Roman Military Ring with Inscription , , VICTRIX* VI* '', Circa 1st-3d Century AD

A solid silver ring with flat section band , divided on 10 cells on the outer side with the inscription VICTRIX VI, meaning the THE VICTORIOUS VI; 4.70 grams, 22.24mm internal diameter and 26mm external diameter. UK size Z, US size 12 1/2 . Fine condition- some ancient repairs. From the collection of UK gentleman. Acquired on the UK art market in the 2000s. FOOTNOTES: The sixth legion was founded by Octavian in 41 BCE, as a copy of the Caesarean sixth legion, which was in the army of his rival Mark Antony. It later served against Sextus Pompeius, who had occupied Sicily and threatened to cut off the grain supply of Rome. In 31, the Sixth was present during the battle of Actium against Mark Antony. In 121, the emperor Hadrian visited Germania Inferior, where he ordered the construction of the Lower Rhine limes. The building activities were led by the governor, Platorius Nepos, a personal friend of Hadrian. Next year, the emperor visited Britain and took VI Victrix with him, together with Platorius, who now became governor of Britain. At the same time, VIIII Hispana came to Germania Inferior; it seems that the two legions traded places. The soldiers of the sixth legion were now to build the British limes, which is better known as Hadrian’s wall. In 208, Septimius Severus came to Britain, in an attempt to conquer Scotland. VI Victrix moved to the north, where it shared a large fortress with II Augusta, at Carpow on the river Tay. During this war, it received the honorific title Britannica. From now on, the full name of the legion was VI Victrix Pia Fidelis Britannica.

Weight: 4.7 g