Ulpius Marcellus facts for kids

Ulpius Marcellus was an important Roman leader. He served as a governor and general in Britannia during the late 100s AD.

Ulpius Marcellus first served as governor of Roman Britain between 176 and 180 AD. After this time, he went back to Rome. However, he was sent back to Britain by Emperor Commodus in 180 AD. His job was to stop a big rebellion. He became known as a very strict leader.

Stopping a Rebellion in Britain

The historian Dio Cassius wrote about a serious problem in Britain. Tribes from the north broke through Hadrian's Wall. This wall separated them from the Roman Empire. They killed a Roman general and his guards. This likely happened during an inspection of Hadrian's Wall.

The Great War of Commodus' Reign

This rebellion was very serious. Dio Cassius called it the most important war during Emperor Commodus' time. The fighting did not stop until around 184 AD. To celebrate, special coins were made. Emperor Commodus also took the title Britannicus, meaning "Conqueror of Britain." However, more coins were made in 185 AD. A collection of silver coins from 186 or 187 AD suggests that fighting continued for a few more years.

Marcellus' Military Actions

Marcellus led attacks north of the border. He might have tried to take back the Antonine Wall. This was another Roman wall further north. But in the end, he pulled his troops back to Hadrian's Wall. He probably made peace agreements with the local tribes. Roman forts north of Hadrian's Wall, like Newstead, were left empty. Two stone carvings at the fort of Cilurnum mention him. They connect him with a Roman cavalry unit called the Ala II Asturum.

Challenges with His Troops

Marcellus faced problems controlling his soldiers. He was a very strict officer. However, the Roman troops in Britain under Emperor Commodus were often disobedient. They even later supported someone who tried to become emperor.

See also

• Ulpia gens