<P> Raids by Saxons, Picts, and the Scoti of Ireland had been ongoing in the late 4th century, but these increased in the years after 383 . There were also large - scale permanent Irish settlements made along the coasts of Wales under circumstances that remain unclear . Maximus campaigned in Britain against both the Picts and Scoti, with historians differing on whether this was in the year 382 or 384 (i.e., whether the campaign was before or after he became Caesar). Welsh legend relates that before launching his usurpation, Maximus made preparations for an altered governmental and defence framework for the beleaguered provinces . Figures such as Coel Hen were said to be placed into key positions to protect the island in Maximus' absence . As such claims were designed to buttress Welsh genealogy and land claims, they should be viewed with some scepticism . </P> <P> In 388, Maximus led his army across the Alps into Italy in an attempt to claim the purple . The effort failed when he was defeated in Pannonia at the Battle of the Save (in modern Croatia) and at the Battle of Poetovio (at Ptuj in modern Slovenia). He was then executed by Theodosius . </P> <P> With Maximus' death, Britain came back under the rule of Emperor Theodosius I until 392, when the usurper Eugenius would successfully bid for imperial power in the Western Roman Empire, surviving until 394 when he was defeated and killed by Theodosius . When Theodosius died in 395, his 10 - year - old son Honorius succeeded him as Western Roman Emperor . The real power behind the throne, however, was Stilicho, the son - in - law of Theodosius' brother and the father - in - law of Honorius . </P> <P> Britain was suffering raids by the Scoti, Saxons, and Picts and, sometime between 396 and 398, Stilicho allegedly ordered a campaign against the Picts, likely a naval campaign intended to end their seaborne raids on the east coast of Britain . He may also have ordered campaigns against the Scoti and Saxons at the same time, but either way this would be the last Roman campaign in Britain of which there is any record . </P>

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