Simon Elliott's account places the supply system ahead of the campaign's operational details. An army of about 50,000 men and roughly 7,000 personnel of the regional fleet required a large transport effort. The Classis Britannica was to carry supplies north from South Shields to refurbished bases around the Forth and Tay. Smaller river craft would then distribute cargo to the front and rear areas. Returning vessels could carry wounded soldiers, captured goods, and prisoners destined for enslavement before beginning another supply run. The fleet also supported coastal containment and the proposed bridge of boats across the Forth.
Notable Point · 44:37-52:05
The Classis Britannica as Severus's supply system
Septimius Severus's campaigns in Scotland depended on a maritime conveyor that joined coastal bases, river craft, and the advancing Roman army.