Legio XVI Flavia Firma

• The Legio XVI Flavia Firma was founded by Vespasian out of the disgraced Legio XVI Gallica in c.70 CE.
• It was based in Samosata in Syria between 117-c.300 CE.

Regimental Details

• Creation:
  • 70-1 CE From the Legio XVI Gallica by Vespasian.
• Dates:
  • 70-1 CE.
• Fortress Bases:
  • Satala, (Sadak, Turkey) Cappadocia (70-117 CE)
  • Samosata, (Samsat, Turkey), Syria (117-c.300 CE)
• Title:
  • ‘Legio XVI Flavia Firma’ meaning ‘The Sixteenth Flavian and Standfast Legion’
• Emblems:
  • The Lion
• Notable Commanders:
• Structure of the Legion:
  • Roman Legion
  • Roman Army
  • Roman Weapons

Chronology

Early Campaigns:

• 70 CE Sent to the Eastern Frontier, possibly as punishment for the Rebellion, it consisted of mainly Gallic Soldiers.

Posting in Cappadocia (70-117 CE)

• 70 – 117 CE Based in Satala, (Sadak, Turkey).

Posting in Syria (117-c.300 CE)

• 117-c.300 CE Based in Samosata, (Samsat, Turkey) Syria.
• Between c.117-c.140 CE Legionaries from this Legion helped complete the Titus Tunnel at Seleucia of Pieria.

Conclusion

• Records show that the legion was still in existence until c. 300 CE, after which date its Fate is unknown.

Samosata, Samsat, Turkey