BattlefieldsBattle against the Attacotti Raiders
Roman Period

Battle against the Attacotti Raiders

368
Lancashire, England
Also known as: Theodosius vs Attacotti 368 AD · Attacotti Engagement
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Lancashire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Attacotti
Forces
Attacotti raiders c. 1,000–2,000.
VS
Victor
Rome (Theodosius)
Forces
Roman c. 2,000–3,000
Outcome
Attacotti raiders driven out; some subsequently recruited into Roman army
The Battle

History & Significance

The mysterious Attacotti are mentioned by Ammianus Marcellinus as one of the three peoples who attacked Britain in 367. St Jerome memorably wrote that he had seen Attacotti in Gaul eating human flesh. Their origin is debated — the Hebrides or Ireland are most likely. Interestingly, four cohorts of Attacotti appear in the Notitia Dignitatum serving as Roman auxiliary units, suggesting they were recruited — perhaps as prisoners-of-war — into Roman service.

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