The Movement and Emplacement of the Legions and Auxiliary units of the Roman Army in Moesia from 29 BC to AD 235

Abstract

<p>This thesis is a history of the legions and auxiliary units of the Roman province of Moesia from 29 BC to AD 235. Some of the principal battles and campaigns undertaken in the area are discussed; however, the focus of the study is the movement of those units both in and out of the province, and also their emplacement, where possible, in the numerous forts so far found in Moesia. A variety of different types of evidence are used: inscriptions, and in particular stone inscriptions and the bronze diplomas are the most valuable sources; the ancient authors are important, and Tacitus, Josephus, Cassius Dio, and Ptolemy are the most valuable, although others are used. There are a handful of conclusions drawn from this study. Generally, during the Julio-Claudian period military units tended to cluster around each other. In the second and third centuries, they are more spread out, and tend to be fairly evenly distributed along the Danube. During the two major campaigns that happened over the course of the years from 29 BC to AD 235, there was a significant influx of troops, and in particular auxiliary units, which were well suited to the conditions. The total legionary disposition remained fairly consistent from Vespasian to Severus Alexander. In the second century, units became stationary and vexillations were often dispatched when the gravity of the moment called for reinforcements.</p>