
I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.
Actually I come to document my new Early Imperial Roman army.
Firstly here is the background for the army.
The scene: A.D. 81/82: The Roman governor Gn. Julius Agricola stands on the west coast of Britannia, the newest annexed territory of an empire that stretches all the way to Judea in the east. Britannia is currently the westernmost point of this mighty empire, conquered in the name of the emperor by Agricola, but he has more plans. He knows of another land, rich and fertile, lying to the west of Britannia, the land of winter....Hibernia....
And here's what the Roman historian Tacitus said about Agricola.
"In the fifth year of the war Agricola himself crossed in the leading ship, and subdued in a series of victories tribes hitherto unknown. In that part of Britain which looks towards Ireland, he posted some troops, hoping for fresh conquests rather than fearing attack, inasmuch as Ireland, being between Britain and Spain and conveniently situated for the seas round Gaul, might have been the means of connecting with great mutual benefit the most powerful parts of the empire. Its extent is small when compared with Britain, but exceeds the islands of our seas. In soil and climate, in the disposition, temper, and habits of its population, it differs but little from Britain. We know most of its harbours and approaches, and that through the intercourse of commerce. One of the petty kings of the nation, driven out by internal faction, had been received by Agricola, who detained him under the semblance of friendship till he could make use of him. I have often heard him say that a single legion with a few auxiliaries could conquer and occupy Ireland, and that it would have a salutary effect on Britain for the Roman arms to be seen everywhere, and for freedom, so to speak, to be banished from its sight." (Agricola 24).
Ok, that's enough talking. Basically my army is going to be a historical 'what if?' style army. It is a detachment (vexillation) of the 20th legion, which was a favourite of Agricola at the time, sent over as an expeditionary force to Ireland.
Here is the list for WAB.
Vexillatio Legio XX A.D.81.
Junior Officer w/light armour: Tribune (former primus pilus) Lucius Vorenus (58).
1st Century, 2nd Cohort, Legio XX Valeria Victrix
20 Legionaries w/heavy armour, full command led by centurio pilus prior Titus Pullo (360).
20 Legionaries w/heavy armour, full command led by optio Sextus Bacculus (360).
20 Legionaries w/heavy armour, full command led by tesserarius Quintus Caecilius (360).
20 Legionaries w/heavy armour (340).
Total: 1478pts



