Auxiliarius

Auxiliarius was a term used in the Roman Empire to refer to a type of auxiliary soldier. These soldiers were not Roman citizens but were recruited from various non-Roman peoples, such as Germanic tribes, to serve in the Roman army. The term "auxiliarius" comes from the Latin word "auxilium," which means "help" or "assistance." Auxiliaries were typically organized into units called cohorts, which were commanded by a centurion. They played a crucial role in the Roman military, providing manpower and tactical flexibility to the Roman legions. Auxiliaries were often used to defend the empire's borders and to participate in campaigns against enemy forces. They were not granted the same rights and privileges as Roman citizens but were valued for their skills and loyalty. The auxiliarius system was an essential part of the Roman military strategy, allowing the empire to maintain a large and effective army without relying solely on Roman citizens.