This Legion was founded in 41-40 BC by Julius Caesar's heir, Octavian, who used it as one of many Legions that immediately fought against the rebel pirate Sextus Pompeius, who'd put Rome's grain supply into peril. The Legion was then stationed in Africa. After the decisive Battle of Actium in 31 BC, and Octavian became Emperor Augustus, the Legion was sent to the Rhine, based at Mainz in Germania Superior. In 6 AD, it was one of many Legions led by Augustus' son-in-law Tiberius against the Marcomanni. After the Teutoburg Forest disaster in 9 AD, the Legion occupied Cologne, preventing a Germanic attack on Gallia Belgica. In 40-41, the Legion served under the future-Emperor Galba against the Chatti. In 43, it was sent to Neuss in Germania Inferior, where they built their new fortress. During the chaotic period after Emperor Nero's position had become untenable in 67, the Legion was one of many that acclaimed their commander in Germania, Vitellius, Emperor, and marched on Rome. They were successful, but were soon defeated by Vespasian. As this went on, the Batavians launched a major revolt in Germania, defeating and besieging many Legions. The XVI Gallica was one that ended up surrendering to them at Bonn, in 70 AD. Several months later, Emperor Vespasian recovered the Rhineland and reconstituted the Legion, renaming it the XVI Flavia Firma. Its emblem was the lion. 'Gallica' - Recruited in Gaul.