BattlefieldsSeverus's Second Scottish Campaign (Caracalla)
Roman Period

Severus's Second Scottish Campaign (Caracalla)

210–211
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Also known as: Caracalla's Scotland Campaign 210-211 · War of Extermination
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Maeatae/Caledonians c. 10,000–15,000
VS
Victor
Inconclusive
Forces
Romans (Caracalla) c. 20,000–30,000
Outcome
Caracalla commanded; tribes submitted again; Severus died at York before completion; Caracalla made peace and withdrew
The Battle

History & Significance

When the Maeatae and Caledonians renewed hostilities in 210 AD, the dying Severus sent his son Caracalla to conduct a war of total destruction — there were to be no prisoners. Caracalla began the campaign but Severus died at Eboracum (York) in February 211 AD. Caracalla immediately made peace on whatever terms were available and rushed back to Rome to consolidate power against his brother Geta (whom he later murdered). The last great Roman expedition to Scotland ended in assassination politics.

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