In late Roman history, a professional soldier or retainer who served a wealthy landowner; a Germanic warrior adopted into Roman service.
From Latin 'bucellarius,' related to 'bucella' (biscuit or small loaf), referring to soldiers 'paid in bread' by their lords, evolving to mean armed retainer.
The buccellarius system was a bridge between Roman military organization and medieval feudalism—these bread-fed warriors became the model for later knights and vassals, transforming how Europe organized power.
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