The Latin term phalera indicates decorative metal elements, circular in shape, chiselled or embossed with a central decoration.
The phalerae could be fixed as pendants on the harnesses of horses, or used on the armour of soldiers, tied with orthogonal straps and hooked onto the breastplate symmetrically, or displayed on the military insignia, the signum.
They were often awarded as a result of merits achieved in battle.
