VEXILLARIUS

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The Vexillarius is one of the standard bearers and is considered to be of officer rank. He carries a flag-like standard that depicts the emblem of the Legion he belongs to and details the Legions name (this Vexillarius is from the 20th Legion “Valeria Victrix” whose emblem is the wild boar).

This particular Vexillarius wears an animal skin over his helmet as a sign of his status, in this case a wolf. For defence he carries a sword and a round shield.

The Vexillarius would travel on detachment with smaller units, such as a century, should they be sent on patrol.

Like some of the other standard bearers he would stand to the rear of the fighting men during battle.

The soldiers would defend their standards to the death because losing one of them was a big dishonour.