Expert: Maria - 7/30/2006

Question
wasnt strenght and honor a greek saying in the military not latin?

Answer
Hello,

First of all the motto of all Roman legions as well as of Rome was the acronym SPQR, Senatus PopulusQue Romanus, which means:"The Senate and the People of Rome”, i.e. “In the name of the senate and the people of Rome”.
This acronym  was carried on battle standards by the Roman Legions.
Moreover each legion had a name and a symbol, but not a motto.
For example the name of the “legio II” was:  
“Legio II Adiutrix Pia Fidelis “(helper faithful and loyal),  while its symbols were a Capricorn and Pegasus.

As for “Strenght and honor” ( Latin, “Virtus et Honor”) you probably have heard in the movie “Gladiator”, it was not the motto of the legions in the strict sense of the word, but certainly the ideals the Romans fought for.

To conclude, “Strenght and honor” was not a Greek saying, nor a Latin motto, but the ideal of the Roman soldiers.

Best,
Maria