The siege of Flevum (28 CE)

Siege of Flevum: unsuccessful Frisian attack on a Roman fort in 28 CE, probably identical to Velsen.

Velsen I (design Graham Sumner)
Velsen I (design Graham Sumner)

In 28, the Frisians, a Germanic tribe living in what is now called Holland and was then known as Germania Inferior, revolted against the Romans. Although the rebels were defeated, the Roman emperor Tiberius gave up the occupation of Frisia. Almost a century later, the story was told by the Roman author Tacitus (Annals, 4.72-73). His account is offered here in the translation by A.J. Church and W.J. Brodribb.

[4.72] That same year [28 CE] the Frisians, a nation beyond the Rhine, cast off peace, more because of our rapacity than from their impatience of subjection.



[4.73] As soon as this was known to Lucius Apronius, propraetor of Germania Inferior, he summoned from the Upper province the legionary veterans, as well as some picked auxiliary infantry and cavalry. Instantly conveying both armies down the Rhine, he threw them on the Frisians, raising at once the siege of the fortress and dispersing the rebels in defense of their own possessions.

Next, he began constructing solid roads and bridges over the neighboring estuaries for the passage of his heavy troops, and meanwhile having found a ford, he ordered the cavalry of the Cananefates, with all the Germanic infantry which served with us, to take the enemy in the rear. Already in battle array, they were beating back our auxiliary horse as well as that of the legions sent to support them, when three light cohorts, then two more, and after a while the entire cavalry were sent to the attack. They were strong enough, had they charged altogether, but coming up, as they did, at intervals, they did not give fresh courage to the repulsed troops and were themselves carried away in the panic of the fugitives.

Apronius entrusted the rest of the auxiliaries to Cethegus Labeo, the commander of the Fifth Legion, but he too, finding his men's position critical and being in extreme peril, sent messages imploring the whole strength of the legions. The soldiers of the fifth sprang forward, drove back the enemy in a fierce encounter, and saved our cohorts and cavalry, who were exhausted by their wounds.


[4.74] The Frisian name thus became famous in Germany, and [the emperor] Tiberius kept our losses a secret, not wishing to entrust any one with the war. Nor did the Senate care whether dishonor fell on the extreme frontiers of the empire.

This page was created in 2004; last modified on 25 August 2015.