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LEGIONARY SHIELD BLAZONS
Andrew Brozyna
Posted January 16 2008
As a graphic designer, Roman shield decoration has been of great interest to me. I have spent a number of years been researching Roman sculptures and literature. My focus has been the shield graphics (blazons) of the Legionaries, Auxiliaries and Praetorians of the 1st century AD. It has been my intention to write a proper book, or maybe publish an article. Consequently, I have been holding off on posting anything on the subject here on redrampant. Lately I have been thinking it a shame that I have all these drawings, but no one has been able to see them. So, here are a few of my drawings from Trajan’s Column.
Vegetius wrote, “Lest the soldiers in the confusion of battle should be separated from their comrades, every cohort had its shields painted in a manner peculiar to itself.”(Vegetius, De Re Militari, Book II) Judging by surviving sculpture, the most common 1st and 2nd century AD design for Legionary and Praetorian shields appears be the eagle wing and lightening-bolt motif. The shape and orientation of these elements appeared in many variations. In Roman mythology, the lightening-bolt and eagle represented the power of their supreme god, Jupiter. The wreath (symbolizing a crown of valor) was displayed on some Legionary shields and was also was popular with the auxiliaries. Stars, cresent moons and zodiac symbols may all have been tied to the Roman’s belief in astrology.
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