- The Battle of Lugdunum (19 February 197 CE) took place between the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211 CE) and the usurper Clodius Albinus, Governor of Britannia.
- Septimius won the Battle, confirming his rule as Emperor. Cassius Dio states that this was the greatest battle fought between Roman Armies and puts the total number of soldiers at 300,000 men, although historians accept that 100,000 was a more accurate projection.
Events leading up to the Battle
- In 196 CE Clodius Albinus, Governor of Britannia, was declared Emperor by all 3 Legions in Britannia.
- He then took them towards Rome, but halted at Lugdunum (Lyon) in Gallia Lugdunensis, as Septimius Severus had blocked the Passes into Italy by reinforcing their Garrisons.
- Septimius Severus then took the Legions from the Danube, creating an Army of 75,000 men, but when he reached Gaul, he was surprised to find Clodius Albinus’ Army had swollen to the same size as his own.
The Battle (19 Feb 197 CE)
- The Battle lasted two days, instead of a few hours.
- Severus’ cavalry possibly gave him the final superiority, since the numbers were equally matched and he defeated Clodius Albinus.
- Clodius Albinus’ body was beheaded and his head sent back to Rome.
Conclusion
- The British Legions were returned to Britannia.
- The Clodius Albinus Gallic Allies were humiliated.
- Septimius Severus rebuilt the Imperial Sanctuary at Lugdunum (Lyon) and reformed the Rites of the Cult of the Emperor to make the Gauls even more subservient.
Lugdunum (Lyon)