Batavian shield emblem

[Memmia]

Is the design an early fore runner of the medieval fleur de lys ?

I can't help noticing a similarity, and early fleur de lys type emblems representing the lily (or some say it is actually a type of iris, not a lily) have had deep significance for many cultures going back thousands of years, but especially around Western and Central Europe.

Does anyone know if there is a connection or significance- or am I just seeing things :?

[Andrew Brozyna]

Are you referring to the shield blazon depicted in the illustration in the past Batavian article in Ancient Warfare magazine? I don't believe that design is specifically tied to the Batavians. It is just one of the many shield emblems carried by the auxiliaries on Trajan's Column. To my eyes the design appears to be an representation of a palm branch—a general symbol of victory in the Mediterranean world.

[Memmia]

That's the one I meant,

I wasn't sure if it was unique to the Batavians, or if it was generally one used by various auxillaries. I wondered if it was connected to Gauls, as the fleur de lys has a strong history in Gaul.So it may be a palm leaf after all.

Thankyou for your reply, Andrew

Cheers

Jo

[Paullus Scipio]

At the risk of seeming pedantic, the design you refer to has no known connection to the Batavians; as Peroni has mentioned on another thread, it was chosen more or less at random. Co-incidently, it also appeared coloured gold on a green background as an 'auxiliary design' in Peter Connolly's books.......
Sorry .......

[Memmia]

Thanks Paul