BattlefieldsNight Attack on the Ninth Legion (Agricolan Campaign)
Roman Period

Night Attack on the Ninth Legion (Agricolan Campaign)

82
Perthshire, Scotland
Also known as: Caledonian Night Attack 82 AD · Ambush of Legio IX Hispana
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Perthshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Caledonians repulsed
Forces
Caledonian night attack c. 2,000–5,000.
VS
Victor
Inconclusive (Roman camp held)
Forces
Roman Ninth Legion camp c. 3,000–4,000
Outcome
Caledonians broke into the Ninth Legion's camp at night; driven off when Agricola arrived with relief force
The Battle

History & Significance

Tacitus describes a dramatic night attack: the Caledonians, deciding to strike before Agricola could unite his divided forces, attacked the Ninth Legion's camp in darkness. They burst through the guards and were fighting inside the camp when Agricola rushed to the relief. Dawn found them caught between the camp garrison and Agricola's approaching column. The Caledonians escaped into the marshes and forests. This is one of the most dramatic episodes of Agricola's campaign and shows the sophisticated tactical thinking of the Caledonian tribes.

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