Vexillary

Евсеенков А.С.

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Vexillarius (from Lat. vexillarius, from vexillum-banner, standard) - the name of the standard bearer in the Roman army. Vexillarius wore a standard with the emblem and number of a military unit attached to a crossbar on a long shaft. Usually, vexillums were the banners of individual military units, including those operating outside the legion - hence the name of such units - vexillations. Horsemen,auxiliaries,and Praetorian cohorts might also have vexilli.

Vexillarii from a bas-relief from Adamklisi, early 2nd century AD.

The vexillary. Hadrian's Wall. Stored in the Chester Museum. 3rd century AD

Captive barbarians before the emperor. Vexillariev is seen in the background. Relief on the south side of Attica. Marble. 175-196 AD

The vexilla itself was a rectangular cloth made of wool or linen, often with an angular pattern. In the center of the vexilla was the Legion's symbol and / or initials. It is assumed that the drawing could have been drawn or embroidered. Currently, only one surviving vexilla has been found, dating back to 2-3 centuries AD. It depicts the goddess of victory on the sphere - Victoria. The IG inventory number is 4242. I. 1. a 5800. Banner with a painted image of the goddess of victory on the sphere. The material is linen. Size-53 by 51 cm. A square piece of cloth is sewn on a reed stick. The banner is described as Roman.

Vexilla. Flax, reeds. Pushkin Museum. 2-3 century AD

Vexillarius ' outward appearance was a bear or wolf skin, worn over a helmet with paws tied around the neck. The Praetorian Vexillarii had a lion's skin. Armament consisted of a gladius and pugio, as well as a small round shield- parma, which was worn on the side on a belt. The armor of the Vexillarii was the lorica hamata or squamata.