Officer of the Legio II Adiutrix

 Legio II Adiutrix: one of the Roman legions. Its name means 'helper' or 'assistant'.

This legion was formed in 70 by the emperor Vespasian, who had recently come to power.

 Its soldiers were marines from the Ravenna navy, who had sided with Vespasian during his war against the emperor Vitellius. Being conscripted as legionaries was some sort of reward. This origin also explains why the legion was surnamed Pia Fidelis ('loyal and faithful').

Officer of the Legio II Adiutrix (EK Castings, tin, size: 54mm)

 

Click any picture to enlarge