BattlefieldsBattle of the Thames (Claudian Invasion 43 AD)
Roman Period

Battle of the Thames (Claudian Invasion 43 AD)

43
Kent, England
Also known as: Thames Crossing 43 AD · Thames Battle Claudian
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Catuvellauni
Forces
Catuvellauni: c. 10,000–15,000.
VS
Victor
Romans (Aulus Plautius)
Forces
Romans: c. 15,000–20,000
Outcome
Romans crossed the Thames; British resistance in Essex collapsed; Claudius arrived to take Camulodunum
The Battle

History & Significance

After the Medway, the Romans advanced to the Thames. Batavian auxiliaries swam the river; Roman troops crossed at a ford and possibly a bridge; the pursuing Britons suffered losses in the marshes. Plautius halted and sent for the Emperor Claudius, who arrived with elephants to receive the final advance on Camulodunum — ensuring the Emperor got the credit. The crossing ended effective British resistance in the south-east.

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