BattlefieldsMarcus, Gratian, and Constantine III — British Usurpations
Roman Period

Marcus, Gratian, and Constantine III — British Usurpations

406–407
North Yorkshire, England
Also known as: Constantine III Proclaimed 407 AD · Last Proclamations at York
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
North Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Previous usurpers Marcus and Gratian
Forces
c. 500–1,500 Marcus and Gratian loyalists.
VS
Victor
Constantine III
Forces
c. 1,000–3,000 Constantine III forces
Outcome
Three emperors proclaimed and killed within months; Constantine III survived to cross to Gaul
The Battle

History & Significance

The chaos of 406-407 AD saw the British army proclaim three successive emperors. Marcus was killed almost immediately; Gratian lasted four months; Constantine III — a common soldier elected because of his auspicious name — proved more durable. He crossed to Gaul in 407, stripped Britain of its remaining garrison, and achieved brief recognition as emperor. With him went the last Roman field army. Britain was never effectively regarrisoned.

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