LEGIONARY GARRISON AND AUXILIARY FORTS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE IN ARMENIA MINOR
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14795/jaha.12.3.2025.1181Abstract
Armenia Minor, situated in northeastern Anatolia between Pontus and Cappadocia, was a battleground for dominance between great powers like Rome and the Parthians for years due to its geopolitical significance, abundant resources, and strategic position at key trade routes. During the Early Imperial Period, the throne of Armenia, characterized by a turbulent and highly unstable political structure, frequently changed hands between pro-Roman and pro-Parthian kings. In 54 AD, the region was granted by Emperor Nero to Aristobulus, the pro-Roman king of Judaea. This desolate, mountainous, and strategic region, stretching from Sivas to Erzincan and located west of the Euphrates, was annexed during the reign of Emperor Vespasian in 72/73 AD. During the same period, as part of extensive military construction and administrative measures to secure the eastern frontier, a permanent Roman legion and dozens of auxiliary units were stationed in Armenia Minor. Its location made Armenia Minor a military base for Roman operations in the east of Asia Minor from the 1st century BCE and a strategic crossroads for the empire’s eastern frontier. During Trajan’s reign, Armenia Minor was incorporated into the short-lived province of Cappadocia et Armenia Maior et Minor, established for strategic and administrative purposes. Its significance was further reinforced by its role as a gateway to Mesopotamia, Cappadocia, Iran, Anatolia, and the Black Sea, as well as its position along the renowned east-west trade route extending to Bithynia. These factors made Armenia Minor a key geopolitical and economic center while further reinforcing its strategic significance on a regional scale. This article examines in detail the legionary garrison, auxiliary forts, and military units in Armenia Minor- lifeline of the limes in the Roman Imperial Period- in light of ancient sources, epigraphic documents, archaeological data, and modern literature.
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