BattlefieldsSeverus's First Scottish Campaign
Roman Period

Severus's First Scottish Campaign

208–210
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Also known as: Severan Invasion of Scotland 208-210 · War against the Maeatae
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Maeatae / Caledonians
Forces
Maeatae/Caledonians c. 15,000–25,000
VS
Victor
Rome (Septimius Severus)
Forces
Romans c. 40,000–50,000
Outcome
Romans advanced deep into Scotland; tribes submitted but refused pitched battle; peace bought
The Battle

History & Significance

Emperor Septimius Severus personally led the last great Roman military expedition into Scotland, aged and ill with gout — he was carried in a litter. He brought an enormous force including legions from the Rhine. The campaign reached at least as far north as the Moray Firth. Cassius Dio records staggering losses: 50,000 men from disease and guerrilla warfare. The Caledonians and Maeatae submitted but broke the peace almost immediately. Severus planned a war of extermination — he quoted Homer: "Let none escape".

Casualties & Losses

c.50,000 Roman losses from all causes (Cassius Dio)

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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