HMRR-03R – Cornicen – Red Shield Long before radios and electronic communications, armies relied upon visual and audible signals to transmit commands across the battlefield. For the Roman army, one of the men responsible for those audible signals was the Cornicen, named for the curved horn known as the cornu. HMRR-03R – Cornicen represents this specialist soldier within the Roman Army of the Mid-Republic, presented here with the red shield variation. The cornu produced a powerful sound that could carry over the noise and confusion of troops in movement. Signals helped communicate routine orders in camp and played an important part in coordinating soldiers during military operations. A Cornicen is therefore ideally placed close to the command group rather than simply mixed anonymously into the infantry ranks. Position him near a Centurion and Signifer, creating a small group responsible for command, standards and signals. Surrounded by massed Hastati or other Republican infantry, the curved horn also gives the figure an instantly recognisable silhouette. Available through The Military Workshop – a distinctive John Jenkins Designs Cornicen adding the essential battlefield signals of the Roman army to your Mid-Republic collection.
