ERIC The
Encyclopedia of Roman Imperial Coins
by Rasiel
Suarez
Glossary
Biga – A chariot pulled by two horses.
Capricornus – The classical Roman Capricorn; a mythological figure combining the fore part of a goat with a fish tail.
Carpentum – A funerary chariot; the predecessor of the modern hearse.
Cornucopia – A funnel-shaped container used to store fruits and vegetables, usually for decorative more so than practical purposes. Symbolically representative of plentiful resources.
Cuirass – The body armor of the soldier. The emperor, who rarely, if ever, personally fought in a war would have intricate decorations on his own cuirass.
Labarum – A vexillum with a Christian motif.
Lictor – The personal bodyguard to the emperor. The lictor would be outfitted with a fasces which was analogous in use to the billy club of today‟s police officers.
Lituus – One of the principal ceremonial instruments used by Roman priests during the course of their religious rites.
Modius – A bushel of grain.
Parazonium – The quintessentially Roman short sword which served as the main weapon of combat for infantrymen.
Patera – A sacred bowl used to pour various libations over the open fire of an altar.
Pileus – A small hat given to freed slaves to symbolize their freedom. In some countries, such as France, it continues to be used as a symbol of freedom.
Quadriga – A chariot pulled by four horses.
Scepter – A ceremonial rod of various lengths decorated with inlaid jewels and engravings. It is representative of ultimate authority.
Simpulum - One of the principal ceremonial instruments used by Roman priests during the course of their religious rites.
Standard – A pole or staff adorned with large medallions, flags and other insignia denoting a particular military unit 's origin and affiliation. Asides from pomp, the devices proved useful in battlefield coordination.
Tessera – A name sometimes used in referring to the chief attribute of Liberalitas. The device is a coin counter designed to give an accurate number of coins quickly and repeatedly during a donative procession but its actual name is unknown today.
Vestal – A "nun" who devoted her life serving in the temple of Vesta. Her person and chastity was considered absolutely inviolable.
Vexillum – A flag or sign carried on a pole used as a signaling device similar to a standard.
Victimarius – A priest whose function it was to ritually kill an animal meant as a sacrificial offering.