Fimbrian legions

The Fimbrian or Valerian legions were two Roman legions which served and fought in all three wars against King Mithridates of Pontus, one of the Roman Republic's chief adversaries during the 80s, 70s and 60s BC. They became a body of long serving legionaries known for their fierce fighting reputation and also, more infamously, for mutiny and abandoning their commander. The legions take their name from the consul Lucius Valerius Flaccus, who first recruited them in 86 BC, and from his subordinate, Gaius Flavius Fimbria, who took command of the legions after inciting a mutiny and murdering Flaccus.

Valerian/Fimbrian legions
Active86 BC–66 BC
CountryRoman Republic
BranchRoman Army
TypeRoman Legions
Size10,000 legionaries (2 legions)
EngagementsFirst Mithridatic War
Second Mithridatic War
Third Mithridatic War
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Lucius Valerius Flaccus
Gaius Flavius Fimbria
Lucius Licinius Lucullus
Lucius Licinius Murena
Pompey