Late Roman army divided into regular units and federates in 5th century. The late Roman army was divided into regular military units and federates drawn from non-Roman sources Federates served for specific campaigns or were incorporated through laetitio into permanent units The Lieuitz thesis argues regular army units in the 400s refused to operate outside their garrison areas
The late Roman army had regular units and foederati drawn from non‑Roman sources. Foederati served for specific campaigns or were settled as laeti into permanent units. Some scholars argue that limitanei in the 5th century preferred to stay in their garrison areas. Generals such as Constantius and Aetius relied heavily on confederate troops, including Hunnic contingents. Their forces included bucellarii—private military followings kept by generals and high officials—alongside foederati under treaty obligations. Despite reliance on barbarian troops, the Western Roman army remained effective in many engagements.
Key Facts
- The late Roman army was divided into regular military units and federates drawn from non-Roman sources
- Federates served for specific campaigns or were incorporated through laetitio into permanent units
- The Lieuitz thesis argues regular army units in the 400s refused to operate outside their garrison areas
- Generals Constantius and Aetius in the 5th century relied heavily on confederate troops
- Bucellarii were private military followings maintained by generals and bureaucrats
- Aetius specifically had a contingent of Huns in his personal following
- The Western Roman army won most engagements between 400-450 AD
- The rise of bucellarii, not barbarian recruitment, made rebellions more complicated
Source: Did the Roman Empire fall because it recruited too many barbarians into the military? by The Historian's Craft