British rebellion against Roman legions caused by drought, research finds
a year ago
- #climate change
- #historical conflict
- #Roman Britain
- Exceptionally dry summers from AD364 to 366 caused famine and social breakdown in Roman Britain.
- The 'barbarian conspiracy' in AD367 saw Picts, Scotti, and Saxons exploit weakened Roman defenses.
- Roman commanders were captured or killed, and some soldiers deserted, joining the invaders.
- Order was restored after two years by generals sent by Emperor Valentinian I.
- Droughts led to food shortages, societal destabilization, and military weakening.
- Tree-ring data and Roman accounts link severe summer droughts to the rebellion.
- Southern Britain experienced below-average rainfall during AD364-366, devastating agriculture.
- Drought-induced grain shortages may have fueled military desertions and weakened defenses.
- Peripheral tribes invaded during the military and societal breakdown.
- Climate-conflict analysis shows battles often followed dry years across the Roman Empire.