Vicus and/or Canabae Legionis

[Medusa Gladiatrix]

When reading about the villages/civil settlements which developed around legionary and auxialiary forts I came across the terms vicus and canabae legionis. Is there any difference or could they be used as synonyms?

[Tertius Mummius]

Cannabae mustn't necessarily be houses for living - that could be shops and temples with the actual keepers living in a vicus nearby.
Vici are villages - spread over the country and most of them not nearly close to a fort.

[Robert Vermaat]

When reading about the villages/civil settlements which developed around legionary and auxialiary forts I came across the terms vicus and canabae legionis. Is there any difference or could they be used as synonyms?

It's a bit of a mixup. Same as with a hasta. :wink:

A vicus is the generic name for a civilian settlement.
A vicus can also be a settlement next to or near a fort.

A canabae legionis is always next to a legionary fortress (castrum).

[Alexandr K]

Hi,
look at page 10 of this dissertation. Hope it will help.
Greetings
Alexandr

[Robert Vermaat]

Well, that's more or less what I said, yes? :wink:

[Alexandr K]

Well, that's more or less what I said, yes? :wink:

Mmmm, yes.