Comitatenses

Comitatenses were mobile, field units of the late Roman Empire, introduced around the 4th century AD. They complemented the traditional border guard units, known as limitanei, by providing flexible, strategic forces capable of responding to threats across different regions. Comitatenses were often well-trained, better equipped, and organized into divisions called comitatus, serving as the empire’s primary field armies. Their role was to reinforce defenses, conduct offensive operations, and adapt to evolving military challenges, reflecting a shift toward more centralized and professional forces in late Roman military organization.