Ancient Roman Warriors: Praetorians, Legionnaires, and Other Warrior Classes

When discussing ancient Roman warriors, one often wonders which class of fighters is closest in likeness to the medieval knights of Germany, France, and England. Let's delve into the nuances of the Roman military and society to answer this intriguing question.

Infantry vs. Auxiliary

The relationship between the different types of Roman soldiers is complex. During the late Roman Republic and early Empire, the legionnaires were the primary professional heavy infantry. However, they were only a portion of Rome's military might. The auxiliary troops, composed of non-Romans, were used extensively for the majority of Rome's wars.

Praetorians Legionnaires and Centurions

Praetorians were a special unit created to protect the Roman Emperors. They were not a large force, but their role was critical. The legionnaires were the backbone of the Roman army, each legion comprising around 5,000 fighting men. Centurions were non-commissioned officers who commanded a century, a unit of 80-100 soldiers. They had a significant role in maintaining discipline and had a somewhat advisory role, similar to modern Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs).

Equites and Professional Soldiers

The Equites class, which emerged during the Roman Republic, was the Roman equivalent of knights in medieval society. They were equestrian warriors who had considerable wealth and were often aristocrats. However, the development of professional soldiers, as opposed to conscripts, led to a shift in loyalty. The focus on hiring professional soldiers rather than raising armies as needed created a situation where soldiers' loyalties were more to their generals than to the state.

Gladiators: Not Ideal Soldiers

While gladiators were famous for their role in public games, they were not ideal soldiers. Gladiator games were a source of entertainment for the masses, but the fighters were not viewed favorably by society. The idea of one of your politicians on an adult website would be similarly unappealing to most people today, and similarly, gladiators were not celebrated. They were often desperate people who joined the army, begged, sold their children into slavery, or even sold themselves into slavery.

Conclusion

Of all the options, the most similar to medieval knights would probably be the Equites, especially during the formative years when they were more akin to the aristocratic warriors of medieval societies. However, the scenario you mention with the Praetorians and Legionnaires highlights the complexity of Roman military structures and the evolution of the concept of professional soldiers.

For a deeper dive into these fascinating topics, you might explore YouTube videos or reference books on ancient Roman society and military structure. Any public library will have a wealth of resources available at no cost.