The Region of Vidin and the Roman Army – Epigraphic Evidence

Abstract

The region of Vidin belonged to the territory of the Roman province of Moesia and, from 86 AD, Moesia Superior. The first regiment which garrisoned in the area was the ala Gallica. It was stationed in Ratiaria during the first half of the first century AD. Trajan’s victory over the Dacians in 106 AD brought peace to the Moesian section of the limes. Shortly after the creation of the province of Dacia, the emperor established a veteran colony in Ratiaria. Settlers were chosen among discharged soldiers of the legions of Moesia Superior - IV Flavia and VII Claudia. Roman army remained in the region of Vidin after the conquest of Dacia. The presence of auxiliary units (cohorts V Hispanorum and Gemina Dacorum), detachment of the legion I Italica and beneficiarii consularis is attested by epigraphic evidence throughout the second and third centuries AD.