Hostilii

An artistic depiction of a Hostilii woman equipped with scale linothorax, clipei, crested Sabrian helm, hasta, and gladius.

Hostilii (singular: Hostilius) were one of the main infantry elements of Sabrian legions throughout the entirety of the time of the Sabrian Empire. Originally, Hostilii consisted of the oldest and wealthiest members of the military, but it gradually transitioned into a rank that denoted the most veteran of the core of Sabrian troops outside of the elite Veturii.

Equipped with heavy scale linothorax armor, a circular convex shield, a crested helm, and armed with both a spear and sword, the Hostilii formed part of the second line of battle alongside the Constantii and behind the Hastati. Hostilii often fought in a shallow shield-wall formation and were supported by a variety of light troops, often bolstering areas where the Hastati or Constantii line were beginning to buckle.

The Hostilii derive their name from the Mos Maiorum goddess Hostilia who was often depicted to be a master of varying types of weaponry. Although it was not required, many of the Hostilii were members of the Mos Maiorum Cult of Preservation.