Cohors II Gallorum veterana equitata
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| Cohors II Gallorum veterana equitata | |
|---|---|
 Roman infantry helmet (late 1st c.) |
|
| Active | early 1st century to at least mid 3rd c. |
| Country | Roman Empire |
| Type | Roman auxiliary cohort |
| Role | infantry/cavalry |
| Size | 600 men (480 infantry, 120 cavalry) |
| Garrison/HQ | 99-106 Moesia Inferior; 107 Mauretania Caesariensis; 122-249 Britannia |
| Engagements | prob. Dacian Wars (99-106) |
Cohors secunda Gallorum veterana equitata ("2nd part-mounted veteran Cohort of Gauls") was a Roman auxiliary mixed infantry and cavalry regiment. It was originally raised in Gallia Lugdunensis, probably in the era of Augustus, the founder-emperor (r. 30BC - 14AD).[1] It is first attested in the datable epigraphic record in 99 AD in Moesia Inferior (N. Bulgaria), from where it probably took part in the emperor Trajan's Dacian Wars (99-105). It was briefly stationed in Mauretania Caesariensis (N Algeria), where it is attested for 107. From at least 122 until its last known attestation of 244-9, it was in Britannia, and thus saw the building of Hadrian's Wall (122-32). There, from at least 178, it was stationed at the fort at Old Penrith (Cumbria).[2]
The reason for the title veterana, which only appears in 178, is unclear. It has been suggested that the title indicates seniority over other units in the province.
The full names of 4 praefecti (commanders) of the regiment are known, all from the 2nd c. Three appear to have been northern Italians and one was from Nicomedia in Bithynia. In addition, we have the name of a single pedes (common foot soldier), a Mysian from the province of Asia (99 AD).[3] There is also attested (178) a certain Dacus, an eques (common cavalryman). The name, which simply means Dacian, was probably adopted by him because his native Dacian name was unpronounceable to Romans.
[edit] Citations
[edit] References
- Holder, Paul Studies in the Auxilia of the Roman Army (1980)
- Spaul, John COHORS 2 (2000)
