Legio X Equestris

• The Legio X Equestris was founded by Julius Caesar in 61 BCE. It was renamed the Legio X Gemina in 29 BCE by Augustus.
• It was based at Astorga in Hispania Tarraconensis between c.31 BCE-71 CE.

Regimental Details

• Creation Date:
  • 61 BCE Created by Julius Caesar and it was his favourite Legion.
• Reason for creation
  • Raised as a third Legion to subdue Portugal and the Lusitani, whilst Julius Caesar was Governor in Spain.
• Dates:
  • 61 BCE-45 BCE Disbanded and Veterans given Land in Narbonne, Gallia Narbonensis.
• Fortress Bases:
  • Astorga Hispania Tarraconensis (32 BCE-71 CE) and possibly before these dates.
• Titles:
  • ‘Equestris’ Meaning ‘Mounted’.
• Emblems:
  • The Bull
• Notable Commanders:
  • Titus Labienus
  • Julius Caesar His personal and favourite Legion.
• Structure of the Legion:
  • Roman Legion
  • Roman Army
  • Roman Weapons

Chronology

Early Campaigns as the Legio X Equestris:

• 61 BCE Successfully Campaigned under Julius Caesar in Portugal against the Lusitani.

Campaigned in the Gallic Wars (58-51 BCE)

• 58-51 BCE The Legion fought in almost every Battle in Gaul under Julius Caesar during the Gallic Wars, along with the Legio VII Claudia, Legio VIII Augusta and Legio IX Hispana.
  • 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
  • 55 BCE Caesar's First Invasion of Britannia one of the two Legions involved.
  • 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

Campaigned in the Great Roman Civil War (49-46 BCE)

• • 49 BCE Battle of Ilerda
  • 48 BCE Battle of Dyrrhachium
  • 48 BCE Battle of Pharsalus
  • 46 BCE Battle of Munda

Campaigned under Mark Anthony

• • 31 BCE Battle of Actium

Conclusion

• After the fighting in the Battle of Actium 31 BCE for Mark Anthony the Legion was taken on by Octavian and its name changed to Legio X Gemina.

Legio X Gemina

• In 29 BCE the Legion was effectively disbanded by Octavian, now called Augustus, and re-formed under the new name Legio X Gemina.
• It was Posted to Astorga in Hispania Tarraconensis (between 31 BCE-71 CE)
• It was later based in Vienna in Pannonia Superior (between 114-c.400 CE)

Astorga, Spain