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. The Legion was officially recognized by Galba 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. The Legion was officially recognized by Vespasian 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 victorius 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 Septimus 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 "Macedonica". 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-Palaestina). The Legion supported Emperor Septimus 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 (Hispana) 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 (Petronel
l, 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.
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" 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 9 AD, it was transferred to Vetera (Xanten) in lower Germania and in circa 46, to Vindonissa (Windisch, Switzerland) in upper (Alpine) Germania. The Legion was involved in the invasion of Italy by Emperor Vitellius 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.
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-Altenburg) 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.