An aquilifer was the standard bearer of a Roman legion. The name derives from the type of standard, aquila meaning "eagle", which was the universal type used since 104 BC; before that time the wolf, boar, and horse were also used. The standard was the most important possession of the legion and its loss was a terrible disgrace. The aquilifer's position was accordingly one of enormous prestige, and he was ranked immediately below the centurions and above the optios , receiving twice the pay of an ordinary legionary. Unlike other standard bearers (such as signifers ), the aquilifer probably did not wear an animal skin and went bareheaded (no contemporary depiction of an aquilifer shows him with a headdress or helmet). He carried a small circular shield called parma that could be strapped on if his hands were already full with the standard and a weapon.
