The purpose of the Late Roman Draco standard.

[ValentinianVictrix]

What do you consider 'proper evidence'? I have shown two passages from one source that indicate that the Draco's were purple, and that in one such instance they were not in the presence of the Emperor himself. We know that purple was the imperial colour, so why make the Draco's that colour if their only purpose was to act as a windsock, indicating the wind direction, as you stated?

Adrian, are you even reading my posts?
a) proper evidence is anything (textual or artistic) that mentions the draco as imperial. Of course emperors had a personal standard. that an emperor had a draco present of course does not mean that every draco <therefore> was a representation of the emperor.
b) the colour purple was not the imperial colour. Yes, the emperors used the colour as colour representing their status, but as I've shown from other examples, that does not have to mean that each time we come across the word 'purpure'an imperial connection is meant. It was also used to describe a colour red. If indeed the colour of the tail was reddish rather than purple, the imperial connection fails.
I've shown even more evidence than you about purple tals! But also a Persian one of the same colour.
c) I never said that the only purpose of the draco was being a windsock. But it was the initial purpose, no doubt.

Sorry if I gave the impression of posting before reading, I assure you thats not the case.

Of course I fully accept this is my own, personal theory, which could be complete bunkum. I have read some papers by historians with even less evidence for their theories which have gained credance. But then again, I'm not a published academic who others are not willing to challenge!

I do believe all Draco's were purple in colour during at least the 4th Century AD, and that there must have been a reason for this other than the Draco being a signalling device as stated by Vegetius (although, having served in the armed forces myself I fail to see how such a standard would be used in a signalling role, waving it about would appear to be a complete and utter nonsense!).

I am very glad you posted the other references to purple draco's, even those used by other nations are evidence perhaps that all Draco's were this colour by convention only, thereby at least dispelling one claim that they were all different colours to denote the unit the Draco belong to.