NIGHTBRINGER | The Arthurian Encyclopedia

City of the Legion

City of the Legions
Latin: Isca Legionis, Urbs Legionis

A city in Britain that was the scene of Arthur’s ninth battle against the Saxons, according to Nennius. As in all of the twelve battles, Arthur was victorious.

Geoffrey refers to it several times, but means it to be Caerleon-on-Usk, which was called Isca Legionis and Isca Legionum in early times. K.H. Jackson identifies it unhesitatingly as Chester, known by the Romans as Urbs Legionis in Latin. Another possibility of Castleford, which was known as Legiolium in Roman times.

The city of York (Eboracum) holds the epithet of “City of the Legion” due to the presence of the Ninth Legion.


Isca Legionis is a Latin term, which translates to “Legionary Fort” or “Legionary Camp.” Isca Legionis is specifically associated with the town of Caerleon in Wales. Caerleon was known as Isca Augusta during Roman times and it served as the base for the Second Augustan Legion (Legio II Augusta). It is an alternative name for the same Roman settlement.

Urbs Legionis is a Latin term that translates to “City of the Legion.” It could be used to describe any Roman settlement that functioned as a legionary fortress. The term does not refer to a specific location but rather highlights the military significance of the settlement as a legionary base.


See also
Isca Legionis | The Legend of King Arthur
Roman Empire | The Legend of King Arthur


Source
Historia Brittonum | Probably Nennius, early 9th century