The Roman Army, 31 BC–AD 337: A Sourcebook

238 The Roman Army
on the emperor (Jones 1964:52–4). Cf. P. Oxy. 43, recto, col. ii, a papyrus
dated to early AD 295, dealing with the collection of chaff for imperial troops
on campaign in Egypt, which mentions an officer of the comites of the emperor
(though it is not certain that Diocletian himself can have been present in Egypt
early in 295—see A. Bowman JRS 1976, p. 159; cf. Barnes 1982:54).
385 CIL 6. 2759=ILS 2045, inscription, near Rome
To the spirits of the departed. Valerius Tertius, soldier of the tenth
praetorian cohort, who lived thirty-six years, three months, fifteen days,
and served in a Moesian legion for five years, in the lancers (lanciarii)
for eleven years, in the praetorian guard for [ _ _ _ ] years, [ _ _ _ ]
century of Salvius [ _ _ _
This inscription must be dated before AD 312 when Constantine abolished the
praetorian guard. If we may take it that the soldier lists his posts in ascending
order of importance, a lanciarius ranked above a legionary and below a
praetorian, and elsewhere is associated with the imperial comitatus (see text
no. 386).
386 CIL 3. 6194=ILS 2781, inscription, Troesmis, Lower Moesia,
late 3rd C. AD
To the spirits of the departed, in honour of Valerius Thiumpus, who
served as a soldier in Legion XI Claudia, was chosen as lancer
(lanciarius) in the sacred retinue (comitatus), then served as a guard
(protector) for five years, was discharged, was prefect of Legion II
Herculia, which he commanded for two years, six months, and died,
lived forty-five years, three months, eleven days [ _ _ _
The legion Herculia was named after Diocletian’s co-emperor, Maximian, who
was given the honorary name Herculius.
387 CJ 7. 64. 9
The same Emperors (Diocletian and Maximian) and two Caesars to
Rufinus. To veterans who are serving in a legion or a vexillatio and
after twenty years’ service have received an honourable or medical
discharge, we have granted exemption from compulsory personal
services and burdens. Furthermore, in order to repay the loyal devotion
of our soldiers with this indication of our generosity, we have relieved
them from any requirement to appeal (i.e. for exemption).