Legio XXI Rapax Roman Vexillum

Legio XXI Rapax, the "Predator," was established by Augustus around 31 BC, probably by reorganizing existing units and integrating them with recruits from northern Italy. Its emblem was the Capricorn, typical of Augustan legions.

Sent to Hispania Tarraconensis, it participated in the harsh campaigns against the Cantabri, then was used by Drusus in the subjugation of the Raeti (16-15 BC). After the annexation of Raetia, the legion was permanently stationed along the Danube, at Castra Regina, controlling a delicate sector of the Alpine Limes.

After the disaster of Teutoburg (9 AD), the XXI Rapax was transferred to the lower Rhine, to Vetera, alongside the V Alaudae, participating in the suppression of the Germanic uprisings and the great Pannonian revolt. In 69, it supported Vitellius during the "year of the four emperors" and fought at Bedriacum, then was used by Vespasian against the Batavian revolt. Subsequently, it was stationed between Mogontiacum and Vindonissa, involved in tensions on the upper Rhine. Compromised in the revolt of Lucius Antonius Saturninus (89 AD), it was moved to Pannonia and finally annihilated in the campaigns against the Sarmatians and Dacians under Domitian, around 92 AD.