Legatus

Among the Romans, an amba ador, or lieutenant-general. Legati were of three kinds: (1) Those sent by foreign nations on an emba y to Rome. (2) Those sent from Rome on an emba y to foreign countries or the provinces. (3) Those who served under Roman generals during war, or under the pro-consuls and prætors in the provinces. The latter kind was generally a person of high military skill, and was appointed by the consul, prætor, or dictator, under whom he was intended to serve. His nomination, however, was not legal until sanctioned by the senate. His duty was to aid his superior officer, by advising him in all great emergencies, by acting as his substitute, both in civil and military affairs, and by a uming his insignia as well as authority during his absence. In the last case, he was called legatus pro prætore . The number of legati under one superior differed in proportion to the importance of the war or the extent of the province.