BattlefieldsMagnus Maximus Withdraws Army from Britain 383 AD
Roman Period

Magnus Maximus Withdraws Army from Britain 383 AD

383
Gloucestershire, England
Also known as: Roman troop withdrawal 383 AD · Maximus strips Britain of troops
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Gloucestershire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Roman Britain (militarily depleted)
VS
Victor
Magnus Maximus (in Gaul)
Outcome
Large portions of the British garrison crossed to Gaul; Wall zone partially stripped of troops
The Battle

History & Significance

Welsh tradition in the Mabinogion preserves the memory of Macsen Wledig taking his warriors from Britain to conquer Rome. Modern archaeology has found that several Welsh and northern forts show abandonment deposits dated to around 383 AD. Whether the Wall was entirely stripped is debated, but the reduction in garrison strength contributed to the inability to resist the raids of 396-398 AD.

Forces Involved

British field army and portions of the Wall garrison

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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