Literary notes about vexillum (AI summary)
The term vexillum is used in literature to denote a flag or standard that carries rich military, civic, religious, and even botanical connotations. In many historical and descriptive works, it appears as the emblematic banner of power—carried by Roman soldiers or displayed on coins—and is often associated with insignia or symbols of authority [1, 2, 3]. In some texts, the vexillum takes on a ceremonial role, such as the imperial standard or labarum borne by commanders and emperors [4, 5, 6], while in others it is noted for its elaborate physical design, adorned with gold and precious stones or featuring unique anatomical details, as in botanical descriptions [7, 8, 9, 10]. This multifaceted use underscores its importance as a symbol not only in warfare and governance but also in art and emblematic representation [11, 12].
- The parts of the same, displayed: s , Standard, or Vexillum;
— from The Elements of Botany, For Beginners and For Schools by Asa Gray - 92.—Roman Manipular Vexillum , from the Trajan Column .
— from A Guide to the Exhibition Illustrating Greek and Roman Life by British Museum. Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities - Each maniple had its 'vexillum,' or standard.
— from The Gracchi Marius and SullaEpochs of Ancient History by A. H. (Augustus Henry) Beesly - Here gleamed the imperial standard, the vexillum prætorium , the flag of the General, Belisarius.
— from The Scarlet Banner by Felix Dahn - This was known as the vexillum, and was supposed to be derived from the Labarum, or standard of the first Christian emperor, Constantine the Great.
— from The Flags of the World: Their History, Blazonry, and Associations by F. Edward (Frederick Edward) Hulme - The Imperial Standard or Labarum carried before Constantine and his successors resembled the cavalry Vexillum.
— from The Flags of the World: Their History, Blazonry, and Associations by F. Edward (Frederick Edward) Hulme - Vexillum illud post victoriam papae misit Willelmus, quod erat in hominis pugnantis figura, auro et lapidibus arte sumptuosa intextum.
— from Feudal England: Historical Studies on the Eleventh and Twelfth Centuries by John Horace Round - Regis Ricardi : regium cum leone vexillum .
— from British Flags: Their Early History, and Their Development at Sea With an Account of the Origin of the Flag as a National Device by William Gordon Perrin - The Standard or Banner ( Vexillum ), the large upper petal which is external in the bud and wrapped around the others.
— from The Elements of Botany, For Beginners and For Schools by Asa Gray - Vexillary , Vexillar , relating to the Vexillum , the standard of a papilionaceous flower, 92 .
— from The Elements of Botany, For Beginners and For Schools by Asa Gray - [71] " Tanquam in prœlio Domini, signifer Domini, vexillum Domini erigens; illud etiam Domini non solum spiritualiter, sed et figuraliter implens.
— from Life of Thomas à Becket by Henry Hart Milman - [433] Ego Christianus ... et vexillum crucis in mea fronte portans.—Hieron., Ep.
— from The Catacombs of Rome, and Their Testimony Relative to Primitive Christianity by W. H. (William Henry) Withrow
