Legio IIII Italica

• The Legio IIII Italica was probably founded by Severus Alexander in 231 CE.
• Very little is known about this Legion. It was based at Mainz between 231-238 CE.

Regimental Details

• Creation Date:
  • 231 CE Levied by Severus Alexander (possibly)
• Reason for creation
  • To Campaign in Parthia against the Sassanid Empire.
• Dates:
  • 231-c.400 CE.
• Fortress Bases:
  • Moguntiacum Mainz Germania Superior (231-238 CE)
    • Possibly still in Mainz from 238 CE onwards.
• Title:
  • ‘Italica’ means ‘of Italy’.
• Emblems:
• Notable Commanders:
  • Maximinus I
    • Its first commander, his legionaries declared him Roman Emperor between 235-238 CE.
• Structure of the Legion:
  • Roman Legion
  • Roman Army
  • Roman Weapons

Chronology

Early Campaigns:

Posting in Germania Superior (231-238 CE)

• 231 CE Based in Mainz (Moguntiacum) (231-238 CE)
• 235 CE Declared their Commander, Maximinus I as Emperor.
• 235-238 CE Campaigned against the Germanic Tribes.
• 235-238 CE: Campaigned on the Danube under Maximinus I, against the Germanic Tribes.
• 242-244 CE: Campaigned in Mesopotamia under Gordian III, in his Parthian Campaign.
• 269 CE: If it was still located in Mainz, the Legion may have formed part of Postumus breakaway Gallic Empire (264-270 CE).

Conclusion

• Very little is known about this Legion. It is last mentioned in the Notitia Dignitatum (c.400 CE) as being located in the Eastern Empire.

Moguntiacum, Mainz