupiter was only permitted to wear broken rings of gold, as closed ones were the symbols of captivity. [134] ROBES OF DAZZLING WHITENESS. The white toga was the invariable gala dress worn at all ceremonious receptions, even by the emperors. Great indignation was felt against Nero, because once, when the senate paid him a visit, he wore only a flowered toga. [135] PRIESTLY HEAD-GEAR. The Flamines were forbidden to go bare-headed. They always wore a hat (_apex_) or a sort of fillet.