BattlefieldsBattle of Watling Street
Roman Period

Battle of Watling Street

61
Staffordshire, England
Also known as: Battle against Boudicca · Defeat of Boudicca
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Staffordshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Iceni / British coalition (Boudicca)
Forces
c. 100,000–230,000 British coalition.
VS
Victor
Rome (Suetonius Paulinus)
Forces
c. 10,000–12,000 Roman legionaries and auxiliaries
Outcome
Decisive Roman victory; Boudiccan revolt crushed; Boudicca died
The Battle

History & Significance

Suetonius Paulinus chose a narrow defile flanked by forest to negate the enormous British numerical advantage. The Roman volley shattered the British charge and the cavalry drove them back onto their own wagons. Boudicca took poison. The exact site is unknown — somewhere in the Midlands, possibly near Mancetter in Warwickshire. The revolt had burned Camulodunum, Londinium, and Verulamium.

Casualties & Losses

c.80,000 British killed; 400 Romans

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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