Imagine trying to march an army forward while constantly worrying about an enemy sneaking up behind you. This was the exact problem the Romans faced during the second phase of their invasion (AD 43–47), prompting a massive military campaign into southwest Britain.
The sheer scale of the southwest campaign demonstrated Rome's overwhelming military capability. The Roman historian Suetonius recorded that Vespasian fought 30 battles during this phase.
The Romans relied on highly disciplined tactics and superior engineering to capture heavily defended Iron Age hillforts. Their methods were designed to inflict maximum psychological and physical damage.
, a massive stronghold, provides the most famous archaeological evidence of Vespasian's brutal campaign. Despite the defenders stockpiling 50,000 slingstones, they were ultimately overwhelmed by Roman artillery.
After crushing initial resistance, the Romans had to ensure the region remained permanently pacified. They used military infrastructure and forced relocation to maintain strict control.
Students often describe the military battles but forget to explain the strategic reasons behind them; always link Vespasian's tactics to his overall goal of preventing uprisings in the Roman rear.
When an exam question uses the command word 'Explain' for this topic, you must provide a causal link between Roman methods (like slighting hillforts or building the Fosse Way) and their objectives (pacification and control).
Use specific numerical evidence from Suetonius, such as the capture of over 20 towns and fighting 30 battles, to support 8-mark or 12-mark questions about the scale of Vespasian's success.
Be prepared to evaluate archaeological evidence in your answers: mention Sir Mortimer Wheeler's findings at Maiden Castle, but acknowledge modern debates about whether the 'war cemetery' was actually a site for formal burials over time.
Legatus Legionis
The commander of a Roman legion, a rank held by Vespasian during the invasion of the southwest.
Legio II Augusta
The Second Augustan Legion, the highly trained military unit that led the Roman campaign into southwest Britain.
Durotriges
A powerful, fiercely resistant British tribe occupying modern Dorset and Somerset, known for their heavily defended hillforts.
Dumnonii
A British tribe occupying modern Devon and Cornwall, who likely surrendered to Rome with less violent resistance than their neighbours.
Oppida
Large, fortified Iron Age settlements or hillforts that served as tribal centres for ancient British groups.
Classis Britannica
The Roman fleet operating in British waters, which coordinated with ground forces for coastal captures and supply drops.
Ballistae
Heavy Roman artillery engines used to fire large bolts or stones with great force and precision during sieges.
Testudo
A "tortoise" formation where Roman infantry overlapped their rectangular shields to create a protective shell against enemy projectiles.
Slighting
The deliberate destruction of a captured fortification's defensive capabilities, such as tearing down walls and gates.
Maiden Castle
A massive Iron Age hillfort in Dorset where archaeological evidence, including a skeleton with a ballista bolt in its spine, shows heavy Roman assault.
Vexillationes
Smaller detachments of a Roman legion used to garrison multiple forts across a wide area to maintain control over a pacified population.
Isca Dumnoniorum
The Roman name for Exeter, which was established as a major 42-acre legionary fortress for the Legio II Augusta.
Fosse Way
A strategic Roman military highway running from Exeter to Lincoln, acting as a temporary frontier and a route for rapid troop movement.
Put your knowledge into practice — try past paper questions for Ancient History
Legatus Legionis
The commander of a Roman legion, a rank held by Vespasian during the invasion of the southwest.
Legio II Augusta
The Second Augustan Legion, the highly trained military unit that led the Roman campaign into southwest Britain.
Durotriges
A powerful, fiercely resistant British tribe occupying modern Dorset and Somerset, known for their heavily defended hillforts.
Dumnonii
A British tribe occupying modern Devon and Cornwall, who likely surrendered to Rome with less violent resistance than their neighbours.
Oppida
Large, fortified Iron Age settlements or hillforts that served as tribal centres for ancient British groups.
Classis Britannica
The Roman fleet operating in British waters, which coordinated with ground forces for coastal captures and supply drops.
Ballistae
Heavy Roman artillery engines used to fire large bolts or stones with great force and precision during sieges.
Testudo
A "tortoise" formation where Roman infantry overlapped their rectangular shields to create a protective shell against enemy projectiles.
Slighting
The deliberate destruction of a captured fortification's defensive capabilities, such as tearing down walls and gates.
Maiden Castle
A massive Iron Age hillfort in Dorset where archaeological evidence, including a skeleton with a ballista bolt in its spine, shows heavy Roman assault.
Vexillationes
Smaller detachments of a Roman legion used to garrison multiple forts across a wide area to maintain control over a pacified population.
Isca Dumnoniorum
The Roman name for Exeter, which was established as a major 42-acre legionary fortress for the Legio II Augusta.
Fosse Way
A strategic Roman military highway running from Exeter to Lincoln, acting as a temporary frontier and a route for rapid troop movement.