amongst the Romans, an ambassador, or lieutenant-general. Legati were of three kinds,—1. Those sent by foreign nations on an embassy to Rome; 2. Those sent from Rome on an embassy to foreign countries or the provinces; 3. Those who served under Roman generals during war, or under the proconsuls and praetors in the provinces.

1. Foreign ambassadors, on approaching Rome, sent into the city the name of their nation, and the object of their embassy. If they came from a hostile people, they were either obliged to leave Italy unheard, or were admitted to an audience from the senate, who assembled for that purpose in the temple of Bellona, without the city. If their nation was friendly, they were received into the city, and deposited their names with the questors at the temple of Saturn. If they were persons of distinction, or came from an ally, one of the inferior magistrates, sent by the senate, met them on their landing in Italy, and accompanied them to Rome. All ambassadors were treated as public guests, and considered inviolable.

2. A Roman ambassador was elected by the senate from persons of high rank only; had the sacred character of a priest, and the power of a magistrate; was supported at the public expense during his journey; and if he died during his embassy, was honoured with a public sepulchre.

3. A lieutenant-general was generally a person of high military skill, and was appointed by the consul, praetor, 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 assuming his insignia, as well as authority, during his absence. In the last case, he was called legatus pro praetore. The number of legati under one superior differed in proportion to the importance of the war, or the extent of the province.