The immense battle that occurred in modern France in the year 197 is little-known. This is partially because of how long ago it was, and partially because of how little we know about the actual fighting. However, we can be fairly sure of one thing – despite the great civil wars between Caesar and Pompey and Augustus and Anthony, Lugdunum was the greatest and bloodiest clash between two Roman Armies in history.
‘From a kingdom of gold to one of iron and rust'
Such a battle between two armies who were supposed to be on the same side suggests an empire in decline and a political and military system that simply wasn't working. Ironically, however, Lugdunum occurred at the end of the greatest and most peaceful century in Rome's long history.
