Shield Symbol

[Lost_Warrior]

What did the symbol on Roman Legionary shields mean? (I think there was only one common one. If theres more, I mean the one with four wings "radiating" from the center)

[longbow]

There doesn't seem to be any primary written evidence on the matter, but the eagle's wings and lightning bolts are generally assumed to be symbols of Jupiter.

 

hi btw

[Lost_Warrior]

ok. I think of strength when I see the Eagles' wings but I wanted to know the "official" meaning, it has been bugging me for a while now.

 

thanks btw.

[Ursus]

Red = Jupiter's color

Eagle = Jupiter's bird

Lightening = Jupiter's weapons

 

Since Jupiter was the patron god of the state and the god of victorious generals, it was appropriate. :-)

[Maximus]

OK so why does the Legio II Augusta use the capricorn on their particular shield pattern. I think that each legion uses an emblem to represent their particular legion and this would be highly visible when fighting battles where several legions were participating.

[Lost_Warrior]

Wasn't Jupiter's temple the one which had closed doors when Rome was at peace, and open doors when at war?

 

That's an interesting idea that the emblems represented the legion. I had only seen the winged shields for Romans, although some of them were different shapes. (could be my bad memory though)

[Ursus]

Wasn't Jupiter's temple the one which had closed doors when Rome was at peace, and open doors when at war?

No, that's the temple of Janus.

 

Jupiter shared a temple with Juno and Minerva on the Capitoline Hill.

[Lost_Warrior]

I see. Janus was...all i can remember about him was "the two headed of doors"...one door looking forward and one looking backward in time (that was from my english class).

 

Yes, I think I remember reading about the Temple of Janus now that you mention it.