JJ-PMRR-07R - Princeps

The Principes (singular princeps) were originally men in the prime of their lives , who were also fairly wealthy, and could therefore afford decent equipment. These were the heavier infantry of the legion, and their usual position was the second battle line.
By the time of the Punic wars infantry were sorted into classes according to age and experience rather than wealth. The Principes then became the older veterans but their equipment and role remained the same.