BattlefieldsTheodosius Reconquers Britain (368–369 AD)
Roman Period

Theodosius Reconquers Britain (368–369 AD)

368–369
Kent, England
Also known as: Count Theodosius's Campaign 368-369 · Reconquest after the Great Conspiracy
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Barbarian raiders / deserters
Forces
barbarian/deserter forces c. 2,000–4,000.
VS
Victor
Rome (Count Theodosius)
Forces
Roman expeditionary force c. 5,000–7,000 (four regiments)
Outcome
Britain reconquered; roving bands dispersed; Hadrian's Wall regarrisoned; province reorganised; "Valentia" created as fifth province
The Battle

History & Significance

Count Theodosius (father of the Emperor Theodosius I) was sent with four crack regiments to restore order in Britain. He landed at Richborough, marched to London (which had been abandoned by the barbarians as too strong to attack but was surrounded by raiding parties), and systematically cleared Britain of the raiders. The operation took two full years. He reformed the frontier system, disbanded the treacherous "arcani," and created a new province called Valentia (location debated). Britain was restored but would never be the same.

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