BattlefieldsMaeatae Crossing of Hadrian's Wall (180 AD)
Roman Period

Maeatae Crossing of Hadrian's Wall (180 AD)

180
Northumberland, England
Also known as: Barbarian Crossing 180 AD · Ulpius Marcellus Crisis
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Rome (initially)
Forces
Rome c. 4,000–7,000.
VS
Victor
Maeatae / Caledonians (initially)
Forces
Maeatae/Caledonians c. 5,000–10,000
Outcome
Wall overrun; Roman general and soldiers killed; Ulpius Marcellus sent to restore order
The Battle

History & Significance

Cassius Dio records that around 180 AD "the tribes in the island crossed the Wall that separated them from the Roman forts, did a great deal of damage, and cut down a general together with his troops." Emperor Commodus sent Ulpius Marcellus to restore the situation. Marcellus conducted a successful counter-campaign but was so harsh with his own troops that a near-mutiny ensued. The crisis of 180 AD was serious enough to prompt Commodus to take the title "Britannicus".

Casualties & Losses

Roman general and significant troop losses

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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