Draconarius

By Crusader1307

This was one of the Standards of The Roman Army. Used in cavalry units (Equites, etc), the soldier who carried one was called a Draconarius (the "flag" was known The Draco). He was similar to a Signifer. During the reign of Emperor Trajan, he borrowed the design from the conquered Dacians. Used primarily as a Cohort ensign, the Roman Eagle was still in use as Rome's identifier (until the late 4th Century). The design of the Draco was a bronze Dragons head with an attached fabric or cloth "tail". With an "open mouth", the Draco was designed to emit a sound as wind passed through. This supposedly created a "terrible sound" or perhaps a dragon's roar! Draconarius would ride in front of the Squadron, next to it's commander. He was to stay at his side. This also helped other soldiers "find" their commander or rally point during battle. When Christianity became the State religion of Rome, the Draco was replaced with the Cross (or Labarum).