BattlefieldsSilures Destruction of a Roman Legion Vexillation
Roman Period

Silures Destruction of a Roman Legion Vexillation

52
Breconshire, Wales
Also known as: Defeat of Manlius Valens c.52 AD
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Breconshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Rome (Gaius Manlius Valens)
Forces
c. 500–800 Roman vexillation under Manlius Valens.
VS
Victor
Silures tribe
Forces
c. 500–1,000 Silures warriors
Outcome
Silures victory; Roman force defeated; governor Scapula died of stress
The Battle

History & Significance

After Caratacus's capture, the Silures continued their war with renewed fury, reportedly saying Caratacus's fate made them more determined, not less. They defeated a force under Gaius Manlius Valens, killing the prefect and eight centurions. Tacitus says the Silures were indefatigable — raiding Roman supply lines, ambushing foragers, distributing Roman prisoners among allied tribes. Governor Ostorius Scapula himself died, exhausted by the unending guerrilla war, in 52 AD. Location estimated in Silures territory (modern Gwent/Breconshire borderland).

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