Rome's new legions

Alarm at the Danube Limes: Germanic tribes cross the Danube at the beginning of the Marcomannic Wars (166-180 AD) and plunder the Roman provinces. The auxiliary fort at Kumpfmühl is destroyed between 166 and 171. By the autumn of 171 at the latest, the invading Germanic tribes are driven out of the provinces of Raetia and Noricum and Emperor Marcus Aurelius succeeds in pushing them back across the Danube. The 2nd and 3rd Italic legions, both newly raised in northern Italy, are tasked with defending the Danube limes. The legionary camp Reginum/Castra Regina is now established in Regensburg.

The exhibition gives an impression of the raising of new legions: From recruitment and training to equipping the legionaries, visitors can experience many stations to touch, participate in and try out. This includes daily training at the stake as well as the arduous task of donning chain mail, scale armour and helmets. The exhibition focuses on the special features of the equipment and complements replicas to touch with original finds from Regensburg and the surrounding area.

Various large-scale models are also on display: At the centre of the presentation is the legion with its 5,400 men, impressively staged as a diorama in which hardly any two figures are alike. All other thematic areas are also framed by the detailed dioramas of "Mules of Marius" and complemented by life-size illustrations by Graham Sumner.

The exhibition is complemented and enhanced by an extensive supporting programme.

Last edited on 31.03.2025