Supplied by: C. Flavius Diocletianus
Source: Healy, Mark, Cannae 216 BC: Hannibal Smashes Rome's Army, Osprey Military Campaign Series, London 1994

This tables attempt to identify the legions raised by the Senate during the first two years of the 2nd Punic War. It´s based on Polybius. The Legio I is the first legion mentioned by Polybius at the onset of the war. Numbered in arabian digits to show that the numbers are not the "official" ones.

Legion 1

Mentioned by Polybius as stationed in Gallia Cisalpina under the command of Praetor Lucius Manlius. Designated as Legio IV. This suggest that the legion was raised in the previous year 219 BCE and that it wintered in the Po valley. Later taken over by Scipio.

After the Battle of the Trebbia, the remnants fled to Placentia and Cremona, where they wintered. In spring 217 BCE they joined Geminus at Ariminum. Taken over by Fabius when he was Dictator. Under command of Geminus winter 217/216 BCE at Gerunium. Brought to full strenght in 216 BCE and served at Cannae.

Legion 2

One of the two legions raised by Cornelius Scipio. It was dispatched to Gallia Cisalpina under Praetor Caius Atilius to relieve Legion 1, and was besieged by the Celtic tribe of the Boii. Taken over by Scipio. Rest of the history as Legion 1.

Legion 3

Raised by Sempronius for service in Sicily and Africa. Returned to Italy and marched north to take part in the Battle of the Trebbia, The remnants were handed over to Flaminius at the beginning of 217 BCE. Almost certainly destroyed at the Battle of Lake Trasimene.

Legion 4

As Legion 3

Legion 5

Together with Legion 2, it was the second Legion raised by Cornelius Scipio. Taken with him to southern Gallia. Was sent to Spain under Gnaeus Cornelius Scipio. Almost totally destroyed in 211 BCE

Legion 6

This unit was raised to replace Legion 2. Taken by Cornelius Scipio to southern Gallia and was then, like Legion 5, sent to Spain under Gnaeus Scipio. Almost totally destroyed in 211 BCE.

Legion 7

Raised after the Battle of the Trebbia. Sent to Sicily to prevent a Carthaginan attempt to take take the island.

Legion 8

As Legion 7

Legion 9

The third Legion raised after the Battle of the Trebbia. Sent to Sardinia to prevcent any Carthaginan attempt to recover the island.

Legion 10

Raised for service with Consul Flaminius in the spring of 217 BCE. Destroyed at Lake Trasimene.

Legion 11

As Legion 10

Legion 12

Raised for service with Consul Geminus in the spring of 217 BCE. With him at Ariminum. After the Battle of Lake Trasimene ordered south to join Fabius, who took command. Geminus resumed command of the legion. Based at Gerunium in winter 217/216 BCE. Raised to full strengh of 5.000 men in spring/early summer 216 BCE. Fought at Cannae.

Legion 13

As Legion 12

Legion 14

One of the four Legions "conscripted for the emergency". Taken by Fabius to join Geminus´ four Legions (remnants of 1,2,12 and 13) north of Rome. Then taken to south. Command passed from Geminus to Regulus at Gerunium, winter 217/216 BCE. Brought up to full strength of 5000 men during spring/early summer 216 BCE. Fought at Cannae.

Legion 15

As Legion 14

Legion 16

Also one of the four Legions "conscripted for the emergency". Unlike to Legion 14 and 15, this unit remained in Rome. In the summer the 16th was taken south by Varro and Paullus, to join the Legions under Geminus and Regulus. If the legions 16 and 17 were the Legiones Urbanae, the nature of their manpower may have rendered them unsuitable for campaigning in 216 BCE. In that case, if legions 20 and 21 were newly raised, but with properly levied troops, they may have been prepared for service in the battle in preference to the 16th and 17th. If so, then Legions 16 and 17 were used rather 20 and 21 after Cannae as the only force to hand.

Legion 17

As Legion 16. Its possible that the 17th was the second Legio Urbana raised for garrison duties in Rome, and together with the 16th, did not serve at Cannae.

Legion 18

One of the four extra units raised in 216 BCE. Along with the 19th, this Legion was dispatched in the Po valley in early summer 216 BCE under Praetor L. Postumius Albinus.

Legion 19

As Legion 18

Legion 20

The third of the unprecedented four extra legions of 216 BCE. Remained in Rome. After Cannae, the 20th and 21th were the only trained Legions available with which Rome could face the consequences of Cannae. It´s also possible taht the 20th fought at Cannae and was wiped out there.

Legion 21

As Legion 20

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