military unit
Legio IV (the Fourth Legion)
the Fourth Legion
also: legionem quartam, legio quarta
One of the two veteran legions (with the Martian) that deserted Mark Antony for the Republican cause in late 44 BC, declaring Antony a public enemy. It fought in the Mutina campaign of 43 BC.
Reading notes
- Thirteenth Philippic §19 news of the Fourth was brought to him
The Fourth Legion (Legio IV), like the Martian, abandoned Antony for Octavian; news of its defection wrecked Antony's plan to bring Octavian before the Senate and sent him fleeing north toward Gaul.
- Philippica XIV §27 Hirtius himself bearing the eagle of the Fourth legion
The aquila (eagle) was a legion's sacred standard; for a commander to carry it personally into battle was an extraordinary act of valour. The Fourth and the Martian legions had both deserted Antony for Octavian.