Legio V Jovia

The Legio V Jovia was founded by Diocletian between 284-305 CE.
It was based at Bononia in Pannonia Secunda between c.284-c.400 CE. Very little is known about this Legion.

Creation Date:
- c.284-305 CE (Exact date unknown) Raised by Diocletian, along with the Legio I Jovia, Legio II Herculea
Reason for creation
- To defend the Imperor’s Residence in the City of Sirmium along with the newly created Legio VI Herculia.
- This was one of the four Capital Cities of the Tetrarchy, the Capital of the former Province of Pannonia Inferior now renamed Pannonia Secunda.
Dates:
- c.284-c.400 CE.
Fortress Bases:
- Bononia (Banostor, Serbia) The main Legionary Base.
- Sirmium (Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia)
- Castellum Onagrinum (Begec, Serbia) A Fort defending a Pontoon Bridge over the River Danube.
Titles:
- ‘Jovia’ meaning ‘Fifth Legion devoted to Jupiter’. It was named after Diocletian who referred to himself as ‘Jovianus’ (Similar to Jupiter).
Emblems:
Notable Commanders:
Structure of the Legion:

Bononia (Banostor, Serbia) was the Main Legionary Base on the River Danube guarding a River Crossing. It was previously occupied by an Auxiliary Unit of the Cohors Alpinorum.
Sirmium (Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia) To protect Diocletian‘s Palace in Sirmium, presumably forming the Imperial Palace Guard, along with the Legio VI Herculia.
Castellum Onagrinum (Begec, Serbia) A small Fort defending a Pontoon Bridge over the River Danube.

Recorded by the Notitia Dignitatum (c.400 CE) as still being present at Castellum Onagrinum (Begec, Serbia), after which the Legion’s Fate is unknown.

Bononia, Banostor, Serbia