Equites

(ekwe-teez.) [ L., horsemen.] (Rom. Hist.) Members of the 2d cla of Roman nobility, known as the Equestrian order, and immediately succeeding the senators in grade of rank. Originally a simple and mixed-cla division of the army, under the Lex Sempronia, 123B. c., theE. became, so to speak, formally its cavalry; a distinct order of knighthood, which at first numbered 300 members. They received a horse or money to purchase it, and its maintenance from the treasury; but subsequently a cla of knights was instituted who found their own horses, but received pay. Ultimately, all who po e ed property to the amount of400 sestertia (abt. $16,000) were qualified to become E.; but the dignity of the order became thereby greatly lowered. The badge of the order was a gold ring and purple-edged robe, both given by the state. [s. 337]