In the ancient Rome, the Prefect of the vigils (Latin: praefectus vigilum urbi ) (resulting from the equestrian Order) is a military person in charge at the same time (chief of police) and at the same time civil (responsible for the fire control and the night police force).
Its offices were with the barracks of the troop of watchmen to the Champ de Mars.
The vigils urbani were created with Rome by Auguste and composed initially of seven troops recruited mainly among the Affranchi S. the vigils were charged to fight against the fires and to ensure the order in the street during the night in the city.
As from the 2nd century, under the reign of Trajan, the prefect having more and more legal attributions, the presence of a sub-prefect became necessary to ensure the service this special competence which its chief was to too often miss. The sub-prefect of the vigils had his particular offices, similar to those of his department head, but of a less considerable manpower. If necessary, it replaced the prefect.
See too
External bonds
- duties of the prefect of the vigils
Internal bonds
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