BattlefieldsVespasian Assault on Ham Hill Hillfort 44 AD
Roman Period

Vespasian Assault on Ham Hill Hillfort 44 AD

44–45
Somerset, England
Also known as: Roman capture of Ham Hill Somerset · Legio II Augusta at Ham Hill
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Somerset, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Durotriges
VS
Victor
Rome (Vespasian / Legio II Augusta)
Outcome
One of the largest hillforts in England stormed; Somerset approaches secured
The Battle

History & Significance

Ham Hill in Somerset encloses over 85 hectares — one of the largest Iron Age hillforts in Britain. Its massive multiple-rampart defences dominated the Somerset levels. Archaeological finds of Roman military equipment and destruction horizon evidence suggest it fell to Vespasian forces during the southwest campaign. Its capture opened the Somerset levels to Roman penetration westward toward Exeter.

Forces Involved

Multiple cohorts of Legio II Augusta required to invest a perimeter of exceptional length

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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