Domesticus (Roman Empire)

The insignia of office of the two comites domesticorum of the Eastern Empire, according to the Notitia Dignitatum: the shields of the domestici and the codicils of office

For the Byzantine evolution of this title, see Domestikos.

A domesticus was a member of the protectores domestici, an elite guard unit of the Late Roman army, who served as bodyguards and staff officers to the emperor. As its name testifies, these were troops considered as belonging to the household of the emperor. After a few years' service in the corps, a domesticus would normally be granted a commission by the emperor and placed in command of a military regiment. The title was retained in the Empire's Byzantine period, hellenized as domestikos, and acquired a variety of functions.

The head of the domestici, the comes domesticorum was a vir illustris. There were two of these comital commanders, for the horse - viz. foot units (comes domesticorum equitum vs. comes domesticorum peditum).

Notable Domestici

• Ammianus Marcellinus
• Count Aelianus (prior to career as Count)
• Constantius I
• Diocletian
• Jovian
• Magnentius
• Maximinus Daia
• Tarasis, after successfully plotting against the Gothic general Aspar, he was given this title by the emperor Leo. Tarasis later succeeded Leo I as Emperor Zeno.