Introduction

[Flavivs Aetivs]

I don't know about during Trajan's time, but later, under Marcus Aurelius, Aquileia was very important during the Marcomannic Wars. It was the main gateway from Italy up to the troubled area, and the city was itself reached by the Quadi and Marcomanni. Apparently in the winter of 168-169 it was a winter quarters for some of the troops.

According to Anthony Birley's biography of Marcus "detachments of the new Second and Third legions" were sent to a port south of Aquileia "to maintain an alternate sea-link with Italy." This is simply speculation on my part, but perhaps Aquileia had elements from the same legions stationed there.

The origin of the Classis Ravennensis maybe? The fleet was stationed at Aquileia.