Milites
Encyclopedia
Milites were the trained private footsoldiers of Rome. These men were the non-specialist regular soldier
s that made up the bulk of a Legion's numbers. Alongside soldiering, they also performed guard duties, labour work, building and other non-combat roles. Milites would usually have to serve for several years before becoming eligible for training
to become immunes
and thus become specialists with better pay.
The latin term eventually became synonimous with "soldier", a general term that, in Western Europe, became associated with the mounted knight, due to the fact that they composed the professional military corps during the Early Medieval Era. The same term, however, could design the infantry soldier (Milites Pedites). Other usages include the "Milites Templi
", referring to the Knights Templar or Milites Sancti Jacobi (Order of Santiago
).
From the latin root "Miles" derived words such as "Military" and "Militia".
Soldier
A soldier is a member of the land component of national armed forces; whereas a soldier hired for service in a foreign army would be termed a mercenary...
s that made up the bulk of a Legion's numbers. Alongside soldiering, they also performed guard duties, labour work, building and other non-combat roles. Milites would usually have to serve for several years before becoming eligible for training
Discens
A discens was a soldier of the military of ancient Rome who was in training to become an immunis, or specialist within the army.Immunes took up the trades and skills of engineers, field medics, carpenters, and craftsmen. However, they were also fully trained and would be expected to fight in the...
to become immunes
Immunes
Ancient Rome's military was highly advanced for its time, divided into multiple units to maximize efficiency and power. One such unit was the immune class. By definition, the immunes were legionary soldiers who possessed specialized skills, qualifying them to perform duties atypical of a Roman...
and thus become specialists with better pay.
The latin term eventually became synonimous with "soldier", a general term that, in Western Europe, became associated with the mounted knight, due to the fact that they composed the professional military corps during the Early Medieval Era. The same term, however, could design the infantry soldier (Milites Pedites). Other usages include the "Milites Templi
Milites Templi
Milites Templi is a papal bull issued by Pope Celestine II in 1144 that ordered the clergy to protect the Knights Templar and encouraged the faithful to contribute to their cause...
", referring to the Knights Templar or Milites Sancti Jacobi (Order of Santiago
Order of Santiago
The Order of Santiago was founded in the 12th century, and owes its name to the national patron of Galicia and Spain, Santiago , under whose banner the Christians of Galicia and Asturias began in the 9th century to combat and drive back the Muslims of the Iberian Peninsula.-History:Santiago de...
).
From the latin root "Miles" derived words such as "Military" and "Militia".