Legio VIII Augusta

• The Legio VIII Augusta was founded by Pompey in 65 BCE.
• For 300 years, it was based at Strasbourg in Germania Superior between 70-371 CE.

Regimental Details

• Creation Date:
  • 65 BCE Levied by Pompey. One of the earliest Legions to be levied by Pompey, together with the Legio VII Claudia.
• Reason for Creation:
  • Although levied a little earlier and used in the East, it was probably levied in anticipation of the Gallic Wars (58-51 BCE) .
• Dates:
  • 65 BCE-c. 371 CE.
• Fortress Bases:
  • Poetovio (Ptuj, Croatia) Pannonia Superior (9-44 CE)
  • Novae (Svishtov, Bulgaria), Moesia Inferior (44 – 70 CE)
  • Strasbourg (Argentorate), Germania Superior (70-c. 371 CE)
• Title:
  • ‘Legio VIII Augusta’ meaning ‘The Majestic Fourth Legion’.
• Emblems:
  • The Bull
• Notable Commanders:
  • Julius Caesar
• Structure of the Legion:
  • Roman Legion
  • Roman Army
  • Roman Weapons

Chronology

Campaigned in the Gallic Wars (58-51 BCE)

• 58-51 BCE The Legion fought in almost every Battle in Gaul during the Gallic Wars, along with the Legio VII Claudia, Legio IX Hispana and Legio X Equestris.
  • 58 BCE Battle of the Arar
  • 58 BCE Battle of Bibracte
  • 58 BCE War against the Suebi
  • 57 BCE Battle of the Sabis, and annihilation of the Nervians
  • 55 BCE Caesar's Invasion of Germania
  • 54 BCE Caesar's Second Invasion of Britannia One of the 5 Legions involved.
  • 53 BCE War against the Eburones
  • 52 BCE Battle of Noviodunum
  • 52 BCE Battle of Gergovia
  • 52 BCE Battle of Alesia

• 46 BCE Disbanded.

Campaigned in the Great Roman Civil War

• 44 BCE Reformed by Octavian:
• 42 BCE Battle of Phillipi campaigned under Octavian against Brutus and Cassius.

Roman Conquest of Britannia (43 CE)

• 43 CE Recently, Historians think that the Legio VIII Augusta took part in the Claudian Invasion of Britannia, in addition to the four known legions: Legio II Augusta, Legio IX Hispana, Legio XIV Gemina, and Legio XX Valeria Victrix.

Posting in Pannonia Superior (9-44 CE)

• 9-44 CE Posted to Poetovio (Ptu), Pannonia Superior.

Posting in Moesia Inferior (44-70 CE)

• 44-70 CE Novae (Svishtov, Bulgaria), Moesia Inferior.

Posting in Germania Superior (70-371 CE)

• 70-371 CE The Legion was based at Argentorate (Strasbourg) during this whole period.
• 74 CE Constructed the Roman Road from Strasbourg through the Agri Decumates to the Danube.
• 83-5 and 88-9 CE probably campaigned against the Chatti under Domitian
• 195 CE Used in Septimius Severus Parthian Campaign.
• 196-7 CE Used by Septimius Severus against the Usurper Clodius Albinus in the Battle of Lugdunum (197 CE).

Under the Gallic Empire (260-274 CE)

• Formed part of the breakaway Gallic Empire under the command of Postumus, then Laelianus, then Victorinus.

Conclusion

• 371 CE The last known record of the Legion is that it is still based in Strasbourg (Argentorate) in Germania Superior.
• It may have been withdrawn to defend Italy by Stilicho.

Argentorate, Strasbourg