BattlefieldsSiege of Anderida
Early Medieval

Siege of Anderida

491
East Sussex, England
Also known as: Fall of Pevensey · Massacre at Anderida 491
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
East Sussex, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Romano-British garrison
Forces
c.200–500 Romano-British garrison; siege/massacre.
VS
Victor
Aelle and Cissa (South Saxons)
Forces
c.1,000–2,000 South Saxons
Outcome
Fort stormed; entire population massacred; not a single Briton left alive according to the Chronicle
The Battle

History & Significance

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records one of the most complete massacres in early Anglo-Saxon history: "Aelle and Cissa besieged Andredesceaster, and slew all the inhabitants; there was not even one Briton left there." The Roman Saxon Shore fort at Pevensey (Anderida) had sheltered the last Romano-British holdouts in Sussex. Its fall effectively completed the South Saxon conquest of the coastal region.

Casualties & Losses

Entire garrison and civilian population killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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