Vine staff

[5] It was the mark and tool of the centurion:[6] both as an implement in the direction of drill and maneuvers[citation needed]; and to beat wayward or laggard soldiers or sailors under his command.

[4] Following the enactment of the Porcian Laws in the early 2nd century BC, it was the only manner by which Roman citizens could be beaten[7] and is mentioned by various classical authors.

"[9] Pliny: "The centurion's vine staff is an excellent medicine for sluggish troops who don't want to advance..."[11] "and when used to chastise offenses makes even the punishment respectable.

"[13] It carried none of the stigma of the whipping (by virgae) suffered by criminals prior to execution or the cudgeling (by fustes) endured for severe military offenses.

[14] Tacitus mentions Lucilius, a centurion known as "Gimme Another" (Cedo Alterum or Alteram) for his tendency to break his vine staffs during beatings;[15] he was one of the first killed during the Pannonian Mutiny.