The extraordinarii were the elite troops of the Roman alae, recruited from the socii, Rome's Italian military allies. The name refers to their nature; i.e., extraordinary or chosen men. In battle they had many functions. Sometimes they were reserve troops. Other times they were rearguard, scouts, and pickets. The extraordinarii also served as bodyguards of the general. They were created after the Latin War and were dissolved after the so-called Marian reforms.