Equite

[cinzia8]

Hi all:

 

I know someone addressed this recently (probably in Academia) but I can't remember where exactly, but is the term for a cavalryman an "equite"? I thought I saw someone post that it was equitus.

 

Thanks,

Cinzia

[GhostOfClayton]

Not sure of the Latin suffix, but I think it also counted as a sociopolitical class (the equestrian class). Could be wrong.

Edited September 30, 2011 by GhostOfClayton

[caldrail]

The equite was the wealthiest class of citizen and because he could afford a horse, he was also the cavalry contingent, thus the derivation of the name, preserved in gladiatorial combat with a class of mounted fighter. later the equites became a sort of Roman middle class (though some commentators dislike that phrase) with increasing influence in government departments dating back to the reign of Claudius.

[cinzia8]

Thanks guys for your responses. I might move this question to the Latin thread.

 

Cinzia

[cinzia8]

Hi all:

 

I know someone addressed this recently (probably in Academia) but I can't remember where exactly, but is the term for a cavalryman(1) an "equite"? I thought I saw someone post that it was "equitus". I've seen "equitates" for cavalrymen.

 

Thanks,

Cinzia

[Melvadius]

Question moved as requested.