The
Civic Crown was a
chaplet of common
oak leaves woven to form a
crown. During the
Roman Republic and the subsequent
Principate, it was regarded as the second highest
military decoration to which a citizen could aspire (the
Grass Crown being held in higher regard). It was reserved for Roman citizens who saved the lives of fellow citizens by slaying an enemy on a spot held by the enemy that same day. The citizen saved must admit it; no one else could be a witness.