Talk:Legio VII Claudia

Legions with Caesar in Gaul; the Claudia designation

The number of legions with Caesar in Gaul grew throughout the years, but the lowest numerical designation was 7; for instance, in the second year of the war (for the Belgic campaign), he had legions 7 through 14. The article implies that at the beginning of the war he had legions 6 through 9, presumed to be brought in from Spain. This is incorrect. Also, Caesar didn't just order up legions at the beginning of the war because he felt like it (that is, to serve his pleasure and ambition); this is a very Hollywood notion. The senate granted him legions formally to support his legitimate proconsulship: he was governor of Cisalpina and Transalpina, as well as Illyria. He did recruit additional legions on his own initiative without senate funding, which alarmingly increased his power. But until he crossed the Rubicon after the Gallic Wars, Caesar was not acting as a renegade, and although the propriety of specific actions was discussed in Rome, overall he operated within the scope of Roman law and custom. The only thing that was extraordinary about his proconsulship was its duration (but that was duly affirmed by legislation) and its amazing success.

Also, the article doesn't explain the origin of the Claudia designation, which would seem at odds with its incarnation under Pompey or under Julius Caesar. Cynwolfe (talk) 20:43, 18 January 2009 (UTC)