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- Lupa The she-wolf. In ancient Rome, the she-wolf, Lupa, is a symbol deeply entwined with the city’s origin story. Legend has it that the she-wolf nurtured Romulus and Remus, the twin founders of Rome, epitomizing protection and care.
- SPQR. SPQR stands for “Senatus Populusque Romanus,” which translates to “The Senate and People of Rome.” This emblem was used to represent the Roman Republic’s government, embodying the shared power between the Senate and the Roman citizens.
- The Legionary Eagle. The eagle, known as the Aquila, was a potent symbol of ancient Rome, embodying the empire’s might and breadth. Introduced by General Marius, it became the distinguished emblem of the Roman legions, signifying courage, strength, and immortality.
- Laurel tree. The laurel tree, revered in ancient Rome, symbolized victory and honor and was closely linked to Jupiter, the king of the gods and patron of victory.
- Aquila
- Fasces
- Draco
- She-Wolf
- Romulus and Remus
- Labrys
- Asclepius Rod
- Knot of Hercules
- Cimaruta
- Globe
The Aquila is one of the most famous military symbols, not only in ancient Rome, but in the world today. The banner of the Roman legions, the Aquila was an eagle statuette raised on a pole with its wings spread wide. That’s what the term meant in Latin too – Aquila i.e. “eagle”. On the battlefield, the Aquila was the very representation of Rome but...
The Fasces symbolis unique in more ways than one. It’s a real-world physical symbol rather than one that’s painted, engraved, or sculptured, even though that’s certainly done as well. The Fasces is essentially a bundle of straight wooden rods with a military axe in the middle of them. The symbol was meant to represent unity and authority, with the ...
The Roman draco is one of the more unique military Roman symbols. Like the Imperial Aquila, the draco was a military banner, carried on a pole in battle. Its immediate practical purpose was to help organize and lead the troops in each cohort – such banners were a big reason why the Roman army had such unprecedented organization and discipline compa...
The Roman she-wolf, best known from the “Capitoline Wolf” bronze statue in Rome, is one of the most recognizable and defining symbols of ancient Rome. The symbol shows a nursing female wolf standing over twin human babies, the brothers Romulus and Remus – the mythical founders of Rome. The wolf is breastfeeding the two babies which is why the ancie...
Together with the Roman she-wolf, Romulus and Remus are probably the most iconic figures associated with ancient Rome. The twin brothers were believed to have lived during the eighth century BCE before the founding of Rome. Depending on which legends are to be believed, they were either the sons or grandsons of king Numitor, the ruler of the city A...
This famous double-bladed axe is a popular symbol in both Greek symbolismand Roman culture. The classical Greeks knew it as the Sagaris or Pelekys while the Romans also referred to it as bipennis. It also remained a popular symbol in the later Byzantine empire, which was the effective successor of the Roman empire after the fall of Rome. Despite it...
Also known as the Asclepius Wand, this symbol was popular in both Rome and Greece. Its path from the Balkans to the Italian peninsula can be traced through the Etruscan civilization which predated the establishment of Rome. Portrayed as a snake wrapped vertically around a wooden rod, the Rod of Asclepiusis hugely popular today in the medical and ph...
Despite its definitive Greek origin, the Knot of Hercules was a very popular symbol in ancient Rome. It was also referred to as the “Herculean Knot”, the “Love Knot”or the “Marriage Knot”. It was widely used as a protective charm and as a part of the Roman bride’s wedding dress. The knot was made from strong intertwined ropes and was tied around th...
The complex design of the Cimarutamakes it look obscure and even random but it was a symbol almost all Roman babies and children were raised under. The Cimaruta was a popular amulet, commonly placed over children’s cribs for protection or worn around the neck. It means, “Sprig of Rue” which was one of the most sacred Italian plants. The charm had t...
The Globe is one of those symbols that have managed to transcend Rome and is now viewed as a global symbol (no pun intended). It originated in Rome, where the god Jupiter and other Roman deitiesare often depicted holding a globe in their hands. This represented the ultimate power of the gods over all the land. The globe was also often portrayed in ...
Aug 13, 2023 · Understanding the meaning behind Roman symbols provides valuable insights into the values and beliefs of this ancient civilization. In the following sections, we will explore some of the most notable Roman symbols and delve into their meanings and cultural importance.
- Dogs. Dogs are not just man’s best friend, they were an important part of ancient Roman culture. Dogs are known to represent fulfillment and happiness.
- Goats. In ancient Roman culture, goats were considered a sign of success, skill, and even dissatisfaction. Goats featured in Roman paintings were a reminder of the good that can be found in a human being.
- Snakes. The wand of Asclepius is the perfect example of snakes in Roman symbolism. Mercury, the Roman of god of health and wellbeing, held this wand, which is actually shaped like a snake.
- Horses. Horses are a symbol of loyalty, confidence, strength and freedom. Many filmmakers and children’s cartoon creators have used horses in movies like Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron and Mulan as they represent freedom and loyalty.
Nov 7, 2019 · Animals such as goats and sheep carried similar connotations in Ancient Rome. Often associated with Faunus, sheep and goats were symbols of rustic life and earthly qualities, sometimes sharing Faunus’ links with sexuality, with rams sometimes extended to a symbol of fertility.
Dec 8, 2021 · Roman iconography—the meaningful symbols, motifs, and formal elements in visual culture—often addressed religious matters. These images have been mined for information about the gods and how they met the concerns of human worshippers.
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This article takes a look at some of the most well-known symbols of Roman history, sharing some juicy facts about their origin, use, and meaning. The Eagle ( Aquila ) Few symbols represent Rome as powerfully as the eagle.
