Legion III "Italica" ( legio III Italica Gordiana Pia VII Fidelis VII ) - the Roman legion , most likely formed in 165 or 166 . He ceased to exist at the end of the IV - beginning of the V century . The emblem of the legion is the stork .
| Legion III "Italica" legio III Italica | |
|---|---|
| Years of existence | 165 or 166 - beginning of the 5th century |
| A country | Ancient Rome |
| Type of | Cavalry Supported Infantry |
| Number | On average 5,000 infantry and 300 cavalry |
| Dislocation | Salons, Regina Castra |
| Participation in | The Moroccan War, the campaign against the Alemanni, the campaign against the Sassanids, the conquest of Palmyra |
| Marks of Excellence | Gordiana Pia VII Fidelis VII |
Content
Ground
It was founded in 165 or 166 by order of the emperor Marcus Aurelius to participate in the Markoman War . Upon creation, it received the name III Concordia , meaning "Harmonious", which could emphasize the harmonious rule of Marcus Aurelius and his co-emperor Lucius Vera . However, this name did not take root and the legion began to be called III Italica (Italian), since it was recruited in Italy . There are records saying that the legion was recruiting in Como .
Battle Path
Since its inception, the legion has been in the Danube provinces, being, together with the legions I “Adjutrix” and II “Italica” , under the command of the future emperor Pertinax . The Legion was a garrison in Recy , building a camp called Castra Regina (modern Regensburg ).
In 193, the legion supported Septimius Severus in claims to the throne and opposed Pertinax, Didius Julian , Pescennius Niger and Claudius Albin . Later participated in the Parthian campaign of the North.
In 213, he participated in a campaign against the Alemanni .
In the years 243 - 244 he participated in the campaign against the Sassanids of Emperor Gordian III , for which he received the title of Gordiana .
In 253, he supported the claims of Valerian , for which he received the title of Pia Fidelis (“Faithful and Faithful”).
In 260 , for the support of Valerian’s son, Gallien , he received the title VII Pia VII Fidelis (“7 times Faithful and 7 times true”), but this degree of titles is used very rarely, which indicates that the candidates are undeservedly distributed to the throne when support is needed legions.
The Legion continues to camp in Regina Castra, however, it takes part in Aurelian's war against Zenobia .
Disbandment
At the end of the IV century, the legion was divided into 6 parts under the command of prefects , five of which guarded the fords on the Danube , and the sixth was sent to Illyrik . All references to the legion cease in the first quarter of the fifth century, when the Bavarians seized its base. The detachment, standing in Illyric, became part of Legion III "Herculia" , formed by Diocletian at the beginning of the IV century.
Useful links
- List of Roman Legions
- Legion at livius.org
- R. Kanya “Legion” A brief description of the history of various legions on the XLegio portal.
- Roman Glory Antique Martial Art