Cohors I Alpinorum equitata


Cohors prima Alpinorum equitata was a Roman auxiliary mixed infantry and cavalry regiment. Alpini was a generic name denoting several Celtic-speaking mountain tribes inhabiting the Alps between Italy and Gaul, which were organised as the Tres Alpes provinces. The regiment was probably raised as one of 4-6 Alpini units recruited after the final annexation of the western Alpine regions by emperor Augustus in 15 BC.
It was originally stationed in Illyricum, where it is recorded in 60 AD. Not later than 80, it was based in Pannonia, later Pannonia Inferior after Pannonia was divided in two c. 107. It was still in that province c. 215, according to its last datable inscription. There were three brief interruptions to the regiment's sojourn in Pannonia. It is recorded first in Aquitania in 60-70 from recent finds of military equipments : Carnuntum; Matrica ; Excisum; Apulum ; Mursa ; Lussonium.
The names of 7 praefecti have been preserved, but none of their origins are certain. One erected a votive altar at Thuburbo Maius, while another at Caesarea, so these may be their respective home towns. Senior officers attested are 4 centuriones and 1 decurio. One junior officer is known. An eques with the title "buc." is attested: this probably stands for bucinator. Caligati attested are 3 foot soldiers and one eques. Only the latter of all the personnel has a certain origin: he is denoted a member of the Eravisci, a Pannonian tribe.

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