Legio
Legio, known as Legio VII Gemina, is an ancient Roman city located in northern Spain, specifically at the crossroads of the rivers Bernesga and Torio on a hill that provided ample water supply. This city served as a military garrison for the Seventh Legion, established by Emperor Galba in AD 68, primarily to maintain control over the northern territories of the province of Nearer Spain (Hispania Tarraconensis) and monitor regional mines. The city was structured similarly to a Roman military camp, with a rectangular layout that reached its peak size during the reign of Emperor Trajan (98–117 AD). Although archaeological discoveries are limited due to the modern city built above, remnants such as a double set of walls and a bathing establishment from the time of Emperor Antoninus Pius (138–161 AD) have been uncovered, indicating the significance of Legio during the Roman era. Additionally, the remains of an early Christian church, constructed around 350 and 400 AD, highlight the city's evolving religious landscape, marking it as an important site in northern Spain's historical development.
Subject Terms
Legio
(León)
A city in northern Spain, in the northwestern part of the Spanish inland plateau (the Meseta), on the southern flank of the Cantabrian mountains. The city was established at the confluence of the rivers Bernesga and Torio, on a small hill adequately supplied with water. The name `Legio’ refers to the Roman garrison of the place, consisting of the Seventh Legion (Legio VII Gemina), which was the main military force controlling the potentially troublesome northern regions of the province of Nearer Spain (later known as Hispania Tarraconensis), and keeping a watch over the region's mines. As inscriptions discovered at Villalis confirm, the legion was raised in AD 68 by Galba (at first under the name of VII Galbiana) and was permanently stationed at Legio either from c 72 or (if, as seems possible, it first served in Upper Germany) some two years later.
Legio, which had the rectangular plan of a Roman camp, apparently reached its greatest size in the time of Trajan (98–117). Discoveries have been limited, because the ancient town lies under its modern successor. But a double set of walls is largely preserved, and a bathing establishment, apparently dating from the time of Antoninus Pius (138–61), has been identified beneath and beside the cathedral; it seems to have formed part of the residence of the legionary commander. At Marialba, outside the city, an apsed church of the Martyrs has come to light. Constructed in two stages, c 350 and c 400, it is the most important early Christian building in northern Spain.