Roman Britain's Missing Legion: What Really Happened to IX Hispana?

Legio IX Hispana had a long and active history, but the last evidence for its existence in Britain comes from AD 108. The mystery of their disappearance has inspired debate and imagination for decades. The most popular theory is that they were sent to fight the Caledonians in Scotland and wiped out, but more recent archaeology suggests a crisis in the heart of the province. Simon Elliott considers the evidence for these four theories and other possibilities.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 208 pages
\n Publication date: 28 February 2021
\n Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
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Legio IX Hispana, a renowned and storied Roman legion, had a rich and eventful history that extended far beyond its origins in Hispania. Over time, it played a pivotal role in guarding the northern frontiers of Britain. However, its existence in Britain came to an enigmatic end with the last recorded evidence dating back to AD 108. The mystery surrounding the legion's disappearance has sparked decades of debate and imaginative speculation.

One of the most widely accepted theories suggests that the legion was dispatched to combat the Caledonians in Scotland and was ultimately annihilated in that region. This notion is immortalized in Rosemary Sutcliffe's novel "The Eagle of the Ninth," where the legion is portrayed as a valiant force that met its demise in the rugged Scottish terrain. While this theory has gained popularity, recent archaeological discoveries, including evidence of the burning of London and the discovery of dozens of decapitated heads, challenge this narrative. These findings suggest that a crisis, rather than a border conflict, engulfed the province at the time.

What if Legio IX Hispana played a role in a rebellion, leading to its punishment, disbandment, and the infamous "damnatio memoriae" (official erasure from the records)? This proposed scenario would provide a new context for Emperor Hadrian's visit to Britain in 122, where he brought a whole legion, VI Victrix, to replace the vanished IX as the garrison at York. Other theories suggest that the legion may have been lost on the Rhine or Danube, or even in the East.

Simon Elliott, a renowned historian and author, has delved into the evidence supporting these four theories and other possibilities. Elliott meticulously examines historical records, archaeological findings, and historical accounts to shed light on the legion's fate. His comprehensive analysis provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the legion's enigmatic disappearance and its enduring impact on Roman history.

In conclusion, the disappearance of Legio IX Hispana remains a captivating mystery that has captivated scholars and enthusiasts alike. While the popular theory suggests its annihilation in Scotland, recent archaeological discoveries challenge this narrative. Simon Elliott's insightful analysis provides a fresh perspective on the legion's fate, offering new possibilities and shedding light on the complex and intriguing history of the Roman Empire.

\n Weight: 494g\n
Dimension: 241 x 164 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526765727\n \n