An aquilifer was the standard bearer of a Roman legion. The name derives from the type of standard, aquila meaning "eagle", which was the universal type used since 104 BC; before that time the wolf, boar, and horse were also used. The standard was the most important possession of the legion and its loss was a terrible disgrace. The aquilifer's position was accordingly one of enormous prestige, and he was ranked immediately below the centurions and above the optios, receiving twice the pay of an ordinary legionary. Unlike other standard bearers (such as signifers), the aquilifer probably did not wear an animal skin and went bareheaded (no contemporary depiction of an aquilifer shows him with a headdress or helmet). He carried a small circular shield called parma that could be strapped on if his hands were already full with the standard and a weapon. The word standard has several meanings: Classically, standard referred to a flag or banner; especially, a national or other ensign carried into battle; thus standard bearer indicates the one who bears, or carries, the standard. ... The Roman legion (from the Latin legio, meaning levy) was the basic military unit of ancient Rome. ... The signa militaria were the Roman military ensigns or standards. ... Genera Aquila Haliaeetus Pithecophaga Circaetus (*) Scientists argue whether Accipitriformes are a separate order, or belong to the Falconiformes. ... Centuries: 3rd century BC - 2nd century BC - 1st century BC Decades: 150s BC 140s BC 130s BC 120s BC 110s BC - 100s BC - 90s BC 80s BC 70s BC 60s BC 50s BC Years: 109 BC 108 BC 107 BC 106 BC 105 BC - 104 BC - 103 BC 102 BC... Binomial name Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758 The Grey Wolf (Canis lupus), also known colloquially as just the wolf, is a mammal of the Canidae family and the ancestor of the domestic dog. ... Binomial name Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758 The Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) is the wild ancestor of the domesticated pig. ... Binomial name Equus caballus The Horse (Equus caballus) is a large ungulate mammal, one of the seven modern species of the genus Equus. ... Centurion can mean: A centurion was a professional officer of the Roman army. ... OPTIO (from the Latin verb optare to choose, because he was *) (Greek form OPTIOON) was a Roman military rank title for a regular NCO; sometimes also awarded to a private with special responsibilities. ... A Legionary is a member of a legion. ... An aquilifer was the standard bearer of a Roman legion. ...
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