Roman Signifer

A signifer was a standard bearer of the Roman legions. He carried a signum (standard) for a cohort or century. The signum was a wooden pole about 6 feet long, topped with a metal hand and a wreath of laurel leaves. The hand was a symbol of the oath of loyalty that the soldiers took when they first enlisted. The signum was also decorated with other symbols, such as the eagle of the legion or the image of the emperor.

The signifer was a highly respected figure in the Roman army. He was responsible for the safety of the signum, and his death in battle was considered a great misfortune. If the signum was captured by the enemy, the legion was considered to have been disgraced.