What is "phalera"

n. in ancient Greece, a metal medallion worn by men or used to ornament the harness of a horse

Phalera may refer to:

• Phalera (genus), a genus of moths
• Phalera (harness), a piece of horse harness, frequently decorated in antiquity
• Phalera (military decoration), a sculpted disk of precious metal worn on the breastplate as a form of medal by soldiers of the Roman Empire

A phalera was a gold, silver, or bronze sculpted disk worn on the breastplate during parades by Roman soldiers who had been awarded it as a kind of medal. Roman military units could also be awarded phalerae for distinguished conduct in action. These awards were often mounted on the staffs of the unit's standards. The term also refers to disks crafted by the continental Celts for religious and ornamental purposes, especially those used on equestrian gear.

soldier with 7 Phalera Phalerae Museum Burg Linn.jpg|Lauersfort Phalera, Burg Linn Museum Center, Krefeld, Germany standards with phallerae.jpg|Roman military unit standards with phallerae

Phalera is a genus of moths of the Notodontidae family.

The scientific name is derived from the Greek phaleros (with a white marking) and refers to the white spot on the apex of the fore wings.