Numerus Syrorum Sagittariorum

The Numerus Syrorum [sagittariorum or sagittaria] [Severianum Alexandrianum] [Malvensium] [Pomarium] ( German  Number of the Syrians [the archers] [the Severian Alexandrian] [Malvensium] [Pomarium] ) was a Roman auxiliary unit . It is evidenced by inscriptions and brick stamps. In some inscriptions, the unit is also referred to as Numerus Surorum or Suri sagittarii .

The number consisted of foot soldiers and was divided into centuries . There is no evidence that it was a partially mounted unit. The nominal strength of the number was probably well above the 480 men of a regular infantry cohort ( Cohors quingenaria peditata ).

Name components

• Syrorum or Surorum : the Syrian. The soldiers of the numerus were recruited when the unit was established on the territory of the Roman province of Syria .

• sagittariorum or sagittaria : the archer. The addition appears in several inscriptions.

• Severianum Alexandrianum : the Severian Alexandrian. An honorary title that refers to Severus Alexander (222-235). The addition appears in three inscriptions.

• Malvensium . The addition appears in the inscription ( CIL 8, 9381 ).

• Pomarium . The addition appears in the inscription ( CIL 8, 10470 ).

history

The numerus was stationed in the provinces of Dacia and Mauretania Caesariensis (in that order). He is listed in inscriptions for the years 138 to 282 AD.

The unit may have been set up in connection with the conquest of Dacia. The first evidence of the Syrian archers ( Suri sagittarii ) in Dacia is based on three inscriptions dated to 138. The unit is first referred to in the inscription ( CIL 2, 1180 ), which is dated 161/169, as Numerus Syrorum Sagittariorum . The inscription ( CIL 3, 7493 ) shows that a centurion of the unit was in the neighboring province of Moesia inferior .

Under Septimius Severus the unit was moved to Mauretania Caesariensis . The first evidence in the province is based on a milestone , the inscription of which is dated to 218. Numerous inscriptions with the indication of origin domum Romulam prove that relatives followed the soldiers of the Dacian unit to the new location in Mauretania Caesariensis .

The last proof of the number is based on the inscription ( CIL 8, 9964 ), which is dated to 282.

Locations

Locations of the Numerus in Dacia were possibly:

• Arutela (Bivolari): The inscriptions ( CIL 3, 12601a , CIL 3, 12601b ) were found here.
• Rădăcineşti: The inscription ( CIL 3, 12605 ) was found here.
• Romula : The inscriptions ( AE 1914, 120 , CIL 3, 8032 ) were found here.

Bricks marked NS were found in various locations in Dacia .

Locations of the Numerus in Mauretania Caesariensis were possibly:

• Caesarea ( Cherchell ): Several inscriptions have been found here.
• Lalla Marnia : Numerous inscriptions have been found here.

Members of the number

The following members of the number are known:

Commanders

Lentinius Priscianus, a Praepositus ( CIL 8, 9962 ) Sex (tus) Iul (ius) Iulianus, a tribune ( CIL 8, 9381 )

Sex (tus) Iulius Possessor, a curator or Praepositus ( AE 1983, 976 , CIL 2, 1180 ). He was also the curator or praepositus of the Ala I Hispanorum and prefect of the Cohors III Gallorum .

Others

Acrio V (), a soldier ( CIL 8, 21015 ) Antonius Avitus, a soldier ( CIL 8, 21017 ) Anton (ius) Z [oi] lus, an Actuarius ( AE 1914, 120 ) Aur (elius) Massamarus, an Optio ( CIL 8, 9964 )

Cl (audius) montanus, an immunis ( CIL 3, 8032 ) Fl (avius) Avitianus, a signifer ( CIL 3, 7493 ) Fl (avius) Januar (ius), a centurion ( CIL 3, 7493 ) Valerius Germanus, an Ordinatus ( CIL 8, 9967 )

See also

• List of Roman auxiliary units
• Roman forces in Dacia
• Roman forces in Mauretania

Remarks

1. ↑ According to Marcus Reuter , the increased nominal strength can be assumed based on the following considerations. Sextus Iulius Possessor was first prefect of an auxiliary cohort before he became commander of the numerus. Sextus Iulius Iulianus indicates the rank of tribune . Both speak for an elevated position of the number. Another indication is the size of the camp in Lalla Marnia .
2. ↑ The scenario given here follows the remarks by Marcus Reuter. It assumes that the Numerus Syrorum Sagittariorum stationed in the province of Dacia is identical to the Numerus Syrorum stationed in the province of Mauretania Caesariensis .
3. ↑ Marcus Reuter considers the dating of these (and other) inscriptions to be questionable. He sees the number for the last time documented for the reign of Severus Alexander (222-235).
4. ↑ The reading of some of the inscriptions is different for Marcus Reuter and the EDCS .
5. ↑ In the inscription ( AE 1983, 976 ) Sextus Iulius Possessor is referred to as curator , in the inscription ( CIL 2, 1180 ) as Praepositus .

Individual evidence

1. ↑ ^{a b c d e f} Marcus Reuter : Studies on the numbers of the Roman Army in the Middle Imperial Era, Dissertation, In: Reports of the Roman-Germanic Commission 80, 1999, pp. 359–569, here pp. 398–399, 542 -549.
2. ↑ Inscriptions ( CIL 8, 9966 to CIL 8, 9987 ) and ( CIL 8, 21799 to CIL 8, 21807 ).
3. ^ ^{A b} Ovidiu Thentea: Ex Oriente ad Danubium. The Syrian auxiliary units on the Danube frontier of the Roman Empire Publisher: Mega Publishing House, Editor: Center of Roman Military Studies 6, ISBN 978-606-543-206-2 , doi : 10.13140 / RG.2.1.4246.1604 , p. 76-78, 152-155, 162 ( online ).
4. ↑ brick temple ( CIL 3, 08074,28 ) and ( CIL 3 14216.30 ).