11-07-2005, 08:49 AM
Yes, the subject's back!
While looking for the translation of Valerius Flaccus' quote mentioned in the Classis thread, I found this (Argonautica, VI.54-56): "The whole troops bears Jove's emblem, their targes are embossed with the darting fires of the triple thunderbolt; nor, soldiers of Rome, are ye the first with your shields to spread abroad the flash and glare and flaming pinions of the brand." This sideways reference to shield emblems in his own time, does indicate that the thunderbolt + was a standard Roman shield emblem.
While looking for the translation of Valerius Flaccus' quote mentioned in the Classis thread, I found this (Argonautica, VI.54-56): "The whole troops bears Jove's emblem, their targes are embossed with the darting fires of the triple thunderbolt; nor, soldiers of Rome, are ye the first with your shields to spread abroad the flash and glare and flaming pinions of the brand." This sideways reference to shield emblems in his own time, does indicate that the thunderbolt + was a standard Roman shield emblem.