BattlefieldsCarausius — Defence of the Classis Britannica Base at Gesoriacum
Roman Period

Carausius — Defence of the Classis Britannica Base at Gesoriacum

285–286
Kent, france
Also known as: Carausius Channel command 285 AD · Carausius Saxon raider interception south coast
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
Kent, france
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Saxon and Frankish raiders
Forces
c. 2,000-5,000 Saxon/Frankish raiders.
VS
Victor
Carausius (Classis Britannica)
Forces
c. 2,000-4,000 Classis Britannica fleet
Outcome
Carausius intercepts raiders but is accused of letting them in first to take the plunder; ordered executed by Maximian
The Battle

History & Significance

Marcus Aurelius Mausaeus Carausius commanded the Channel fleet from its base at Bononia (Boulogne) with responsibility for clearing Saxon and Frankish pirates from the Channel approaches to southeast Britain. His interceptions were militarily successful but his accusers claimed he allowed raiders to plunder first, then seized the loot himself. Facing execution, he declared himself Augustus in Britain in 286 AD and ruled for seven years — the first of the Britannic usurpers.

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