History
Eagle Standard
The Twelfth Legion was raised by Julius Caesar in 58 BC. Augustus was emperor at the time. He used the twelfth legion in the fight against Helvetii in the Gallican Wars, as well as the invasion of Italy and the Battle of Pharsalus. Command of the legion was passed to Lepidus in 41 BC after Caesar was murdered. However, Lepidus gave command to Marc Antony. The legion served in Syria for awhile, warring with Armenia and the Parthian Empire. When Antony lost the battle of Actium, the legion went back east. Though it soon returned to Syria and was stationed at Raphanae. In 66 CE, the governor of Judaea requested military help to regain control of Jerusalem. The Twelfth Legion voluntered. However, they returned in shame. They were not strong enough to defeat their foes and during the battle they lost their eagle standard. The legion regained their reputation by fighting bravely in the final part of the war between the Jews and the Romans. Vespasian, the general of the Twelfth Legion, proclaimed himself emperor at this time. Later, under Emperor Domitian, the Twelfth Legion was sent to help the kingdoms of Iberia and Albania. No legion had ever gone this far east before. The Twelfth Legion participated in many more battles throughout history. They loyally served the Roman Empire. By the end of their time, the XII Legio Fulminata had many names: XXI Legio Paterna, XII Legio Victrix, XII Legio Antiqua, XII Legio Galliena. All titles were given to honor the bravery of the soldiers of the Twelfth Legion.
Daily Life in a Roman Legion
Soldiers of the Twelfth Legion
Soldiers woke before dawn and broke camp, efficiently packing away supplies. When everything was packed up, they would get into formation and march to their next destination. Each soldier was responsible for his own supplies. His pack could weigh up to forty pounds. As the soldiers were marching, scouts would ride ahead to check for ambushes and scope out suitable places to camp. When the legionaries arrived at a campsite, they immediately began setting up tents in an orderly fashion. Each camp would have the same layout so the men could easily find their way. Guards were posted around camp in case of an attack. Those off duty used their free time to train. When the soldiers were finished training, they sat around a fire with fello comrades and ate a cooked meal. After a long day, the soldiers turned in, crawling into their tents to get a good night's sleep before the sun rose tomorrow.
Twelfth Legion's Effect on Rome
The Twelfth Legion benefited Rome in many ways. In times of war, the Twelfth Legion protected the Roman Empire and the Roman people. In times of peace, the Twelfth Legion built roads that facilitated communication and travel across the Empire. They also built fortifications that could be used to defend the nation if war arose. The Twelfth Legion performed many services for the citizens of the Roman Empire. They made Rome a safer, more prosperous place.
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