Ave!

Beneficiarius, Strap or Belt End, 1st-3rd Cent, Rare!

Copper Alloy; 61mm/10.3gm

Con/ about As Cast; dark green patina,

A Beneficiarius was a functionary soldier, not a unit, in the Roman army. This soldier was the equivalent of an officer for special assignments. He dealt with administrative and legal matters, acting on behalf of the commander of a legion or a military provincial governor, to whom he was directly subordinate and with whom he consulted all important decisions. He was also involved in logistics or was responsible for the Roman military police. Hence, it was an elite and important function.

Such a soldier, while performing his duties, was exempted from typical activities performed by all legionaries. The spear he bore was an attribute symbol (signum) – similar to the lictors – of his power and competence. They also coordinated the work of military intelligence, and dealt with the Empire’s estates, mines and roads, under the responsibility of the provincial governors. They generally dealt with administrative matters related to the Roman army.