Legio II Traiana Fortis
A Brief History
The Legio II Traiana Fortis was a Roman legion that was founded by Emperor Trajan in 105 CE. The Dacian king was about to wage war on Rome, and the Emperor needed a powerful force to defend the Empire. Stationed on the Danube River in modern-day Romania, the Traiana Fortis defeated Dacia, securing it as a Roman province. Dacia became an important source of grain for the empire because of this victory. In 115, the legion fought against the Parthian Empire, located in modern day Iran. This campaign ended in a stalemate.
In 117, the legion was moved to Judea, where a Jewish rebellion had recently ended. They maintained peace and tried to put down any remaining Jewish resistance.
In 125, the legion was relocated to a camp in Nicopolis, which was outside of Alexandria in the Egyptian province. They remained here for some time, and fought against rebels in Alexandria. The city was plagued by famine, but legions from Syria came to their aid and helped completely crush the rebellion. It was here that the legion earned the title "fortis".
From 132-136, the Legio II Traiana was sent back to Judea by Emperor Hadrian to crush yet another Jewish revolt. The legion then returned to their base in Nicopolis, and where they served as the main protecting force in the area surrounding Alexandria. Few significant changes were made until 296 when Emperor Diocletian supplemented the garrison forces by merging them with the Legio III Diocletiana. The legion eventually died out in the 5th century with the empire.
More than 1500 years later in the far off land of the United States, the Legio II Traiana Fortis was reenacted by some Roman history nuts in Las Vegas. Here the legion currently resides...sort of.
In 117, the legion was moved to Judea, where a Jewish rebellion had recently ended. They maintained peace and tried to put down any remaining Jewish resistance.
In 125, the legion was relocated to a camp in Nicopolis, which was outside of Alexandria in the Egyptian province. They remained here for some time, and fought against rebels in Alexandria. The city was plagued by famine, but legions from Syria came to their aid and helped completely crush the rebellion. It was here that the legion earned the title "fortis".
From 132-136, the Legio II Traiana was sent back to Judea by Emperor Hadrian to crush yet another Jewish revolt. The legion then returned to their base in Nicopolis, and where they served as the main protecting force in the area surrounding Alexandria. Few significant changes were made until 296 when Emperor Diocletian supplemented the garrison forces by merging them with the Legio III Diocletiana. The legion eventually died out in the 5th century with the empire.
More than 1500 years later in the far off land of the United States, the Legio II Traiana Fortis was reenacted by some Roman history nuts in Las Vegas. Here the legion currently resides...sort of.
What I found interesting.
Legion coin issued by Carinus.
It is interesting that this legion, originally having fought in Dacia, was then relocated to fight throughout the Middle East. Even while in the Middle Eastern region, the legion traveled a vast distance from southern Armenia and the Parthian border to Judea and later Alexandria. There were several Syrian legions that could have fought in Judea. These legions were also much closer to Parthia, yet the Legio II Traiana was still moved there all the way from Dacia. I am surprised as to why they moved so far from their original point of origin, especially when there were other legions in the area.
However, there is some explanation for this. The legion was associated with Hercules, a demigod representing bravery, strength, and warrior-like ferocity. Perhaps the legion was so strong and able that it was relocated to protect Rome from the most important threats of the time. Dacia and the Parthian Empire were rivals that threatened Rome's strength. The Jewish revolts were huge part of Roman history, and most emperors repressed the Jews and used them as a scapegoat for Rome's problems. Alexandria was the most culturally rich city in the provinces, and was an important source of grain for the entire empire. So much confidence was invested in the Legio II Traiana that they defended the most vital areas of Rome at the most vital times. Their prestige is also hinted at by the coin issued by Emperor Carinus. The eagle represents the high standard of the legion.
However, there is some explanation for this. The legion was associated with Hercules, a demigod representing bravery, strength, and warrior-like ferocity. Perhaps the legion was so strong and able that it was relocated to protect Rome from the most important threats of the time. Dacia and the Parthian Empire were rivals that threatened Rome's strength. The Jewish revolts were huge part of Roman history, and most emperors repressed the Jews and used them as a scapegoat for Rome's problems. Alexandria was the most culturally rich city in the provinces, and was an important source of grain for the entire empire. So much confidence was invested in the Legio II Traiana that they defended the most vital areas of Rome at the most vital times. Their prestige is also hinted at by the coin issued by Emperor Carinus. The eagle represents the high standard of the legion.