THE ORIGINS OF THE AQUILIFER

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THE ORIGINS OF THE AQUILIFER

The **Aquilifer** held a prestigious and critical role within the Roman legion, responsible for carrying the **Aquila**, the legion's sacred eagle standard. As a symbol of the legion's identity and morale, the Aquila was revered by soldiers and carried significant religious value, receiving sacrifices and honors. The Aquilifer, often considered among the elite soldiers, was chosen for his bravery and loyalty, given that losing the eagle in battle could demoralize the entire legion.

The position of Aquilifer was formalized in the **late 2nd century BC**, a change often attributed to the military reforms of **Gaius Marius**. Although Marius is credited with elevating the eagle to its primary role, **Pliny the Elder** records that prior to Marius, the Roman legions had multiple animal standards: a wolf, minotaur, horse, and boar. Over time, however, the eagle became the sole battle standard, while the other symbols remained in the legionary camp.

By the time of the **Principate**, the eagle was typically made of gold or tinned with gold, though **during the Late Republican period**, silver was more commonly used for the eagle. The Aquilifer’s role remained important in the early Roman Empire but seems to have faded during the **Dominate**, as military structures evolved, though it is possible that some legions retained the tradition.

This esteemed position underscored the unity and pride of a Roman legion, symbolizing its collective strength and cohesion on the battlefield.