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The number of legions in the Roman army changed all the time.
At the start of the Second Punic War (218-202BC) for example, there were 6 legions.
After the complete defeat of the Romans at the Battle of Cannae in 216BC, the gates of Rome were open. Hannibal refused to follow up and Rome desperately began a recruitment program. Within a couple of years there were 25 legions.
In 27BC when Octavian took the name Augustus and became the first Roman Emperor he later reduced the number of legions from 50 to 25.
In other words, the number changed depending upon circumstances. Legions were destroyed, like the three under Varro in the Teutoberg Forests, or disbanded like those who fought badly during the Punic Wars and sent to Sicily. Legions were also raised in times of crisis or civil war.
It should also be noted that the actual number of men in a legion also changed overtime. The Marian reforms during the Republican Civil Wars also had an effect.
Let me know if you would like more details or links posted.
Mr Mephisto
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