Scouts for the Legion

[Longhunter]

Ave!
Being a new member here, I thought the best way to introduce myself was to ask a question.
Several times in my research of the Roman Armies on campaign, I come across references to scouts traversing the area before the army. I was just wanting to know if these were a specially trained Army unit, Auxiliaries from the region, or just locals in the pay of the Legion Commander.

Thanks!
Keith Bragg/Longhunter

[Robert Vermaat]

Hi Keith,

Ave!
Being a new member here, I thought the best way to introduce myself was to ask a question.

Welcome. Asking questions is always a good thing here.
The next best thing however is to add your real (first) name to your signature. It's a forum rule. :wink:

[Marcus Iulius Chattus]

Welcome Keith
Hm, i believe that Cavalry (from a legion, Auxilary-alae or Cohors equitata) done this task in campaign. They can quickly reach their own army if an enemy army is advancing.

[Nathan Ross]

It's often been mentioned on this board before, but probably your best start would be the book Exploratio: Military and Political Intelligence in the Roman World by Austin and Rankov. They mention the procursatores - scouts sent out ahead of the army on the march, and exploratores (one of whom they identify on Trajan's Column IIRC), who were more wide-ranging.

I don't know whether the procursatores are suggested as an actual independent body of troops, or just a position held by members of the legion cavalry, but the exploratores seem to have been a select and particular group. There are units of them attested at some of the northern British forts, and presumably elsewhere too.

There's a preview on Google Books, but buy or borrow it if you get the chance:

[url:2wncbmi6]http://books.google.com/books?id=1M6IEEMDKUcC&printsec=frontcover&dq=exploratio[/url]

- Nathan

[Justin of the New Yorkii]

Type "Frumentarii" into Google too. They weren't scouts, but they're relevant here. They kept an eye on things.

[Longhunter]

I thank you all for your help, this was most informative!