What unit from the Roman Army consisting of centuries enjoyed more prestige than the Roman navy?
Roman legion A Roman legion (from Latin "legio" "military levy, conscription", from "legere" "to choose") was the largest unit of the Roman army, evolving from 3000 men in early times to over 5200 men in imperial times, consisting of "centuries" as the basic units. Until the middle of the first century, 10 cohorts (about 5,000 men) made up a Roman Legion. This was later changed to nine cohorts of standard size (with 6 centuries at 80 men each) and one cohort, the first cohort, of double strength (5 double-strength centuries with 160 men each).
Vir militaris The vir militaris (plural: viri militares) was a Roman legate (or general) that governed a consular military province of the Roman Empire. Tacitus mentioned the phrase "vir militaris" in some of his passages in order to describe ordinary soldiers or junior officers. Overall, the name was given to anyone who was experienced in military life or was given an opportunity to establish a reputation through warfare. According to Brian Campbell, the viri militares did not represent a homogeneous unit with special characteristics.