(Latin: "horseman") In ancient Rome, a knight.
In early Rome, the equites (in full, equites equo publico , "horsemen with mounts provided at public expense") were of the senatorial class. They were the most influential members of the Comitia Centuriata . By the early 4th century BC, non-senators could be equites , providing their own horses. Augustus reorganized them as a military class, removing them from politics; qualifications were free birth, good health and character, and wealth. In the 1st century AD, equites were permitted civil careers, and they became particularly involved in financial administration.