Standard Bearer’s Parma

In the early Republican period, the parma was the type of shield that would have been used by the lowest ranks of soldiers. At that time, parma simply meant shield, and could come in a variety of sizes and shapes. In later times, the form shown here evolved as a practical defence for the soldier who carried the standard, when carrying the more common scutum would have been awkward. Each legion carried a single standard, which was of extreme importance. Thus, the ability of the aquifer, the standard bearer, to defend himself was of paramount importance.