BattlefieldsUlpius Marcellus Defeats the Maeatae 182 AD
Roman Period

Ulpius Marcellus Defeats the Maeatae 182 AD

182–184
Scotland
Also known as: Marcellus counter-campaign against Maeatae 182 AD · Roman recovery after 180 AD Wall breach
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Maeatae
VS
Victor
Rome (Ulpius Marcellus)
Outcome
Maeatae defeated north of the Wall; Roman prestige restored; Commodus took title Britannicus; Marcellus recalled after near-mutiny
The Battle

History & Significance

After the catastrophic 180 AD breach of Hadrian Wall in which a Roman general and his force were destroyed, Commodus sent Ulpius Marcellus as special commander. He was a notoriously harsh disciplinarian who ate only dry bread and slept little. He drove north of the Wall and inflicted significant defeat on the Maeatae. Commodus took the title Britannicus to celebrate. Marcellus was then recalled after his troops nearly mutinied at his harshness.

Forces Involved

Expedition force assembled from the provincial garrison with possible Rhine reinforcements

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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