Historic facts about the Roman Legions

LEGIO I AUGUSTA GERMANICUS Formed most likely by Julius Caesar. From 16BC
to 9AD, it was stationed in Colonia Agrippinensis (Cologne, Germany). It
was deprived of its noman (title-name) in 19BC. During the Civil War of
69AD, the Legion was quartered in Bonna (Bonn) in lower (north) Germania and
was disbanded in 70AD when it was found to be in collusion with a rebel
element.
LEGIO I ADIUTRIX ("Helper") Raised by Nero in 66 or 67 AD at Misenum, on the
Bay of Naples, along with Legion II Adiutrix; both of which were comprised
of sailors. Galba officially recognized the Legion in 69 AD. Known
assignments were: Moguntiacum (Maintz) in upper (Alpine) Germania, 70 to
86 AD - Pannonia (Yugoslavia) and Moesia (Serbia-Bulgaria) in 86 AD -
Brigetio (Komarom-Szony, Hungary) in Pannonia , 97 AD and permanently in
Brigetio from 120 AD onwards. The Legion was active in the Civil Wars of
69 AD, the Dacian Wars of 101 & 102 and 105-107 AD and it is thought to
have also served in the Parthian War of 114-117 AD in Arabia.
LEGIO I ITALICA Raised by Nero in 66 AD? For a planned campaign in the
Caspian region. In 68 AD, it was stationed in Gallia at Lugdunum (Lyon in
south-central France). Emperor Vespasian transferred the Legion to Novae
(Svistov) in Moesia (Bulgaria) where it took part in the Civil War of 69 AD.

LEGIO I MACRIANA LIBERATRIX Instituted by the rebellious governor of
Africa, L.Clodius Macer in 68 AD; it was subsequently disbanded by Galba a
year later in 69 AD.
LEGIO I MINERVA Raised by Emperor Domitian in 83 AD, the Legion was
stationed in Bonna (Bonn) in Lower (north) Germany. It took part in the
Dacian Wars (101-102 AD) and the Parthian (Arabian) Campaign (162-166 AD)
under Co-Emperor L.Verus.
LEGIO I PARTHICA Formed by Emperor Septimius Severus prior to 197 AD, it
was stationed at Singara (Tabriz, Iran) in Mesopotamia and took part in his
Parthian Campaign in Arabia.
LEGIO II ADIUTRIX ("Helper") Raised by Nero in 66 or 67 AD at Misenum, on
the Bay of Naples, along with Legion I Adiutrix; both of which were
comprised of sailors. Vespasian officially recognized the Legion in 70 AD.
Known assignments were at Lindum (Lincoln) in Britain, 71 AD and in Danube
area of Germany after 87 AD. In 92 AD, it was sent to Moesia (Romania) and
later to Aquincum (Budapest) in Lower Pannonia (Yugoslavia) . The Legion was
active in the Dacian Wars (101-102 AD) and the Parthian (Arabian) Campaign
(162-166 AD) under Co-Emperor L.Verus.
LEGIO II AUGUSTA Reconstituted by Augustus in 43 BC; the Legion dates to
30 BC in Spain. Legion II went to Germany following the Teutoburger Vald
(forest) disaster of 9 AD, where Legions XVII, XVIII & XIX were lost. From
17 AD, the Legion was based at Argentorate (Strasbourg) on the Rhine and
then took part in the invasion of Britain in 43 AD. It was permanently
stationed at Isca Dumnonio (Exeter), circa 75 AD.
LEGIO II ITALICA Raised by Marcus Aurelius in 165 AD, it was stationed at
Albing in Noricum (Austria) and was subsequently moved by Commodus, circa
185, to Lauriacum (Lorch), on the Danube (Donau) River, west of Vindobona
(Vienna).
LEGIO II TRAIANA FORTIS ("Traianic Brave") Formed by Emperor Traian, circa
105 AD. The Legion later went to Syria and then to Nilopolis, near
Alexandria in Egypt in 125.
LEGIO III AUGUSTA Thought to have been raised by Octavian, circa 41 BC.
The Legion served in Africa at Ammaedara (Tunisia), then at Theveste
(Tebessa, Algeria) under Emperor Vespasian and finally, circa 97 AD,
permanently at Lambaesis - Numidia (Algeria). Legion III had been
victorious under Emperor Augustus. It was later disbanded by Emperor
Gordianus in 218, due to its support of its rebellious Legato, but was
reinstated by Emperor Valerian in 253.
LEGIO III CYRENAICA. Formed prior to 30 BC, by Marcus Aemilius Lepidus,
or Marcus Antony. The unit served in Egypt at Nicopolis (Alexandria) with
Legion XXII Deiotariana early in the reign of Augustus. The Legion was sent
to Arabia when it was annexed in 106 AD. It took part in the Parthian
(Arabian) Campaign of Trajan from 115 to 117, when it returned to Egypt.
Finally in circa 140, the Legion was permanently stationed in Syria at
Bostra (Busra), northeast of Hierosolyma (Jerusalem).
LEGIO III GALLICA Raised by Julius Caesar, the Legion served in Gaul,
48-42 BC. In 30 BC it was moved to Syria. The Legion was stationed in
Moesea (Serbia-Bulgaria) 68 - 70 AD, when it returned permanently to Syria
at Raphaneae (Hamath). Legion III took part in the civil war of 69 AD for
Emperor Vespasian. The Legion was cashiered for sedition against
Elagabalus in 218-219; but was reconstituted by Emperor Severus Alexander,
circa 230, and was quartered at Danaba near Damascus.
LEGIO III ITALICA Formed by Marcus Aurelius, circa 165 AD, it served in
Raetia (southern Germany) at Castra Regina (Regensburg, Bavaria).
LEGIO III PARTHICA Emperor Septimius Severus brought this Legion into
existence prior to 197 AD. It served in Mesopotamia (Syria-Iraq) , most
likely at Rhesaena (eastern Turkey).
LEGIO IV FLAVIA FELIX. "Flavian Fortunate". Was raised by Vespasian in 70
AD from the former Legion IV "Macedonia". It served at Burnum in Dalmatia
(Croatia-N. Yugoslavia), circa 86-101. The following year it moved east
into Upper Moesia (Serbia) at Singidunum (Belgrade) to take part in the
First Dacian War, 101-102; and then north into Sarmizegethusa (Colonia Ulpia
Traiana) after the second invasion of Dacia (Hungary) 105-107. With the
reign of Hadrian, the Legion moved permanently back to Singidunum in Moesia
(Serbia-Bulgaria) .
LEGIO IV MACEDONICA Raised by Julius Caesar in 48 BC it served in Spain
until circa 43 AD and then moved into upper Germany. Its name would
indicate early service in Macedonia (northern Greece). The Legion took part
in the Civil War of 69 AD. The Legion was disbanded by Vespasian in 70 AD
and replaced by Legion IV Flavia Felix.
LEGIO IV SCYTHICA Thought to have been instituted by Marcus Antony prior
to 30 BC; it served in Macedonia (northern Greece) until 9 AD, then in
Moesia (Serbia-Bulgaria) till 56-57. The Legion then served permanently in
Syria at Zeugma (Birecik, Turkey) on Euphrates River.
LEGIO V ALAUDAE "Larks" Formed by Julius Caesar in 52 BC from the native
people of Transalpine Gaul (southern France). It served in Spain from 30 BC
to circa 19 BC and afterwards on the Rhine frontier until 14 AD; when it
moved into Lower Germany. The Legion was reconstituted by Marc Antony in 44
BC and was disgraced when it lost its "Eagle" in Gaul in 17 BC. The Legion
took part in the Civil War of 69 AD when it supported Emperor Vitellius.
The Legion was probably disbanded by Emperor Vespasian (69-79 AD) or later
by Domitian (81-96 AD).
LEGIO V MACEDONICA Raised in 43 BC? Or by Octavian in 41-40 BC it served
in Macedonia (Greece) from 30 BC until 6 AD; when it was transferred to
Moesia (Romania) from 41 to 61 AD; then to Armenia (61-62). The Legion was
restationed from 71 till 86 AD at Oescus (Dacia Ripensis - S/E Germany) and
at Troesmis after Traian's (Trajan's) Dacian Campaign of 105-107. The
Legion was in Dacia (Romania) from 167 into 275 and afterwards returned to
Oescus. It also was involved in the Jewish War and took part in the
Parthian Campaign (162-166) of co-Emperor Lucius Verus.
LEGIO VI FERRATA "Ironclad" Created by Julius Caesar in 52 BC in Cisalpine
Gaul (S/E France); it was reconstituted in 44 BC, taken over by Marc Antony
in 43 BC and later by Octavian. The Legion was part of Octavian's army in
Syria at Raphaneae (Hamath). It took part in the 69 AD Civil War and
marched as part of Flavian's army on Italy. From 72 AD was probably at
Samosata in northern Syria on the Euphrates River and for a time was the
garrison of the new province of Arabia, after 105 AD; and subsequently was
in Judea (Syria-Palestine) . The Legion supported Emperor Septimius Severus
against G. Pescennius Niger in 194 AD.
LEGIO VI VICTRIX "Victorious" Formed by Octavian 41 BC, the Legion served
in Spain from 30 BC to 69 AD and then at Novaesium (Neuss-Dusseldorf) in
Lower Germany from 69 till 105 AD; when it moved to Vetera (Xanton-Wesel) on
the Rhine River. In 122 it was transferred to Britain and permanently
based at Eboracum (York). The Legion remained loyal to Emperor Domitian in
the revolt of Lucius Antonius Saturninus in 89 AD.
LEGIO VII (no name) This unit is thought to have come into existence in 59
BC or earlier. It was reconstituted by Octavian in 44 BC and probably was
stationed in the Balkans region. From 9 AD, it was in Dalmatia (Yugoslavia)
at Tilurium. In 56 AD? the Legion was transferred northward into Moesia
(Hungary) and from the reign of Vespasian onward, it was at Viminacium
(Kostelec, s/e of Prague, Czech). Legion VII remained loyal to Emperor
Claudius in the revolt of Scribonianus, governor of Dalmatia and took part
in the Civil War of 69 AD in support of Emperor Vespasian.
LEGIO VII HISPANA later GEMINA "Twin" Raised in Spain (Hispania) by Galba in
68, the Legion was nicknamed "Galbiana". It moved to Rome and then was
sent to Carnuntum (Petronell, north of Vienna) in Pannonia (Austria -
Hungary). In circa 70 AD, the Legion was permanently restationed back to
Spain at Legio (Leon), where it was reconstituted using soldiers from Legion
I, already at Legio, and was given the name "Gemina". VII-Hispana was
involved in the 69 AD Civil War and accompanied Emperor Galba back to Rome.
It later fought for Emperor Vespasian.
LEGIO VIII AUGUSTA was created circa 59 BC and reconstituted by Octavian
in 44 BC. It was stationed in the Balkans after 30 BC and in 9 AD, went to
Poetovio (Ptuj) in Pannonia-Slovenia (Austria - Hungary). The Legion was
victorious under the command of Augustus and went to Novae (Svistov) in
Moesia (Hungary) circa 49 AD, and from 70 AD, was at Argentoratum
(Strasbourg) France.
LEGIO IX HISPANA could have been descended from Caesar's Legion IX,
disbanded in 46-45 BC or was a new formation by Octavian in 41-40 BC. The
Legion was in Spain from 30 to 19 BC and was subsequently sent to Siscia?
(Sisak) in Pannonia (Croatia-Austria- Hungary) after 9 AD. It was sent to
Africa in 20-24 AD to take part in the war against Tacfarinas and later
participated in the invasion of Britain in 43, where it suffered heavy
losses in Boudicca's rebellion. The Legion was quartered in Britain at
Lindum (Lincoln) and later moved north to Eboracum (York). Its base at
Eboracum was taken over by Legion VI Victrix circa 122 and it survived to
about 126; but its fate is unknown.
LEGIO X FRETENSIS "Fretum-Channel" Raised by Octavian in 41-40 BC; it
served in Macedonia (Greece) after 30 BC and by 14 AD was stationed in Syria
at Cyrrhus (N/E of Antioch) and later at Zeugma (north of Cyrrhus), and
after the Jewish Wars, was stationed in Jerusalem (Hierosolyma) . In the
later 3rd Century AD, it went to Aelia on the Red Sea Coast.
LEGIO X GEMINA "Twin" came into existence in 59 BC or earlier and was
reconstituted in 44 BC. After the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, the Legion
became a part of Octavian's Army, hence the title of Gemina "Twin". From
30 BC, it was in Spain, probably at Petavonium. By 64 AD it had been
restationed to Carnuntum (Petronell S/E of Vienna) in Pannonia
(Austria-Hungary) ; but was sent back to Spain in 68. The Legion soon found
themselves in Lower Germany at Noviomagus (Neumagen-Drohn, Rhineland) in 70
AD. The Legion kept its allegiance to Emperor Domitian in the rebellion of
Saturninus in 89 AD. Circa 103, it went back to Pannonia, first at
Aquincum (Budapest) and later in Vindobona (Vienna


LEGIO XI (no name) was possibly descended from Caesar´s Legion XI raised in
58 BC; but may have been formed by Octavian in 41-40 BC. The Legion was
stationed in the Balkans and from 9 AD was at Burnum in Dalmatia. It
maintained its loyalty to Claudius in the revolt of Scribonianus, governor
of Dalmatia (Yugoslavia) in 42 AD and supported Vespasian in the Civil War
of 69. In 70 AD, it went to Vindonissa (Windisch, Switzerland) in upper
(Alpine) Germania to assist in the suppression of the rebellion by Iulius
Civilis; and in 101, moved to Brigetio (Komarom-Szony) in Pannonia
(Austria-Hungary) and still later into lower Moesia (Bulgaria) at Durostorum
(Silistra).
LEGIO XII FULMINATA "Thunderbolt Armed" most likely had its origins in the
12th Legion founded by Julius Caesar in 58 BC and was reconstituted in 44-43
BC. The Legion served with Antony in the East and is thought to have been
sent to Egypt by Augustus; however, by the end of his reign the Legion was
in Syria. It took part in the failed invasion of Armenia in 62 AD and was
disgraced by its capitulation to the Parthians at Rhandiea. It also fought
in the Jewish Wars and may have temporarily lost its "Eagle" in the retreat
from Jerusalem in 66. After 70 AD, the Legion was stationed at Melitene
(Malatya) in Cappadocia (eastern Turkey) and took part in the campaigns of
Marcus Aurelius against Quadi in the 170's AD.
LEGIO XIII GEMINA "Twin" Its origin is uncertain and it may have come out
of Caesar's 13th, raised in 57 BC or was formed by Octavian in 41-40 BC.
It was amalgamated with another legion after the Battle of Actium. It was
stationed in Illyricum (coastal Balkans) in the early Empire and after 9 AD
was moved to the Rhine at Vindonissa (Windisch, Switzerland) in upper
(Alpine) Germania. It was transferred to Vindobona (Vienna, Austria) by
Emperor Domitian circa 85 AD. After the Dacian Wars, in which it took part
it was based at Apulum (Alba Iulia, central Romania) as part of the first
garrison of Dacia and when Dacia was abandoned in 274 AD, the Legion moved
to Ratiaria in the new Province of Dacia Repensis (Austria).
LEGIO XIV GEMINA "Twin" Its origin is uncertain and it may have come out of
Caesar's 14th, raised in 57 BC or was formed by Octavian in 41-40 BC. It
was perhaps amalgamated with another legion after the Battle of Actium. It
was stationed in Illyricum (coastal Balkans) in the early Empire and after 9
AD was moved to Mogontiacum (Mainz) in Upper Germany. It took part in the
invasion of Britain in 43 AD and later served in suppressing the rebellion
of Boudicca in 60-61, being based at Viroconium (Shrewsbury) and in 67 was
moved by Nero for his intended eastern campaign; but was sent back to
Britain by Emperor Vitellius in 69 AD. It participated in the campaign
against Iulius Civilis in 70 AD and supported the rebellion of Saturninus in
89. During the years 70 into 93, the Legion was mobile going to Mogontiacum
(Mainz) on the Rhine River and then to Mursa? (Osijek, Croatia) on the
Danube River in Upper Moesia. In 101 the Legion moved to Vindobona
(Vienna) where a detachment took part in the Dacian Wars (101-102 & 105-106
AD) of Emperor Traian (Trajan) and by 114 was based at Carnuntum (Petronell,
S/E of Vienna) in Upper Pannonia (Hungary).
LEGIO XV APOLLINARIS "Apollo's" was formed by Octavian in 41-40 BC or maybe
earlier. It was in Illyricum (coastal Balkans) in the early Empire and
after 9 AD, was stationed in Pannonia (Austria-Hungary) at Emona?
(Ljubljana/Laibach) in Slavonia, western Yugoslavia, then at Saveria and
during the reigns of Tiberius? And Claudius, maybe at Carnuntum (Petronell
near Vienna). It fought in the Jewish Wars (66-70). The Legion or a
detachment was probably transferred to the East for the Parthian Campaigns
(101-102 & 105-106) of Emperor Traian (Trajan) and after 117 AD was based at
Satala in Cappadocia (eastern Turkey-Iraq) .
LEGIO XV PRIMIGENIA "First Born" was the first of a new group of legions
formed by Emperor Gaius in 39 AD for his intended German Campaigns. The
Legion was stationed at Moguntiacum (Mainz) on the Rhine frontier; then
moved to Bonna (Bonn) and finally to Vetera (Xanten) in Lower Germania. A
detachment took part in Emperor Vitellius's invasion of Italy in 69 AD.
The remainder of the Legion surrendered to the rebel Iulius Civilis in 69
and the Legion disappeared from the Army lists.
LEGIO XVI GALLICA Raised by Octavian in 41-40 BC; the Legion, from 30 BC
onwards, was stationed on the Rhine frontier. It spent some time in Gaul
(France) and after 9 AD, was at Moguntiacum (Mainz) in Upper Germania, then
was moved by Emperor Claudius to Novaesium (Neuss-Dusseldorf) in Lower
Germany. A portion of the unit took part in Emperor Vitellius's invasion
of Italy in 69 AD. The remainder of the Legion surrendered to the rebel
Iulius Civilis in 69 and was subsequently disbanded by Emperor Vespasian and
reconstituted as Legion XVI Flavia Firma "Flavian Steadfast".
LEGIO XVI FLAVIA FIRMA "Flavian Steadfast" Reconstituted circa 71 AD by
Emperor Vespasian from the remains of Legion XVI Gallica following its
surrender to the rebel Iulius Civilis in 69 AD. The Legion was in Syria in
75 AD and later was at Satala in Cappadocia (eastern Turkey-Iraq) . After
the Parthian Campaigns of Traian (Trajan), 114-117; the Legion was
permanently stationed at Samosata in northern Syria on the Euphrates River.
LEGIO´S XVII - XVIII - XIX These three Legions were probably created by
Octavian in 41-40 BC. As of 30 BC, all three were most likely stationed
along the Rhine frontier and took part in the invasion of Germany between
the Rhine and Elba Rivers. In 9 AD all three of the Legions (20,000 men)
were ambushed and destroyed by the forces of Arminius (Hermann) a German
barbarian chief of the Cherusi in the Teutoburger Vald (forest) in the
Grotenburg region. The legions were on March from summer to winter
quarters. Their commander, Publius Quinctilius Varus committed suicide and
the Legion's Numbers were retired and not used again. The "Eagles" of
Legion XIX and one of the others were subsequently recovered by Germanicus
in 15-16 AD and the remaining one in 42 AD. The Teutoburger Vald disaster
was largely the result of treachery and treason of Arminius, a Germanic who
had obtained the trust of Rome; and that the Legions were attacked in a
forest swamp, a closed-in and restricting environment where the Roman Army
was unaccustomed to doing battle. See Legio XXI for what happened to the
survivors.
LEGIO XX VALERIA VICTRIX "Valour Victorius" Raised by Octavian in 41-40 BC
possibly after Actium, it served in Spain from 30 to 20 BC; then at Burnum
in Illyricum (coastal Balkans) until 9 AD. The Legion was restationed to
Ara Ubiorum in Lower Germania and later, during the reign of Tiberius, to
Novaesium (Nuess-Dusseldorf) . The Legion took part in the invasion of
Britain in 43 AD, being based at Camulodunum (Colchester) till 49 AD, when
it moved to Glevum (Gloucester) . After 80 AD, it was in Scotland and took
part in the campaigns of Agricola and may have constructed the fortress of
Inchtuthil (Perth) in Scotland circa 83-87. After the withdrawal of Legio
II Adiutrix from Britain in 87, the Legion was at Deva (Chester).
LEGIO XXI RAPAX "Predatory" (Also known as LEGIO XXI NOTHUSAUM after 9AD).
Created in 41-40 BC or after Actium by Octavian, the Legion is thought to
have served in Raetia (upper Germania) in the early Empire. After the
disaster of AD 9 when the XVIIth, XVIIIth and the XIXth Legions under the
command of P.Quinctilius Varus were massacred in the Teutoburg Forest, by
the wild German tribes, the shock of the news hit Rome hard. The loss of so
many men and so much equipment halted the advance and the annexation across
the Rhine and three new legions had to be recruited to replace the three
that were lost. The surviving veterans of the three lost legions were
sufficient in number to form about one third of a new legion and it was
decided that they should all serve together in one of the new legions, as
they had a shared experience and bond, unlike any other legionaries in the
whole army. The cream of the recruiting stations went to form two of the
three new legions along with veterans of some existing legions, which in
turn absorbed some of the new recruits. The third new legion however, apart
from the veterans and survivors of the Teutoberg Forest massacre was made up
of raw recruits, ex gladiators, newly freed slaves and the general dross at
the bottom of the Roman recruitment system. Some of the new recruits would
have been rejected under normal circumstances, but these were not normal
circumstances and Rome had to make a show of its resourcefulness and ability
to replace legions lost in battle. The new Legion was given the number XXI
and the Legate Vitellius Gluteus Maximus was given command. Vitellius upon
his first inspection of the formed up legion looked upon them in some dismay
and exclaimed, " What a collection of mongrel bastards"!! However, he had
good Centurions under his command (some of which were survivors of the
Teutoberg Massacre) and within a short period the XXIst was looking more
like a Roman Legion than was originally thought possible. Although
officially untitled, the Centurionate christened the Legion " Legio
Nothusaum" and the name stuck. Nothusaum means Bastard or Mongrel and
curiously, the Legion adopted it with great pride because it made them
different from the other Legions and they had a desire to perform well and
be different, with the surviving veterans in particular eager to carve a new
place in the history books for Legio XXI Nothusaum. After 9 AD, it was
transferred to Vetera (Xanten) in lower Germania and in circa 46, to
Vindonissa (Windisch, Switzerland) in upper (Alpine) Germania. Emperor
Vitellius involved the Legion in the invasion of Italy in 69 and a year
later fought against Iulius Civilis being based at Bonna in lower Germania.
In 89, it supported the rebellion of Lucius Antonius Saturninus after which
it was stationed on the Danube (Donau) River. This Legion was known by the
unofficial name of `Nothsalum´, or the mongrel legion, as it was formed from
surviving elements of other legions.
LEGIO XXII DEIOTARIANA Was formed by King Deiotarus of Galatia and was
trained and equipped on the Roman model and incorporated by Augustus into
the Roman Army probably before 25 BC. The Legion was in Egypt at Nicopolis
after 25 BC. Its fate is unclear. It may have been destroyed in the Jewish
Revolt of 132-135 AD.
LEGIO XXII PRIMIGENIA "First Born" Was formed along with Legio XV
Primigenia" circa 39 AD. From 43 AD, the Legion was located at
Moguntiacum (Mainz) in upper (Alpine) Germania and from 69 to71 was at
Carnuntum, (Petronell-Altenbur g) near Vienna; and then in a new station at
Vetera (Xanten) in lower Germania. "Primigenia" took part in the march of
Emperor Vitellius to Rome in 69 AD. In 92-93 AD it was transferred back to
Mogontiacum following the transfer of Legio XIV "Gemina" to the Danube River
frontier.
LEGIO XXX ULPIA VICTRIX "Ulpian Victorius" was created in 105 AD by, and
named for Emperor Trajan (Traian). The number XXX indicates it was the
30th legion in chronological order to be formed in the Roman Army. It was
at Brigetio (Komarom-Szony) in upper Pannonia (Austria-Hungary) and then in
Dacia during the Second Dacian War (105-106). In 122, it was transferred
to Vetera (Xanten) in lower Germania when Legio VI was sent to Britain.