This Legion was most likely formed in 48 BC by Julius Caesar for the coming Civil War. Its first service under Caesar was at Dyrrhachium in 48, and it continued to serve under him until his death. It then went under Octavian's command, and served under him during his campaign against the pirate Sextus Pompeius. It served in Spain from 30-16 BC, where it was integral in Octavian's campaign against the Cantabrians. It was later stationed along the Rhine frontier for many years, and it's from this prolonged service in Germania that it earned its name. It continued to serve until 70 AD.