BattlefieldsRoman Assault on South Cadbury Hillfort 44-45 AD
Roman Period

Roman Assault on South Cadbury Hillfort 44-45 AD

44–45
Somerset, England
Also known as: Vespasian at Cadbury Castle · South Cadbury conquest assault
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Somerset, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Durotriges
Forces
Durotriges: c. 400–800 defenders.
VS
Victor
Rome (Legio II Augusta)
Forces
Rome (Legio II): c. 1,500–2,500 troops
Outcome
South Cadbury hillfort taken; evidence of violent destruction in the conquest layer
The Battle

History & Significance

South Cadbury (later confused with Camelot in Arthurian legend) was a major Durotriges hillfort. Leslie Alcock excavations in the 1960s revealed a violent destruction layer dated to the Roman conquest period — smashed pottery, ironwork, and human remains. The site was one of the largest hillforts in southwest England and a key Durotrigan stronghold.

Casualties & Losses

Archaeological destruction layer with human remains suggests significant casualties

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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