o
define a true Briton is a problem. If you had to make a choice, you might
possibly say the indigenous population were of Celtic origin. During the
invasion of the Romans, it was the Celts who fought them for their freedom.
This is the history of the Roman invasions followed by the Saxons opportunism
on the Roman's departure. It was followed by the Saxon fight to preserve
their gains against the Vikings. I have included a section on the development
of Christianity as its influence played a large part in this countries
culture. These are important topics to read because it gives a better hindsight
to events in other chapters.
Julius
Caesar turns to Britain as his next stepping stone
n
the year 55 BC Julius Caesar was heavily engaged in Gaul and Germany. It
was at this time that his eyes were turned towards Britain, or Britannia
as she would have been known in those days. Rome had been aware for sometime
that British barbarians had been involved in the wars against them, especially
across the English Channel, in Gaul, and were particularly active in Brittany
at this time. Most Britons who fought abroad were employed on a mercenary
basis. The British were of Celtic extraction and had no love of the Roman's
expansionism. Britain also became a home for refugees of the wars in Europe.
It was no wonder therefore, Julius Caesar made plans to attack Britain.
Of course, this was not the only reason. Back home in Rome, the peoples
impression of a leader related to how many countries he conquered and how
many slaves and treasures he returned with. In addition to this, the back
stabbing nature of the Roman Senate (literally) was enough to drive him
forward to greater conquering heights.
Caesar
Invades
t
the end of August 55BC, during nightfall, Julius Caesar set sail for Britain.
His force consisted of two legions. This would have consisted of about
10 to 12000 soldiers. His departure point was thought to be the present
day Boulogne. It is also thought that he had about 80 ships at his disposal.
The Romans never had much of a reputation for being good sailors, being
used to the virtually tide less Mediterranean Sea, managed to cross the
perilous English Channel without incident. By dawn they arrived at Dover,
a distance of 22 miles or 35 Km. Dover is surrounded by very high cliffs
which are virtually impossible to scale. Caesar judged that this was not
a suitable place to land. He decided to sail along the coast and attempted
to disembark between Deal and Walmer. Having seen the Roman fleet approaching
some way off, the assembled British force followed them along the coast
and prepared for battle.
We
shall fight them on the beaches
he
islanders with chariots and horses, charged onto the beach and into the
surf to attack the Romans before they could disembark. Carrying spears,
rocks and anything else available, caused great consternation to the Roman
soldiers who were loathe to leave their ships, being unsure of the depth.
Legend has it that the eagle bearer of the Tenth Legion jumped from his
ship and waded ashore. Seeing this heroic fool, made the troops rally round
and begin to fight. The Roman ships were fitted with catapults and had
archers aboard. The order was given to fire on the islanders. The resulting
barrage caused a temporary retreat. This respite gave them enough time
to fully unload. The soldiers waded ashore and set off in hot pursuit of
the British. Another problem beset Caesar, in that 18 of his supply ships,
which left 3 days later, carrying horses and cavalry were caught in a sudden
gale and were swept back out to sea. Fortunately for Caesar, they managed
to reach the French coast sometime later. Another fatal mistake he made
was to underestimate the height of the tides in the English Channel. The
tide rose and ripped the anchors and mooring chains away causing the ships
to be dashed. Caesar had not planned for this eventuality. By his own ineptitude,
he had virtually destroyed his own fleet. The whole exercise was only meant
to last for a few months but was likely to take more time than anticipated.
The pressing problem in Rome's eyes was that remaining in Gaul and Germany.
Caesar was now trapped on the wrong side of the Channel with limited provisions
and no apparent way back. The British were never in the mood for war against
such a powerful adversary, and decided to sue for peace. When they observed
the plight of the shipwrecked Roman force, they immediately broke off negotiations
and resumed attacks on them. The fighting lasted for about 2 weeks before
the Britons finally submitted to the vastly superior training and discipline
of the Roman army. It was fortunate that Caesar attacked when he did, as
it was the season of harvest, and corn was available in nearby fields.
What the outcome may have been if he had chosen another time to invade
is open to speculation. The course of world history may well have turned
out very differently if Caesar had been killed or starved to death on this
expedition. He repaired his boats with the remains of the destroyed ones
and returned to mainland Europe with hostages, only to return the following
year.
Map
of Britain during the Roman occupation showing the walls built by Antonius
Pius and Hadrian. Note also the roads in blue and the Latin names which
are better known today as.
For Example:
Eboracum = York
. Lindum = Lincoln
. Londinium =
London
. Venta Belgarum
= Winchester
. Isca Dumnoniorum
= Exeter
. Verulamium =
St Albans
. Venta Icenoram
= Caistor ( near Norwich
)
. Durovernum =
Canterbury
. Glevum = Gloucester
. Aquae Sulis
= Bath
. Vectis = Isle
of Wight
. Camulodunum
= Colchester .
© copyright Glen Ray Crack -
Battle - East Sussex - United Kingdom
o
define a true Briton is a problem. If you had to make a choice, you might
possibly say the indigenous population were of Celtic origin. During the
invasion of the Romans, it was the Celts who fought them for their freedom.
This is the history of the Roman invasions followed by the Saxons opportunism
on the Roman's departure. It was followed by the Saxon fight to preserve
their gains against the Vikings. I have included a section on the development
of Christianity as its influence played a large part in this countries
culture. These are important topics to read because it gives a better hindsight
to events in other chapters.
n
the year 55 BC Julius Caesar was heavily engaged in Gaul and Germany. It
was at this time that his eyes were turned towards Britain, or Britannia
as she would have been known in those days. Rome had been aware for sometime
that British barbarians had been involved in the wars against them, especially
across the English Channel, in Gaul, and were particularly active in Brittany
at this time. Most Britons who fought abroad were employed on a mercenary
basis. The British were of Celtic extraction and had no love of the Roman's
expansionism. Britain also became a home for refugees of the wars in Europe.
It was no wonder therefore, Julius Caesar made plans to attack Britain.
Of course, this was not the only reason. Back home in Rome, the peoples
impression of a leader related to how many countries he conquered and how
many slaves and treasures he returned with. In addition to this, the back
stabbing nature of the Roman Senate (literally) was enough to drive him
forward to greater conquering heights.
t
the end of August 55BC, during nightfall, Julius Caesar set sail for Britain.
His force consisted of two legions. This would have consisted of about
10 to 12000 soldiers. His departure point was thought to be the present
day Boulogne. It is also thought that he had about 80 ships at his disposal.
The Romans never had much of a reputation for being good sailors, being
used to the virtually tide less Mediterranean Sea, managed to cross the
perilous English Channel without incident. By dawn they arrived at Dover,
a distance of 22 miles or 35 Km. Dover is surrounded by very high cliffs
which are virtually impossible to scale. Caesar judged that this was not
a suitable place to land. He decided to sail along the coast and attempted
to disembark between Deal and Walmer. Having seen the Roman fleet approaching
some way off, the assembled British force followed them along the coast
and prepared for battle.
