Agentes in Rebus

• This means in Latin ‘Those who are active in matters’.
• They were established by  Diocletian (285-305 CE) and formed the Roman Secret Service.

History

• Diocletian (285-305 CE) disbanded the unpopular Frumentarii, but is thought to have established the Agentes in Rebus in their place, although they are not first mentioned until 319 CE.

Organisation

• The Agentes were organised into five ranks based on the cavalry officers ranks:
  • Equites, Circitores, Biarchi, Centenarii and Ducenarii.
• By 430 CE there were 1,174 Agentes in Rebus.