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Aquilifer
An ''aquilifer'' (, "eagle-bearer") was a soldier signifer bearing the eagle standard of a Roman legion. The name derives from the type of standard, '' aquila'' meaning "eagle" (which was the universal type used since 106 BC), and ''ferre'', the Latin word for bringing or carrying. Before that time, the wolf, boar, bull and horse were also used. The eagle standard was the most important possession of the legion, and its loss was a terrible disgrace. The aquila emblem generally had up-raised wings surrounded by a laurel wreath. It was mounted on a narrow trapezoidal base and mounted on a pole that was held aloft. The aquilifer's position was accordingly one of enormous prestige, and he was ranked immediately below the centurions and above the optiones, receiving twice the pay of an ordinary legionary . Aquilifers carried a small circular shield called a ''parma'' that could be strapped on if their hands were already full . Aquilifers were very easily recognizable not only because ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Roman Legion
The Roman legion ( la, legiō, ) was the largest military unit of the Roman army, composed of 5,200 infantry and 300 equites (cavalry) in the period of the Roman Republic (509 BC–27 BC) and of 5,600 infantry and 200 auxilia in the period of the Roman Empire (27 BC – AD 476). Size The size of a typical legion varied throughout the history of ancient Rome, with complements ranging from 4,200 legionaries and 300 equites (drawn from the wealthier classes – in early Rome all troops provided their own equipment) in the Republican period of Rome (the infantry were split into 10 cohorts each of four maniples of 120 legionaries), to 4,800 legionaries (in 10 cohorts of 6 centuries of 80 legionaries) during Caesar's age, to 5,280 men plus 120 auxiliaries in the Imperial period (split into 10 cohorts, nine of 480 men each, with the first cohort being double-strength at 960 men). It should be noted the above numbers are typical field strengths while "paper strength" was sli ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Vexillarius
left, A reenactor, equipped as a ''vexillifer'', with a ''vexillum'' standard Vexillarius is a term referring to one of several distinct types of Roman soldier. A vexillarius or vexillifer was one of the ''signiferi'' in a Roman legion. His duty was to carry the vexillum, a military standard displaying the name and emblem of the legion. This standard consisted of a woven fabric banner, hung on a crossbar attached to a pole or lance. It was used by both infantry and cavalry. It could designate a vexillation (Latin: ''vexillatio''), a detachment from a larger unit, though it was most likely also a standard for regular complete or component units (such as legions, cohorts, ''alae''). The term vexillarius may also refer to specially re-enlisted veterans. These soldiers were so named because they served in a company (''vexillatio'') under their own vexillum standard within the legion, separate from the ordinary legionaries in the cohorts of that same legion. They had privileged statu ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Draconarius
The draconarius was a type of ''signifer'' who bore a cavalry standard known as a ''draco'' in the Roman army. Name Strictly speaking, the word ''draconarius'' denotes the bearer of the military standard on which a dragon was represented. The term passed into Christian usage, and was applied to the bearer of the labarum in battle, and also to cross-bearers in church processions. Dragon ensign From the conquered Dacians, the Romans in Trajan's time borrowed the dragon ensign which became the standard of the cohort as the eagle was that of the legion. Of Dacian, Sarmatian in origin, the ''draco'' was later generally introduced in the fourth century as a Roman standard. It consisted of a bronze dragon head with a fabric body similar in shape to a tail behind it. Wind flowed through the gaping mouth and billowed out the cloth tail much like a modern windsock. It is thought that some form of whistle was mounted in the dragon's neck to make a terrifying noise when galloping ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Vexillarius
left, A reenactor, equipped as a ''vexillifer'', with a ''vexillum'' standard Vexillarius is a term referring to one of several distinct types of Roman soldier. A vexillarius or vexillifer was one of the ''signiferi'' in a Roman legion. His duty was to carry the vexillum, a military standard displaying the name and emblem of the legion. This standard consisted of a woven fabric banner, hung on a crossbar attached to a pole or lance. It was used by both infantry and cavalry. It could designate a vexillation (Latin: ''vexillatio''), a detachment from a larger unit, though it was most likely also a standard for regular complete or component units (such as legions, cohorts, ''alae''). The term vexillarius may also refer to specially re-enlisted veterans. These soldiers were so named because they served in a company (''vexillatio'') under their own vexillum standard within the legion, separate from the ordinary legionaries in the cohorts of that same legion. They had privileged statu ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Imaginifer
The ''imaginifer'' was one of the ''signiferi'' in a legion in the times of the Roman Empire, who carried the ''imago'' (the image) of the emperor. The ''imaginifer'' was added to the ranks of the legions when the Imperial cult was first established during the reign of Augustus. The image was a three-dimensional portrait made from beaten metal. It was carried only in the leading cohort. See also *Aquilifer *Vexillarius *Draconarius The draconarius was a type of ''signifer'' who bore a cavalry standard known as a ''draco'' in the Roman army. Name Strictly speaking, the word ''draconarius'' denotes the bearer of the military standard on which a dragon was represented. The ... References {{Reflist Military ranks of ancient Rome Ancient Roman titles ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Signifer
A ''signifer'' () was a standard bearer of the Roman legions. He carried a ''signum'' (standard) for a cohort or century. Each century had a ''signifer'' so there were 59 in a legion. Within each cohort, the first century's ''signifer'' would be the senior one. The ''-fer'' in ''signifer'' comes from ''ferre'', the Latin for "to bear" or "to carry". Standard-bearer It had a number of ''phalarae'' (disks or medallions) along with a number of other elements mounted on a pole. The pole could be topped with a leaf-shaped spear head or a ''manus'' (open human hand) image denoting the oath of loyalty taken by the soldiers. It sometimes included a representation of a wreath, probably denoting an honour or award. The task of carrying the ''signum'' in battle was dangerous, a soldier had to stand in the first rank and could carry only a small buckler. It was that banner that the men from each individual century would rally around. A soldier could also gain the position of ''discentes s ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
List Of Roman Army Unit Types
This is a list of Roman army units and bureaucrats. *'' Accensus'' – Light infantry men in the armies of the early Roman Republic, made up of the poorest men of the army. *''Actuarius'' – A military who served food. *''Adiutor'' – A camp or headquarters adjutant or assistant. *''Aeneator'' – Military musician such as a bugler. *''Agrimensor'' – A surveyor (a type of ''immunes''). *'' Antesignano'' – Supposedly a light infantry unit of legionaries who were used for protection of marching columns and to provide security to legions. *''Aquilifer'' – Bearer of the legionary eagle. *''Ala'' – a military formation composed of conscripts from the Italian military allies. *''Alaris'' – A cavalryman serving in an ''ala''. *''Auxilia'' – were introduced as non-citizen troops attached to the citizen legions by Augustus after his reorganisation of the Imperial Roman army from 30 BC. *'' Architecti'' – An engineer or artillery constructor. *'' Armicustos'' – A soldier ta ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Gallic Wars
The Gallic Wars were waged between 58 and 50 BC by the Roman general Julius Caesar against the peoples of Gaul (present-day France, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland). Gallic, Germanic, and British tribes fought to defend their homelands against an aggressive Roman campaign. The Wars culminated in the decisive Battle of Alesia in 52 BC, in which a complete Roman victory resulted in the expansion of the Roman Republic over the whole of Gaul. Though the Gallic military was as strong as the Romans, the Gallic tribes' internal divisions eased victory for Caesar. Gallic chieftain Vercingetorix's attempt to unite the Gauls under a single banner came too late. Caesar portrayed the invasion as being a preemptive and defensive action, but historians agree that he fought the Wars primarily to boost his political career and to pay off his debts. Still, Gaul was of significant military importance to the Romans. Native tribes in the region, both Gallic and Germanic, had attac ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Signifer
A ''signifer'' () was a standard bearer of the Roman legions. He carried a ''signum'' (standard) for a cohort or century. Each century had a ''signifer'' so there were 59 in a legion. Within each cohort, the first century's ''signifer'' would be the senior one. The ''-fer'' in ''signifer'' comes from ''ferre'', the Latin for "to bear" or "to carry". Standard-bearer It had a number of ''phalarae'' (disks or medallions) along with a number of other elements mounted on a pole. The pole could be topped with a leaf-shaped spear head or a ''manus'' (open human hand) image denoting the oath of loyalty taken by the soldiers. It sometimes included a representation of a wreath, probably denoting an honour or award. The task of carrying the ''signum'' in battle was dangerous, a soldier had to stand in the first rank and could carry only a small buckler. It was that banner that the men from each individual century would rally around. A soldier could also gain the position of ''discentes s ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Julius Caesar
Gaius Julius Caesar (; ; 12 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC), was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the Gallic Wars before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, and subsequently became dictator from 49 BC until his assassination in 44 BC. He played a critical role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. In 60 BC, Caesar, Crassus and Pompey formed the First Triumvirate, an informal political alliance that dominated Roman politics for several years. Their attempts to amass power as were opposed by the within the Roman Senate, among them Cato the Younger with the frequent support of Cicero. Caesar rose to become one of the most powerful politicians in the Roman Republic through a string of military victories in the Gallic Wars, completed by 51 BC, which greatly extended Roman territory. During this time he both invaded Britain and built a b ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
The Eagle (2011 Film)
''The Eagle'' is a 2011 Epic film, epic Historical film, historical drama film set in Roman Britain directed by Kevin Macdonald (director), Kevin Macdonald, and starring Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell and Donald Sutherland. Adapted by Jeremy Brock from Rosemary Sutcliff's historical adventure novel ''The Eagle of the Ninth'' (1954), the film tells the story of a young Roman officer attempting to recover the lost Aquila (Roman), Roman eagle standard of his father's legion in Caledonia. The story is based on the Legio IX Hispana, Ninth Spanish Legion's supposed disappearance in Britain. Historically, the purported disappearance of the Ninth Legion in Northern Britain is Legio IX Hispana#Theories about the Ninth's disappearance, a subject of debate. The film was a UK–US co-production. It was released in the United States on 11 February 2011 and in the United Kingdom on 25 March 2011. The film received mixed reviews from critics and grossed $38 million against its $25 million budget. ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Commentarii De Bello Gallico
''Commentarii de Bello Gallico'' (; en, Commentaries on the Gallic War, italic=yes), also ''Bellum Gallicum'' ( en, Gallic War, italic=yes), is Julius Caesar's firsthand account of the Gallic Wars, written as a third-person narrative. In it Caesar describes the battles and intrigues that took place in the nine years he spent fighting the Celtic and Germanic peoples in Gaul that opposed Roman conquest. The "Gaul" that Caesar refers to is ambiguous, as the term had various connotations in Roman writing and discourse during Caesar's time. Generally, Gaul included all of the regions primarily inhabited by Celts, aside from the province of Gallia Narbonensis (modern-day Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon), which had already been conquered in Caesar's time, therefore encompassing the rest of modern France, Belgium, Western Germany, and parts of Switzerland. As the Roman Republic made inroads deeper into Celtic territory and conquered more land, the definition of "Gaul" shifted. Concu ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
