26th – 31st August 55BC
Julius Caesar attempted to invade Britain
Julius Caesar led approximately 10,000 soldiers in crossing the Channel. Their destination was the beach at Deal, where they encountered a group of Britons. After a fierce encounter, the Roman forces managed to secure the beach and waited for additional cavalry support to arrive from France. Unfortunately, a severe storm hindered the reinforcements’ journey to Britain, forcing Caesar to make the tough decision of withdrawing his troops.
July – Sept 54BC
Julius Caesar’s second invasion of Britain
With a formidable force of approximately 27,000 infantry and cavalry, Julius Caesar embarked on the crossing of the Channel. As they reached the shores of Deal once again, they found no opposition, as the Britons had tactically withdrawn to higher ground. Undeterred, the Roman troops proceeded inland and confronted a significant contingent of Britons, led by Cassivellaunus, situated north of the River Thames.
In a fierce and grueling battle, the Romans emerged victorious, prompting some tribal leaders to surrender to the might of Caesar’s forces. Cassivellaunus, refusing to submit entirely, resorted to guerrilla tactics, ordering the burning of crops and launching sporadic attacks on Roman positions. Despite the resistance, the Romans’ strength proved overwhelming, compelling Cassivellaunus to eventually surrender.
However, in September, Caesar faced pressing issues in Gaul (France), necessitating his return there, which led to the Romans’ departure from Britain. Their expedition on the British isle had left a lasting impact, showcasing the prowess of the Roman military but also revealing the resilience and determination of the Britons.
5AD
King Cassivellaunus (Cymbeline)
Cassivellaunus, as the ruler of the Catuvellauni tribe, held the recognized title of King of Britain, officially acknowledged by the Roman authorities. This acknowledgment of his kingship by Rome conferred a level of legitimacy and authority to his position, establishing him as a significant figure in the eyes of both his own people and the Roman Empire. As a result, Cassivellaunus’ rule held sway over a considerable portion of the British territories, carrying political weight and facilitating interactions between his tribe and the Roman administration.
May 43AD
Romans Invaded Britain
A formidable Roman army, commanded by Aulus Plautius and consisting of approximately 40,000 troops, made a successful landing in Kent, Britain. In a significant encounter, they managed to defeat a British force under the leadership of Caratacus. Following this victory, the Roman legions began their conquest of the South-Eastern regions of Britain, gradually expanding their control over the territory.
Despite the defeat, Caratacus, a prominent British chieftain, escaped the Roman onslaught and sought refuge in Wales. There, he established a base for resistance against the Roman occupation, rallying fellow Britons to continue the fight against the advancing Roman forces. This marked the beginning of a prolonged and determined resistance effort in Wales, as Caratacus and his supporters fiercely opposed Roman rule in their homeland.
Autumn 43AD
Claudius arrived with reinforcements
The Roman emperor Claudius arrived in Britain with reinforcements. Colchester (Camulodunum) was taken and eleven tribal Kings surrendered to the Romans. Claudius appointed Aulus Plautius Governor of Britain before returning to Rome.
47 – 50AD
London Founded
London (Londinium) was founded and a bridge built across the river Thames. A network of roads was built across the south of Britain.
51AD
Caratacus defeated and captured
Caratacus’ guerrilla force was joined by other tribes who resisted Roman conquest. and confronted the Romans near the River Severn. However, Caratacus was defeated. He escaped again and sought shelter with the Brigantes tribe. However their Queen, Cartimandua betrayed him to the Romans. Caratacus, his family and other rebels were taken prisoner and sent to Rome. In Rome Caratacus was pardoned by Claudius and allowed to live out his days in Italy.
60 – 61AD
Boudica leads revolt against the Romans
Prasatugas, King of the Iceni tribe who had signed a peace treaty with the Romans, died. His wife, Boudicca intended to honour the treaty, but after the local Roman authorities seized Prasatugas’s property and raped his two daughters, Boudica retaliated by signing a treaty with Trinovantes who were hostile to the Romans.
Her army of Iceni tribesmen and women captured and burned Colchester(Camulodunum), London, St Albans (Verulamium) and caused the governor of Britain, Gaius Suetonius Paulinus, to raise the biggest force he could. Boudica’s army were eventually cornered and massacred. Boudica poisoned herself to evade capture.
79AD
Agricola invaded Scotland
The Governor of Britain, Agricola, attempted to conquer Scotland for Rome but was unsuccessful.
122AD
Hadrian’s Wall built
Emperor Hadrian’s visit to Britain led to the command for the construction of a wall between England and Scotland, not to keep the rebellious Scottish tribes out, but rather as a defensive fortification. Building of the wall commenced in 122 and concluded by 139, stretching approximately 73 miles and symbolizing Roman power and control over the northern frontier.