Battle of Clastidium

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, Italy45°1′0.001″N 9°7′59.999″E / 45.01666694°N 9.13333306°E
Result	Roman victory
Belligerents
Roman Republic	Gaesatae, 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
	Location within Italy

The Battle of Clastidium was fought in 222 BC between a Roman army led by the consul Marcus Claudius Marcellus and a Celtic force of the transalpine Gaesatae, called by the cisalpine Insubres. The Gaesatae were led by Viridomarus (Florus) or Britomartus (Plutarch), 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.