The emblem of the legions. Registration CIL II, 7, 288, from Cordoba (Spain), dedicated to Marco Septicio, aquilifer of a legion outstanding in Hispania at the beginning of the Roman Empire
An aquilifer was in ancient Rome a signifer of rank senior of the Roman army, a non-official who carried the eagle of the standard of the legions. Its name derives from aquila, that in Latin means eagle, animal that became universal symbol of the legions from the year 104 a. C. Before the eagle prevailed like the predominant emblem of the Roman legions, the wolf, the boar, the bull and the horse took their place. The eagle became the most important possession of the legion, and its loss implied dishonor and dishonor.
The eagle emblem was composed of a specimen of this metal-wrought animal whose wings surrounded a laurel wreath and mounted on a narrow trapezoidal base.
The aquilifer enjoyed great prestige within the hierarchy of the Roman army; has been classified by historians as a noncommissioned officer whose rank was below the centurion and above the optio and who received double the salary of the shallow legionary. Unlike other Roman standard bearers like the signifer, the aquilifer did not use animal skin as a complement to his wardrobe. He carried a small circular shield called parma that could be attached to the arm if he was using the weapon or carrying the banner.
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