Legio II Italica Pia

• The Legio II Italica Pia was founded by Marcus Aurelius in c.165 CE.
• It was based at Enns in Noricum between 171-c.400 CE.

Regimental Details

• Creation Date:
  • c.165-6 CE Levied by Marcus Aurelius
• Reason for creation:
  • To campaign in the Marcomannic Wars
• Dates: c.165-6 – c. 400 CE
• Fortress Bases:
  • Lauriacum (Enns) 180-c.400 CE
• Title:
  • Legio II Italica Pia
    • meaning either ‘The Italian Legion of Pius’ or ‘The Faithful Italian Legion’.
  • ‘Fidelis’
    • meaning ‘Loyal’ awarded by Septimius Severus in 193 CE.
  • ‘Pia V Fidelis V’
    • meaning ‘Five times faithful and loyal’, then ‘Pia VI Fedelis VI’ and also ‘Pia VII Fidelis VII’, awarded by Gallienus.
• Emblems:
  • The Wolf with Romulus and Remus
• Notable Commanders:
• Structure of the Legion:
  • Roman Legion
  • Roman Army
  • Roman Weapons

Chronology

Early Campaigns:

• Campaigned in the Marcomannic Wars.

Posting in Noricum (171-c.400 CE)

• c.171 CE Moved to Noricum, location unknown.
• 180 CE Based at Lauriacum (Enns) until c.400 CE.
• 193 CE After the assassination of Pertinax, the Second supported Septimius Severus against Pescennius Niger.
• 260-269 CE supported Gallienus against Postumus.

Conclusion

• Mentioned in the Notitia Dignitatum (c.400 CE) as still being based at Lauriacum (Enns).

Museum Lauriacum, Enns, Austria