Scutarii

The Scutarii were a specialized group of light infantry and skirmishers in the late Roman and early Byzantine armies. Their role was to engage enemies through quick, agile attacks, harassment, and reconnaissance rather than direct, heavy combat. They often used small shields called scuta (singular: scutum), from which their name derives, and were skilled at tactics like hit-and-run, ambushes, and disrupting the enemy’s formations. Their flexibility and mobility made them valuable for gathering intelligence and supporting larger, more heavily armed units during battles.