Battlefields›Ulpius Marcellus Campaign against Wall Raiders 180 AD
Roman Period

Ulpius Marcellus Campaign against Wall Raiders 180 AD

180
Northumberland, England
Also known as: Wall breach 180 AD · Commodus period invasion
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Northern tribes
Forces
Northern tribes c. 5,000–8,000.
VS
Victor
Rome (Ulpius Marcellus)
Forces
Ulpius Marcellus force c. 6,000–10,000
Outcome
Tribes crossed the Wall and defeated a Roman force; Marcellus sent to restore order with severe discipline
The Battle

History & Significance

The 180 AD breach of Hadrian Wall was described by Cassius Dio as the most serious war of the reign of Commodus; it marked the beginning of a period of sustained northern frontier pressure.

Casualties & Losses

A Roman general and his force destroyed before Marcellus restored the Wall

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Ulpius Marcellus Campaign against Wall Raiders 180 AD

Hadrian's Wall between the track to Cockmount Hill and Walltown Quarry East in wall miles 43, 44 and 45
Scheduled monument · ~2.5 miles
The vallum between Cockmount Hill and Walltown Quarry West in wall miles 43, 44 and 45
Scheduled monument · ~2.8 miles
Hadrian's Wall between Walltown Quarry East and Walltown Quarry West in wall mile 45
Scheduled monument · ~2.8 miles
Great Chesters Roman fort and Hadrian's Wall between the Caw Burn and the track to Cockmount Hill farm in wall miles 42 and 43
Scheduled monument · ~2.9 miles
Burnhead Roman temporary camp
Scheduled monument · ~3 miles
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