BattlefieldsRoman Camp at Silchester — Claudian Advance Base
Roman Period

Roman Camp at Silchester — Claudian Advance Base

43–45
Hampshire, England
Also known as: Calleva Roman advance 43-44 AD · Legio II Augusta at Silchester
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Hampshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Atrebates (any resistance faction)
Forces
Atrebates resistance c. 1,000–2,000
VS
Victor
Romans (Legio II Augusta)
Forces
Romans (II Augusta) c. 5,000–7,000
Outcome
Silchester becomes Roman Calleva Atrebatum; client king Cogidubnus established
The Battle

History & Significance

Calleva Atrebatum (Silchester, Berkshire) was the capital of the Atrebates tribe. King Verica had been expelled by the Catuvellauni and his appeal to Claudius was the stated justification for the invasion. Whether the Atrebates welcomed Roman rule (under the client king Cogidubnus, who received Silchester and Chichester as his realm) or some resisted is uncertain. The lack of early military-phase archaeology at Silchester suggests a largely peaceful takeover, but military units certainly moved through on their way southwest.

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