Aquila
This article is about the Imperial symbol. For other uses of Aquila, see Aquila (disambiguation). |
The Aquila is a two-headed eagle, and represents the entire Imperium of Man.
Overview
The Aquila represented the union between Terra and Mars following the Treaty of Mars, replacing the Emperor's earlier symbol of a thunderbolt known as the Raptor Imperialis.[1] During the times before the Horus Heresy, the two headed eagle was blind-folded on one side, and the other had eyes. The backward facing sighted side represented looking back into the past, while the forward facing blinded eagle was looking into the future. The blinded side also looks more armoured than the sighted one, representing that, although the future is unforeseen, the blinded side is better prepared learning from the mistakes of the past.[Needs Citation]
Imperial Eagles of Aquila are the symbol of the Pax Imperialis. It is binds all Imperial servants together under the authority of the Emperor.[2]
After the Heresy, and the rise of the Imperial Cult took hold, the Aquila changed to represent the union of the Adeptus Terra and Adeptus Mechanicus.[Needs Citation]
Sign of the Aquila
The sign of the Aquila is a hand gesture to show one's allegiance to the Imperium: the user places his hands flat on his chest with thumbs interlocked.[1]
Equipment
The Aquila is also displayed on Space Marine power armour, and stamped on weapons produced for the Imperium in its Forge Worlds. Bolters, lasguns, tanks, and every other pieces of military equipment are oftentimes displayed with the Aquila on them. The Aquila is also stamped on signets and rings belonging to those serving the Imperial office, in the military or otherwise.[Needs Citation]
Sources
- 1: The Flight of the Eisenstein (Novel) by James Swallow, [Needs Citation]
- 2: Imperial Armour Volume Two (First Edition), pg. 247
Uncited