'Skutatoi' is a development of the Latin word 'scutum' - the classic Roman rectangular, curved shield. The evolution of the Eastern Roman army saw the classic Roman infantry model evolve into 'skutatoi'. These men, unlike the privately-owned bucellarii, were professional soldiers, recruited from among loyal citizens who wished to defend their homes and the Emperor. By the 6th century AD, skutatoi were the armoured bulk of the infantry forces of any Roman army, making up two thirds of every 'chiliarchiai' division - the remaining third being archers who supported the melee troops. Armed with the deadly, three metre-long kontarion - based on the kontos lance favoured by cataphracts - some skutatoi were positioned on the front lines to repel cavalry, with their sword-armed counterparts behind them, ready for the melee that followed the initial charge.