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| Proposal: Revitilization of the Ordo Bellitum Equestris; Equestrian Order Update | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Aug 8 2014, 12:28 AM (144 Views) | |
| Proculus Hirtius | Aug 8 2014, 12:28 AM Post #1 |
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Tribune of Plebs
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Title: Revitilization of the Ordo Bellitum Equestris Sponsor: Proculus Hirtius Author: Marcus Aemilius et Proculus Hirtius Date: Introduction: With the retirement of Roma’s allied legions, a unique aspect of our armies since the days of the Roman kings is being gradually taken away. I speak of the equites Romani; our citizen corps of cavalry that has served Roman and allied legions for the past five centuries. These men have fought honorably and with distinction on every battlefield one can find. But now, since our Latin allies have been granted Roman citizenship, the large amount of citizen cavalry they provided is no more. To add to this issue, as of late, general practice has again decreased the number of equites in a legion to 120, instead of our historical 300. So these are the numbers of the problem gentlemen, and I as well as my co-sponsors, believe it is a problem that needs a solution. Many here will ask why. Why is the decrease in the importance of citizen cavalry a concern, much less a problem? Well, I for one argue our issue is twofold. One, without a strong permanently linked group of cavalry coupled with our legions, we leave them vulnerable to unsuspected situations. And for our legions garrisoning the provinces, a stronger cavalry presence is needed to be there with them at all times. The cohortes we raise for campaigns do not remain after the hostilities are over, but their horsemen are indeed an important piece of the army’s response even during garrison duties. Secondly conscript fathers, and perhaps even more importantly than our success on the field, is the future of the ordo bellicus equestris at home. The equestrians in our society, who occupy an honored place, many of whom have made their way into these very halls, have long defined their role in our society by service in the equites. And now, fewer and fewer young men are experiencing service with the army. I fear for the purpose and moral center of these wealthy families if they no longer have a vested interest in the defense of our republic. Therefore, in order to address these issues regarding the decreasing importance of the equites Romani, I put forward this proposal along with my co-author Propraetorian Legatus Marcus Aemilius. Senatus-Consultum: I. Roman legions will have a total force of 10 turmae of equites Romani attached (300-320). II. Equites Romani will preferably be equipped with: Hastae, spatha, Throwing javelins, lorica hamata, and helmets though their magistrates as our custom will have final say in the matter. III. Equites will be defined as Roman citizens, with property totaling more than 250,000 sestertii or 62,500 denarii (historical number at this time was 400,000 sestertii/ 100,000 denarii). IV. Equestrian service will be 8 years active service and another 2 years service should it be required by the magistrate. V. For a family to remain in the ordo equestris, they must have a son serve a full term at least every generation. Should a family have their representative die or be injured so as to no longer be able to serve during their term of service, this requirement should be considered met. Likewise, during the term of service, should the legion as a whole or the equite be dismissed by the presiding magistrate in an honorable fashion, the term of service shall be considered complete. VI. Any equestrian wishing to serve the republic through elected office or through public contracts must have served a full term. VII. Families possessing the required amount of wealth and possessing Latin Rights will be allowed to enroll in the equites Romani. Upon completion of a 10 year term, with an additional 4 years emergency service, these men will be granted full Roman citizenship with all rights associated. VIII. The pay of the equites Romani will be fixed at five times that of a standard legionary. IX. Each equites Romani will be provided one horse by the state coffers and a suit of lorica hamata. Each man will be responsible for his own arms and any other equipment the magistrate in command deems they need. After reading the proposal, Proculus looked back out into the faces of the Curia: "Gentlemen, there is much to be done in rebuilding our great Republic. And the projects that need to be undertaken are not all made of brick and mortar. There may very well be a delay from when this proposal perhaps passes through this esteemed body and when implementation may begin. However, I hold this body in the highest of regards and this bill deserves debate and careful consideration. Thank you all in advance for giving it that." |
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| Galerius Antonius | Aug 8 2014, 10:23 AM Post #2 |
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Praetor Urbanus
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Galerius rose "An excellent proposal senator Hirtius, seeing as we both have lead cavalry in the last conflict I know there importance on the battle field. If this esteemed body was to pass this into lex when would you suggest we begin implementing the changes? Would the current legions already in the field be required to meet the standards of this proposal or would this be for all legions we raise going forward?" |
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| Proculus Hirtius | Aug 8 2014, 02:15 PM Post #3 |
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Tribune of Plebs
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"That is an excellent question Praetor Urbanus. I've given some thought to this and though the drafting of this proposal began long, long ago, the currently legions were not considered. I believe the legions already in the field should serve out their terms as is. All new legions moving forward should be required to meet the 300 cavalry count with equites signing on for service. Especially in the beginning, there should be a decent amount of selection that's to be had, with magistrates selecting the best and most able bodied candidates. Though the gradual implementation of the larger aspects of this proposal may very well take some sorting out by our consules and censor." |
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| Proculus Hirtius | Aug 12 2014, 02:02 PM Post #4 |
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Tribune of Plebs
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"Gentlemen, I believe this topic deserves further debate. It will after all fundamentally change the order of not only our legions but of our society. I have only spoken to a few regarding this; for this very reason, that I would like opinions and concerns aired here in this house instead of behind closed doors. Thank you..." |
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| Proculus Hirtius | Aug 14 2014, 11:28 PM Post #5 |
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Tribune of Plebs
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"If there is no further debate on this topic, I would like to ask for our esteemed consul to place it for vote." |
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| Ianus Ianeus | Aug 14 2014, 11:45 PM Post #6 |
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GM
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"Very well, let us vote." |
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| Dius Fidius | Aug 16 2014, 05:15 PM Post #7 |
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GM
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This proposal is up for the vote! |
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| Dius Fidius | Aug 20 2014, 03:26 AM Post #8 |
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GM
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The measure has passed! |
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3:45 AM Jul 11