The Alamanni defeated Roman forces under Julian at Reims in 356, revealing vulnerabilities in the Western Roman frontier defense against Germanic incursions.
Key Facts
- Year
- 356 AD
- Roman Commander
- Julian (Western Roman Emperor)
- Outcome
- Alamanni victory
- Roman garrison commander
- Marcellus (successor to Ursicinus)
- Provisions ordered
- One month's supply assembled at Reims
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Julian ordered the entire Roman army to assemble at Reims (Durocortorum) with a month's provisions, intending to advance against Alamannic forces through the Ten Cantons. The Alamanni, familiar with the local terrain, exploited misty conditions to avoid a direct confrontation and sought a tactical advantage.
During a foggy advance, the Alamanni used knowledge of local roads to outflank Julian's column, launching a surprise attack on the two rear-guard legions. The Roman rearguard narrowly avoided destruction only when allied reinforcements responded to the sudden battle cries and intervened in time.
The Alamanni won the engagement, leaving Julian wary of ambushes at roads and river crossings for the remainder of the campaign. Despite this setback, Julian subsequently advanced to fight and win the Battle of Brumath, continuing Roman efforts to reassert control along the Rhine frontier.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Julian, Marcellus, Ursicinus.
Side B
1 belligerent