BattlefieldsPictish Raid on Hadrian's Wall Region (342 AD)
Roman Period

Pictish Raid on Hadrian's Wall Region (342 AD)

342
Northumberland, England
Also known as: Constans's Crisis 342-343 · Pict and Scot Raids Late Roman
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Rome
VS
Victor
Picts / Scots
Outcome
Major raid prompting Emperor Constans to cross to Britain in midwinter; first confirmed use of the word "Picti" in this context
The Battle

History & Significance

The Pictish and Scottish raids that prompted Emperor Constans's unprecedented midwinter crossing of the Channel in 343 AD. The scale must have been extraordinary — emperors did not cross the Channel in January without overwhelming cause. The Notitia Dignitatum mentions the "areani" (frontier scouts) who operated between the Wall and the northern tribes; they were abolished after the 367 conspiracy when they were found to have been betraying Roman intelligence.

Forces Involved

Picts/Scots: c. 2,000–4,000 raiders. Roman garrison: c. 1,000–2,000.

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