[The following takes place during the battle of Lugdunum in 197 CE.]
The battle of Lugdunum was long and drawn out, with numerous shifts of fortune. It opened in time-honoured fashion. With both sides lined up facing each other in numerous ranks, both charged forward.
Prior to the battle, probably in the night, the men on Albinus’ right wing had been able to dig a long pit, unseen by the other side. This pit had been given a covering, apparently of hides, with an overall layer of earth to conceal it. At the battle’s commencement, Albinus’ men here on his right dashed forward to the edge of the hidden pit, launched their javelins, then withdrew, as if through fear. This had drawn Severus’ left wing forward, on to the pit. The covering gave way, and both men and horses of the first line tumbled into the hole, which would have been equipped with pointed stakes. The second line could not stop its momentum, and many of its men also went into the pit.
The troops in the next lines not only stopped in their tracks, they withdrew in horrified disorder, forcing their own men behind them over the edge of a cliff.
Source:
Dando-Collins, Stephen. “Part III: The Battles – Battle of Lugdunum.” Legions of Rome: The Definitive History of Every Imperial Roman Legion. Thomas Dunne Books, 2012. 474. Print.
Further Reading:
Clodius Albinus (Latin: Decimus Clodius Septimius Albinus Augustus)
Septimius Severus (Latin: Lucius Septimius Severus Augustus)
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