A phalera was a sculpted disk, usually made of gold, silver, bronze or glass, and worn on the breastplate during parades by Roman soldiers who had been awarded it as a kind of medal.[1] Roman military units could also be awarded phalerae for distinguished conduct in action. These awards were often mounted on the staffs of the unit's standards. The term also refers to disks crafted by the continental Celts for religious and ornamental purposes, especially those used on equestrian gear.
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Circular Dacian phalera having the representation of a horseman with shield. Part of the Dacian Silver Hoard of Lupu, 1st century BC. Found at Lupu, Alba, Romania in 1978. It has military and religious significance, being a representation of a God of War, possibly related to the Thracian Rider.
A soldier with 7 phalerae
Lauersfort Phalera, Burg Linn Museum Center, Krefeld, Germany
Roman military unit standards with phalerae
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See also
- Roman military decorations and punishments
- Mirror armour – similar oriental armour