BattlefieldsSaxon Shore — Portus Lemanis Raid Defence (c.380s)
Roman Period

Saxon Shore — Portus Lemanis Raid Defence (c.380s)

380–395
Kent, England
Also known as: Late Roman Lympne fort action · Saxon Shore south Kent c.380
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Saxon coastal raiders
Forces
Saxon raiding force c. 200–600.
VS
Victor
Roman garrison (uncertain)
Forces
Roman garrison c. 100–300
Outcome
Fort garrison repelled or was overrun by cross-Channel raiding parties in the late 4th century
The Battle

History & Significance

Lympne (Portus Lemanis) was one of the great Saxon Shore forts on the Kent coast. Archaeological evidence of burning and rebuilding in the late 4th century suggests violent episodes during the period of intensifying Saxon coastal raiding after the Barbarian Conspiracy. The fort's unusual position on a hill above the Romney Marsh suggests it watched for raiders crossing from the continent. The fort had partially collapsed by the early 5th century due to coastal subsidence.

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