Legio III Parthica

• The Legio III Parthica was founded by Septimius Severus in 197 CE.
• It was based in Mesopotamia between c.197-c.400 CE.

Regimental Details

• Creation Date:
  • 197 CE Created by Septimius Severus along with Legio I Parthica and Legio II Parthica.
• Reason for creation
  • To Campaign in Septimius Severus Parthian Campaign.
• Dates: 197-c.400 CE.
• Fortress Bases:
  • Rhesaena (Ras al Ayn), Mesopotamia (197 CE onwards)
  • Apadna, Osrhoene (c.400 CE)
• Title:
  • Legio III Parthica
    • meaning Third Parthian Legion.
  •  ‘Pia’
    • meaning ‘Pious’. This Title was found on a coin, but it is not known when it was awarded.
• Emblems:
• Notable Commanders:
• Structure of the Legion:
  • Roman Legion
  • Roman Army
  • Roman Weapons

Chronology

• Early Campaigns:

Posting in Mesopotamia (From c.197-c.400 CE)

• 197 CE Based at Rhesaena (Ras al Ayn).
• No details are known for this Legion. It was probably involved in all the subsequent Parthian Campaigns.

Conclusion

• The Notitia Dignitatum (c.400 CE) shows the Legion at Apadna in Osrhoene. Otherwise, no details exist for this Legion.

Ras al-Ayn, Syria