The name Martenses probably stems from a reference to soldiers serving the pagan god of war, Mars. It is likely that the early history of the unit is tied to the Legio I Flavia Martis which was founded by the emperor Constantius I Chlorus (293-306), who belonged to the Flavian dynasty as the name Martis refers to the god Mars. The unit served in Gaul and other units with the same surname are known to have guarded the Rhine border and the Armorican coast.
A legion called the Martenses is mentioned in the Notitia Dignitatum, a 5th century register of Roman government positions and military commands. The commander of the legion was the Dux of Mogontiacensis and his command was located in the area around Mainz, Germany. These troops would have fought in the area around Mainz trying to stem the flow of Franks and Alamanni.
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The figures in the unit shown below are from Black Tree Designs with hand painted shields.
1 comment:
Excellent work, Kris! They look the business.
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