Abulci facts for kids
The Abulci were a special group of soldiers in the ancient Roman army. They were not regular Roman soldiers but helpers, known as 'auxiliaries'. Think of them as a support team for the main Roman legions. They were part of a smaller unit called a numerus, which is like a company of soldiers.
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Who Were the Abulci?
The Abulci are mentioned in an important Roman document called the Notitia Dignitatum. This document, written around 420 AD, lists all the important jobs and military units in the Roman Empire. It tells us that the Abulci were part of the soldiers guarding a fort called Anderida. This fort was one of the "Saxon Shore Forts," which were built along the coast of Britain to protect against attacks.
Their Commander
The Notitia Dignitatum even tells us the title of their leader. It was "Praepositus numeri Abulcorum, Anderidos." This means "The commander of the Company of Abulci at Anderida." This shows how important these units were for defending the Roman Empire.
Where Did They Come From?
Historians think the Abulci might have come from a place called Abula. Today, this is the city of Ávila in Hispania Tarraconensis, which was a Roman province in what is now Spain. However, some people also think they might have come from Gaul, which is modern-day France.
Abulci in Battle
The Abulci were not just guards; they also fought in big battles. A historian named Zosimus wrote about them. He mentioned the Abulci fighting for a Roman emperor named Constantius II. This happened at the Battle of Mursa Major in 351 AD.
A Brave Commander
During this battle, the Abulci's commander, a man named Arcadius, was killed. This shows that the Abulci were involved in serious fighting and were brave soldiers.
The Abulci in Literature
The Abulci were even mentioned in a famous book! The author Kipling wrote about them in his book Puck of Pook's Hill. In one story called "A Centurion of the Thirtieth," the Abulci are part of the historical setting. This shows that even centuries later, their name was remembered.
