Roman Legions: Names and Numbers

Importance of Legion Identity

Legion names and numbers were more than identifiers; they provided soldiers with pride, community, and brotherhood.
Each legion had a unique history and culture passed down through generations.
Legion symbols, standards, and the golden eagle were sacred, and soldiers were willing to die to protect them.
Families often served in the same legion for generations.
Rivalries could persist even after conflicts, e.g., 14th legion vs. Batavian cohorts.

Initially, legions were temporary and numbered 1-4, disbanded and reformed as needed.
Numbering was chronological, with the first four reserved for Consuls.
Higher numbers (5 and above) possibly followed a deployment system from west to east (e.g., Spain to the East).
Legion numbers were not permanent, and numbers could be reassigned.
A legion number was a sign of being a legally sanctioned "iusta legio."

Julius Caesar disrupted the system during the Civil War, creating legions numbered up to 47.
After Caesar's assassination, veterans re-enlisted under familiar legion numbers.
Octavian (Augustus) reorganized into 28 standing legions, eliminating many duplicates.
No strict numbering system; duplicate numbers like 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 10th existed.
Augustus set a precedent by not raising legions 17, 18, and 19 after their destruction in the Teutoburg Forest.

Geographic/Ethnic names were common, signifying recruitment or battle locations, e.g., 1st Germanica.
Names after gods or people served propaganda purposes, e.g., 2nd Augusta.
Unique names portrayed distinct features, e.g., 5th Alaudae (larks), 12th Fulminata (lightning).
"Gemina" or "Gemella" indicated merged legions.
Additional titles could be earned, e.g., 14th Gemina received "Martia Victrix."

Legion identity grew into strong social identities with pride and loyalty among veterans.
Veterans often encouraged descendants to join the same legion.
Meeting a fellow legionnaire was like meeting someone from the same university, fostering camaraderie.
Legion names and numbers were inscribed on tombstones as a point of pride.