Battle of Lugdunum facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Lugdunum
Part of the Year of the Five Emperors
Clodius Albinus, as Caesar, 193–195 AD. AV Aureus (7.22 gm, 5h). Rome mint. Struck 194 AD.
Date 19 February 197 Location Lugdunum (modern Lyon) 45°46′N 4°51′E / 45.76°N 4.85°E / 45.76; 4.85 Result Severan victory
Belligerents
Roman units from Pannonia, Illyricum, Moesia, and Dacia	Roman units from Britannia and Hispania
Commanders and leaders
Septimius Severus	Clodius Albinus  †
Strength
65,000	55,000
Casualties and losses
Unknown but severe	Unknown but severe

The Battle of Lugdunum, also known as the Battle of Lyon, was a huge fight between two Roman armies. It happened on February 19, 197 AD, in a place called Lugdunum (which is now Lyon, France). The battle was fought between the forces of Septimius Severus and Clodius Albinus. Both men wanted to be the sole ruler of the Roman Empire.

Severus won this battle. His victory meant he became the only emperor after a period of great confusion. This time was known as the Year of the Five Emperors. Many historians say this was one of the biggest and bloodiest battles ever fought between Roman armies. Some records suggest that around 150,000 Roman soldiers fought in total.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

The Roman Empire in Chaos

The Roman Empire faced a big problem in 193 AD. The emperor, Pertinax, was killed by his own guards. This caused a struggle for who would rule next. It led to a period called the Year of the Five Emperors.

After Pertinax died, the guards actually tried to sell the empire to the highest bidder. A man named Didius Julianus bought it. But many Romans were very unhappy about this. They wanted a different leader.

New Emperors Emerge

People in Rome called for Pescennius Niger to become emperor. He was a governor in Roman Syria and had many legions (large groups of soldiers) supporting him. Niger then declared himself emperor.

At the same time, another powerful general, Septimius Severus, was also declared emperor by his soldiers. Severus was the governor of Pannonia Superior. He promised to get revenge for Pertinax's death.

Severus Makes an Alliance

Severus was closer to Rome than Niger. Before marching on Rome, Severus made a deal with Clodius Albinus. Albinus was a strong commander in Roman Britain. He had three legions and many other soldiers.

Severus agreed to make Albinus his "Caesar." This meant Albinus would be his chosen heir. Albinus accepted this plan.

Severus Takes Rome

Severus quickly gained support from many legions in the west. He marched towards Rome. By May 193 AD, Didius Julianus had lost all support. He was killed in his palace.

The Roman Senate, which was Rome's governing council, then recognized Severus as the new emperor. Before entering Rome, Severus replaced the old imperial guards with his own loyal soldiers.

Defeating Pescennius Niger

After securing Rome, Severus turned his attention to Pescennius Niger. Commanders loyal to Severus attacked Niger's forces. Many eastern provinces and cities then switched their support to Severus.

Severus's armies finally defeated Niger's forces in a big battle in 194 AD. Niger was captured and killed. Severus then made his position even stronger. He even claimed to be related to famous past emperors. He also made his young son, Caracalla, a "Caesar."

The Alliance Breaks

Making his son a "Caesar" was a problem for Albinus. It meant Severus was no longer planning for Albinus to be his heir. This made Albinus feel threatened. So, Albinus declared himself "Augustus," which meant he also claimed to be the main emperor.

The Roman Senate then declared Albinus an enemy. This set the stage for a civil war. The armies of Severus and Albinus would soon clash.

The Road to Battle

Albinus Gathers Forces

In 196 AD, Albinus was declared emperor by his own troops. He took about 40,000 soldiers from Britannia to Gaul. He gathered more forces and set up his main base at Lugdunum.

He was joined by Lucius Novius Rufus, the governor of Hispania Tarraconensis. But Severus had strong legions from the Danube and Germany on his side.

First Clashes

Albinus tried to attack the German forces first. He hoped to weaken Severus's advantage. Albinus won a battle against them, but it wasn't a complete victory. He couldn't get them to switch sides.

Albinus then thought about invading Italy. But Severus had already prepared for this. He had sent more soldiers to guard the mountain passes. Albinus decided not to risk fighting through these strong defenses.

Armies Meet in Gaul

In the winter of 196–197 AD, Severus brought his armies from the Danube into Gaul. He was surprised to find that Albinus's forces were almost as strong as his own.

The two armies first fought near a place called Tinurtium (modern Tournus). Severus had a better day in this fight, but he didn't win a decisive victory.

The Great Battle of Lugdunum

Albinus's army retreated to Lugdunum. Severus followed them. On February 19, 197 AD, the huge and final battle began. We don't know all the exact details, but both sides were very evenly matched.

The battle was long and very bloody. It lasted for more than a day, which was unusual for battles back then. The lead changed many times, and it was hard to tell who would win.

It seems that Severus had more cavalry (soldiers on horseback). This helped him win the battle in the end. Albinus's army was tired and badly beaten. They were finally crushed.

What Happened Next?

After the battle, Albinus ran into Lugdunum and ended his own life. Severus ordered Albinus's body to be stripped and his head cut off. Severus then rode his horse over the headless body in front of his winning troops.

He sent Albinus's head back to Rome as a warning to anyone who might oppose him. Albinus's body, along with those of his wife and sons, were thrown into the Rhone River. Many people who had supported Albinus, including 29 senators, were severely punished.

In Lugdunum, Severus changed the local religious center. He wanted to show his power and make sure Albinus's supporters felt defeated.

After this battle, the Roman province of Britain was divided into two parts. The Roman armies in Britain were also much weaker. This led to more attacks from local tribes. Eventually, Rome had to pull back its soldiers from the Antonine Wall to Hadrian's Wall. Severus himself would die near Eboracum (modern York) in 211 AD, while dealing with one of these uprisings.