BattlefieldsBattle of Burnswark
Roman Period

Battle of Burnswark

140
Dumfriesshire, Scotland
Also known as: Siege of Burnswark Hill
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Dumfriesshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Selgovae tribe
Forces
Selgovae c. 500–1,500 on Burnswark Hill.
VS
Victor
Rome (Antonine frontier forces)
Forces
Romans c. 3,000–5,000 siege forces
Outcome
Roman assault on native hillfort; hilltop cleared
The Battle

History & Significance

Burnswark Hill in Dumfriesshire preserves extraordinary Roman siege works — two Roman camps face the hill from north and south, and lead sling bullets have been found in massive quantities. Recent excavations suggest a live-fire practice assault or an actual battle. The native Selgovae hillfort was stormed as part of the Antonine advance into lowland Scotland.

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