BattlefieldsRoman Assault on Ham Hill Hillfort 44-45 AD
Roman Period

Roman Assault on Ham Hill Hillfort 44-45 AD

44–45
Somerset, England
Also known as: Vespasian at Ham Hill · Stoke sub Hamdon hillfort assault
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Somerset, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Durotriges
VS
Victor
Rome (Vespasian / Legio II Augusta)
Outcome
One of the largest hillforts in England stormed; Roman presence established at site
The Battle

History & Significance

Ham Hill is one of the largest Iron Age hillforts in Britain at over 200 acres, dominating the Somerset levels. Archaeological finds including Roman military equipment and evidence of destruction layers suggest it was one of the oppida that Suetonius records Vespasian capturing. The site guarded the approaches to the Somerset plain and the Parrett valley.

Forces Involved

Multiple cohorts of Legio II Augusta required for assault of such a large perimeter

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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