Draco (military standard)

The draco ("dragon" or "serpent", plural dracones) was a military standard of the Roman cavalry.

[citation needed] According to Vegetius, in the fourth century a draco was carried by each legionary cohort.

During the charge is when they most resemble creatures: they are inflated by the wind, and even make a sort of hissing sound as the air is forced through them.

[4] Arrian says the colorful banners offer visual pleasure and amazement, but also help the riders position themselves correctly in the complicated drills.

[6] The draco is depicted on the Ludovisi battle sarcophagus, above the horseman who is the central figure in the composition.

The Draco standard of Niederbieber, the only fully preserved draco, found in the Limes fortress of Niederbieber, Landesmuseum Koblenz, Germany [ 1 ]
Carolingian cavalrymen with a draco standard from the ninth century
Draco and other war trophies depicted in the Hadrianeum in Rome
Detail from the Ludovisi battle sarcophagus showing a draco (top right, above the horse's head)