Trophy Trivia
Unusual facts you didn’t know about trophies
The Romans used their trophies as storytelling tools
The Romans were already in the trophy business and we’re copying their storytelling skills.
In ancient Rome, soldiers collected weapons and armor from defeated enemies. Using them to create statues representing gods or warriors, called a tropaeum.. These trophies, often inscribed with the date of the battle.
It was usually showcased in the city rather than on the battlefield. By the later Republic, military victories were less about impressing foreign powers and more about advancing political careers. A display in the city, particularly during a triumph, could win votes and prestige among citizens and competitive nobles, which a battlefield trophy could not achieve.
By the Middle Ages, it had evolved to symbolize achievement in civil arenas such as sports and the arts, marking a shift toward broader definitions of success.
In the 17th century, two-handled metal chalices became the standard trophy for winners of European sports and talent competitions, symbolizing celebration, victory, and the triumphant display of success.
In the late 20th century trophies could be produced in mass production processes, making them very affordable but making them less unique.
Now in the 21st century we still commemorate excellence and victory in a lasting, tangible form of a trophy.
At Upstream Trophies we believe in the storytelling as the Romans did.
But without slaughtering our competitors for obtaining trophy materials…
Creating a connection between the trophy and the materials that it is made of.
Thanique Pikeur
Marketing lead
About the author
Thanique, our Marketing Junior, started as an intern and is now instrumental in both launching and shaping Upstream Trophies’ marketing efforts.
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