---
title: Legio X Fretensis
author: Donald L. Wasson
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/Legio_X_Fretensis/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Legio X Fretensis

_Authored by [Donald L. Wasson](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/DWasson/)_

Legio X Fretensis was a legion of the [Roman army](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Army/) formed by either [Julius Caesar](https://www.worldhistory.org/Julius_Caesar/) or [Augustus](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/). The legion spent most of its existence in the East, primarily in Judea. It participated in Corbulo’s two Armenian campaigns as well as [Vespasian](https://www.worldhistory.org/Vespasian/) and [Titus](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Titus/)’ [battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) against the [Great Jewish Revolt of 66 CE](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/823/the-great-jewish-revolt-of-66-ce/), besieging both [Jerusalem](https://www.worldhistory.org/jerusalem/) and [Masada](https://www.worldhistory.org/Masada/).

### Name & Origin

Part of the mystery surrounding the legion is the origin of its name 'Fretensis'. The word comes from *fretum* meaning "of the strait". Those who believe the legion was formed by [Julius](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Julius/) [Caesar](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/caesar/) (100-44 BCE) contend the name comes from his crossing of the Otranto Strait with the 10th on route to Epirus. Those who favor [Octavian](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/), the future Augustus (27 BCE - 14 CE), claim it comes from his battle against Sextus [Pompey](https://www.worldhistory.org/pompey/) (c. 67-35 BCE) in the Strait of Messina. Whichever it may be, the title indicates the legion could have been formed from [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) sailors. What is accepted, however, is that a legion known only as the Tenth served with Julius Caesar during his Gallic and Civil Wars. After his [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/), it was inherited by Octavian.

Legions during the time of Caesar were identified by their number, not their name. Historians make references to a 10th legion created by Caesar during his time as provincial governor of Further Spain (Hispania Ulterior). The [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) historian [Plutarch](https://www.worldhistory.org/plutarch/) (c. 45/50 - 120/125 CE) claims that after Caesar arrived in Spain, he raised ten new cohorts to go with the 20 already in existence. These new cohorts may well have been formed into a legion, the Tenth. As evident from the [Battle of Pharsalus](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/697/the-battle-of-pharsalus/) (48 BCE) and the Battle of Munda (45 BCE), Caesar placed considerable confidence in his Tenth, positioning them on the extreme right in his battle formation, a position of both prestige as well as danger. Plutarch cited an example of the commander’s confidence in the Tenth that took place during his decade in [Gaul](https://www.worldhistory.org/gaul/). Having found his officers to be apprehensive, Caesar went on a rant against these young men of nobility:

> … he called them together and advised them to march off and not run the hazard of a battle against their inclination since they had such weak and unmanly feelings, telling them he would take only the tenth legion, and march against the barbarians. (791)

The Tenth appreciated this compliment "and deputed some of their body to pay him their acknowledgements and thanks" (791). Another example of the legion’s loyalty - a legion he considered to be his personal bodyguard - comes from a proposed meeting with the German king Ariovistus. In his own words (he always wrote in the third person) Caesar wrote that the king "suddenly raised the demand that Caesar should on no account bring infantry." Since he could only bring cavalry, he "decided to dismount all his native irregulars and to put up in their places the men of the Tenth legion, knowing well that on these he could rely … he would have round him an absolutely devoted bodyguard." (31)

[ ![Caesar in Gaul](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/2171.jpg?v=1765380545) Caesar in Gaul The Creative Assembly / SEGA (Copyright) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2171/caesar-in-gaul/ "Caesar in Gaul")However, his beloved legion was not beyond reproach. Prior to his leaving to do battle in North [Africa](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/africa/), the Tenth aligned themselves in a mutiny with the 7th and 9th legions, demanding back pay and requesting their discharge and land. Caesar was known to be a firm but fair leader, extending discipline whenever necessary. He called the legions’ bluff, granting all of them their immediate discharge. In his *Masters of Command,* historian Barry Strauss wrote that the legions, realizing they loved [Roman warfare](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Warfare/) and did not want to give it up, demanded to be taken back. Caesar agreed but never forgot the incident, later taking revenge on the ringleaders. Legio X continued to serve with Caesar until his death in 44 BCE. Afterwards, the legion was inherited by the young Octavian who transferred them to Macedonia. It is unknown whether or not the legion served under him at the [Battle of Actium](https://www.worldhistory.org/Battle_of_Actium/) in 31 BCE. From Macedonia, the 10th legion was sent east and stationed at Cyrrhus in [Syria](https://www.worldhistory.org/syria/).

### Corbulo’s Armenian Campaigns

By 17 CE the X Fretensis was stationed at Zeugma, guarding the Euphrates River crossing. In 19 CE, the Roman commander [Germanicus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Germanicus/), nephew of the [Roman emperor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Emperor/) [Tiberius](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tiberius/) (r. 14-37 CE), was on a diplomatic mission to Syria. At the time, he was serving as commander of the Roman forces in the East. Many believe, especially the historian [Tacitus](https://www.worldhistory.org/tacitus/) (c. 56 - c. 118 CE), he was actually there to check on the behavior of its governor, Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso. Germanicus left Syria briefly to visit [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/) but gave orders for the governor to march with his legions (Fretensis was probably one of them) on [Armenia](https://www.worldhistory.org/armenia/). Upon his return, he found Piso had disobeyed him. Furious, Germanicus ordered him to return to [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/). Tacitus wrote of the conflict and the arrogance of Piso:

> Though he had been ordered to march part of the legions into Armenia … he had neglected to do either. At length the two met at Cyrrhus, the winter-quarters of the tenth legion, each controlling his look, Piso concealing his feat, Germanicus shunning the semblance of menace. (*Annals*, II. 57)

Germanicus died shortly afterwards, and speculations circulated that Piso had poisoned the commander. Eventually, Piso faced a trial in the [Roman Senate](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Senate/); however, he committed suicide before sentencing.

Little is heard of the legion until 54 CE when it participated in Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo’s Armenian campaigns. Like Caesar, Corbulo respected the tenacity of the legion and chose both Legio X Fretensis and Legio VI Ferrata to spearhead his campaign. Unfortunately, the legions were not in suitable physical condition to go to battle. So, the commander put them through a rigorous training schedule, earning their grudging respect. Adding cohorts of Legio III Gallica, he marched into Armenia from Cappadocia in 58 CE. Corbulo stationed the X Fretensis in the center, the VI Ferrata on the left, and the III Gallica on the right. The legions quickly conquered the [city](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) of Volandum where all adult males were executed.

[ ![Statue of Corbulo](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/8261.jpg?v=1629828008) Statue of Corbulo Basvb (CC BY-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8261/statue-of-corbulo/ "Statue of Corbulo")Next, they marched on to the Artaxata ([Artashat](https://www.worldhistory.org/Artashat/)), the capital. Prior to the attack on the city, Corbulo and his army were met by [Tiridates I of Armenia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tiridates_I_of_Armenia/). According to Tacitus, he was ashamed of being powerless for not interfering with the Roman siege and decided to display his forces. "Suddenly, he threw himself on the Roman columns…." However, Corbulo was not surprised and had formed his army for both marching and fighting. "On the right and left flanks marched the third and sixth legions, with some picked men of the tenth in the centre…" (*Annals,* 13. 40) Upon capturing the city and ordering all citizens to leave, Corbulo had the city burned to the ground. Following the surrender of [Tigranocerta](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tigranocerta/), Corbulo withdrew to Syria.

The Armenian peace did not last very long. In 62 CE, [Parthia](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Parthia/) reasserted its claim to Armenia and surrounded Tigranocerta, laying siege to the new capital. Corbulo quickly ordered two legions to the city’s aid. Upon hearing of the approaching legions, the Parthians withdrew from Armenia. Corbulo appealed to Rome to send reinforcements and a senior general to take charge of Armenia’s defense. To guard Syria, Corbulo sent the VI Ferrata, the X Fretensis, and cohorts of III Gallica to dig in along the banks of the Euphrates, the natural border between Parthia and Syria. In response to Corbulo’s appeal, Rome sent the arrogant Gaius Paetus with Legio IV Scythica from Macedonia and Legio V Macedonica from Moesia; however, he chose to leave the latter at Pontus. Claiming he would only need two legions in Armenia, the IV Scythica and XII Fulminata, he entered Armenia and stationed his army at Rhandeia for the winter. Unfortunately for Paetus and his legions, the Parthian army surrounded the camp and began a siege.

[ ![Legio X Fretensis Inscription on a Sword Belt](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/14451.jpg?v=1768999625) Legio X Fretensis Inscription on a Sword Belt Carole Raddato (CC BY-NC-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14451/legio-x-fretensis-inscription-on-a-sword-belt/ "Legio X Fretensis Inscription on a Sword Belt")Receiving a plea from Paetus, Corbulo put together a relief force but not before Paetus signed an embarrassing agreement with the Parthians that called for the Romans to exit Armenia. Tacitus wrote of Paetus’ meeting with the Parthian king:

> Peace, he reminded him, was equally for the interest of both, and it would be well for him not to look only at the present. ... It was agreed that the legions should be released from the blockade, that all troops quit Armenian territory, and that the forts and supplies should be surrendered to the Parthians. (Annals, 15. 13-14)

Adding the V Macedonica and XV Apollinaris to his own legions, Corbulo was able to renegotiate a new treaty from a position of strength: Parthia would withdraw from Armenia.

### Vespasian & the Jewish Revolt

In 66 CE, Vespasian (r. 69-79 CE) and his son Titus (r. 79-81 CE) were sent by [Nero](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nero/) (r. 54-68 CE) as a counter-offensive to suppress the Jewish Revolt. The future emperor commanded the V Macedonica, the XV Apollinaris, the X Fretensis, and the III Gallica. In June of 67 CE, he marched into Galilee. The city of Gabara fell as did Jotapata after a 47-day siege; 40,000 died during the siege. Next, Tiberias and Tarichaeae succumbed, as did Gamala. In the spring of 68 CE, the III Gallica was transferred out of Vespasian’s army and sent to Moesia. With the III Gallica gone, the X Fretensis advanced down the [Jordan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Jordan/), taking Jericho. However, the political climate in Rome forced Vespasian to suspend his offensive. Declared emperor by his legions, he sent his son Titus to Rome where his army would defeat [Vitellius](https://www.worldhistory.org/Vitellius/) (r. 69 CE) at the Second Battle of Bedriacum, and with that victory, he would become the new emperor of the [Roman Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Empire/).

In 69-71 CE, Titus was given the task of capturing Jerusalem. Added to his already sizeable force were the XVIII, the XII Fulminata, and III Cyrenaica. Together with the X Fretensis, the V Macedonica, and the XV Apollinaris, Titus marched on the city. In May the first of the city’s three walls began to collapse under [Roman siege warfare](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Siege_Warfare/). However, a Jewish counterattack forced the legions to withdraw. With the eventual collapse of the first and second walls, the Jewish defenders retreated behind the third [wall](https://www.worldhistory.org/wall/). Finally, in August Titus put in place the final assault. The assault was a bloodbath. During the final siege, the [Temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) Sanctuary caught on fire, and some blamed Titus. As the city burned, the legionaries looted the city. It took four months for the city to fall, one million died, and 70,000 were taken prisoner. The X Fretensis then remained in Jerusalem as the resident legion, building a base on the burnt ruins.

In 71 CE, Lucillius Burrus took command of the X Fretensis and marched on Machaerus, leaving it a smoldering ruin. Unfortunately, the death of the commander by natural causes forced the legion to return to Jerusalem. In 73 CE, under the command of Lucius Flavius Silva, the legion approached the city of Masada. After breaching the city’s first wall, the legion discovered a second wall. Fearing the possibilities, the men of the city killed their wives and children. The men would soon follow by committing suicide. When the X Fretensis finally entered, they found silence.

[ ![Masada, Camp F](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/14446.jpg?v=1629297218) Masada, Camp F Carole Raddato (CC BY-NC-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14446/masada-camp-f/ "Masada, Camp F")Cohorts of the legion would remain at Masada for the next 40 years. After Masada, the whereabouts of the legion are unclear. During [the Bar-Kochba Revolt](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Bar-Kochba_Revolt/) of 132-135 CE, the legion suffered heavy losses. Emperor [Hadrian](https://www.worldhistory.org/hadrian/) (r. 117-138 CE) ordered sailors from the Messene fleet transferred to replenish the legion. Little is known after that. Some claim it supported Pescennius Niger against [Septimius Severus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Septimius_Severus/) in 193 CE. In 230 CE, evidence indicates the legion was still based in Jerusalem until being transferred to the Red Sea town of Aela.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored definition has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## Bibliography

- [Cornelius Tacitus & Moses Hadas & Alfred John Church & William Jackson Brodribb. *The Complete Works of Tacitus .* The Modern Library: New York, 1942.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B0006APTTQ/)
- [Dando-Collins, Stephen. *Legions of Rome.* Thomas Dunne Books, 2012.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1250004713/)
- [DeVries, Kelly, et al. *Battles of the Ancient World 1285 BC - AD 451.* Metro Books, 2021.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/143513270X/)
- [Hornblower, Simon & Spawforth, Antony & Eidinow, Esther. *The Oxford Classical Dictionary.* Oxford University Press, 2012.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0199545561/)
- [Jack Watkins (editor). *The Greatest Battles in History.* Amber Books Ltd, 2021.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1782745440/)
- [Julius Caesar. *The Conquest of Gaul .* Penguin Classics, 1983.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0140444335/)
- [Nigel Pollard. *The Complete Roman Legions /anglais.* THAMES HUDSON, 2015.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0500291837/)
- [Plutarch & Dryden, John & Mabie, Hamilton Wright. *Plutarch's Lives .* Digireads.com, 2018.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1420957392/)
- [Strauss, Barry. *Masters of Command.* Simon & Schuster, 2013.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1439164495/)

## About the Author

Donald has taught Ancient, Medieval and U.S. History at Lincoln College (Normal, Illinois)and has always been and will always be a student of history, ever since learning about Alexander the Great. He is eager to pass knowledge on to his students.

## Timeline

- **48 BCE**: [Caesar](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/caesar/) defeats [Pompey](https://www.worldhistory.org/pompey/) ([Battle of Pharsalus](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/697/the-battle-of-pharsalus/)); Pompey flees to [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/) and is killed by courtiers of [Ptolemy XIII](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy_XIII_Theos_Philopator/).
- **45 BCE**: [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of Munda.
- **54 CE - 60 CE**: [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) general Corbulo successfully campaigns in [Armenia](https://www.worldhistory.org/armenia/).
- **58 CE**: The [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) general Corbulo captures the Armenian capital [Artashat](https://www.worldhistory.org/Artashat/) without a fight.
- **66 CE - 73 CE**: The Jewish Revolt against [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/).
- **70 CE**: The [city](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) of [Jerusalem](https://www.worldhistory.org/jerusalem/) is besieged and captured by [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/); the Second [Temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) destroyed.
- **73 CE**: Siege of [Masada](https://www.worldhistory.org/Masada/).
- **132 CE - 136 CE**: [The Bar-Kochba Revolt](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Bar-Kochba_Revolt/).

## Cite This Work

### APA
Wasson, D. L. (2021, August 20). Legio X Fretensis. *World History Encyclopedia*. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Legio\_X\_Fretensis/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Legio_X_Fretensis/)
### Chicago
Wasson, Donald L.. "Legio X Fretensis." *World History Encyclopedia*, August 20, 2021. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Legio\_X\_Fretensis/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Legio_X_Fretensis/).
### MLA
Wasson, Donald L.. "Legio X Fretensis." *World History Encyclopedia*, 20 Aug 2021, [https://www.worldhistory.org/Legio\_X\_Fretensis/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Legio_X_Fretensis/).

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Donald L. Wasson](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/DWasson/ "User Page: Donald L. Wasson"), published on 20 August 2021. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.