BattlefieldsSaxon Shore Raids — First Phase
Roman Period

Saxon Shore Raids — First Phase

260–285
Kent, England
Also known as: Early Saxon Raids on Britain · Carausius's Anti-Piracy Campaign
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Varies
Forces
c. 1,000-5,000 Roman naval and coastal garrison forces.
VS
Victor
Varies
Forces
c. 500-2,000 Saxon/Frankish raiders
Outcome
Increasing Saxon and Frankish raids on the British coast; Saxon Shore forts constructed in response
The Battle

History & Significance

From around 260 AD, Britain began experiencing serious raids from Germanic peoples — Saxons and Franks — along the eastern and southern coasts. The Roman response was the "Saxon Shore" (Litus Saxonicum) — a chain of massive forts from the Wash to Portsmouth. Carausius, the admiral appointed to suppress the pirates, was so successful (or so suspected of collusion with the raiders) that he was ordered arrested — and promptly declared himself Emperor of Britain.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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