Rev. Eagle on cippus, SC. Throughout imperial times the eagle remained a prominent and powerful symbol for the city of Rome. The eagle was not only a common symbol of the city, it was also the minister of Jupiter's thunderbolts - a major symbol of power, also adorning Rome's military standards.
The eagle also became an important figure in consecration ceremonies where it was released from the summit of a funeral pyre symbolising the dead person's soul being carried up to heaven and therefore becoming a god.