The Draco standard

[Robert Vermaat]

it seems to have been determined that the Draco was introduced by Sarmatian Mercenaries and Auxilliary units in the 2nd or 3rd century, and later became a standard for an Army led by the Roman Emperor. The Army didn't carry it otherwise, it seemed.

Actually, the one to describe the use in a Roman army describes cavalry, but I'm not unwilling to see the Dacian Wars as point of introduction. :wink:

Later, it became not only the standard of the emperor, but of every cohort.