The Revolt of the Silures was one of the most intense and prolonged resistances against Roman rule in Britain. This fierce tribe, native to what is now South Wales, waged a determined guerrilla war against the Roman legions, earning the admiration of even their enemies. Their ability to outmaneuver and harass Rome’s most disciplined forces delayed the complete conquest of Wales for decades.
This blog explores the reasons behind their defiance, the leaders involved, the key battles, and the lasting impact of their resistance.
Causes of the Revolt
Roman Expansion into Britain
By AD 43, the Roman Empire had begun its conquest of Britain under Emperor Claudius. The invasion was met with fierce opposition from various British tribes, but Rome’s military superiority allowed them to advance westward.
The Threat to Silurian Land and Culture
The Silures, a powerful and independent Celtic tribe, saw the Roman advance as a direct threat to their land, traditions, and autonomy. Unlike some other tribes that submitted to Roman rule, the Silures refused to surrender, valuing their warrior culture and independence.
Caractacus and the Call to Arms
The revolt gained momentum when Caractacus, the leader of the neighboring Catuvellauni tribe, fled to Silurian territory after his defeat by the Romans in AD 51. He urged the Silures to resist, rallying warriors for a fierce and unrelenting struggle against the invaders.
Key Players in the Conflict
The Silures
A warlike Celtic tribe known for their guerrilla tactics, knowledge of the mountainous terrain, and ability to conduct hit-and-run attacks. They fought fiercely to protect their homeland from Roman domination.
Caractacus
A charismatic and determined leader who led British resistance against Rome. After his own defeat, he found refuge among the Silures and inspired their continued resistance before his eventual capture.
Publius Ostorius Scapula
The Roman governor of Britain who sought to crush the Silures and pacify Wales. He faced significant challenges in subduing the region due to the Silures’ relentless attacks and strategic warfare.
Events Leading Up to the Revolt
The Roman Advance into Wales
By AD 47, the Romans had established control over much of southeastern Britain. However, their westward expansion into Wales met fierce resistance from the native tribes, particularly the Silures.
Caractacus’ Arrival in Silurian Territory
After his defeat by the Romans at the Battle of the River Severn in AD 51, Caractacus fled to the Silures, urging them to continue resisting. His arrival strengthened their resolve, and the tribe launched increasingly bold attacks on Roman forces.
Rome’s Retaliation and Fortification Efforts
Recognizing the threat posed by the Silures, the Romans constructed forts and roads to control Welsh territory. However, this only intensified Silurian hostility, leading to open rebellion.
The Revolt of the Silures: A Step-by-Step Account
The Rise of Guerrilla Warfare
Unlike many other British tribes that faced the Romans in open battle, the Silures adapted their tactics to counter Rome’s overwhelming military strength. They used guerrilla warfare, leveraging their knowledge of the harsh and mountainous Welsh terrain to ambush Roman patrols, disrupt supply lines, and then retreat before the Romans could organize a counterattack. This style of warfare frustrated the disciplined Roman legions, who were trained for direct engagements rather than prolonged skirmishes in difficult terrain.
Ambushes and Hit-and-Run Tactics
The Silures frequently launched surprise attacks on Roman forces marching through their lands. They would hide in dense forests, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. As Roman columns moved through valleys and narrow passes, the Silures would unleash a hail of javelins and arrows before storming the enemy with swift charges. After inflicting significant casualties, they would retreat into the hills, making it nearly impossible for the Romans to pursue them effectively.
One notable ambush resulted in the complete annihilation of a Roman detachment, shocking the Roman leadership. Reports from the time suggest that entire cohorts were wiped out in these sudden and brutal assaults. The Silures’ hit-and-run tactics proved so effective that they forced the Romans to rethink their approach to pacifying Wales.
Publius Ostorius Scapula’s Counteroffensive
Frustrated by the Silures’ relentless attacks, the Roman governor Publius Ostorius Scapula launched a determined counteroffensive around AD 52. His goal was to break the resistance by establishing a strong Roman military presence in Wales. Forts were built, and roads were carved through the landscape to allow faster troop movement. However, the Silures saw these constructions as an encroachment on their territory and intensified their resistance.
Ostorius attempted to lure the Silures into a decisive battle by marching deep into their lands, but the tribe refused to engage in open combat. Instead, they continued their guerrilla tactics, forcing the Romans into a prolonged and exhausting conflict. This war of attrition took a toll on the Roman legions, and reports from Roman sources describe their frustration and inability to secure a clear victory.
The Capture of Caractacus and Its Impact
One of the most significant events during the revolt was the eventual capture of Caractacus, the resistance leader who had found refuge among the Silures. In AD 51, after years of defying Rome, Caractacus was betrayed by the Brigantes tribe and handed over to the Romans. He was taken to Rome, where he famously stood before Emperor Claudius and delivered a speech that impressed the Roman elite. Instead of being executed, he was allowed to live in honorable captivity.
Although the loss of Caractacus was a blow to the resistance, the Silures did not surrender. If anything, his capture fueled their hatred of Rome, and they continued their attacks with renewed determination.
The Roman Fortification Strategy
Realizing that direct military confrontation was failing, the Romans shifted their strategy. They began constructing an extensive network of forts throughout South Wales, with the fortress at Isca (modern-day Caerleon) serving as the regional headquarters. These fortifications allowed Rome to maintain a constant military presence and exert control over the surrounding territory.
Despite these efforts, the Silures continued their resistance for several more years. Even as new governors took command in Britain, reports of Silurian attacks persisted, demonstrating their unwillingness to submit to Roman rule.
The Gradual Suppression of the Silures
The revolt gradually lost momentum as Rome’s grip on Wales tightened. By the late AD 50s, the Romans had built enough fortresses and roads to restrict the movement of the Silurian warriors. The increased Roman military presence made it harder for the Silures to launch effective raids, and with each passing year, their resources and numbers dwindled.
Eventually, the Romans managed to pacify the region, though not through a single decisive battle. Instead, they slowly eroded the Silures’ ability to wage war by cutting off their supply lines, destroying their settlements, and integrating their lands into the Roman administration. Unlike some other tribes, however, the Silures were never completely subdued, and elements of resistance continued in isolated pockets for years.
Aftermath and Impact of The Revolt of the Silures
The Silures’ Legacy
Although ultimately defeated, the Silures’ fierce resistance left a lasting legacy in Welsh history. They became symbols of defiance against foreign rule, inspiring later Welsh resistance movements, including those of Owain Glyndŵr centuries later.
Romanization of Wales
Following the suppression of the revolt, the Romans began integrating Wales into their empire. They built towns, roads, and military forts, many of which still exist today. However, Welsh culture remained distinct, and elements of Celtic identity persisted despite Roman occupation.
A Lesson in Guerrilla Warfare
The Silures’ tactics of ambushes, hit-and-run attacks, and knowledge of the landscape provided a model for later resistance movements. Their ability to disrupt Roman supply lines and outmaneuver conventional forces proved that even a small tribe could challenge an empire.
The Revolt of the Silures was one of the most remarkable chapters in Welsh history. Against overwhelming odds, they resisted the most powerful empire of their time, inflicting serious defeats and delaying Rome’s conquest of Wales. Their story is a testament to the fierce independence of the Welsh people, a spirit that endured long after the Romans departed.
