Vexillary

Евсеенков А.С.

Vexillarius (from Latin vexillarius, from vexillum — banner, standard) is the name of a standard-bearer in the Roman army. A vexillarius carried a standard with the emblem and number of the military unit, attached to a transverse bar on a long staff. Vexilla were usually the banners of individual military units, including those operating outside the legion - hence the name of such units - vexillations. Vexilla could also be held by cavalrymen, auxiliaries, and Praetorian cohorts.

Vexillarii from the Adamclisi relief, early 2nd century AD.

Vexillarius. Hadrian's Wall. Kept in the Chester Museum. 3rd century AD.

Captured barbarians before the emperor. Vexillarii can be seen in the background. Relief on the attic of the south side. Marble. 175—196 AD.

The vexillum itself was a rectangular cloth made of wool or linen, often with an angular design. The center of the vexillum depicted the symbol of the legion and/or its initials. It is assumed that the design could be painted or embroidered. Currently, only one surviving vexillum has been found, dated to the 2nd-3rd centuries AD. It depicts the goddess of victory on a sphere - Victoria. Inventory number IG-4242. I.1.a 5800. The banner shows a painted image of the goddess of victory on a sphere. Material - linen. Size - 53 by 51 cm. A rectangular piece of cloth is sewn onto a reed stick. The banner is described as Roman.

Vexillum. Linen, reed. Pushkin Museum. 2-3 centuries AD.

An external distinction of the vexillarius was a bear or wolf skin worn over the helmet with the paws tied around the neck. Praetorian vexillarii wore a lion skin. Their armament consisted of a gladius and pugio, as well as a small round shield - a parma, which was worn on a strap at the side. The armor of the vexillarius was a lorica hamata or squamata.