Abstract
Abstract
Eques
(pl.
Equites
), translates as horseman. The origins of the Equestrians as a distinct social category lay in the military organization of early Rome. During the republican period, they became a wealthy, socially eminent class, which exploited the business interests of the Roman Empire, and a political pressure group. Augustus reformed the
Equites
(
Ordo Equester
) and employed them as a second tier of administration. Their responsibilities grew, until under Diocletian they were appointed to all senior administrative and military positions. Social and administrative developments degraded the order, and they disappeared as a distinct class by the end of the fourth century
ce
.