Severan Campaigns in Caledonia, 208–211

Septimius Severus travelled to Britain with Caracalla and Geta and launched large-scale operations beyond Hadrian’s Wall. Roman armies rebuilt forts and roads, advanced into Caledonia and attempted to impose settlements on northern peoples through sustained logistical pressure.

The difficult terrain, guerrilla resistance and illness imposed heavy costs, while rivalry between the imperial brothers continued within the campaigning court. Severus died at York in 211 before the northern settlement became permanent.

Emperor’s Sword and Emperor’s Knife begin with Silus serving in this war, using scouting, frontier intelligence and the imperial succession crisis to introduce the Arcani series.