The Marching Optios--two marching Roman figures
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Item Number: ROM084
The Marching Optios
In the Roman Legions, an 'Optio' held a rank in each 'Century' similar to that of an Executive Officer. The main function of these soldiers in battle was to be stationed at the rear of the ranks and keep the troops in order.
Among their other duties were to enforce the orders of the Centurion and/or take over command of the Century in battle should the need arise plus other administrative duties while in camp or on the march.
As an interesting side note, Optio pay was double the standard Legionary payment. Optios were also the most likely candidates to be promoted to 'Centurion' if that appointment became vacant.
ROME ON THE MARCH
These unique symbols of Rome were valued so highly that battles and campaigns were sometimes fought to recover any that were seized by enemy forces.
After victories had been won and enemies crushed, these same symbols would be paraded through the streets of Ancient Rome itself, as the victorious Legions and their commanders enjoyed a ceremonial parade called, appropriately enough… ‘A Triumph’.
“THE ROMAN TRIUMPH”
‘The Roman Triumph’ (in latin ‘Triumphus’), was a civil ceremony and religious rite of Ancient Rome held to publicly celebrate and sanctify the success of a military commander who had led Rome’s forces to victory in the service of the State or, in some historical traditions, one who had successfully completed a foreign war.
On the day of the ‘Triumph’ the victor would lead a magnificent parade through The streets of the ancient city accompanied by his army, defeated captives and the ‘spoils of war’ taken from the vanquished.
Thousands of victorious soldiers would take part followed by hundreds of their sullen and dejected prisoners all of them cheered by and jeered at along the route by hundreds of thousands of Rome’s jubilant citizens.
After the day-long parade and the sacrifices made at the Temple of Jupiter (and for several days afterwards) spectacular games and entertainments would be held to placate and please the Roman masses.
Due to be released in APRIL 2025.
