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Legio V Alaudae
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Legio V Alaudae, the larks, sometimes known as Gallica, was levied by Julius Caesar in 52 BC from native Gauls. Their emblem was an elephant, and their cognomen Alaudae came from the high crest on their helmets, typical of the Gauls, which made them look like larks. The French word 'Alouette' is a direct descendant of 'Alauda', itself not a proper Latin noun, but a loan word from Gaulish, possibly the first reason for the legionary name.
V Gallica was the first Roman legion composed of provincial soldiers, as opposed to Roman citizens. Caesar paid the soldiers with his own resources, but the legion was later recognized by the Roman Senate. V Alaudae fought in the Gallic wars until 49 BC, as one of the most brave legions of Caesar, then they were moved to Spain. They served with Mark Antony between 41 and 31 BC and probably fought in Actium. After Antony committed suicide, they were merged into Augustus' army in 30 BC.
Their emblem depicted an elephant and was awarded in 46 BC for bravery against a charge of elephants in the Battle of Thapsus.
Known locations for V Alaudae include:
- Battle of Thapsus - 46 BC
- Battle of Munda - 45 BC
- Battle of Forum Gallorum and Mutina - 43 BC
- Battle of Philippi - 42 BC
- Rhine frontier - 19 BC to 69 AD
- First Battle of Bedriacum - 69, in Vitellius' army
The end of the Legio V Alaudae is not clear, but some sources suggest that they were destroyed in the Batavian rebellion in the year 70.