Magister militum

Magister militum ("Master of the Soldiers") was a rank used in the later Roman Empire dating from the reign of Constantine. Used alone, it refers to the senior military officer (equivalent to a shogun or generalissimo) of the Empire. The Magister Militum was usually the power behind the throne and the office was held by Stilicho, Ricimer, Odoacer and others.

Related Topics:
Roman Empire - Constantine - Shogun - Generalissimo - Power behind the throne - Stilicho - Ricimer - Odoacer

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The title was often used with a provincial name, such as the Magister militum per Thracias ("Master of the Soldiers of Thrace"), to indicate the commanding general of a region.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Compare the usage "patricius" in the Late Empire.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~