Collection du Centre d’Ftudes Romaines et Gallo-Romaines Nouvelle série, N° 20 LES LEGIONS DE ROME SOUS LE HAUT-EMPIRE Actes du Congrés de Lyon (17-19 septembre 1998) rassembles et édités par Yann Le Bohee avec la collaboration de Catherine Wolff Lyon, 2000‘Edward Dabrowa" Legio X Fretensis None of the surviving sources coniain any information that would make it possible to establish the exact date when the legio X Fretensis was (formed. Until recenily there was ‘general acceptance of the arguments put forward by E. Ritterling, who ascribed the creation of this legion 1 Julius Cassar’. This supposition found confirmation in the fact thas this unit had an image of a bull (taurus) on its standards, the zodiac sign of the: goddess Venus, fram whom the gens Falia traced its lineage; this sign was used by all the legions raised by Cacsar’. Rinterling’s hypothesis was criticized by Lawrence Keppie, who pointed om that for political reasons this sign was also used by the legions formed by Orlavian after 43 BC, and served to underscore his close bond with Caesar. Im the comtext of the sharpening rivalry between ‘Octavian and M, Antonius, this bond took on essential propaganda significance’ The use af Caesarian symbolism had particular resonance amang veterans and soldiers who had previously served under the command of the assassinated dictator, and it assured ‘Octavian their support and sympathy. It was not only the symbols that became propaganda tools in his hands, After 43 BC, as a result of the division of the army among the Triumvirs, many legions formed by Caesar found themselves in the East, under the command of M. Antonius. This circumstance was exploited by Octavian when he gave the legions that he was forming the same numbers. Among this group was the degio X. latet kaown as the Fretensis’ ‘The practice adopted by Octavian has made i possible te determine thal this unit was formed after 43 BC. ‘The history of the Jegion in the first years of its existence is unknown, but_we do have ‘certain indications that allow us to shed some light on this period. These include both the cognomen of the legion and the other symbols — apart from the previously mentioned bull — found on its battle standards. Theador Mommsen advanced the hypothesis that the cognomen Fretensis came from the Latin name for the Straits of Messina: Fremm, Fretum Siculsn', ‘This would suggest, then, that the Jegio X took part it the decisive phase of the battles against Sextus Pompeius in Sicily in the year 36 BC. The soldiers who fought in its ranks must have made such an important contbution to the victory that the legion was named Fretensis’. The ‘image of a galley found om the Jegion’s standards is also regarded as a testimony to is role in ‘the fighting on Sicily, or rather— which scems more likely — on the decks of ships along its * Ustwersyet Japiclowsks,Insytat Histol. ul Golebie 13, PL 31-007 Krakow, 'B. Rimealing. RE, XML 2, cal. F671 + A. von Dosuseewski, Die Thierilder der Signs, AEM. XV, 1892. pp. 1860; Rimerling, 2°, XU, col. 1373; H, MD. Parker, The Roman Legions, 1928 (Ofetdh, pp. 261, 268, L Meppic, The Mitine ofthe Roma Army. From Republic bo Expire, 1987 (Loedoml p. 128, YL. Keppic, Colonisation ard Veteran Semioment im Italy, 7 - M4 B-C. 1981 (Lemon). pw 35; id. op. eit (a. 2), pp 133-34, 208, Wits regard to dis emblems see alto whe opines of D, Barag, Brick stamp impressises of the Lepio X Frosensix. ., CLXVIL 1967, p 246, AL Keppie, ap. cit. (a. 2), p. 134. +L. Keppie ip cit_(n. 2), pp. 138,208) dass formation i the yen 41-40 BC “Th Mormesen, Res Gestae Dini Autt, 2 Aufl, 1883 (Berlin), p69; B. Roterling, RAE, XEL col. 1671; L, Keprie, op, cat (n. 21-pp. 6, 138, 208.9, "AMD Parker op cit pp-261, 268; L Keppicy op. ci (m2), pp 126,138, 143as F. Dabeows shores". The sign of the dolphin, on the other hand, which occurs on the coins and inscriptions: associated with this legion from the [st 10 the 3rd cenmuries ADY, is generally interpreted as evidence for its engagement in the battle af Actium (31 BC)". The main sign used by legio X Fretensis was, as is generally thought, the wild boar, which often appears on its coumtermarks on coins, bricks, and roof tiles" ‘The first known fact (rom the history of X Fretensis recorded in the sources is its. presence in Macedonia towards the end of the Ist century BC, during the reign of Augustis. We kaow nothing, however, of the reasons for its presence there, or how long it lasted. One. can only surmise that it was associated with the situation in the Balkans, which absorhed so ‘much attention from the Roman government in the last years of the Ist century BC” Ca. 16 BC, leg. X Fretensis fought in battles with the Sarmatians who were then penetrating into Macedonia (Cassius Dio LIV.20.3)" During these battles the leginn’s woops built a bridge ‘over the Surymen River (A.E., 1936, 18). No fater than 4 BC, X Fresensis found tiself in Syria, where it formed a pan of the Perminent garrison there, along with the legio MF Gailica and the legio Wf Ferrata (ct Josephus. Ant. died. XVILW0.9; Bell, fud. 1.3.1; 5.1)" tt wonid seem a likely suppasition that for many years this legion, like the other Syrian legions, hadi no permancat camp of its own, and was stationed in various places either according w its current assignment of to the season. From Tacitus we learn.thal m AD 18, the winter camp of this legion (iis hiberna) was at (Cysrhus (Ann, ULS7.2). It was presumably only a short time later that all the legions and auxiliary detachments stationed in Syria were assigned permanent garrison posts. The camp E Riverbog, ALE, XML col 1671 HLMID. Parker, op. cit. p. 282, D, Harag op. cit, 2-47, L. Reppie, op. cis ts. 3), pp. 27. 35 id. op. cit. (8. 2), pp, L260, 138, 140, 143.208, ¥. Meshorer, The Comaze af Aciia Capitolina, WHF Uerusalem), pp. 22. 2-29, 58. Ch L. Kadman, The Coins of Aelia Capitolina, 1986 Gcrusalom’, pp, 560; B Aruba, H. Goldfos, The kiloworts of die Team legion Freveasis. The Reman arf Byamine Near East: Some Recent Archeological Research. 19S (Ann Ashor, Mick:gan). 104 ond Fig. 10. (eA, 1995, 1580), L. Keppie, op. et (@. 2), pp. 138, 140, 143, 208; L, EL. Rami, ‘The ciumeermark-oa 3 Jewish coin in the British Museum, Scfovcicer Milachtaser, XXEX, 1979, pp. 2529 (capecially 280-5 Y. Meshorer, op. E Ritirting, RE. XM col 1672; H. M.D. Parker, op. ci. 1 -Keppie. op. dit (m. 15), pp. 4186.we E. Dabrows, found on this milestone testifies that the soldiers of X Fretensis took part in this road-building ‘work URS, LXVI, 1976, p. [52A.E, 197,329)" Legio X Fretensis fought with varying forvunes and success beneath the walls of Jerusalem, first on the Mount of the Olives (Jasephus, Bell. jud., V.2.3, 3.5}, later by the Pool of Amygdalon (Josephus, Bell. fed. V.114). In the final phase of the battles, the legion ‘contributed to the destruction of Jerusalem's fonifications (lesephus, Bell, jud., V.6.3). In AD 70, umong the many moves made: by Titus in his desire to-restore aw and order in ludsca was his decision to install in Jerusalem the permanent headquarters of legio X Fretensis Ulosephus, Bell. fud, VUL1.2; Vite $22). ‘The fall of the main center of the Jewish insurgency did not mean, however, that the fighting was over, since there were several important resistance points stil] in the hands of the rebels, The operations to climinate these points lasted until at least AD 73, and it cannot be excluded that they were ultimately concluded only in 74". This fighting resulted in the ‘capture of Herodium (Josephus, Bell, Jud , VIL6.1}, Machaerus Josephus, Bell. hud, VIL6.5), and Masada (Josephus, Bell. fud. VILB.1-9.2) by the soldiers of X Fretensix supported by the For the period that elapsed from the end of the Jewish War until AD 114, we have no data on the legion’s military activity outside the borders of Judaca, though it is known that the vexillariones of the Syrian legions wok part in the First Dacian War during the reign of Trajan“ 1. can be stated with complete cenainty, however, that the soldiers of X Fretensis participated in Trajan's Parthian War from 114 to 117, and some of them even won battlefield distinctions (CLL, VII838 = LLS., 2727) The Har-Kokhba uprising (AD 132-135) was yet another test of the legion’s battle- ‘worthiness. Although it is impossible to specify the level of its engagement in the suppression of this insurgency, there can be no doubt that the legion took an active part in the fighting (CLL. I, 7334 = LLS., 2080; XL, 6339)". In is a matter of debate among scholars as to whether or aot te insurgents managed to lake Jerusalem and occupy the legion’s fortress. “The data presenily available suggest that the city was never taken and held by the insurgents” Lage, |. Roll, A migemone of A.D. 69 trom dudoes: me Eider Trajen aes. Vespasian, JS. LXVE 1976: pp: ASHE; B. Kasse, 1) Rell, Rowman Roads in Jalaese vol. Tae Lepio.Seythopotis Road, 1982 (Odors). pp. 62; 66, 0. 1)B. bese. op ait (0. 16). p. 110. The terminus is marked by the fall of Masada, the last poiat of wesistance by the Jewish insurgents. The te {inscriptioes found over a deewe ago in Urbisaalis, costing the cursict Adaorom Of L, Fizeias Silva Nowins Bassi, the conquerot of Narada (4.4. 10970, 18a), along math the archacologieal data cbvainee Goring he excavatives conducted by Y. Vadim, have provided informtion that makes st possible to challenge the date of ‘AD 74 geven by Josephus. Cm this Basis some scholars are comminced that Manda did no fall until 74; sce W Eck, Die Eribeniog vos Masala wad eine neve Inschrf det L. Flaviog Silve Nonlus Bassas, Zewsehrp fur extesuamentiiche Wessenschafi, LX. 1969. pp. 2K21C: H, M. Catton, The date of the fall of Massa; the evidence of the Masada Papyri, ZP£, LXXVI, 1589, pp, 157-62, HM. Coton, I Geiger, The Latin and (Greck Documents (Masada Il. The Tapael Yadin Exearations 1963-65. Final Reports), 989 (erusalem), pp. 2, Cl, HM. Cottoe, J. Geiger. ap ci. pp. 152 3307 ne. 722. * Ke. Strobel (Lintersuctunzen zu den Datertriegen Trajoas. Studien tur Gesehichse des mitclerem tad wnleren Donawaumes i der Hohen Kaiserseil, 1964 (Bone), pp. 102-3 snd note 18) wepposes that a verilanio of X ‘Fretensis cooid possihiy have taken pat thit war along with the verillationes of other castern legions. Ch K. ‘Strobel, Zu Fragee der frhea Geechichte der r0miscben Provinz Arabia ued mi einigen Probiemen der ‘Lepionsdesictatioe im Osten des tmperiam Romanum ma Beginn det 2. Tb. n. Che..ZP.E.. LXXL, 198, p. 253 S See M. Mar, The Romaa legions and the Bar-Kokhbe revok: (132-135 A.D.) Aten des 14. intermationalen Lameskongresies 1985 in Carurtur oO. by H. Wetters & M. Kander, 1990 (Wiea). pp. U6. Most ihaly the Prescace of cOIBK of Antioch sid struck ja Cacimageniin mists in the coin beards four) In Syria and \Soublecrirkiel with caenp is apsoctalie with the particapation of the legion io this =. * Ror ateview of opinions on this issue, see E-Dabtowa op. cit (217), p. 56 motes 40-41,Lagi X Fretensis a We have no evidence for the involvement of X Fretensis in the fighting against the Parthians in 161-165, though it would be impossible to preclude the possibility that vexillario took part". Perhaps the reason the legion was kep? in its fortress was concer that its absence from the province would encourage its inhabitants to engage in anti-Roman activities, Such fears were not entirely unfounded, since there had been unrest in Judaea somewhat ‘cartier, during the reign of Antoninus Pius (cf. HA Ant, Pius, 5.4). The Roman authorities may azo have taken into consideration the danger of a recurrence of the situation which had arisen during Trajan’s Parthian expedition, when the activities of the Jewish population, both in the territories he conquered and in the Roman provinces. caused many scriows problems. ‘The conclusion of the war with the Parthians allowed Marcus Aurelius to use some of the forces stationed in the East to fight against the Quadi and the Marcomani afong the Danube. It cannot be ruled out that among the units withdrawn from the East to the Danube front wag alsa vexillatio of the iegio X Fretensis (CLL,, IL. 9625)". Its ebsence from the Jegions fighting against Parthia dusing the reign of Septimiuis Severus may be interpreted as a punishinent aller the civil war in AD 194, when X Fretensis supported Pescennius Niger. At the same time that the emperor was on his first eastern campaign, the soldiers of this legion were engaged in the construction of an aqueduct in vicinity of Jerusalem™. The legion, or af least a part of it may, however, have participated in the Caracalla’s war against the Parthian king in AD 216”. ‘There is a high degree of likelihood that a vesilene of X Fretensis may have Participated in the mid-230s in defending the German provinces threatened by the onslaught ‘Of the Alamanni, since many detachments were brought to Germany especially for that purpose by Severus Alexander from the casiera provinces. A vexillatic of legio X Fretensis Teappeared in the West more then a dozen years later, IL Was sent to Gaul, probably by Gallienus, to fight against the usurpers there”. In circumstances that remain for us highly unclear, these soldiers ended up an the other side of the front, as indicated by the legion’s fname on the gold coins strack by Victorinus in 269°, The last credible picces of evidence teganding the history of X Fresensis consist of statements in Euscbius’ Onomasticom (210.78) and in the Noritia Dignitanam (Or. 34.40) that it was'stationed at Alla on the Red Sea, itis difficult to determine precisely, however, when the legion lefl its headquarters in Jerusalem. Its presence there is confirmed in AD 250-251 by the last emission of Aelia Capitolina colonial coins”. The decision. to move X Frevensis from Jerusalem to Aiia is usually ascribed to Dio¢letian, and is associated with his military reforms". The possibility cannot be ruled L Kaas, op, cit (1), pp. 55-56, ¥-Meshares, ap. ei. p. 3%. The value of this inscripuon #1 proof of the partcspation of soldsers from the fegio X Fresenris in fighting oa the Dasube:is sometimes questioned, however, [nthe opinion of E. Rinerling iS-£,, XI, col, 1674-75) it may fs well be an indication that this pari uarlagionary was detaches to perform specs assignments "B. aac, I Roll, Revaan Roads. op. eft (e213. p. 93. *E, Ditrowa. opt eit (a 17), p. 188.53. * See EM. Smallwood, The Jews under Romitn Rule From Pompey to Diocletian, 1996 (Leiden), 7p. $284 1, Konig. Die gatlschea Usatpatoren vom Postma bis Tesricus. 181 (Machen). pp. LSM (esp. 154). RIC. V, 2. p. 388 no. 17, E. Ritering. RE, XU col, 1243, L343, 1675; J. Lafeati, Umpire Galois, H, 2, (1975), p. 98; SM. Smalbwood, op. ci, p, 530, oo. Ieee. p14, nos 168, 16S: p.170; 116 nos 179s, pp, ERL-8Z. * CEE Dabrowa, op. cit (0, 17), p. 18. 59, For 2 broader teaiment of the simadonal afvantages of Aila and the rests of the eReological excavations now in progeess there, see S. T. Packer, Prefiminary repiet on the 1998 seaaon of the Roman: Aqahs Project. #,4.5.0.8., COC, 1997, pp. IME. 40, According 1 B. Graf (Tbe Satacens and the Defence of the Arabian frontier, BAS.O.R-, CCXXIX, 1978. p. 19) 1 campot be exclodcd hal tbe aaster of X Freteazis to Aile can be coonctiod with the erpetoe Aurtlian’s efforts to rcinferce the exmiera Gromer alter the revol of Zencbia.32 E.Dabroma ‘Out, also, that the legio X Frerensis (or its part) was temporarily stationed at Neapolis after it left Jerusalem and before it arrived at its new post on the Gulf of Aqaba", ‘The successive bases of leg. X Fretensis were associated with the tasks assigned 1 this, unit. Though we know at lesst a few of these places, it has so far proved impossible 10 identify with complete certainty the remains. of any of its fortresses, whether at Cyrrbus, on the Euphrates (Zeugma?), oF ai Caesarea Maritima, where iL was stationed relatively briefly, or for that matter in Jerusalem, where the legion remained for two centuries”. To be sund, we learn from Josephus that Titus assigned headquarters for the legion in the western part of Jerusalem (Bell. fud., Wil.1.2), but itis difficult ta specify the precise location on the basis of his account, which contains no detailed topographical indications. The insufficiency of our evidence 18 confumed by archaeological excavations conducted in various places within the presumed confines of the forress. Archaeological research has made: it possible, however, 10 reject many previously suggested hypotheses based on the interpretation of Josephus’ account” This docs nothing to change the fact that there is still insufficient information to determine the location of the legion’s quarters within Jerusalem. in this situation, scepticism towards the new hypothesis un this subject advanced by H. Geva, bascd on a re-ineerpietation of previous known archaeological data, is fully justified™. Apart from evidence in the area of Jerssatem itself, there are also many documents of various soris that make it possible tp indicale the places where groups of soldiers from X Fretensis 01 its vexitlationes were stationed outside the main fortress, both in the immediate vicinity of the city and elsewhere, in other Indacan cities. The most numerous pieces of evidence for the presence of a veriHario of this legion come from Caesarea Maritima, where the legionaries tork part in the construction of repair of an aqueduct”. ‘The sources do not ‘exclude the reasonable assumption that they were stationed there permanently, but the ‘evidence in this matter is somewhat ambiguous“. Archaeological excavations at Masada have -supplied evidence justifying the supposition that Roman garrison was still stationed there for ™ Sce S. Beo Dor, Guclqves romanqucs & proper dsc mosnaic de Néapolis, AM. LIX, 1952, yp. 251-52; Y. Mesbocer. op ci, pp. 58-59. “We have a relatively lange amount of epigraphic, mumismatic, amd archaeological evidence found in Jerusalem and sxseciated with the Iegion's presence ia this city. Surveys can be-found in B. Issac (Roman colonies in Fades: the foundation if Aelia Copmolina, Talanca, XIIPKIL I9SO0K1. pp. 42F- nad. The Roman army 13 Jerusalem and its wicinity. Suadien 2x dem Midiingrense Rams HE: 14. Internationaien Limesiengresses, Asien 1983, Vorsrage, 1986 (Smear, pp. OASF.: O38E, notes 20-21 and 33-34) and E. DaBcowa (op, cut (R17), p14 2.27. "H. Geve, The camp of the Tenth-lepion in Jenusaiens st archseolagiesl eiconeideration, LEJ., SOOM, 1984, ‘pp. 24. HH. Gova. op. cit, pp. JHMM See the critical remares by-B. Ssaac (op. eit. dn. 361, pp. 636, 639m Ha: i. Roman adminisiration and urbanization. Greece and Rome in Erets-[srae!. Collected Papers, &. Kaster, W. Rappaport @ G. Paks, 1990 (ferusalem, p. 1ST; i, op. ett (R.17), pp. A277; ii, Tae Near East under Roman ale. 1998 (Leigen-New Yort- Kin). p.110). = Cr. E. Datrows, ap. cit (a. 17), p, 20 a. 79; W. Eek, Za Liteinischen Inschiifien aur Caesarea in ladsea/Syria Palacstina, 2... CXL, 1995. pp. 140%. 90. 7; CM. Lehmann, K. G. Holam, The Greek and Latin nscripeions of Caesarea Marisima, (forcaming). nos. 48, 48, 51-53. * A recusstmucted fragment af one of the pupyri (P, Mick VIL 445, 4.23) may suggest thot there wat a ‘Peamisnent fot betomging 192 verillam of X Fretenris x Caesarea Matin (see V. ArangionRuis, Chirear6i 5 Soldati. Stal epigrafiel# paparotogics,e0. by 1 Bots. 1974 (Nepal, p. 325 9, 38; of. also R. Cavecaile, Corpus Papyronem Latinorum, 1958 (Wrexbaden), p- 301), However, foe obvious reasons this sccwua is of ealy slight value (cf. H.M. Conon, W, E. H. Cockle, F, G. B, Millar, The Papytology of the Roman Near East: a Survey, ERS. LXXXY. 1995, p. 252. no. 3890. The peeseace of Jegionaries from this legion at Caceres e. taid-3ed ‘ccmury AD may be indicated by the iconography cif cotn struck during the rein of Herenmiss Etruseos. Oe the everse of this cote there 5 2 boar walking to he right Krmowited by fwd vexifla OL. Kadmas, op. cit (2. 11), 134, po, BB6). The only onst among those thea stationed im the East that weed ihe Boar emblesn war the degio X ‘Fretenzi. Fat purposes of cotupatisee, atention should be Griwn te the similar jooeography on tbe reverse of 3 cols crock at thir same time at Actia Captolina, of. Y. Meshorer, op. eit. p. 114, ne. 169.Legio X Fretemsis ES some time after the fortress fell. It can be stated with considerable confidence that this garrison consisted of soldiers detached from X Frefensis™. These is no convincing evidence, however, for the assertion that any fortress of the Jegion was located in Gadara or in ‘Hammath Gader*, There is no way, based solely on evidence from the coinage of Askalon, Sidon, Tyre, ‘Dora, Samaria-Sebaste, und Gadara, derived ftom entissions dated 19 the reigns of Vespasian and Domitian and countermarked with the seal of X Fretensis, io determine: whether the ‘countermarking of these coins was associated with the presence of soldiers from this kegion at that time im those cities, or whether it was dome much later, dictated by the mecessity to acquire the funding for the on-going: payment of the soldier's pay by the purely coincidental use of coins from these mints then in circulation®, ‘The relatively large amount of evidence coming from the arca of moder Jerusalem. and the near vicinity enables us to familiarize ourselves with Ronian effers to maintain ‘control over the city, and with the manifestations of X Fretensis productive activities. One of ‘the basic guarantees of order and stability was the constant oversight of the main transportation routes connecting Jerusalem with the other cities of Judaea. This was offected by the permanent military outposts scattered along these routes and at the intersections. in places with good defensive conditions. Several of these outposts have been identified in the ‘immediate vicinity of Jerusalem: st Abu Ghosh", on Giv'st Ram Hill (Binyanet Ha'uma, cs Sheikh Badry*, and at Motza (Qaluniya)", Ar Abu Ghosh, situated Ihalfway between *'¥. Yedin, Masada ane the Limes, LE, XVIL 1967. pp: 431 (esp. 48); 1. BE. Comoe. 1. Geigenop. tp. lost “SE. Dvorjetski. Modiciaal hot epeings in Exetz-Lsrael and ix: the Decapolis during the Hellenistic, Raman and Byzantine pers, Aram. TV, 1992. pp, 2165, 24%, id. Neutical symbols on ihe Gaara coins and thes Hinkta the thermae of Ge Those Graces at Haanmiat-Gader, Mediterranean Historical Rexies UX. 1994 pp. 108-10: bd. ‘Roman emperors ai the thermso-mamncra! hats Ercte-Itacl, Latfomar. LVI, 1997, p. 577. The foonditos foe this most cenainty cannot be a.recont of dabious value, ot the tendentiows interpretation of the images om Ihe scolns of Cudara. esperiaty since. conary to the Wiew expressed dy this sulbor (Medicinal hit apoage — op. ‘itp. 43K: Naatical symbols op. 0 pp IDM), sabe of the maciinse tesages on the coume af this city Bave anything ia commos Sith the symbolises ased by X Fretemsir, The ineonpizen dedicated te Hadrian by te legiomaries of a cobarr of X Fresensis (CLL, IM, 13589 = 14155!) cenainty cannoc be taken for & proof of ‘permancot presence of tie legion at Hammat Gader. since the eoweeaace of this shecripine 3s wmclew. He ret fublishers indicated! Samaria ab is place of ofigin. Clerepet-Ganmena (op. cit, p. 294}, howerer, presested irguments that this Inscription Comes from the vicinity of Gadara, Net all scholws have Deen persuaded: soe B. lnaac. op. cl (30). Pe G7 G0. 00; Af, oP. eu (a, 16) 483. See alka Agsra tote: 25 © See E, Dabrows, op. cit (@. 17), pp. 19%. A lst of coin emissloms with the countermarks of the legis X Fretensis and their classifications is gives by D. Barag (Te countermatks of the Cegio Decima Frevendis: Prelimisary Report, Fuster: of Monetary Development in Phoenicia and Palestine ix Antigicty, of. bp A. Kindler. 1967 Gertialem), pp. HIM), M. Ratenhesger (The Coinace of Eariern Palestine and Legionary Countermarts. Rar-Kockha Overstracks, 878 (eratalern), pp. TEE. vot 1-23), and C. 1. Howsege (Greck Lngerial Coussermarts. Studies & the provincial comage of the Remax Empire, 1985 (London), pp. 251 B, Tsanc, op. ot. (0.36) p 638. “1 Moll iM. Fischer, B. Isaac. 1. Roll, Roraan Roads ée Juudoes, wal. IL The Juffinleratilem Rosude, 1996 {Oxford}, p. 93. * Altbouh to dite no detailed reper on the resclis of these excsvations hai been published (sce B. Lease, op ci: (8.36), P, 696 na. 1; id. op. eit (a. 16), p. 428 f 11). meventbelest we now have enough infermatisn 10 cvalaaic the mature of the fincs at Oivat Ram fsirly ell A detailed description of the ste wnd 1 excavatica: plan cam be fuand in the paper by B. Anuibos and H. Goldfut (op ei, pp. 95, 96 Fig 1; 98 Fig); of. D. Barag. op. vt (=. 3), 'pp- 2671. See alsa I, Roti m Fischer/isaseAMoll, op. eat (0, 45), p. 97; M. Fischer. B, Isaac in Fischerfgnse/Rail, eit (0.45), BH AE " D. Barag, op. cil. (0. 3) p. 267, B, Kesacy om: ttm. 30) p. O}6 m0. 2: M. Fiscber. BL lease in ‘FischerfsaacRell op, o@: (a. 45), pp. 22247a E, Dabewee Jerusalem and Emmaus*, there was also a main road-station, as well as a vexiflari of X Fretensis stationed here™. The importance of Abu Ghosh was determined not only by its favorable location, but also by the presence of abundant fresh water springs”. Similar advantages were offered by the veterans’ settlemeat at Motza, near the entrance to the Soreq Valley". Ithas been suggested that also at al Qubsb, which lies several kilometers west of Emmans/Nicopolis, om the road to Lydda/Diospolis. there may also have been a permanent post, manned by soldiers from X Fretensis™. ‘There can be no doubt that the mast interesting evidence for the presence of the legio X Fretensis in the vicinity of Jerusalem has been discovered on Civ'at Ram Hill Archacolngists digging there have succecded in uncovering the production facilities of a legionary tle factory”, along with a large number of various kinds of stamps of this legion, impressed on the bricks and of tiles produced here“, along with what are presumed to be the remuiants of army barracks". ‘The sources at our disposal seldom make 41 possible to determine when particular posts were established or far how long they functioned. In several cases. the scanty or uncertain data has raised justifiable doubts as to whether they ean be reganted as sufficient evidence that soldicrs from X Fretensis were ever present at a.given place We Know of at least several culses and colonies in which the veterans from the leg. X Fretensis were sciticd. after the battle of Naulochos a group of them was probably settled at Capua”. During the reign of Claudius. veterans from four legions stetioned in Syria, most probably including among their number the former soldiers of X Fretensis, were settled st Akko-Ptolemais (Pliny, NH ¥.19.75)". Among later settlement actions, the most famous is the decision by Vespasian to settle 800 veterans from this legion al Ammaus/Emmans Gosephus, Bell. id,, VOL6.6.: ef. Luke 24:13), a place usually identified, mcorreetly, with the. city of the same name. The iconography of the first coins struck by the mint of Aelia Capitolina, founded by Hadrian, strongly indicatcs that the first group of inhabitants of this new colony consisted of veterans from X Fretensiy”. It also cannot be excluded that during the reign of Marcus Aurelius the number of colonists setled at Actia Capitolina may have Rolin Fisches/laancRRol, op cit (0, 45). p. 9 A.E,, 1902, 230 = 1926, 136; M. Placber, B. Isaac io Flcher/isaac/Rol. op. cit. (nc 45), p. 120. Ta these scholars’ opition, the scveral military inscripéions found in Aba Ghosh and in the nearby Deir cl-Azhar (B. axac, op. ct (a. 17), pe ADS Gab oo. 1); M. Fischer, H, Usaac im Pischeefsaa cite, ap. ef. (n, 48), p. 119) a8 [roa of the permanent preseace of traps in this area from Vespusion’s reigs. atleast Isaac, ap. eit (x. 17). p. 428: M. Fischer, BL lsasc in Fscberfisaac/Rol op. cit. (a 45}, p. 117. M. Fischer, B.Ssaae in FiacherflsasccRoll, op, ot, (R, 492, p. 2220. Liane, Near fan. op. ct (m. 38), P. 120. © B, linac, ap, cit (a. 17), p. 429; M. Pitcher, B. Ieanc in Fischer/lsaac/Roll op. cit. (a. 45), p. 297, © B, Anubas, H, Golifus, op. cit, pp. LOOM, The various types of these siamprimpressions have been catalngued and classifica by D. Barag (op. ct (a 3), pr. 25240, A compdation of the sume type o€ epigraphic evideace from the Canadian excavanioas kn Jerussicm an be found in the report by A.D. Twshingam, Exanvarions in Jerutatem 1961-1967, vol. 1, 1985 (Torcatol, PP. O0F AIR. Flies, 66-67. CE akin AF, 1993, 1697, 1B. Arutas, H. Goldfns, op. cit. p97, Cy, B. isan, op. cit (n. 37), p. 39 w. 33; E.Dibroma, op. cit (m7) p. 19, * CLL, X JME), 3890; L, Kepie, op. ca (3, ps 146. ™ CEB. Besa, op. cat (x36), pp 37-38 and 37 n. 25: F_ Milla, The Roman colonise of the Neat Ease: 2 snudy ef cultura! relations, Roman Easter Policy and Other Studies ix Reokan History. Procesdings of a Colloquium at Fritrminte 2-3 October 1987, cl. by H. Solis SM, Kejava, 1990 (Helsiok), pp. PHI. (exp. 25 and noes 79). * B, Isaac (op, ci. (6. 36). pp. G36, 632, w, 16 i, op. et. (m1), p. ATS: dim Pischorfissac/Roll, op cit tm 45), pp. 1S M. Fincher, Bt Isaac in Fischer/IsaaciRoll. op, ei. ta: 48}. pp. 223-24) hus shown that the primary reason for the ficulties associated wid) correct identification ane the wccuractex and wagaries fm the ACCOuME ‘The veterans were soled im town that curretiy bears the name Mota (Qaiiya). cf Btiauc, Near East — ‘op cit (m 38), p: 120. 9, Aeaae, op. et (a. 38), pp Abe, SH: Y. Mesborer, op. it pp. 21, 22: Tos 2 Da: F. Milla, pit, 9. 29.Legio X Feetensix 25 been sugmented by veterans from another legion then stationed in the province of Syria: Palaestina, VI Ferrata. Such a supposition may be justified by the appearance among the colony's coin emissions of the so-called ‘founder type’, with an image of two legionary standards". The presence of large groups of veterans from this legion is also indicated beyond the borders of Judaca. Among the most familiar of these should certainly be listed the groups from Egypt, which were composed of Egyptian soldiers releassd from service in the last years of the reign of Domitian (C.4.L., XVI, app. 12 = /.L.S., 9059) and in AD 150, in the reign of Antoninus Pins (PS, no. 1026 = C1.L, XVI, app. 13). On the basis of evidence conceming the fegio X Fresensis it can be stated that al various periods its official name was accompanied by several honorific ties: Antoniniana (CLL, ML, 3472 = 1S, 2320: CLL, IM, 6641 = 120800)", Severiana AE. 1982, 905 = IG.LS., XXL 30), Gordiana (2.G-R.. M1, 1379), Plia) Felix)”, and Felix (A, 1985, $31), ‘The legion received the first of these titles prohabiy under Septimius Severus or Caracalla’ the second, presumably in the first years of the reign of Scverus Alcxander®, and the next ca, 259/40, when it was the only unit among all the legions then stationed in the Bust 1 receive such a honour The title Pia Felix was bestowed on the vexilfatio which served in Gaul under the comtand of Victorinus. Most probably it derived from the title Pius Felix used by Unis usurper. It is difficult to determine, however, when and why N Freiensis received the tile Felix, or foc how long it remained in use” °Y. Meshorer. ap. it.pp. 31: TA. 0.42 tet p. 106. wo, T4116, wo. 12}: CFE. Daboowa, op it (0. 17h pe 470 42.21 SCE alan GM, Lekman ~ KG. Hohim. op. oi. 20. 18. The tithe Anioninions also appeared oa the brick: stamp cea by the Tegio.X Fretensts: D. Bacag, op ct (0. Tp. 2624 (Type I Bh 264 8 J. Latuanie, 0p. ci. p24, ‘Ta the opinion of J Ficx (Das Verhshen dex Armee in der Kontoverse awisthen Caracal und Geta, Suton za den Milisargrencen Koma Il Vortrage des 10. inernavionaion Liveestongresses in der Germania Beferir, 1977 (Kele-Bonn), pp. 545¢€: id. Monariie Tiles of Revaan Miluary Units fa the 3d Century, 1983 (Budapest ‘oma, pp. 73.) this tiie was given to those Units which took tbe side of Caracalla im bis struggle with Geta. ‘This opinion ix regarded s crromeons by G. AifUidy (Die Krise des RUmischen Reiches. Czschichte, Geichichisschreibung und Gesehichtaberrachung, Auspewahite Beitraze, 1989 (Stuttgart. pp. 21S1.. Sex also 8. Lonimee, Zur Datierane des Beteamess Anecntniams tei Truppestreper, 2.6 F. XLVIM 1942, pp. 1420 (exp. 148). #1. Fit Honan. op, cit (m0. pp. 12Att, 1 Fitz Honoefie op: eit (h. 64), pp 16SIE 8 ¥. Meshorer, Two finds from the 10" Romaa legion, lerae! Muiscurn Aournat. TL 1984, p; 42. F woud express my thaaks to Prof A, R. Bikey for his asistance with the English of dis paper.