Legio VII Gemina Felix

• The Legio VII Gemina Felix, also known as the Legio VII Galbiana, was founded by Galba in c.68 CE.
• It was based in Leon in Hispania Tarraconensis between 74-409 CE.

Regimental Details

• Creation:
  • 68-9 CE Levied by Galba to march against Nero in Rome.
• Dates:
  • 68-9 – c. 409 CE.
• Fortress Bases:
  • Leon (Legio), Hispania Tarraconensis (74-409 CE)
    • It replaced the Legio VI Victrix which had been there since 30 BCE.
  • Tarragona (Tarraco)
    • A  Detachment was also based here.
• Title:
  • ‘Gemina Felix’ meaning ‘Twinned’ (with another Legion) and ‘Blessed’
  • Tacitus refers to it as the ‘Legio VII Galbiana’
• Emblems: Unknown
• Notable Commanders:
  • Trajan (86-89 CE)
• Structure of the Legion:
  • Roman Legion
  • Roman Army
  • Roman Weapons

Chronology

• Early Campaigns:
  • c. 70 CE Vespasian is thought to have amalgamated the Legio VII Galbiana with the disgraced Legio I Germanica, who had sided with the Batavian rebels..

Posting in Hispania Tarraconensis (74-409 CE)

Las Medulas Gold Mine

• The Legion’s primary task was to guard and supervise the gold mining operations.
• It’s secondary task was to police the Cantabrians, who Augustus had taken almost 10 years to conquer.
• It also seems to have maintained a contingent at the Capital, Tarraco.

Conclusion

• The Legion continued in existence until the Province was lost to the Vandals in 409 CE. It may have been absorbed into the Vandal Kingdom’s army.

Leon