Roman standard Draco - symbol of power and courage
Draco, also known as the "Roman dragon", is one of the most iconic symbols of Roman military. This military standard was mainly used by the Roman cavalry(alae) from the 2nd century AD and later spread to infantry units. Today, replicas of this famous banner, such as the one made by Deepeek, are very popular among reconstructors, collectors and lovers of ancient history.
History and origin of the Draco symbol
The origins of the dragon go back to the Dacians and Sarmatians, nomadic peoples from what is now Romania. The Romans adopted this fascinating symbol after their victory over the Dacians under the Emperor Trajan. The shape of the banner - a metal dragon head with open jaws and a cloth tail - was not just decorative. As it flew, the wind blew into the cloth hoop, which inflated and made a hissing or whistling sound. This effect was intended to frighten enemies and bolster the courage of Roman soldiers.
The standard bearer was the draconarius, a special soldier who carried the dragon into battle. The draco became a symbol of strength, courage and legion unity, and later inspired medieval heraldic emblems.
The Draco replica is a meticulously crafted historical copy, designed for reenactment, museum displays and collector's showcases. The metal head of the dragon is made with detailed decoration. The rod is not included in the product.