Signifer

The standard had a number of phalarae (disks or medallions) along with a number of other elements mounted on a pole. The pole could be topped with a leaf-shaped spear head or a manus (open human hand) image denoting the oath of loyalty taken by the soldiers. It sometimes included a representation of a wreath, probably denoting an honour or award.

The task of carrying the signum in battle was dangerous: a soldier had to stand in the first rank and could carry only a small buckler. It was that banner around which the men from each individual century would rally. A soldier could also gain the position of discentes signiferorum, or standard bearer in training. If the signifer was lost in battle, the whole unit was dishonored.

Archaeological and literary sources indicate that standard bearers wore mostly bear furs and sometimes lion furs. Although often depicted and adopted in modern re-enactments covering their helmets with wolf furs, those animals are never mentioned.

In addition to carrying the signum, the signifer also assumed responsibility for the financial administration of the unit and functioned as the legionaries' treasurer. The Signifer was also a Duplicarius, paid twice the basic wage.

In the Roman Republic, the signifer probably applied to all standard bearers, but in the Roman Empire, the signifer was just one of a number of types of signiferi, which also included aquilifers (responsible for the legion's aquila), imaginifers (who carried an image of the emperor), vexillarii (who carried the Vexillum, a banner representing the legion), and draconarii (who carried the standard of a cavalry unit).