Phalerae

[DEL]

Bit of info please.
Did centurions wear Palerae in camp? on the march? in battle?
The reason I'm asking is to determine the groundwork (scene) on a piece I'm working on.
Any advices is as always much appreciated.
Cheers
Derek

 

[Tubby-Nuts2]

Not an easy question to answer!,.. However, these are awards, (Medals), for parade ground use! .. I very much doubt that they were worn on campaign ! or in battle! .. Its the similar difference between dress uniform and, combat fatigues ! ..As wearing them in Battle would attract and invite every 'Nasty', to come your way. ... However. I will check my somewhat, bulging library of books, and check indexes, for any more info.

Regards,

Mark

 

[Martin64]

Here are two interesting links:
http://www.legionxxiv.org/centurionpage/
http://www.romancoins.info/MilitaryEquipment-Signum.html
although they don`t answer your question directly I would say that going by common sense these medals were prestigious, precious and hard to replace when lost. Artists like Angus McBride and Peter Conolly show their Centurio`s without Phalerae at camp or in battle. It makes sense in my eyes. If you need some of these images let me know.
All the best!
Martin

 

[DEL]

Thanks Martin and Mark, that was pretty much my take on it.
Think I'll do the figure in an urban/formal setting. The pose doesn't
lend itself to a parade situation as such.
Cheers
Derek

 

[Tarracus]

I've extracted the following note about phalerae and torque from here...
" In Caesar's days it was common to wear medals in battle and this practice may have persisted into the principate"

 

[Tubby-Nuts2]

I have this book! .....somewhere! .. I do like Adrian Goldsworthy! books!

Mark

 

[Tarracus]

I have this book! .....somewhere! .. I do like Adrian Goldsworthy! books!

Mark

I bought it a few months ago and I truly recommend it to any sword&sandals lover

 

[DEL]

I've extracted the following note about phalerae and torque from here...
" In Caesar's days it was common to wear medals in battle and this practice may have persisted into the principate"

Thanks Gerard, very useful.
Cheers
Derek

 

[Ferris]

Gerard's link makes sense to me. Dress to impress.

Adrian