Imaginifer
An imaginifer carried an image of the emperor, the imago, in the Roman army. This standard expressed the army’s connection with the emperor and its obligation of loyalty. The imaginifer belonged to the standard group but had a different function from the aquilifer, who carried the legionary eagle.
An imago could be a metal portrait mounted on a staff. Depictions and inscriptions illuminate the post, but do not establish identical portraits or equipment for every imaginifer.
Tombstone of Imagonifer Cenalius of the auxiliary VII Rhaetian Cohort (Lat. Cohors VII Raetorum). Archaeological Museum,Mainz,Germany. Mid-1st century AD
Bust of an imago found in Avenshae. AD 161-180The external difference of the imaginifer was a bear or wolf skin, worn over a helmet, with paws tied around the neck. The armament consisted of a gladius and a pugio. As a protective equipment, the imaginiferi used a lorica hamata or squamata, as well as a small round shield- parma, which was worn on the side on a belt.
Related topics
Legion Banner Group, Signifer, Vexillarius, Aquilifer
Literature and sources
- Graham Webster. The Roman Imperial Army.
- Graham Sumner. Roman Military Dress.
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