Tenth Legion Equestrian Roman Standard

Legio X Equestris was Julius Caesar's favorite legion and one of the most famous units of the Roman army.

Founded by Caesar in 61 BC, while he was governor of Hispania Ulterior, it was the first legion personally recruited by the general, who immediately appreciated its discipline and valor. The name Equestris originated in 58 BC, when Caesar had the legionaries of the Tenth mount horses to appear before the parliament with the Germanic king Ariovistus, not trusting his own Gallic auxiliary cavalry. From then on, the legion became his trusted guard, deployed at decisive points in every campaign.

The X fought in all the major battles of the Gallic Wars, from the clashes against the Helvetii to its central role at Alesia, contributing decisively to the definitive subjugation of the peoples of Gaul. It also followed Caesar in the civil war against Pompey, distinguishing itself but also experiencing difficult moments, such as the retreat at Dyrrhachium. After the veterans were discharged in 45 BC, the legion was reconstituted after Caesar's assassination, fought for the triumvirs until Philippi, and after various reorganizations, it was merged into Legio X Gemina, losing the title Equestris.