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While you may have read the history of the original Legio XIIII you may not know how our particular legion was established. Below, you can familiarize yourself with the people and events that started it all, and helped make Legio XIIII GMV the group it is today.

Our Group's History: A Brief Overview of our Past

Our group’s recreation or impression of the Roman XIIII Legion (14th) began with two individuals in early 2001—Dave Weidenkeller, and an extremely passionate history buff named Tim Vick.  They both shared a vision of creating the first Roman Legion in the history of Wisconsin.  Upon doing research on the internet, however, they discovered a man named Lowell Luedke had already created a 14th Legion in the local Milwaukee area.  Since Dave had no interest in starting another Roman Legion in the area if one was already established, he called Lowell to ask him about joining with his group.  After speaking with Lowell's wife, they unfortunately discovered Lowell had recently passed away.  Dave and Tim were invited to come and look over all of Lowell’s research and Roman equipment.  Dave decided to purchase all of Lowell's equipment, and further proposed to maintain Lowell's work, becoming the new Roman Legion XIIII. 

Throughout the last seven years, the group grew from two members to a listing of over twenty members, including both military and civilian impressions.   The Legion marched in their first parade in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, in November of 2001.  After that point, they began hosting their own annual event each April to honor the death of their founding father, Lowell. 

The Legion has received several front page stories in local Wisconsin newspapers, and participated in many public events.  In October of 2004 the Legion was even involved in a movie event in Nashville, Tennessee, working with legions from all over the country.  They marched with over fifty other Roman reenactors. 

Over the past three years, our group was involved in various parades, fairs and historical timeline events.  We hope to continue growing in membership, and look forward to becoming increasingly involved in events in the future.  Through our dedication and support, we sincerely believe we are keeping Lowell Luedke's dream alive. To view a current list of our ranking members, legionaries and citizens, click here.