BattlefieldsRoman Landing at Richborough
Roman Period

Roman Landing at Richborough

43
Kent, England
Also known as: Claudian Invasion — Rutupiae Landing
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
British coastal defenders
Forces
British coastal defenders c. 5,000–8,000
VS
Victor
Rome (Aulus Plautius)
Forces
Romans (4 legions) c. 20,000–25,000
Outcome
Roman beachhead established; Aulus Plautius's four legions disembarked
The Battle

History & Significance

The landing that began 367 years of Roman rule over Britain. Aulus Plautius landed with four legions — Legio II Augusta, IX Hispana, XIV Gemina, and XX Valeria — at Rutupiae (Richborough). British resistance under Caratacus and Togodumnus was insufficient to prevent the landing. The great triple-ditched Roman fort at Richborough remained a key port throughout the occupation.

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