Cohors II Delmatarum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cohors II Delmatarum |
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Roman infantry helmet (late 1st century)
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| Active | early 1st century to 4th century |
| Country | Roman Empire |
| Type | Roman auxiliary cohort |
| Role | infantry |
| Size | 480 men |
| Garrison/HQ | Britannia 105 - 4th century |
The Cohors secunda Delmatarum (which means "2nd Cohort of Dalmatae") was a special group of soldiers in the Roman army. They were an auxiliary unit, meaning they were not regular Roman citizens but soldiers from other parts of the Roman Empire. This group was made up of foot soldiers, also known as infantry.
Who Were the Dalmatae?
This Roman army unit was named after the Dalmatae people. They were a tribe who lived in the mountains along the Adriatic coast, in a place called Dalmatia. The ancient writer Strabo said these mountains were very rough. He also described the Dalmatae as tough and brave fighters.
The Dalmatae were known for raising sheep. In fact, their name "Dalmatae" might even mean "shepherds." This comes from an old word, delme, which means "sheep."
The Dalmatae fought against the Romans for a long time. Their last big fight was in the Illyrian revolt from 6 to 9 AD. This war was very hard for the Romans. But after the war, the Dalmatae became loyal friends and important soldiers for the Roman army.
When and Where Did They Serve?
The Cohors II Delmatarum was likely formed by the first Roman emperor, Augustus, after the big revolt in 9 AD. We know for sure they existed by the time Emperor Claudius was in charge (around 41–54 AD).
We don't know exactly where they served at first. Some historians think they might have been part of the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 AD. But we first see them clearly in records from 105 AD, when they were stationed in Britannia (which is now England and Wales).
This unit stayed in Britannia for a very long time. They were still there in the 3rd century. A special Roman document from the late Roman Empire, called the Notitia Dignitatum, lists the Cohors II Delmatarum at a fort called Magnis. This fort is known today as Carvoran in northern England, right near Hadrian's Wall. They were part of the border forces, called limitanei, who guarded the wall. Even though the document was written later, the unit was in Britain before the Roman army left the island around 410 AD.
Their Leaders and Soldiers
We know the names of two of their commanders, who were called praefecti. One was named Iulius Maximus. Another commander was Marcus Caecilius Donatianus.
We also know about some of the other people in the unit. There was an imaginifer, who was a soldier who carried the emperor's image or flag. And there was a common foot soldier, a pedes, from a Gallic tribe called the Treveri.
See also
- List of Roman auxiliary regiments
