Where have our Eagles gone?

[Ron Andrea]

That creates a conundrum: If we don't think am Aquila looks like what was represented on coins, steles, etc., how will we recognize one if we find it?

For example, if we found a solid gold eagle representation in approximately the right pose, would we reject it as an Aquila because it would (probably) be too heavy--not to mention too valuable--to lug around a battlefield? On the other hand, if we found a hollow gold eagle would we reject it as inappropriate to the honor and dignity of the role as Aquila? What if it wasn't gold?

What's the correct pose even? Some of those examples represent wings up, some wings out. (In heraldry the different poses have unique meanings, don't they? Did they to the Romans?)