A division of 100 soldiers in the ancient Roman army, or a group of about 100 citizens voting together in Roman assemblies.
From Latin centuria, derived from centum meaning 'hundred.' The Romans organized their military and voting systems into units of approximately 100, which became the foundation of their political structure and army hierarchy.
The centuriae were so central to Roman power that they literally shaped how democracy worked in Rome—citizens didn't vote individually but as members of a century block, which meant wealthy people's centuries had disproportionate influence. This is why the Roman system, despite being called a republic, was actually pretty rigged in favor of the rich!
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