Standards

Follow That Eagle!

Roman standards were much more than fancy decorations on poles. They helped soldiers see where they belonged, identify their unit, and stay together when hundreds or thousands of people were on the move.

Different standards did different jobs. A signum marked a smaller unit; a vexillum was a cloth standard often carried by detachments. The famous aquila, or eagle, stood for an entire legion and was one of its most treasured possessions.

They also gave soldiers something obvious to follow. In the noise, dust, and confusion of battle, spotting your standard was a lot easier than shouting, “Has anybody seen my unit?”

When in doubt, follow the standard. And whatever you do, don’t lose the eagle.