The Eagle of Rome: A Symbol of Honor, Heritage, and Faith

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS

The Roman eagle (aquila) stands as one of the most enduring and majestic symbols of ancient civilization, embodying the strength, honor, and unity of the Roman legions. For me, as an Iranian-American who has traced significant Roman ancestry in my DNA, the story of the aquila is not just a historical fascination but also a deeply personal connection to a lineage of warriors, builders, and leaders who shaped the Western world.

The Origins of the Roman Eagle

The eagle was not always the exclusive emblem of Rome's legions. During the Republic's Manipular Legion era, it was one of five standards, accompanied by representations of a wolf, horse, boar, and Minotaur. However, as Rome’s military system evolved, so too did its symbols. Under the consulship of Gaius Marius in 104 BC, the eagle became the singular emblem of the Roman legions. This change was not merely administrative—it was symbolic of Rome’s rising dominance and its aspirations for unity under a single, powerful identity.

The aquila was typically mounted on a plain pole, sometimes adorned with decorative discs, and crafted from precious metals such as silver and later gold. By the Imperial period, the golden eagle came to symbolize the wealth and power of Rome itself. The standard's simplicity was deceptive; it was not just an ornament but a representation of the legion's soul.

The Loss and Recovery of the Eagle

To lose an eagle in battle was the ultimate disgrace for a Roman legion. This reverence for the aquila is evident in the lengths Rome went to recover lost standards. In 20 BC, Emperor Augustus negotiated the return of eagles captured by the Parthians decades earlier—a testament to the significance of this symbol even in diplomatic contexts. Later, Germanicus, a celebrated Roman general, led expeditions to reclaim eagles lost during the catastrophic Battle of Teutoburg Forest in AD 9. His success not only restored the legions' honor but also reaffirmed Rome’s resilience in the face of adversity.

These historical accounts resonate with me personally. The parallels between the aquila and my own journey of reclaiming my identity and faith after leaving Islam are profound. Just as the Romans sought to recover their lost standards, I sought to rediscover the values and heritage that had been buried under layers of cultural and ideological imposition.

The Role of the Aquilifer

The aquilifer, or eagle-bearer, was no ordinary soldier. This prestigious position within the oversized first cohort of the legion was reserved for those of exceptional valor and loyalty. The aquilifer carried the weight of the legion’s spirit, quite literally, into battle, making their role both an honor and a tremendous responsibility.

In many ways, this role reminds me of the responsibilities we carry as Christians and conservative patriots. Just as the aquilifer embodied the values of Rome, we are called to embody the principles of faith, liberty, and truth in a world often hostile to them.

The Eagle’s Legacy

Despite its centrality in earlier periods, the Roman eagle fell out of use in late antiquity. Its disappearance marks the decline of the Western Roman Empire and the transition to a new era. Today, no aquilae have survived archaeologically. Reconstructions rely on depictions from Roman reliefs, but the spirit of the eagle endures in the Western tradition of liberty and strength.

For me, the aquila is more than a historical artifact. It is a reminder of the Roman heritage embedded in my DNA, a symbol of the greatness of Western civilization, and an emblem of the eternal truths that transcend time and culture. My Roman ancestors, like my Iranian ones, lived in the tension of empire and faith, glory and struggle. They remind me that we are all part of a larger story—a story that calls us to carry our standards high, whether they be an eagle or a cross.

Conclusion

The Roman eagle is a powerful symbol of honor and identity, one that speaks to the soul of a civilization and the individuals within it. As a Christian conservative, I see the eagle as a reminder of the enduring values that shaped the West and continue to guide us today.

Just as the Romans bore their eagles into battle, so too must we carry our faith, principles, and heritage forward in the face of modern challenges.

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Citations

1. Goldsworthy, Adrian. The Complete Roman Army. Thames & Hudson, 2003.
2. Southern, Pat. The Roman Army: A Social and Institutional History. Oxford University Press, 2006.
3. Campbell, Duncan B. Roman Standards & Standard-Bearers (1): 112 BC–AD 192. Osprey Publishing, 2019.
4. Suetonius, Gaius. The Twelve Caesars. Translated by Robert Graves, Penguin Classics, 2007.
5. DNA Heritage Analysis Report. Personal genealogical findings.