Digital Maps of the Ancient World

Legio IV Macedonica

Legio IV Macedonica, also known as the Fourth Macedonian Legion, was founded by Julius Caesar in c. 48 BC. Its emblem was a bull and it earned its cognomen from service in Macedonia under Caesar.

Cognomen: Macedonica
Emblem: Bull
Major Campaigns: Mutina (43 BC); Philippi (42 BC); Perusia (41 BC); Cantabrian Wars (27-19 BC); Bedriacum (69 AD); Batavian Revolt (69-70 AD)
Main HQ: Moguntiacum (Mainz, Germany)

Early Service

After Caesar’s assassination in 44 BC, Legio IV Macedonica was given to Mark Anthony, who ordered it to travel to Cisalpine Gaul. On the way there, it defected to Octavian and fought for him at Munda, Philippi, and Perusia, and was probably present at Actium. 

Legio IV Macedonica fought in the Cantabrian Wars and then remained in Hispania until the mid-1st c. AD.

Service in Germania

Around 43 AD, Legio IV Macedonica was moved to the Rhine as part of the reorganization of the legions prior to the invasion of Britannia. It was stationed at Moguntiacum (Mainz). 

During the Year of the Four Emperors, Legio IV Macedonica was one of the first legions to swear loyalty to Vitellius and a large contingent marched with him to Italy. The legion fought at the First Battle of Bedriacum and continued onto Rome. At this point, some of Legio IV Macedonica‘s soldiers were transferred to the Praetorian Guard.

Disbandment

When Vitellius was defeated, Legio IV Macedonica was sent back to the Rhine and were met with the Batavian Revolt. The legion was tasked with guarding Moguntiacum (Mainz) and did not appear to shame itself like other legions in the conflict. Nevertheless, Vespasian decided to disband Legio IV Macedonica and reconstituted it as Legio IV Flavia Felix.