Legio I Pontica

• The Legio I Pontica was founded by Diocletian in c.288 CE.
• It was based at Trabzon in Pontus between 297-c.400 CE.

Regimental Details

• Creation Date: c.288 CE
• Reason for creation
  • Diocletian created the Legion to reinforce the vexillations of the Legio XV Apollinaris who had been permanently based there and defend the eastern Black Sea Region.
• Dates:
• Fortress Bases:
  • Trabzon (297 CE onwards)
  • Vexillations in Cilicia.
• Titles:
  • ‘Pontica’ means ‘of the Black Sea’.
• Emblems:
• Notable Commanders:
• Structure of the Legion:
  • Roman Legion
  • Roman Army
  • Roman Weapons

Chronology

• Early Campaigns: Unknown.

Posting in Pontus (297-c.400 CE)

• The Legion appears to have been permanently posted in Trabzon throughout its existence.

Conclusion

• The Legion is still recorded as being in Trabzon in c.400 CE after which it disappears from the record.

Trapezuz, Trabzon, Turkey