Just vanished…
History could at times turn into a mystery down the generations. Legends and myths survive and keep everyone thinking about the weird and wonderful stories historical sources tell us. However, there are some historical sources that give us only half of the truth and keep the rest as a mystery for generations and generations to solve, giving many historians opposing opinions. Some of these mysteries were solved, while many others are still waiting for someone to come and finally reveal their truths.
Here is one of the MOST mysterious stories that historians still cannot solve. I present to you: The Roman Legion Hispana IX…
Arguments have been going on for centuries about this story. Yet, still, no one has figured it out. You might be thinking that when a person just disappears, it is bound to immediately become a huge case for many to marvel at. Now think about what would happen if 5,000 men just disappear… Surely, the whole world would await an explanation.
The Roman legion (Hispana IX) was an army of 5,000 well-armed, well-trained men. They were strong, mighty and absolutely adored the taste of war. The Romans conquered ALL the land around the Mediterranean, defeating anyone who stood against them. In these times, the Romans were highly feared- even their enemies had no hope of attacking them- they fought, trained and risked their lives for their Empire.
The Romans were not just known for their power; they were known for their organizations and their highly strategic plans for war. Thus, losing a whole legion was very surprising for such an organised empire.
What could have happened to them?
It just stamped its name in history when it had apparently disappeared off the face of the earth in the second century AD. Various theories surround the fate of the Ninth, which vanished from Roman records after AD 120.
The traditional theory is that it was destroyed in a war on Britain’s northern frontier against the Celtic tribes. But was that the actual truth? No one knows.
A large number of British soldiers were killed by the Romans in Emperor Hadrian’s reign, as believed by historians.
The truly incredible vanishing of such an amount like this was mysterious and would remain truly significant. The British cannot be kept by Roman control, as it is claimed that there were many rebels attacking the soldiers, threatening the Roman government and burning bases. Hadrian himself claimed that he will “correct many faults.” Hadrian built a wall in 122AD which was to protect his people from the British, it may have worked, but the British wanted their people and land back.
Invading Britain brought the loss of the unluckiest 5,000 men in the Roman army. Another theory says that once they marched through Scotland, “never heard of again”.
And yet, archaeologists are still finding evidence. The bronze eagle has been found and put into the museum. Another stamp from legion IX was found in the fortress at Caerleon in Wales, among other artefacts.
Many people stamped their name in history for their remarkable doings, but although all the evidence we have may lead to different opinions, there is only one truth, waiting to be revealed someday…
Sometime…
As history combines the facts and evidence from life in the past, there could be artefacts below your feet right now, at this moment, waiting for someone to reveal them…
