The Origins of an Icon

The eagle, known as ‘aquila‘ in Latin, stands as one of the most iconic and long-lasting emblems of Rome’s heritage. Throughout the eras of both the Republic and the Empire, while various animals and legendary figures held significant symbolism, it was the eagle that consistently represented dominion and might.

The use of the eagle as a symbol of state power was not initiated by the Romans. However, they adopted it with such fervor and reverence that it became synonymous with their empire’s enduring strength. The Aquila, which signified courage and immortality, was more than just a bird; it was a divine signal of Rome’s indomitable spirit.

Gaius Marius and the Aquila

The Roman Empire’s standard, the Aquila or eagle, emerged from a selection of animals used as military emblems, as noted by Pliny the Elder. Originally, symbols like the wolf, boar, minotaur, and horse, along with the eagle, represented Rome’s might. However, during Gaius Marius’ second term as consul, back to 102 BC, it was decided the eagle would singularly symbolize Rome, a shift from the Republic’s diverse standards to the Empire’s unified representation.

By elevating the Aquila above all other military ensigns, Marius not only streamlined legionary symbolism but also instilled a unifying emblematic identity across the Roman military.

Pliny the Elder writes:

“Caius Marius, in his second consulship, assigned the eagle exclusively to the Roman legions. Before that period it had only held the first rank, there being four others as well, the wolf, the minotaur, the horse, and the wild boar, each of which preceded a single division.”

The eagle, a potent avian predator and apex within its ecological niche, was chosen for its connotations of supremacy, valor, and indomitability — qualities Rome aspired to embody. Of course we cannot forget that the eagle was also the symbol of Jupiter, which gives a religious aspect to the choice.