Legion
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
A legion constituted the fundamental operational unit of the Roman military, consisting of roughly 5,000 to 6,000 heavy infantrymen supported by cavalry and auxiliary troops, serving as the primary instrument of Roman imperial expansion and administration.
What is the meaning of Legion in the Bible?
A legion constituted the fundamental operational unit of the Roman military, consisting of roughly 5,000 to 6,000 heavy infantrymen supported by cavalry and auxiliary troops, serving as the primary instrument of Roman imperial expansion and administration.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the legion's structure and discipline clarifies the military context of New Testament narratives, such as the interactions between Roman centurions and Jesus, and the logistical realities of the Pax Romana during the apostolic age.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Legion in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Legion clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.