Ancient Salutes

[CaesarAugustus]

Something I have been wondering for awhile...

We all know how the soldiers of Rome saluted their military superiors, and indeed it has been copied many times throughout history. My question is this: how did the soldiers of other ancient "factions" (Carthage, Sparta, Persia, Gallic tribes?) salute/acknowledge their military superiors? Was the Roman salute originally copied over from some other ancient fighting force? Did all other "factions" (a shiny green balloon for whoever can come up with a batter word for me to use than "factions") even have a form of military salute or did they acknowledge their superiors in a different way?

Sorry for the random question, btw.

[cmacq]

A greeting or submission?

See the tops of the outside Roman standards?




The timeless, cross-cultural, international symbol of obedience (trust???) over all those unit insignia.

[overmind2000]

A better word to use for "factions" would be "states".

[cmacq]

Right, like prostration, bowed body, foot on back of neck/head, kneeling finger kiss, or other such methods of supplication.

[pezhetairoi]

uh, but isn't the intent of the question to inquire about salutes and signs of respect and obedience, not subjugation and submission?

[cmacq]

uh, but isn't the intent of the question to inquire about salutes and signs of respect and obedience, not subjugation and submission?

In some cultures is there a distinction?