Auxilia Palatina

[Flavivs Aetivs]

There is much threoy about the Numerus and the Maniple being enstated in the 4th century:

On the Total War center forums we argued that the Maniple was a term for the 4th century, which was then called a Numerus, both led by a Ducenarius. This can somewhat be supported by texts of the 5th and 6th century. I belive Maurice's strategikon lists a unit of 2 centuries (not sure on the name though) and I'm pretty sure the thematic system had one. There may be other references I do not know of, but it is mostly speculative. Albeit, the Manipular system would be useful in the time considering many units were spread out in vexiliationes, because they would be large enough to operate as one unit, but still could be placed under individual command to do things like flanking operations and ambushes (and even then further divided into contuberniae).

Also, I belive the Term Numerus is frequently used by 5th century writers and Orators.

The palantines, I do not believe, were irregular barbarian units. It is most likely that these were professional core troops of the Roman Field Armies - as is shown during the campaigns of Julian and Friends in Gaul leading up to the Battle fo Strausbourg. This can also be inferred by them being listed as the core of Aetius army in the 5th century (although many of these references are somewhat vague, such as sidonius appolinaris calling them "Auxilia Exquisiti" when commenting to the leadup on Chalons).