Legio II Augusta Roman Vexillum

Legio II Augusta was one of the longest-serving and most prestigious units of the Roman army, active from the period of the civil wars to the late imperial age. It was likely founded in 43 BC by Octavian and Consul Gaius Vibius Pansa, initially under the name II Sabina, to fight Mark Antony and then the Caesarian assassins at Philippi.

After the end of the civil wars, it was reconstituted in the Augustan age and deployed in Hispania Tarraconensis in the tough campaigns against the Cantabri and Astures, contributing to the complete subjugation of the Iberian Peninsula. Subsequently, it was transferred to the Rhine, where it took part in operations in Germania and Germanicus' campaigns after the disaster of Teutoburg Forest. Its peak prestige was reached in 43 AD when, led by Titus Flavius Vespasianus, it played a leading role in the invasion of Britannia desired by Claudius, distinguishing itself in the conquest of the oppida of local tribes. Stationed at Isca/Caerleon, it remained a backbone of the Roman presence in Britannia for a long time, involved in both internal campaigns and fortification works.

Legio II Augusta is still attested in the 3rd century, a sign of extraordinary operational continuity that makes it one of the symbolic legions of the expansion and consolidation of Roman power in the West.