- The Legio XVI Gallica was founded by Octavian in c.40 BCE. It was based at Neuss in Germania Inferior between 43-70 CE.
- In 70 CE it was disbanded by Vespasian and reformed as the Legio XVI Flavia Firma.
Regimental Details
- Creation:
- c. 40-41 BCE by Octavian.
- Dates:
- 40-41 BCE-70 CE.
- Fortress Bases:
- Mainz (Moguntiacum), Germania Superior (Possibly). (c.12 BCE)
- Novaesium (Neuss), Germania Inferior (43-70 CE)
- Title:
- ‘Legio XVI Gallica’ meaning ‘The Sixteenth Legion from Gaul’.
- Emblems:
- Possibly a Lion
- Notable Commanders:
- Structure of the Legion:
Chronology
Early Campaigns:
- Possibly involved in the Battle of Actium (31 BCE) against Mark Anthony.
Posting in Germania Superior (c.12 BCE-43 CE)
- c. 12 BCE Sent to the Rhine, probably Mainz (Moguntiacum), Germania Superior.
- 6 CE Used by Tiberius in his Germanic Wars.
Posting in Germania Inferior (c.43-70 CE)
- 43 CE Moved to Novaesium (Neuss), Germania Inferior to replace the Legio XX Valeria Victrix which had moved to Britannia.
- 69 CE During the Year of the Six Emperors, the Legion supported Vitellius.
Batavian Revolt (69 CE)
- During the Revolt the Legion changed sides and supported Civilis in his Rebellion.
- When Vespasian‘s eight Legions arrived, they surrendered and were disbanded.
Conclusion
- 70 CE Disbanded for Rebelling, after surrendering to Vespasian during the Batavian Revolt.
- Vespasian then reformed and renamed the Legion as the Legio XVI Flavia Firma.
Novaesium, Neuss, Germany