3.6 The corona civica

Decorated breastplates showing images like submissive enemies and war trophies were one way, but there were also other ways of showing off your achievements. For example, one of the highest honours was being awarded the so-called corona civica (literally ‘civic crown’), a wreath made of oak leaves worn on the head and/or hung outside the house that was bestowed on Roman citizens who had saved the lives of other Roman citizens.