Legio XXII Primigenia

• The Legio XXII Primigenia was founded by Caligula in 39 CE.
• It was based in Mainz in Germania Superior between 39-337 CE.

Regimental Details

• Creation Date:
  • 39 CE Levied by Caligula.
• Reason for creation
  • To Campaign in Germania.
• Dates:
  • 39-c.337 CE.
• Fortress Bases:
  • Mainz (Moguntiacum), Germania Superior (39-c.337 CE)
  • A Unit was based on the Antonine Wall in Britannia (c.142-155 CE)
• Title:
  • ‘Primigenia’
    • was one of the Titles of the Goddess ‘Fortuna’.
  • ‘Primigenia CV’
    • meaning ‘Primigenia Constantiana Victrix’ awarded by Constantine I sometime between 306-337 CE.
  • ‘Pia VII Fidelis VII’
    • meaning ‘Seven times Faithful and seven times Loyal’ (c. 260-268 CE) Awarded by Gallienus for campaigning against Postumus.
• Emblems:
  • The Capricorn and Hercules.
• Notable Commanders:
  • Hadrian (97-98 CE)
• Structure of the Legion:
  • Roman Legion
  • Roman Army
  • Roman Weapons

Chronology

Early Campaigns:

Posting of a Vexillatio in Britannia (142-155 CE)

• c.122-128 CE A Unit helped construct a section of Hadrian's Wall.
• c.142-155 CE A Vexillatio was based in a Fort on the Antonine Wall.

Posting in Germania Superior (39-337 CE)

• c.39 CE Based permanently at Mainz (Moguntiacum).
• 69 CE During the Year of the Four Emperors the Legion supported Vitellius.
• 69-70 CE During the Batavian Revolt it was the only Legion in Germania to successfully defend its camp and remain undefeated.
• 235 CE Campaigned in the East against the Sassanid Empire.
• 193 CE During the Year of the Six Emperors, after Pertinax was assassinated, the Legion supported Septimius Severus to become Emperor.

Under the Breakaway Gallic Empire (260-274 CE)

• Between 268-274 CE, the Legion came under the control Postumus, Ruler of the breakaway Gallic Empire (260-274 CE).
• 268 CE Possibly campaigned under Gallienus in the Battle of Naissus, where the Goths were defeated.
• In 269 CE Laelianus, the Commander of the Legion declared himself Emperor of the Gallic Empire.
• 269 CE Postumus successfully re-took control of Mainz (Moguntiacum), executed Laelianus, but was assassinated himself shortly thereafter.

Conclusion

• c.306-337 CE Constantine I awarded the Legion the Title ‘Primigenia CV’ probably meaning ‘Constantiana Victrix’.
• After this there is no further reference to the Legion, and its Fate is unknown.

Mainz, Germany