BattlefieldsCaratacus among the Silures — Guerrilla Campaign
Roman Period

Caratacus among the Silures — Guerrilla Campaign

49
Breconshire, Wales
Also known as: Roman-Silurian War 47-51 AD · Welsh Resistance under Caratacus
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Breconshire, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Romans: c. 2,000–4,000 (aggregate).
VS
Victor
Mixed — Romans suffered repeated reverses
Forces
Caratacus & Silures: c. 1,000–3,000
Outcome
Romans unable to pacify Silures; Caratacus retreated north for final stand
The Battle

History & Significance

For several years before his defeat at Caer Caradoc, Caratacus organised resistance among the Silures of south Wales and the Ordovices of mid-Wales. Tacitus records repeated Roman reverses — foraging parties cut off, cohorts ambushed, auxiliary cohorts destroyed. The Silures — a fierce tribe in south Wales — proved nearly impossible to subjugate even after Caratacus was gone. Ostorius Scapula reportedly said in exasperation that the Silures should be exterminated. His successor Didius Gallus faced the same intractable resistance. The guerrilla war tested Roman military adaptability to its limits.

Casualties & Losses

Multiple Roman cohorts suffered serious losses

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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