Brass Draco Dragon Standard – Roman Cavalry Reenactment

Draco Standards were adopted during the Late Empire, 250-400 AD and were
generally carried by cavalry units. The hollow head, in the form of a toothed dragon, or
snake head was formed from metal and when carried by a rider at a gallop, the wind passing
through it would extend a cloth tube tail attached to the neck of the head. There is
indication that the air-stream passing through a Draco head carried "at speed" could create
a hissing, whistling or droning sound. The Draco was carried by the so-called "Draconarius"
rider of a cavalry unit. Draco standards were also used in cavalry "Gymnasia" (games), such
as the "Hypakka" where points were scored for strikes (from dummy pilum javelins thrown
by another team of "Aggressor" riders) on the tail piece of the Draco standards being carried
by the Draco Team acting as "targets.

This reproduction made by - Eagle steel handicraft