Ala Gemina Sebastena

The Ala Gemina Sebastena (or Sebastenorum ) [Severiana] [Valeriana Galliena] ( German  Ala Gemina from Sebaste [the Severian] [the Valerian Gallienische] ) was a Roman auxiliary unit . It is evidenced by military diplomas and inscriptions.

In the inscriptions, instead of Sebastena (or Sebastenorum ), the variant Sabastena (or Sabastenorum ) occurs. In the military diplomas of 88, as well as some inscriptions, the unit is referred to as Ala Sebastena , in the inscription ( AE 1954, 00143b ) as Ala Pia Gemina Sebastena and in the inscription ( CIL 8, 17900 ) as Ala I Flavia Sabastenorum .

Name components

• Gemina : ( Latin Geminus twin). The Ala probably emerged from the merger of two units. The addition appears in the military diplomas from 91 to 93, as well as some inscriptions.

• Sebastena or Sebastenorum : from Sebaste . The soldiers of the Ala were recruited from the town of Sebaste and the surrounding area when the unit was set up.

• Severiana : the Severian. An honorary title that refers to Severus Alexander (222-235). The addition appears in the inscription ( CIL 8, 21039 ).

• Valeriana Galliena : the Valerian Gaulish niche. A title of honor that refers to Valerian (253-260) and his son Gallienus (260-268). The addition appears in the inscription ( CIL 8, 21000 ).

• Flavia : the Flavian. The honorary designation refers to the Flavian emperors Vespasian , Titus or Domitian . The addition appears in the inscription ( CIL 8, 17900 ).

• Pia : the loyal one. The addition appears in the inscription ( AE 1954, 00143b ).

Since there is no reference to the addition of milliaria (1000 men) to the name , the unit was an Ala quingenaria . The nominal strength of the Ala was 480 men, consisting of 16 towers with 30 riders each.

history

The Ala was stationed in the provinces of Syria and Mauretania Caesariensis (in that order). It is listed on military diplomas for the years 88 to 93 AD.

The first evidence of unity in Syria Province is based on diplomas dated to 88. The diplomas list the Ala as part of the troops (see Roman Forces in Syria ) that were stationed in the province. Other diplomas, dated 91 to 93, prove unity in the same province.

At an unspecified point in time, the unit was moved to the province of Mauretania Caesariensis , where it is documented by inscriptions until the middle of the 3rd century. The last evidence of the Ala is based on the inscription ( CIL 8, 21000 ), which is dated to 255/258.

Locations

Locations of the Ala in Mauretania Caesariensis may have been:

• Caesarea (Cherchell): Numerous inscriptions have been found here.

Members of the Ala

The following members of the Ala are known:

Commanders

C (aius) Annius Flavianus, a Prefect ( AE 1989, 888 , CIL 8, 17900 ); he was also prefect of the Cohors IV Raetorum . M (arcus) Popilius Nepos, a prefect ( CIL 8, 9359 )

P (ublius) Aelius Marcianus, a Praepositus ( CIL 8, 9358 ); he was also the Praepositus des Numerus Illyricorum , prefect of the Cohors I Bracaraugustanorum and the Ala II Augusta Thracum and tribune of the Cohors Aelia Expedita .

Others

[] us, a rider ( AE 1980, 972 ) Aurelius Masfelus, an explorator and signer ( CIL 8, 21516 ) [] [S] aturninus, a Decurio ( CIL 8, 21000 )

M (arcus) Iul (ius) Iulianus, a Decurio ( CIL 8, 21039 ) Saggin, a Sesquiplicarius ( CIL 8, 21044 )

See also

• List of Roman auxiliary units
• Roman forces in Mauretania
• Roman forces in Syria

Individual evidence

1. ^ ^{A b} John EH Spaul: Ala² The Auxiliary Cavalry Units of the Pre-Diocletianic Imperial Roman Army. Nectoreca Press, Andover 1994, ISBN 0-9525062-0-3 , pp. 195-197.
2. ^ Jörg Scheuerbrandt : Exercitus. Tasks, organization and command structure of Roman armies during the imperial era. Dissertation, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg im Breisgau 2003/2004, p. 172 table 14 ( PDF p. 174 ).
3. ↑ Military diplomas of the years 88 ( RMD 1, 3 , RMD 5, 329 , RMD 5, 330 ), 91 ( AE 2006, 1842 , AE 2006, 1843 , ZPE-183-234 ), 93 ( ZPE-165-219 ).