Equites singulares Augusti

Imperial horseguards (left) escort the emperor Trajan (centre right) on campaign in Dacia (AD 101–6). Detail from Trajan's Column, Rome

The equites singulares Augusti or equites singulares Imperatoris (lit: "personal cavalry of the emperor" i.e. imperial horseguards) were the cavalry arm of the Praetorian Guard during the Principate period of imperial Rome. Based in Rome, they escorted the Roman emperor whenever he left the city on a campaign or on tours of the provinces.[1] The equites singulares Augusti were a highly trained unit dedicated to protecting the emperor. Men who served in the equites singulares Augusti held a Roman public status as equites.

Gravestone of two brothers, Julian and Diophantus, describing them as equites singulares Imperatoris (abbreviated EQ SING IMP).
  1. ^ Goldsworthy (2003) 58