Imaginifer

The Imaginifer was the bearer of the imperial portraiture in the Roman army.

From an undetermined time of the Roman Empire to the legions led next to the Aquilifer borne by eagles, and supported by Signifer Signum the Centurions also a representation of the ruling Emperor ( imago ), which was carried ahead of the Legion. This custom is witnessed by Vegetius.

Details about this service level and its introduction are not known; as well as the nature of the imperial portrait is not yet certain. However, in surviving ancient inscriptions the names of several Imaginiferi are quoting this service degree and usually the unit to which they belonged, survived. Thus, an inscription was in the legion camp Vetera near Xanten found that calls a Septimius Mucatra as Legio XXX Ulpia Victrix Imaginifer of; a Quintus Titius as the Legio VIII Augusta Imaginifer is known from an inscription in Aquileia. The grave relief of Imaginifer genialis from the VII Rhaetians cohort in Mainz provides him with the emperor portrait dar. Except for legions and auxiliary troops are Imaginiferi also known at the station in Rome urban cohorts and vigiles.

The Imaginiferi were led around by the Legion defeated in cities (often by an instrument acoustically background) to the population to show (on the banner ) who their new emperor. This has been mainly used for lowering the locals, but as a demonstration by Emperor Go. Sometimes these appearances seemed so provocative to the people that there were riots, about in Jerusalem because of the Jewish prohibition of images.