BattlefieldsRoman Advance to the Trent — Cerialis Campaign
Roman Period

Roman Advance to the Trent — Cerialis Campaign

71
Nottinghamshire, England
Also known as: Cerialis Brigantes Campaign — Midlands Passage
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Nottinghamshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Brigantes
Forces
Brigantian forces c.5,000–10,000.
VS
Victor
Rome (Quintus Petillius Cerialis)
Forces
Romans under Cerialis c.4,000–6,000
Outcome
Roman advance through the Midlands to the Trent valley
The Battle

History & Significance

Petillius Cerialis, governor from AD 71, launched the conquest of the Brigantes — the vast tribe covering most of northern England. His advance required securing the Trent valley as a supply line and forward base. The legionary fortress at Lincoln (Lindum) was established as the anchor of this campaign. Tacitus records that Cerialis "engaged the Brigantes in frequent battles, some of them bloody." The Trent crossing at what would become Nottingham (Margidunon area) was a key military objective.

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