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. ==Uniform==

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. ==Treasurer==

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. ==Roman Republic and Roman Empire==

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). ==See also==