After 10 eventful years based at Lindum (Lincoln), Legio IX Hispana is moving to Eburacum (York) to guard Britain's northern frontier.
The legion came from Gaul (France) under its commander Aulus Plautius. It was one of four legions that took part in Emperor Claudius' successful invasion of Britain in 43 AD.
After the invasion Legio IX Hispania marched north-east through Britain. For six years it was at a fort near Newton on Trent in Lincolnshire. For the Romans this was a good place to maintain the peace, and keep a watchful eye on the powerful and warlike Brigantes tribe further north.
In 61 AD, during its Lindum posting, the legion had to hurry south. Under its commander Petilius Cerialis, Legio IX Hispania played an important part in the victory against Boudicca, the rebellious queen of the Iceni tribe, although about 2,000 of its legionaries were killed in the battle.
Eventually, replacement troops came from Germany, but it was a terrible blow for the legion to lose a third of its legionaries.
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