BattlefieldsMagnus Maximus Defeats Picts before Usurpation 382 AD
Roman Period

Magnus Maximus Defeats Picts before Usurpation 382 AD

382–383
Scotland
Also known as: Magnus Maximus Pictish victory 382 AD · Macsen Wledig defeats the Picts
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Picts and Scots
VS
Victor
Rome (Magnus Maximus)
Outcome
Picts and Scots defeated; Maximus gained military prestige to be acclaimed emperor; British army declared for him 383 AD
The Battle

History & Significance

Magnus Maximus achieved a significant victory against Pictish raiders that gave him the military prestige to be acclaimed emperor by the British army in 383 AD. Welsh tradition preserves this in the tale of Macsen Wledig. The victory probably involved a punitive expedition north of the Wall against Pictish groups that had resumed raiding after the Theodosian restoration. It was his last major military action in Britain before his continental bid.

Forces Involved

British provincial army including Wall garrison regiments under Maximus command

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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