Legions in Trajan\'s Dacian Campaign

[AureliusFalco]

Salve! What evidence is there for the legions that participated in Trajan's Dacian campaigns? I have read online [url:38bhod00]http://www.roman-emperors.org/trajan.htm[/url] that eleven legions were involved. On another website, I read that the following legions (I and II Adiutrix,IV Flavia,VII Macedonica Cladia,V Macedonica ,XIII Gemina,I Italica) were stationed either in or around Dacia in the mid-2nd century, but does this mean that they took part in Trajan's invasion? Also, I have read that the II Triana & the XXX Ulpia were raised to augment the number of legions, but does that mean that they also took part in the invasion of Dacia? Gratias tibi!

[Lunico]

Hey guys, while speaking of the Dacian campaigns, I have a question regarding Trajans column - how reliant is the depiction of the legionairs on that column? I was just wondering, because there are several depictions of such legionairs that look quite different. An example is here:
http://www.frasdorf.com/legio8/generati ... iones.html

Do you think the impression of the legionair of 100 AD in the link above is (even more) acurate?

[Magnus]

Use the search function. Your topic has been covered...a year or two ago I think. Trajan's column should always be checked against other forms of evidence. You'll see why.

[AureliusFalco]

I have been doing a little more research, and I read on Wikipedia that 13 legions took part in both of Trajan's Campaigns. I can only come up with a partial list of 9 legions.

They are:
1st War
X Gemina
XI Claudia
II Traiana Fortis
XXX Ulpia Victrix

in the 2nd War I read that the IV Flavia Felix,II Adiutrix and a vexallatio of the VI Ferrata took part in the siege of Sarmisegetusa. I also read that the XIII Gemina and the V Macedonica took part in these campaigns. Does anyone know of any more?

[Nathan Ross]

Hi Tony

The figure of 13 legions for the Dacian war is often quoted but seldom supported, and I find it implausible. The estimate appears to derive from H.M.D Parker, but he intended it only as a maximum of available forces in the area, not as a proposed actual figure for the campaign force.

This very topic was discussed here recently, and I suggested a list of legions epigraphically attested as participating in one or both of the wars:

Legions of Trajan's Dacian War

You'll find all the details on that thread, with the relevant text from the inscriptions. In precis, though, I believe the following units (and perhaps no others) are confirmed to have been involved:

VII Claudia

IIII Flavia Felix

V Macedonica

I Italica

I Minervia (second war only - commanded by Hadrian)

XIII Gemina

IIII Scythica (probably a vexillation)

VI Ferrata (vexillation)

X Gemina (not confirmed, but possible)


- Nathan

[AureliusFalco]

Thank You Nathan! The thread and your list are exactly what I was looking for! I don't like using wikipedia to get my info! Thanks again!