Roman Legion (1941–1943)

Roman Legion
Ρωμαϊκή Λεγεώνα
LeadersAlcibiades Diamandi, Nicolaos Matussis, Vassilis Rapotikas
Dates of operation1941–1943
AllegianceAxis powers
HeadquartersSamarina, Greece
Active regionsMacedonia, Thessaly
Sizec.2,000
AlliesAxis powers
OpponentsHellenic State (1941–1944)
EDES,
ELAS,
Nea Filiki Eteria,
Union of Greek Koutsovlachs

The Roman Legion (Greek: Ρωμαϊκή Λεγεώνα, romanized: Romaïkí Legeóna), also known as the Vlach Legion (Greek: Βλάχικη Λεγεώνα, romanized: Vláchiki Legeóna) in later bibliography, was a pro-Axis political and paramilitary organization active in Greece in 1941–1942, in the regions of Thessaly and Macedonia. It was created by Alcibiades Diamandi, an Aromanian (Vlach) from Samarina (Samarina, Xamarina or San Marina) who served as an agent of Italy and Romania. The Roman Legion initially had around 2,000 members, and was supported by a small part of the local Aromanians. It consisted of the dregs of the local population, such as former criminals. It was dissolved in 1942.