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Quote:Interestingly, that same website that Tarbicus pointed out where the eagle is said to be holding lightning and thunderbolts has another symbol that is WHIRLWINDS, wings and lightning: link from old RAT I have copper As with this very symbol on it actually...
The description says God the Creator. Are they whirlwinds or could they be another biblical reference, pillars of fire?
Quote:Here's a reconstruction of a colleagues shield with decorative metal facings probably based on the Kalkriese finds of lightning bolts;
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b242/ ... metal1.jpg
That's awesome, thanks! There's are similar ones here on RAT:
Billy Flood, from Roma Antiqua.
TITUS SABATINUS AQUILIUS:
link from old RAT
TARBICvS/Jim Bowers
A A A DESEDO DESEDO!
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Quote:Here's another theory.. Ice-cream cones, whirlwinds, thunderbolts, What about unicorns horns?? Mythical beasts with supposed magical powers?
Just a thought
I know this was tongue in cheek, but just to prove I can generate factoids on a level with Cliff Clavin from "Cheers"---
According to the
Physiologus, Unicorn horns are indigo in color and curved like scimitars. All early depictions show them this way.
The idea of twisted horns is probably a late medieval early renaissance notion made after the discovery and imporation of narwhal tusks.
In fact, the whole white "clydesdale" with narwhal tusk image is pretty late. The ancient unicorn is always seen as a small gazelle like creature.
Interestingly, the first account of the unicorn, called "monoceros" as stout animal with legs like a elephant, thick skin and a curved indigo horn living in India, an animal any modern person can recognize as the extinct indian rhino. From this humble accurate account we get the wonderful gleaming white symbol of today.
Odd huh?
Travis
Theodoros of Smyrna (Byzantine name)
aka Travis Lee Clark (21st C. American name)
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Quote:Quote:Here'sa reconstruction of a colleagues shield with decorative metal facings probably based on the Kalkriese finds of lightning bolts;
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b242/ ... metal1.jpg
That's gorgeous. Some of the finest metalwork I've seen on a scutum 8)
I agree it's neat!
Someone should get Jim McDermott in on this conversation. He has a fabulous auxillae shield with raised leather applique wings and thunderbolt.
I did a search of his posts, but I couldn't find it.
Travis
Theodoros of Smyrna (Byzantine name)
aka Travis Lee Clark (21st C. American name)
Moderator, RAT
Rules for RAT:
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.romanarmy.com/rat/viewtopic.php?Rules">http://www.romanarmy.com/rat/viewtopic.php?Rules for posting
Oh! and the Toledo helmet .... oh hell, forget it. :? <img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_confused.gif" alt=":?" title="Confused" />:?