|
When Julius Caesar conducted his 'reconnaissance' trips to
Britain in 55 and 54 BC, the island was properly mapped for the
first time, at least in part.
The first visit was truly a reconnaissance, but it seems highly
likely that this was to be a prelude to a full-scale invasion the
following year, so great care was taken in learning as much about
the warlike Britons as possible.
Both times Caesar was met by stiff opposition, and, at least on
the second occasion, it was led by the Catuvellauni. The kings of
this tribe, based north of the River Thames, had achieved overall
authority, at least in the south of Britain, from the time of
Cassivellaunus (circa 60-48 BC), if not earlier.
The Catuvellauni increased their power by gaining some level of
direct control over many of their neighbours between about AD 10
(the Trinovantes) and AD 25 (the Cantii, and the Atrebates, which
included the Belgae and Regninses). By AD 43, on the eve of Rome's
renewed invasion, they also appear to have gained a level of
influence over the northern Dobunni.
The Catuvellauni were definitely moving the Britons towards the
development of a single kingdom. Unfortunately, when they were
defeated by Rome in AD 43, their whole enlarged domain fell with
them, gifting the south-east of Britain to the invaders.
|
View in a new window
Facebook
StumbleUpon
|