Comes

Comes

A depiction of Comes

Comes is a Latin term that refers to a high-ranking official in the late Roman Empire. The word "comes" translates to "companion" or "attendant" in English. The position of Comes was established during the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great in the 4th century and continued to exist until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century.

Role and Responsibilities

The Comes held a significant role in the imperial administration and was appointed by the Emperor himself. The responsibilities of a Comes varied depending on the specific office they held, but they generally served as a trusted advisor and assistant to the Emperor or other high-ranking officials. They were responsible for overseeing various administrative tasks, managing the imperial court, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the government.

Types of Comes

There were several different types of Comes, each with their own specific duties and areas of expertise. Some of the most notable types include:

Comes Domesticorum: The Comes Domesticorum was in charge of the imperial bodyguard, known as the Scholae Palatinae. They were responsible for the Emperor's personal safety and played a crucial role in maintaining order within the palace.

Comes Sacrarum Largitionum: The Comes Sacrarum Largitionum was responsible for managing the imperial treasury and overseeing the distribution of funds to various government officials and institutions. They played a vital role in maintaining the financial stability of the empire.

Comes Rei Militaris: The Comes Rei Militaris was in charge of the military forces of the empire. They were responsible for organizing and commanding the armies, ensuring their readiness for battle, and maintaining the defense of the empire's borders.

Legacy

The position of Comes had a significant impact on the administrative structure of the late Roman Empire. The Comes system provided a framework for efficient governance and allowed the Emperor to delegate responsibilities to trusted individuals. This system of high-ranking officials paved the way for the development of similar administrative positions in later medieval and Byzantine empires.

See Also

• Late Roman Empire
• Imperial Administration
• Byzantine Empire

References

Timeline of the Roman Empire
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