Legio I Parthica

[1] The legion's presence in the Middle East is recorded until the early 5th century.

The legions I, II, and III Parthica were levied by Septimius Severus for his campaign against the Parthian Empire.

After the success of this campaign, with Septimus Severus capturing Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq), I and III Parthica remained in the region, in the camp of Singara (Sinjar, Iraq), in Mesopotamia, to prevent subsequent rebellions and to guard the eastern provinces from attacks from the Parthian Empire.

[2] It is likely the first Parthica took part in expeditions in the third century, including expedition led by Severus's son, the emperor Caracalla, and the war waged by Severus Alexander against the Sasanian Persian empire.

In 360, I Parthica unsuccessfully defended its camp against a Sasanid attack; after the defeat, the legion was moved to Nisibis (modern Turkey), where it remained until the city was surrendered by emperor Jovian to the Sassanid Persians in 363.