Military banner

Banners have more or less always been a part of the battle field. Here is one example from the Gallic wars and a Roman relief.


part of a Roman monument. Notice that some pieces nowadays are to be found in Naples, others in Rome.

"Our men, raising a shout, quickly throw their javelins at the enemy. They, when, contrary to their expectation, they saw those whom they believed to be retreating, advance toward them with threatening banners, were not able to sustain even the charge, and, being put to flight at the first onslaught, sought the nearest woods; Labienus pursuing them with the cavalry, upon a large number being slain, and several taken prisoners, got possession of the state a few days after; for the Germans, who were coming to the aid of the Treviri, having been informed of their flight, retreated to their homes."

Caesar - De Bello Gallico VI 8
Translated by W. A. McDevitte and W. S. Bohn