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Glite Dictionary
👑 Main leaders 🛡️ Roman infantry
principes

principes

1 9.9
Experienced Roman soldiers who form the second line in battle
  • noun
  • /ˈprɪnɪˌkeɪz/
  • Formal
: principes
  • The principes played a crucial role in the Roman army's success.

Examples

  • During battles, the principes would form the second line.

  • Historians study how the principes contributed to the effectiveness of the Roman legion.

  • The principes were considered experienced soldiers and played a crucial role in Roman battles.

  • After the hastati engaged the enemy, the principes advanced to continue the fight.

  • The principes fought bravely in the front lines during the battle, showcasing their strength as heavy infantry.

  • In the Roman army, the principes were veterans who formed the second line of defense.

  • During the Republic, the principes played a crucial role in engaging the enemy after the skirmishers.

Surface Forms

principes singular
principes plural

Etymology

The word principes comes from Latin princeps, which means 'first' or 'chief', and the Romans used it for their strong second-line soldiers because they were the main, trusted fighters after the front line. You can remember it from English words like prince and principal, which share the same root meaning 'first' or 'main'.