What is legio xvii?

Legio XVII was a Roman legion that was originally raised by Augustus Caesar in 41 BC. The legion had its origins in the Roman Republic and was known as the "Legio XVII Classica" or the "17th Legion of the Fleet". The legion was initially stationed in Hispania Tarraconensis and played an important role in the Roman conquest of the Iberian Peninsula.

The legion later saw action in various campaigns throughout the Roman Empire, including operations in Egypt, Syria, and Germany. In 9 AD, the 17th Legion, along with two other legions, suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Germanic tribes led by Arminius in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. It is estimated that as many as 20,000 Roman soldiers were killed in the battle, including the legions' commander, Publius Quinctilius Varus.

The legion was later reconstituted by Augustus and played an important role in the suppression of several Germanic uprisings in the following centuries. Legio XVII continued to serve the Roman Empire until the 5th century AD when it was disbanded as part of the army reforms implemented by Emperor Diocletian.