LEGIO.
A Legion, a kind of a Regi∣ment, or body in the Roman Army. Legi∣ons consisted of different numbers of Soldi∣ers and Officers, according to different times, but yet they were commonly made up of six thousand Men. The Forces of Rome con∣sisted of many Legions.
In the time of the Emperour Tiberius, says Tacitus, two naval Armies, one at Ravenna, the other at Mize∣num guarded both Seas of Italy. The Coast of the Gauls was secured by the Gallies that Augustus had taken in the Fight of Actium: But the main Forces of the Empire, in the number of eight Legions guarded the Rhine. Three other Legions were employed to prevent the Enemies attempts upon Spain, which had been lately conquered by Au∣gustus. Africa and Egypt were both several∣ly secured by two Legions: And all the Countreys from the Sea of Syria to Euphrates and Pontus, Euxinus were kept in peace by four Legions. The passage of the River Danube was guarded by four other Legions, two in Pannonia, and two in Maesia, sustain∣ed by two other in Dalmatia; two kept the Darbarians in awe, and assist Italy in case of need. Rome was Garrisoned with three Co∣horts of the City, and nine of the Empe∣rour's own Forces, all chosen Soldiers out of Umbria, Tascany, the Countrey of the La∣tins, and other old Roman Colonies. Be∣sides the Armies and Gallies of the Confe∣derates lying in the most convenient Har∣bours of the Provinces, which were also equal to our Forces.
Each Legion was divided in ten Cohorts; each Cohort in three Companies, and each Company into two Centuries. The chief Commander of the Legion was called Lega∣tus, i. e. Lieutenant.