Roman phalerae were circular metal ornaments used as badges of honor within the imperial army. Awarded to soldiers for exceptional acts in battle, these pieces symbolized prestige, valor, and loyalty.
Originating from Etruscan and Greek influences, they became popular between the 1st century BC and 2nd century AD, and were held to the chest by harnesses or belts.
Made of bronze, silver, brass or with gold inlays, they displayed mythological motifs, deities and imperial symbols with clear propaganda and symbolic purposes.
The horse phalera and the equestrian cult
One of the most notable types is the Roman equestrian phalera, also known as the horse phalera, placed on the horse's harness as a distinctive element.
These phalerae were not mere ornaments; they served a crucial symbolic function in ceremonies and parades, especially among auxiliary cavalry and elite units.
The representation of galloping horses, armed riders or gods like Neptune evoked speed, strength and control.
Exceptional examples have been found in border regions of the Empire, such as Germania and Pannonia, and are currently preserved in institutions such as the Römisch-Germanisches Museum in Cologne and the Archaeological Museum in Budapest.
The phalera of Alexander the Great: Hellenistic power on the Roman chest
A unique find within the Roman iconographic repertoire is the phalera with the portrait of Alexander the Great, discovered in the province of Dacia.
This gilt bronze piece depicts the Macedonian conqueror with his characteristic wavy curls reminiscent of a lion's mane and uplifted gaze, alluding to his posthumous deification.
Their inclusion in Roman military equipment reveals Rome's deep admiration for the Hellenistic legacy and how figures outside the Latin world could be reinterpreted as symbols of glory and imperial ambition.
This falera is part of the collection of the National Museum of Romanian History in Bucharest.
The Gorgon Medusa: apotropaic protection
Another recurring and fascinating motif in Roman phalerae is that of the Gorgon Medusa.
His face, framed by snakes, not only provoked fear in enemies, but also had the function of protecting the wearer from evil.
The image of Medusa, inspired by Greek mythology, was widely adopted in Roman military art and ceremonial shields.
Phaleres with this representation have been found in funerary contexts and camps, evidencing their use both during life and in the posthumous memory of the soldier.
Several of these pieces are now on display at the British Museum and the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
Meaning and legacy
Phaleres were not awarded arbitrarily. Their concession required exceptional acts of bravery, and their public use reinforced the discipline and hierarchy of the Roman army.
They could also be inherited, buried with their owner, or dedicated in temples, which increased their symbolic value.
Like the phalerae equestris, phalerae militaris, or those with figures such as Medusa, Alexander or horses, each one represented a link between the earthly and the divine.
Today, these jewels of Roman military goldsmithing speak to us of a world where honor was visible, tangible, and deserved.
Every phalera that has come down to us—whether found in excavations or preserved in museums—is a testament to the order, devotion, and aesthetics that defined the Roman imperial machine and its cultural legacy.
