Battle of Clastidium

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Battle of Clastidium
Part of Roman-Gaulish wars
Painting by John Harris Valda, envisaging the duel between Marcellus and Viridomarus during the battle
Date 222 BC Location Clastidium, in the territory of Marici tribe, Cisalpine Gaul Modern Casteggio, Italy 45°1′0.001″N 9°7′59.999″E / 45.01666694°N 9.13333306°E / 45.01666694; 9.13333306 Result Roman victory
Belligerents
Roman Republic	Insubres
Commanders and leaders
Marcus Claudius Marcellus	Viridomarus†
Strength
3,200 equites, 600 legionaries (not engaged)	10,000 Gaesatae infantry and cavalry
Casualties and losses
Light	Very heavy
class=notpageimage| Location within Italy

The Battle of Clastidium was fought in 222 BC between a Roman army led by the consul Marcus Claudius Marcellus and the Insubres, a Celtic people in northern Italy. Florus writes that the Insubres were led by Viridomarus,^[1] or Britomartus,^[2] as the name varies in translation. The Romans won the battle, and in the process, Marcellus earned the spolia opima, one of the highest honors in ancient Rome, by killing the king in single combat. It was also notable as one of the few battles won by the Roman cavalry without any aid by the legions.^[2]