ROM076-KC
King & Country
Not yet released - expected in early March.
Positioned ahead of a marching Legion was a decorated, veteran soldier carrying a ‘Vexillum’.This small, finely embroidered cloth banner showed the Legion’s emblem with its name and number.
The emblem was sometimes a sign of the zodiac or even a type of animal.This Vexillum Bearer himself was easily recognized by a full wolfskin and head atop his helmet and body armour.
Among the Roman Legions military standards stood for the prestige and glory of Rome itself and were proudly paraded and guarded at all times. All of these symbols were carried on tall poles ahead of the army going into battle or on the march and were often used as rallying points in the frequently confusing mayhem of battle itself.
These unique symbols of Rome were valued so highly that battles and campaigns were sometimes fought to recover any that were seized by enemy forces.
After victories had been won and enemies crushed these same symbols would be paraded through the streets of Ancient Rome itself as the victorious Legions and their commanders enjoyed a ceremonial parade called, appropriately enough… ‘A Triumph’.