Vexillarius was one of the signiferi in the Roman legion and was specially protected during combat. He was defended with a small parma shield.
His task was to carry vexillum (pl vexilla), a military banner representing the name and emblem of the legion. The banner consisted of a fabric hanging on the crossbar of a lance or a stick. It was used both in infantry and in riding.
The legionary cavalry had banners on a horizontal pole.
Vexilla’s pennant patterns
Scorpion on the pennant
Scorpio
It was the emblem of the Praetorian Guard. Used to honour Emperor Tiberius for building a Praetorian Camp (castra praetoria) in Rome.
Bull on the pennant
Taurus
He was strongly associated with Julius Caesar. It is therefore believed that the legions bearing the bull emblem were created by Caesar: III Gallica, IIII Macedonica, V Macedonica, VI Ferrata, VI Victrix, VII Claudia, VIII Augusta, X Fretensis, X Gemina.
Boar on the pennant
Boar
Legions: I Italica, II Adiutrix, X Fretensis, XX Valeria Victrix.
Capricorn on the pennant
Capricorn
Legions: II Augusta, IIII Macedonica, IIII Scythica, XIV Gemina, XXI Rapax.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.I agreeI don't agreePrivacy policy
