- cross-posted to:
- historymemes
- cross-posted to:
- historymemes
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Explanation: When a Roman general was granted a Triumph, the highest honor bestowed upon successful generals (possibly excluding the Grass Crown) the general was given the opportunity to make a massive parade through Rome, riding in a chariot in the most prestigious apparel allowed, while all the citizens cheered and the Senate honored him. However, as the Republican traditions of Rome demanded, a slave would be along in the chariot to hold a laurel crown just over the general’s head and say in his ear, repeatedly, throughout the whole Triumph, “Remember, thou art only a man”. One expects that there was some temptation for the slave to carry out this duty VERY thoroughly!
I thought the grass crown and Laurel crown were synonymous, and both worn during a triumph.
Thanks for the share, as always
The laurel crown was made of bay laurel, and used for various achievements. It’s the one we see/think of when we think of wreath crowns in Rome.
The Grass Crown was much, much rarer - it was granted only to someone who had saved an entire legion - or multiple legions - from certain destruction. Furthermore, it was not granted by the Senate or any general or magistrate - it was granted only by the acclaim of the saved legion itself. The Grass Crown was woven from the local plants of the battlefield the legion(s) were saved on by the saved soldiers themselves. Only a small handful of people in the history of Rome ever received such a high honor. May not have been as good for one’s political career as a triumph through the streets of Rome, but it was the most highly esteemed honor a Roman soldier could be awarded.
I thought that was just a Mel Brooks joke, and had no idea it was based on real history.
Remember thou art mortal.
