Late Roman Unit Titles - By Weapon

[Robert Vermaat]

Anachronisms.

That's well possible. We may compare it to the confusing 'tribal' names of many other units, which include believable names like Alamanni, Tervingi, etc., but then also completely archaic names.

So what to think? Are all names archaic, possibly based on original detachments or auxiliary units, which then received a life of their own? Or maybe it were honorary names, chosen for a reason.

I've hardly to mention that several scholars still see units of ballistarii as possible (a body guard has been mentioned), or the ones named after 'believable' tribes. Maybe we should not think of the Late Roman army as being operated under one system? maybe both theories are possible?

But confusing.