Roman Legions In Britain
Details of how the legions were organised can be found here.
Roman Legions in Britain, Legionaries had to be Roman citizens to join a legion. Roman citizenship increased in this period, particularly outside Italy. The number of citizens increased in the first half of the century from about 4 to 6 million, out of a total population of the empire of about 50 million. It was the pool from which the legionaries could be recruited. In times when recruitment was desperately needed some were appointed citizens so they could join at other times, they could be punished for joining without valid Roman citizenship.
At the beginning of the first century AD, the legionaries were a voluntary citizen initially drawn from Italy. By detailed analysis of every written source, including inscriptions, it has been possible to trace the changes in the composition of the legions.
The analysis shows about 65% of the legionaries were Italian in the period from Augustus to the death of Caligula in 41AD.In the next 30 years till 70AD this dropped to 48%.
In the next 50years, it fell to 21% and by Hadrian’s time, the Italian contents was almost limited to senior offices and their staff.
After the civil war about 30BC, Augustus had 60 legions, which he reduced to a standing army of 28 legions. As these legions had been created at different times by different leaders, there was considerable duplication of names and numbers. This makes it very difficult to identify the origins of most of the legions, therefore any attempt to do so is very often a best guess, which should be born in mind when reading the accounts of the legions give below.
There were 4 legions thought to be involved in the invasion of Britain in 43AD, 3 of which had been on the Rhine frontier for 30 years. Being close to Gaul, it seems likely that they would recruit there.
There would be a significant number of citizens arising from veteran’s colonies and the descendants of ancillary troops (who were given citizenship on discharge along with their families). Therefore it is likely that the invasion army was very largely non-Italian born, particularly when half of the 40,000 invasion force were ancillary troops with almost no Italian born troops.
By the time Hadrian’s Wall was built, it was a non-Italian army, but with very few British troops. It was probably not until the 3rd century before there was a large British contingent, which became more dominant in the 4th century.
Britain never had a large Roman Citizenship, but in 212 AD Caracalla gave citizenship to all freemen in the Empire, which enabled the legions to fully recruit locally.
Into the 4th century, the biggest change occurred when the legions were split into cohorts of 1,000 men, and 11 August and XX Valeria Victrix moved out of their legionary fortresses of Caerleon and Chester.
V1 Victrix remained at York to the end, 11 Augusta went to the Saxon Coastal defences and XX Valeria Victrix disappeared without trace, possible to the continent with Constantine 111. (You need to read this in conjunction with the Brief History of the Wall.
The Roman Legions in Britain are listed below:
2nd Legion Augusta
The legion was probably formed by Augusta in the early part of his reign and hence its name. The situation is confused as there more than one legion called the second. Another possibility is the second legion formed by Julius Caesar in 48 BC.
It is certain that the legion was involved in the conquest of north west Spain after 26 BC and probably remained there until 9 AD, when it was transferred to upper Germany, following the slaughter of 3 legions commanded by Varus in the forests East of the Rhine.
It remained on the Rhine frontier until 43 AD, when it joined 3 other legion for the invasion of Britain. Its commander was Vespasian 25 years later Emperor and was given the responsibility of conquer the south and west.
Eventually the legion built its fortress at Exeter in AD55. During Boudican revolt the Governor requested help, the legate was absent, and the camp prefect did not act on the request. He later committed suicide.
In the civil war of the year 69 AD with 4 emperors, a part of II Augusta sided with the emperor Vitellius, although in the end the forces of Vespasian prevailed.
.The main body of the legion had always been loyal towards Vespasian, and encouraged the rest of the British garrison to do the same.
Following moves to Gloucester the legion finally settled at Caerleon, West Glamorgan in South Wales AD 75. The pat of legion remained in reserve at Caerleon throughout Agricola’s governorship (AD 78 to 84) while the rest took part in the first invasion of Scotland and were present at the battle of Mons Graupius.
The entire legion apart from a small caretaker force, plus detachments of VI Victrix and XX Valeria, was put to work on the construction of Hadrian’s Wall during the governorship of Governor Platorius Nepos, in 122AD… This great barrier was garrisoned by auxiliary cohorts, the legionaries engaged in its construction being withdrawn to their fortress bases for the winter months and resuming their work on the wall during the following campaign season.
The legion (again with vexillations from VI Victrix and XX Valeria) was used also in the construction of the Antonine Wall during the governorship of governor Lollius Urbicus, between AD139 and 142. This new wall/ earthwork was also garrisoned by the auxiliaries, there being no known legionary camps connected with its construction.
With the Emperor Septimius Severus’ invasion of Scotland, they built a large temporary camp at Carpow, on the south bank of the Tay, became a permanent campaign fort in the Severan period (AD208-11), featuring massive stone buildings and a garrison formed from detachments of both II Augusta and VI Victrix; some of II and VI were possibly stationed at Cramond near Edinburgh on the Forth during this same time. They returned to Caerleon following the withdrawal from Scotland.
There is not much information after that, except the legion had left Caerleon for the end of 3rd century. This was at the time of the army reorganisation, when the legion were divided into small units, but there is a reference to Prefect of 2nd legion reporting to the Count of the Saxon Shore at Richborough at the end of 4th century..
XX Legion Valeria Victrix
The legion was formed by Augusta probably as part of his reorganisation of the army. The legion was stationed on the lower Danube at some stage during Augustus’ early years. During the Dalmatian revolt in about 6AD it was cut to half its strength and cut through encircling forces to reach safety. Later, the Twentieth was employed during the Germanic war of Caligula. The details, however, are not fully understood.
In 43AD, the emperor Claudius invaded Britain with this and 3 other legions. Its first legionary fortress was in Colchester, the capital of the British Trinovantes tribe. After 48AD, it was stationed at Kingsholm in Gloucester, and in 57AD, it moved to Usk, in south east Wales. This was its base in 60AD, when it was sent to suppress the rebellion of Queen Boudicca. It is possible that the Twentieth received its surnames Valeria Victrix as rewards for its courageous behaviour in this war.
In the civil war of the year 69AD, it sided with the emperor Vitellius. Several subunits took part in his march on Rome, and the survivors returned to Britain after the victory of Vespasian.
The legion under Agricola as legate from 70AD assisted Governor Cerialis in conquest of the Brigantes between 71AD and 74. Cerialis with the Legion 9th launched his offensive from York, while Agricola moved north up the west coast possibly responsible for building the first fort at Carlisle in72AD. The two armies met at Stanwick, North Yorkshire where they caught the army of the Brigantes, and took control of the Northern England.
In 75AD, the legion was transferred to Wroxeter, Shropshire from where, now as governor, Agricola led the legion in the conquest of North Wales
.Under Agricola as Governor the legion saw action in his campaigns in the Scottish highlands (78AD-84AD). The soldiers were temporarily garrisoned at Carlisle, and finally moved to Inchtuthill in on the River Tay. It was intended that the legion was permanently station there. However, in 88AD, the legion was withdrawn from Scotland, when the conquest of Scotland was abandoned and transferred to the Chester fortress. It had been built originally by II Legion Adiutrix, prior to their transfer to the continent. The fortress was refurbished and finally rebuilt in stone and brick.
The legion was active in the construction of Hadrian’s Wall (122AD-125) and the Antonine wall (c.140AD).
In 195AD, Governor Clodius Albinus of Britannia attempted to become emperor. The British legions were transferred to the continent, but were defeated by Septimius Severus in the spring of 197AD.
When the legions returned to Britain the province had suffered from incursions from the north, in 208AD Severus came to Britain, in an attempt to subdue Scots. The legion was involved in the invasion particularly in the west but returned home to Chester during the reign of Severus’ son Caracalla (AD211-217) when the army withdrew from Scotland.
From about 230AD vexations of the legion (probably several cohorts) were posted to the continents and some probably never returned. The situation in Britain was quieter as regards foreign incursions in the3rd century, therefore they were not needed.
In 260AD the western provinces broke away from the Empire, with parts including Britain remaining independent for 13 years. As the Gallic Empire, in part because disaster in several parts of the Empire. The Gallic Empire had about 6 emperors in its last 4 years before it was reabsorbed into the Roman Empire.
There is almost no information, but it would appear very unlikely that XX Legion sat it out at Chester. There has to be some serious fighting between trained troops on both sides probably in Gaul.
In 286/287AD it happened again. . Carausius, the Coastal Commander had the Roman Navy and a significant army, with an emperor trying to execute him, he declared himself independent as an Emperor and the empire was business defending the Rhine frontier and there may have been fond memories of the last period of independence. In 293AD Constantius the Junior Emperor took his continental possessions, which was the followed by Carausius being murdered by Allectus his financial minister, who became “Emperor“. Read more here
When the invasion fleet was ready in 296 AD, Constantius invaded and conquered Britain with little opposition.[1]
Again what was XX legion’s involvement in these 10 years and when the invasion came there appears to be little support for Allectus.
After this period it is quite likely that the legion was only a fraction of the legion it had been partly as a result of Diocletian’s reorganisation, which included the division of Britain into 4 provinces, with Chester becoming part of Britannia Prima controlled from Lincoln, fifty years before it would have been the capital. By this time the fortress was no longer a major port as the River Dee had silted up, which would reduce its significance.
About 350 AD there was a civil war, which sucked the troops from the provinces, with losses of over 50,000 at battle in Romina, how many if any came from Legion XX is totally unknown.
It has been suggested that the garrison (2 to 3 cohorts?) was extracted in AD 383 by the usurper Emperor Maximus to help cease the Western Empire, but although initially his army was successful,it was defeated 5 years later. This could well have been the end of the remains of the Legion or its successor, as the chances of their return to Chester would have been remote
IX Legion Hispana
The legion was possibly formed by Octavian c.41 to 40BC and served with him until Actium in 30BC after which they were posted to Spain. It was based in Pannonia, mainly north of the Danube, and transferred to the British invasion army and after the invasion was divided between fortresses a Lonthorpe near Peterborough and Newton on Trent in Lincolnshire
During the early stages of the Boudican Revolt 60 AD, the legions tried to prevent the sack of Londinium, however, the legion was badly mauled and was forced to retire to its campaign fortress at Longthorpe, but a detachment did support XIV Legion in the defeat of Boudicca‘s army. It was re enforced with 2,000 legionnaires from the continent.
The Legion later moved to a campaign fortress at Malton in North Yorkshire in AD71. The governor Cerialis then took personal command of his old legion, and together with Legion XX Valeria Victrix commanded by the legate Agricola, moved against the forces of Venutius of the Brigantes. IX Legion comprised the main force and moved along the Vale of York, while XX Valeria moved up the western side of the Pennines in a pincer movement, success is inferred. It is likely that IX legion established the fortress at York and was stationed there, while finishing conquest of Yorkshire.
When Agricola become governor and invaded Scotland the IX Legion was right flank moving up the Dere Street route to the centre of Scotland, while Agricola invaded from the west. Before the two forced joined to march north of Forth, a surprise night attack, the Caledonians very nearly wiped out the whole of the legion until saved by Agricola’s cavalry
The battle of Mons Graupius was fought in North East Scotland, the location is unknown, where the Caledonians were soundly defeated, using only the ancillary troops When Agricola was recalled and the Romans withdrew IX Legion returned to York.
The last report of IX Legion in Britain was a large legionary inscription dated AD 108, when the fortress was rebuilt in stone.
If legion was decimated or dissolved and dishonoured little was ever recorded. It is felt that the legion was not lost in Northern England or Southern Scotland although there were troubles in the north during AD 110s. It was transferred to The Netherlands, replacing legions moved East and there is an inscription to prove this, it is not known when.
The tombstone of Titus Flavius Virilis, found at Lambaesis in North Africa, adds further to the mystery. He apparently held the centurion in six legions, his last post being IX Legion; he died in service whilst training recruits aged about 65. Since his last posting was with the Ninth Legion and he died in service, this must surely mean that at least part of the legion was stationed for some time in Africa.
IX Legion had disappeared from army list by AD160s.
XIV Legion Gemma
The legion was formed by Caesar in the middle of the last century BC. It came to Britain as part of the Claudian invasion army. The legions first semi-permanent fortress was probably at Mancetter in Warwickshire in about 46AD on the edge of the recently conquered territory. The legion fought under the Governor Scapula in the North West Midlands and North Wales, but were also involved in defensive action again the Brigantes
It is particularly remembered as the legion, which moved swiftly from Wales to confront Boudicca in 60AD with a detachment from the XX position with what was said to be a force of 80,000 warriors and had huge losses, before retreating and eventually committing suicide. The Roman’s had 400 killed and less than 1000 wounded.
Following this revolt, the legion returned to subduing the Welsh tribes from a new legionary fortress in Wroxeter, Shropshire.
The legion was withdrawn from Britain in 67AD by Nero for a campaign in the east.
II Legion Adiutrix
This legion was formed in 70AD by the emperor Vespasian, who had recently come to power). Its soldiers were marines from the Ravenna navy, who had sided with Vespasian during his war against the emperor Vitellius, and rewarded with the status of a legion. The names mean helper.
It was dispatch to Britain almost immediately with the new Governor Celialis to conquer Brigantes. The Legion 11 Adiurix built the fortress at Chester in AD75 probably on the instructions of Governor Cearlis, before he retired as governor in AD74. It was stationed first at Lincoln before moving to Chester, and seeing action in North Wales. It remained at Chester when Governor Agricola moved north with most of the army to invade Scotland.
It returned to the continent in 87AD, after Agricola was recalled, to reinforce the army on the Danube. The legion was last identified in Hungary in the 5th century.
VI Legion Victrix
The legion had origins in 1st century BC, it is difficult to determine when, because of Augusta’s reorganisation of the army after the Civil War. It served in Spain in the pacification of the northern tribes. It was transferred to the Rhine in AD69 to counter the Civilis revolt and remained there for 50 years.
It is likely that Hadrian transfer the legion to Britain in 122AD, about the time of his visit, but it could have been before. They had come to replace the VIIII Legion and were transferred to the legionary fortress in York. They built the bridge over the Tyne and were involved in the construction of the Wall and forts added a little later.
Troops from the legion were involved in the construction of the Antonine Wall between 139AD and 142.and probably manned the supply base at Corbridge.
In 196AD, Governor Clodius Albinus of Britannia attempted to become emperor. The British legions were transferred to the continent, but were defeated by Septimius Severus in the spring of 197AD, although they continued in existence after that date
With the Emperor Septimius Severus’ invasion of Scotland, they built a large temporary camp at Carpow on the south bank of the Tay became a permanent campaign fort in the Severan period (AD208-11), featuring massive stone buildings and a garrison formed from detachments of both II Augusta and VI Victrix; some of II and VI were possibly stationed at Cramond near Edinburgh on the Forth during this same time.
It is likely that the legion was active during the reign of the usurpers Carausius and Allectus (286AD-296)
What happened after this is unknown; this was the time that legions were broken up.
The army at York proclaimed Constantine Emperor in 306AD, but it is not known for certain if this referred to VI Legion.
The final reference is from about the end of 4th century in Notitia Dignitatum, a list of Roman Army units, relating the Prefect of the VI Legion, reporting to the Duke of Britain (who was responsible for the northern defences possibly based in York).
It was probably withdrawn to the continent by Stilicho in 402AD or Constantine 111 in 407AD.