Speculatores

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The speculatores, also known as the speculatores augusti or the exploratores, were an ancient Roman reconnaissance agency.^[1][2] They were part of the consularis and were used by the Roman military.^[3][4][5] The speculatores were headquartered in the Castra Peregrina.^[6][7]

This organization probably originated from previous Greek military spies and scouts. There are references to a Roman scouting agency operating during the Samnite Wars and the speculatores being employed during the Roman war with the Aequi.^[8] Emperor Augustus reformed the Roman communications system. Among other reforms, he also added 10 speculatores to each legion.^[9][10][11] There was one speculator per cohort.^[12] They also served in the Praetorian Guard.^[13][14] They also served as political police. Although they were replaced by the frumentarii as police in the third century.^[15] As bodyguards, they were tasked with clearing the emperor's pathway of crowds. To do this, they used a type of non-lethal spear known as a lancea.^[16][17] They also served as scouts, executioners, torturers, and assassins.^[18] During their operations, they worked in small numbers. Usually in pairs or as individuals.^[9] The speculatores were trained by an official known as a centurio exercitator to become skilled in fighting, horseriding, parading, and escorting.^[19] Three other officials had important roles in the speculatores. These were the centurio and the centurio speculatorum,^[20] centurio trecenarius, and the centurio speculatorum equitarum.^[21] There were around 300 members of the speculatores.^[22][23] They were chosen based on their discretion and loyalty.^[24] Many speculatores would go on to become couriers.^[25][26] Their duties lead to them becoming feared and despised by the populace.^[18]