The history of Legion V Alaudae

Legio V Alaudae, also known as the “Lark Legion,” was a Roman legion that existed from the late Republic period through the early Roman Empire. 

Origins and Early History: Legio V Alaudae was originally raised by Julius Caesar in 52 BCE during his Gallic Wars. The name “Alaudae” means “Larks” in Latin, and it is believed that the legion’s emblem was a lark, as well. The legion likely earned its name due to the fact that it was composed of Gaulish soldiers, who may have worn feathers or crests in their helmets that resembled larks’ crests.

The legion fought in many battles under Caesar, including the Battle of Alesia in 52 BCE, where they played a crucial role in defeating the Gaulish army. After Caesar’s assassination in 44 BCE, the legion continued to serve under Mark Antony, who was a close ally of Caesar.

Civil War and Augustus: During the civil war between Mark Antony and Octavian (later known as Augustus), Legio V Alaudae initially sided with Antony. However, after Antony’s defeat at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE, the legion switched its allegiance to Augustus. Augustus rewarded the legion for its loyalty by granting them the honorific title of “Augusta,” which meant that they were now the “Augustan Lark Legion.”

The legion continued to serve under Augustus in his many military campaigns, including the Cantabrian Wars in Spain and the invasion of Germany. During these campaigns, the legion earned a reputation for being a fierce and disciplined fighting force.

Later History: Legio V Alaudae continued to serve in the Roman army throughout the early Empire period. They fought in many of the major battles of the era, including the Battle of Teutoburg Forest in 9 CE, where they suffered heavy losses. The legion was also involved in the suppression of the Great Jewish Revolt in 66 CE, as well as the First and Second Dacian Wars.

By the 3rd century CE, Legio V Alaudae was stationed in Egypt, where they played a role in suppressing the revolt of the usurper Lucius Domitius Domitianus in 297 CE. It is believed that the legion was still in Egypt during the reign of Diocletian in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries CE.

Disappearance: The exact fate of Legio V Alaudae is uncertain. It is believed that the legion may have been destroyed or disbanded during the chaos of the Crisis of the Third Century, which was a period of political and economic instability in the Roman Empire. Alternatively, the legion may have been merged with another legion or renamed.

In conclusion, Legio V Alaudae was a Roman legion that played an important role in many of the major military campaigns of the late Republic and early Empire periods. The legion earned a reputation for being a disciplined and skilled fighting force, and its emblem of a lark became well-known throughout the Roman world. While the exact fate of the legion is uncertain, its legacy as one of the most prestigious and honored legions of the Roman army lives on.