This Legion, along with the III Italica, was founded in 165 AD by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius for his campaign against the Germanic Marcomanni. It was stationed in Noricum in 171, where it was commanded by the future Emperor Pertinax. After 180 the Legion formed a permanent base at Lauriacum (modern Lorch) along the Danube. This base was rebuilt in 205, and stayed in use for the length of Roman presence in Noricum. In the 3rd century AD, the Legion took part in Emperor Maximinus' campaigns in Dacia, and against the visigoths. It was still at Lorch in Noricum during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, and was last mentioned at the beginning of the fifth century AD. "Italica Pia" - Of Italian origin, and Loyal, although its being known more as Italica Pia and not Italica Pia Fidelis means it may also be a reference to the Emperor Pius.