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Signals with the Standard(Signum):
#1
There isn't much to base signals (commands) with the Standards on for a reenactment unit. Here is a set of signals that SEEM right to me:

Signals with the Standard (Signum):

In General the Standard will repeat some of the critical commands of the Centurion.

Some Standard Signals will have corresponding hand and arm signals and Cornu Calls.

The "Attention to Orders" standard signal accompanies other verbal and Cornu commands which allows the troops to see that the Cornu call or verbal order is indeed for their unit.

Attention to Orders: Standard is Raised and Lowered

Forward March: Standard is moved in the direction of march.

Charge: Standard is raised and lowered rapidly until the last rank forward of the standard is in motion

Facing movements; Standard is turned in the direction of the movement.

Halt: From the march Standard is Raised and Lowered

Rally: Standard is faced towards the enemy and orbited at the top.

Recall: Standard is faced away from the Century and orbited at the top.


C. Julius Caesar Gallic War book 2, chapter 20

Caesar had every thing to do at one time: the standard to be displayed, which was the sign when it was necessary to run to arms; the signal to be given by the trumpet; the soldiers to be called off from the works; those who had proceeded some distance for the purpose of seeking materials for the rampart, to be summoned; the order of battle to be formed; the soldiers to be encouraged; the watchword to be given.
John Kaler MSG, USA Retired
Member Legio V (Tenn, USA)
Staff Member Ludus Militus https://www.facebook.com/groups/671041919589478/
Owner Vicus and Village: https://www.facebook.com/groups/361968853851510/
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#2
We know they used signum signals, but we really don't know what they were. There was some discussion on that back in the LM Tactica writing days, but the closest anyone came was to try and copy modern marching band drum major signals, for example the USMC group. Some of the subtle ones could not be determined to be visibly effective, and others not having ancient lists to draw from, basically we decided at that time it wasn't likely to be finished without extreme conflict and argument, so we just let it drop.

I always thought a short list for common turns, start, stop, etc., could be worked out and if groups just started using them, wouldn't hurt anything. Some people saw it otherwise, choosing to do nothing at all if they couldn't find an ancient command. I countered with there had not yet (at least at that time) a command to sheathe swords--though we knew of one for "draw swords"--that we should be hesitant to give the "draw" command, since no command existed for resheathing: so all soldiers would have to carry their swords in their hands for the rest of the day. Somehow, that irony missed them, and I was named Pariah of the Decade. So it went.

And still here is so far no agreed list of signum commands that follow the auditory command. Let's find something that works and then let's use it.
M. Demetrius Abicio
(David Wills)

Saepe veritas est dura.
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