03-29-2013, 07:47 PM
The only writer I know of who gives an even semi-detailed description of a draco is Ammianus Marcellinus, and the context is a triumphal parade in 357. So this is a late reference, where the draco becomes the emperor's personal ( and purple) standard.
That description is a long way in time from any original application, not even a cohort's rallying point. The oldest draco depiction predates Trajan's column, and has no bearing on the Roman army. It has no animal head at all, just a windsock being carried in battle, along with very detailed illustrations of the weapons. It is eastern (tentitively east of Sogdiana), from a world which only recorded sacred texts in a written language, Tokharian B. The other "mundane" stuff was not recorded, all those battles that occurred every other week.
Basically, everything discussed on this thread would seem as an "opinionated guess." :unsure:
My premise, with nothing to back it up, other than the undulating draco body is older than the Dacian wars, is conjecture based upon my experience as an archer... and the fact that the draco, at the origin of its evolution, was a wind sock used by bow-oriented cultures, not a flag or banner. :whistle:
That description is a long way in time from any original application, not even a cohort's rallying point. The oldest draco depiction predates Trajan's column, and has no bearing on the Roman army. It has no animal head at all, just a windsock being carried in battle, along with very detailed illustrations of the weapons. It is eastern (tentitively east of Sogdiana), from a world which only recorded sacred texts in a written language, Tokharian B. The other "mundane" stuff was not recorded, all those battles that occurred every other week.
Basically, everything discussed on this thread would seem as an "opinionated guess." :unsure:
My premise, with nothing to back it up, other than the undulating draco body is older than the Dacian wars, is conjecture based upon my experience as an archer... and the fact that the draco, at the origin of its evolution, was a wind sock used by bow-oriented cultures, not a flag or banner. :whistle:
Alan J. Campbell
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
