secundanarius

Secundanarius was a term used in the Roman army to refer to a type of auxiliary soldier. The term "secundanarius" translates to "second man" in Latin, indicating that these soldiers were the second line of defense behind the primary legionaries. Secundanarii were typically recruited from various ethnic groups and were not Roman citizens. They were organized into units called cohorts, which were further divided into centuries. Secundanarii were equipped with lighter armor and weapons compared to legionaries, and their role was to provide additional manpower and support to the legionary units. They played a crucial role in the Roman army's expansion and conquest, serving in various campaigns and battles throughout the Roman Empire. The term "secundanarius" is often used interchangeably with "auxiliary" or "non-citizen soldier" in historical and military contexts.