Note 1943 — Chapter X · THE PRINCIPATE (continued 2)
Reading edition
These might have been included in the equites illustres whom Augustus forbade to set foot in Egypt (Tac. Ann. ii. 59 “vetitis nisi permissu ingredi senatoribus aut equitibus Romanis illustribus”), but the knights chiefly referred to here are doubtless distinguished permanent members of the order.