BattlefieldsOstorius Scapula Raids Usk Valley 48 AD
Roman Period

Ostorius Scapula Raids Usk Valley 48 AD

48–50
Wales
Also known as: Scapula Usk valley operation 48 AD · Roman probe into Silurian territory
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Contested
VS
Victor
Contested
Outcome
Raids conducted; no permanent occupation; Silures reformed after each reverse and continued resistance
The Battle

History & Significance

Ostorius Scapula pushed reconnaissance columns into the Usk valley attempting to fix and destroy the Silures. Each advance found only ambushes, burning crops, and retreating warriors who refused the pitched battle Roman arms required. Tacitus records Scapula complaining that the Silures were impossible to destroy — they reformed after every reverse, recruited from other tribes, and used the mountains as an inexhaustible refuge.

Forces Involved

Auxiliary cohorts with cavalry support pushing up the Usk toward the Black Mountains

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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