BattlefieldsClaudian Thames crossing at Londinium
Roman Period

Claudian Thames crossing at Londinium

43
Greater London, England
Also known as: Roman crossing of the Thames 43 AD · Battle of the Thames ford
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Greater London, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Catuvellauni (Caratacus)
Forces
Catuvellauni c. 10,000–15,000
VS
Victor
Romans (Aulus Plautius)
Forces
Romans c. 15,000–20,000
Outcome
Romans crossed Thames; Caratacus retreated north; Emperor Claudius arrived for final advance on Camulodunum
The Battle

History & Significance

After the two-day Battle of the Medway, the Britons retreated across the Thames and the Romans followed. Cassius Dio records that Batavian auxiliaries swam across and Celtic warriors were caught in marshes. The exact crossing point is debated (Lambeth, Westminster or Brentford), but the action secured the Thames line and triggered Claudius's personal arrival to take the surrender at Camulodunum.

Casualties & Losses

Significant British casualties in the marshes

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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