Cohors I Delmatarum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cohors I Delmatarum |
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Roman infantry helmet (late 1st century)
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| Active | early 1st century to at least mid-2nd century |
| Country | Roman Empire |
| Type | Roman auxiliary cohort |
| Role | infantry |
| Size | 480 men |
| Garrison/HQ | Britannia 122–161 |
The Cohors prima Delmatarum ("1st Cohort of Dalmatae") was a special group of soldiers in the Roman Empire. They were an infantry regiment, meaning they fought on foot. These soldiers were not originally from Rome. They were called "auxiliaries" because they helped the main Roman army. The name "Delmatarum" comes from the Dalmatae tribe. This tribe lived in a rugged mountain area near the Adriatic Sea, in a region called Dalmatia.
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Who Were the Dalmatae?
The Dalmatae were a tribe known for being tough and warlike. They lived in the mountains of Dalmatia. An ancient writer named Strabo said they were shepherds. In fact, their name "Dalmatae" might even mean "shepherds." They fought against the Romans for a long time.
The Great Illyrian Revolt
One of their biggest fights was the Illyrian revolt from 6 to 9 AD. This rebellion started with Dalmatae soldiers who were helping the Romans. It quickly spread across their homeland. A Roman writer named Suetonius said this war was one of the hardest Rome had faced in centuries. But after the revolt, the Dalmatae became loyal to Rome. They became an important source of new soldiers for the Roman army.
Forming the Cohorts
Historians believe that about 12 "Cohortes Delmatarum" (Dalmatae cohorts) were formed after this revolt. These units were all active by the time Claudius was emperor (41–54 AD). Most of them, about 9, continued to serve into the 2nd century.
When Was This Unit Formed?
The 1st Cohort of Dalmatae was probably created by the first Roman emperor, Augustus, after 9 AD. We know for sure it existed when Emperor Claudius was in charge. We don't know much about where this unit was in its early years.
Service in Britannia
The first clear record of the 1st Cohort of Dalmatae is from 122 AD. At this time, they were stationed in Britannia (which is now Great Britain). They were still there between 138 and 161 AD. Records show they were stationed at several Roman forts in Britannia:
Unit Leaders
We know the names of 12 "praefecti" who commanded this regiment. A "praefectus" was a high-ranking officer, similar to a colonel today. At least four of these commanders came from central or southern Italy. One was from a Gallic tribe in western Gaul. Another was from Pannonia, a Roman province. We also know the name of one "centurio." A "centurio" was an important infantry officer, like a captain, who led a group of about 80 soldiers.
See also
- List of Roman auxiliary regiments
