Legio V Alaudae

Legio V "Alaudae", the "larks", sometimes known as "Gallica", was levied by Julius Caesar in 52 BC from native Gauls. Their emblem was an elephant, and their cognomen "Alaudae" came from the high crest on their helmets, typical of the Gauls, which made them look like larks. The French word 'Alouette' is a direct descendant of 'Alauda', itself not a proper Latin noun, but a loan word from Gaulish, possibly the first reason for the legionary name.

V "Gallica" was the first Roman legion composed of provincial soldiers, as opposed to Roman citizens. Caesar paid the soldiers with his own resources, but the legion was later recognized by the Roman Senate. V "Alaudae" fought in the Gallic wars until 49 BC, as one of the most brave legions of Caesar, then they were moved to Spain. They served with Mark Antony between 41 and 31 BC and probably fought in Actium. After Antony committed suicide, they were merged into Augustus' army in 30 BC.

Their emblem depicted an elephant and was awarded in 46 BC for bravery against a charge of elephants in the Battle of Thapsus.

Known locations for V "Alaudae" include:
* Battle of Thapsus - 46 BC
* Battle of Munda - 45 BC
* Battle of Forum Gallorum and Mutina - 43 BC
* Battle of Philippi - 42 BC
* Rhine frontier - 19 BC to 69 AD
* First Battle of Bedriacum - 69, in Vitellius' army

The legion suffered heavy casualties in the Batavian rebellion in the year 70.

In 86 the Legio V "Alaudae" came to an end. Together with its commander, the Praetorian prefect Cornelius Fuscus, the legion perished at the First Battle of Tapae against the Dacians.

ee also

* List of Roman legions
* Roman legion

External links

* [http://www.livius.org/le-lh/legio/v_alaudae.html Lendering article on Legio V Alaudae]
* [http://web.utk.edu/~cohprima/ Legio V Living History Group]