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Definition
Roman Standard
The Roman Standard (Latin: Signum or Signa Romanum) was a pennant, flag, or banner, suspended or attached to a staff or pole, which identified a Roman legion (infantry) or Equites (cavalry). The Standard of a cavalry unit was emblazoned with...
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Reverse Side, Standard of Ur
The Standard of Ur is a (reconstructed) hollow box and its precise purpose is unknown. The scenes are made using a mosaic of lapis lazuli, red limestone, and shell. This reverse side shows men bringing animals as tribute or war booty while...
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Roman Officers & Standard-Bearers
An artist's representation of how frontline officers and legionaries of the Roman army may have looked in action.
Definition
Roman Cavalry
Cavalry, although never replacing infantry as the mainstay of the Roman army, could provide useful cover on the flanks of armies, could be used as a shock tactic to cause disruption to enemy infantry formations, and could pursue an enemy...
Article
Officers of the Roman Army
With the appearance of the legionary, the Roman army was able to maintain a vast empire that totally embraced the Mediterranean Sea. Although the success of the army rested on the backs of the foot-soldiers and cavalry, there were others...
Definition
Roman Warfare
Roman warfare was remarkably successful over many centuries and across many territories. This was due to several important factors. Italy was a peninsula not easily attacked, there was a huge pool of fighting men to draw upon, a disciplined...
Video
Standard of Ur, c. 2600-2400 B.C.E.
More free lessons at: http://www.khanacademy.org/video?v=Nok4cBt0V6w
Standard of Ur, c. 2600-2400 B.C.E., 21.59 x 49.5 x 12 cm (British Museum)
Speakers: Dr. Steven Zucker & Dr. Beth Harris
Article
Battle of Teutoburg Forest
At the Battle of Teutoburg Forest (aka Battle of Varus), c. 9 CE, a combined force of Germans annihilated a Roman army consisting of three legions including three squadrons of cavalry and six cohorts of auxiliary troops. As some soldiers...
Article
The Battle of Philippi 42 BCE
The Battle of Philippi in 42 BCE was an all-Roman affair fought between the young Octavian, chosen heir of Julius Caesar, and the mercurial Mark Antony, widely regarded as the greatest living Roman general on the one side against Brutus and...
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Goat in a Thicket in the Standard of Ur
This is one of the scenes depicted on one of the sides of the Standard of Ur; this is not part of the so-called "Peace and War Scenes" of the Standard. Here, a rearing goat at a small tree or a shrub is flanked by two men. The man on the...