Battlefields›Ninth Legion Defeat in the North (c.108 AD)
Roman Period

Ninth Legion Defeat in the North (c.108 AD)

108
North Riding, England
Also known as: Disappearance of Legio IX Hispana · Northern revolt c.108
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
North Riding, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Romans (Legio IX Hispana)
Forces
Brigantes/Caledonians: c.5,000-10,000.
VS
Victor
Brigantes / Caledonians (possibly)
Forces
Rome (Legio IX): c.5,500
Outcome
Ninth Legion severely mauled or destroyed; reinforcements sent from continent
The Battle

History & Significance

The Ninth Legion, based at Eboracum, disappeared from the historical record around 108 AD. Ancient sources suggest a serious military defeat in the north of Britain. Whether annihilated in Yorkshire or Caledonia remains debated, but the emergency triggered Hadrian to visit Britain in 122 AD and initiate construction of Hadrian's Wall. The loss was one of the most significant Roman military disasters in Britain.

Casualties & Losses

Potentially 5,000+ Romans killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Ninth Legion Defeat in the North (c.108 AD)

Medieval stone town house known as The Norman House to the rear of Nos 48 and 50 Stonegate
Scheduled monument · ~0 miles
St Peter's Hospital, part of undercroft beneath the Theatre Royal
Scheduled monument · ~0.1 miles
York Minster cathedral precinct: including Bootham Bar and the length of City Walls extending round the precinct up to Monk Bar
Scheduled monument · ~0.1 miles
South angle tower of Roman fortress
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
St Mary's Abbey
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
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