§373 Sailors in legio X Fretensis

Translation:Recorded and authenticated from the petition published along with others in the portico of Junia …, in which was written the text which is written out below. To Vilius Cadus, legate of the Emperor with propraetorian power, from twenty-two veterans of legio X Fretensis who began their military service in the consulship of Glabrio and Torquatus or in the consulship of Paulinus and Aquilinus [124-125 CE], and whose names are listed below. Since, sir, we served in the praetorian fleet at Misenum and then, after transfer to legio X Fretensis through the generosity of the divine Hadrian, conducted ourselves over twenty years in every respect as good soldiers should, now indeed in these most felicitous times we have been discharged from our military oath and, as we are about to return to Egypt, to our native city of Alexandria, we ask and request that you should think it appropriate to affirm for us that we have been discharged by you, in order that it may be obvious from your affirmation that we have been discharged from this very legion, not from the fleet, so that your endorsement may serve us as written evidence if circumstances demand, and so that we may be eternally grateful to your compassion.

Caius Vibius Maximus in the century of Petronius Firmus, Caius Longinus Maximus in the century of Julianus Aeternalis, Caius Praesentius Proculus in the century of Julius Sabinus, Caius Crispus Apollinaris in the century of Claudius Macedonis, Caius Sabinus Capitolinus in the century of Flavius Longinius, Caius Iulius Crispinus in the century of Pontienus Magnus chief centurion, Caius Aurelius Priscus in the century of […]ar[…] nus Proculus, Lucius Petronius Saturninus in the century of Numistronus Severus, Caius Longinus Priscus in the century of Verus Rufus, Caius Longinus Priscus in the same century, Caius Apollonaris Maximus in the century of Petronus Firmus, Caius Julius Capito in the century of Plotus Celer, Marcus Sabinus Apollinaris in the same century, Caius Crispus Apollinaris in the century of Aelus Artorus, Caius Julius Celer in the century of Aemilanus Rufus, Caius Julius Apollinaris in the century of Juli Sabinus, Caius Julius Longus in the century of Marus Germanus, Marcus Valerius […]bi[…]e[…] chief centurion, | Caius Iulius Petronianus in the century of […]fus Paulinus, Caius Aurelius Maximus in the century of Claudius Marcellus, Titus Flavius Maximus in the same scentury, Vallerius Ap̣ollinaris in the century of Flavius Longinus.I, Lucius Petronius Saturninus, presented (this petition) on behalf of myself and my fellow-veterans. I, Pomponius, wrote it. Endorsement: Veterans from the legions do not usually receive a written document. However you wish it to be made known to the prefect of Egypt that you have been discharged from you military oath by me on the orders of our emperor. I shall give you your bonus and a written document. [Publish this?]. Executed in the First Flavian Colony of Caesarea, 22 January, in the consulship of Squilla Gallicanus and Carminius Vetus.

Provenience: Caesarea Maritima, Syria Palaestina 22 Jan 150 CE

Commentary: Though this papyrus comes from well after the period of interest, it attests to the military in Judaea before the Bar Kokhba War: legio X Fretensis was short and so 22 sailors of the Misene fleet were conscripted into the legion. They served most of their careers as legionaries (20+ years, and thus before Bar Kokhba’s revolt) and when they retired they wanted the benefits of legionaries, not sailors.

Bibliography: CPL 117; PSI 9.1026; Campbell, Brian, ed. 1994. The Roman Army, 31 BC–AD 337: A Sourcebook. London: Routledge, no. 329*.