The Tenacious Tenth: A Brief History of Rome’s Legio X Fretensis

Embarking on a journey back in time, we’ll explore one of the most fascinating and significant legions of the Roman Empire — the Legio X Fretensis. An emblem of Roman military prowess, the Tenth Legion “of the Strait” carved its indelible mark on the ancient world.

Disclaimer: This post was written with ChatGPT.

Inspired by Excavations on the Site of the Jerusalem International Convention Center (Binyanei Ha’uma).

Tile fragment with a stamp of Legio X Fretensis, “LEGX F”, and its symbol: a wild boar and a battleship. Found in Jerusalem, 1st-2nd century CE. Israel Museum, Jerusalem. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14448/stamp-of-legio-x-fretensis/

The Birth of a Legend

Our story begins around 41–40 BCE with the formation of the legion by none other than Octavian, who later ascended as Emperor Augustus. Legio X Fretensis emerged amidst Octavian’s relentless campaign against Sextus Pompeius, who had ensnared Sicily and was disrupting Rome’s vital grain supply.

Actium and the Dawn of an Empire

The legion showcased its mettle at the monumental Battle of Actium in 31 BCE. This pivotal battle saw Octavian triumph over Marc Antony and Cleopatra. Not merely another military victory, Actium signaled the transition from the tumultuous Roman Republic to the powerful and sprawling Roman Empire under Augustus.

The Legion at the Heart of Conflict

Perhaps the most renowned episode in the legion’s history is its role in the Roman-Jewish wars of the 1st century CE. The Tenth Legion stood at the heart of the infamous Siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE, which led to the destruction of the sacred Second Temple.

Roman Triumphal arch panel showing spoils of Jerusalem temple. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Arch_of_Titus_Menorah.png

The Watchmen of the East

Following the Jewish wars, Legio X Fretensis took its position as the guardians of the province of Judaea, with Jerusalem as their primary base. The 2nd century saw the legion relocate to Ailana (modern Aqaba in Jordan), standing as vigilant sentinels over the eastern reaches of the Empire.

The legion bore the symbols of the bull, the ship, Neptune (the Roman sea god), and the boar. The very existence of the legion well into the 4th century CE serves as a testament to its integral role in the Roman army.

Legio X Fretensis may be a chapter in the annals of the ancient world, but its story continues to echo through the ages.