03-02-2014, 08:17 AM
On page 29 of Ian Heath's Osprey book - 'Byzantine Armies 8886-1118', there is an illustration from an Armenian casket which depicts a number of Late Roman (I aver from using the term 'Byzantine' - yes, I am a pedant!) infantry. These poses include two infantry soldiers in period armour saluting an officer with what we would recognise as a modern-day salute in the British style, palm outwards.
Can anyone shed light for me on where the tradition of this salute comes from? Is it an Armenian custom or a Late Roman one? I wonder if it originated in the Roman Empire or has perhaps been incorporated into the military but came from elsewhere?
Any light on this would be appreciated - references rather than speculation is what I am really looking for here!
Thanks in advance.
Can anyone shed light for me on where the tradition of this salute comes from? Is it an Armenian custom or a Late Roman one? I wonder if it originated in the Roman Empire or has perhaps been incorporated into the military but came from elsewhere?
Any light on this would be appreciated - references rather than speculation is what I am really looking for here!
Thanks in advance.
Francis Hagan
The Barcarii
The Barcarii
