Several theories have been proposed about what happened to the legion:
- Destroyed in Battle: One theory suggests that the Ninth Legion was destroyed in battle against the Picts, a confederation of Celtic tribes in northern Britain. The Picts, known for their resistance to Roman rule, may have ambushed the legion in the wild and rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands, leading to its complete annihilation.
- Withdrawn or Disbanded: Another possibility is that the legion was withdrawn from Britain for service elsewhere in the Roman Empire. Some suggest that the Ninth Legion was reassigned to campaigns on the continent, especially in the east, to fight against the Parthians or in the Balkans. It could have been disbanded or reassigned and then quietly faded from historical records.
- Retreat or Desertion: Another theory is that the legion may have faced internal strife, with soldiers mutinying or deserting due to poor conditions or dissatisfaction with their leadership. In this case, the legion may have retreated from the northern frontier, retreating into history without leaving clear documentation of its fate.
- Legends and Myths: Over time, the disappearance of the Ninth Legion gave rise to various legends and myths. Some stories speculate that the soldiers were sacrificed or disappeared into the wilderness, while others suggest that they were buried in unmarked graves. These tales, though intriguing, lack solid evidence and remain part of the realm of folklore. shutdown123