Here is my bibliography including any sites/ sources I did not mention using earlier……
•Frere, Sheppard. 1987. Britannia: A History of Roman Britain 3rd edition - (http://books.google.com.au/books?id=9209AAAAIAAJ&dq=Britannia,+A+History+of+Roman+Britain+read+online&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=Za10TP_TC4rGvQPb05ivBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CC0Q6AEwCg#v=onepage&q&f=false)
•Holmes, T. Rice. 1907. Ancient Britain and the Invasions of Julius Caesar- (http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=56381932)
•http://www.unrv.com/fall-republic/britain-invasion.php
•http://www.britainexpress.com/History/Roman_invasion.htm
•http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/questions_01.shtml
Caesar's invasion of Britain!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
last blog! (the grand finale)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
here is my finished copy of essay. I just touched the other one up a bit.....
How and why did Caesar invade Britain?
Caesar invaded Britain in two stages or expeditions, the first in 55BC and the second in 54BC. These involved crossing the channel between Gaul and Britain, venturing into to the unknown against opposition of a relatively unheard of race. Caesar invaded Britain for a number of reasons, the main of these being that he realized the Britons were giving aid to the tribes of Gaul, during Caesars attacks, from across the channel which gave him and excuse to investigate, but there are also a number of possible underlying reasons suggested in further sources such as prestige and a search for riches.
Caesar's first invasion of Britain took place in 55BC. This expedition was roughly planned and not greatly successful apart from gathering useful intelligence. Leaving from Port Ittius, Caesar invaded Britain with two Roman legions. When he arrived offshore( at Dover) he was met with the sight of large numbers of the Britons in arms, forcing him to land seven miles further down the coast(at Deal). The Britons followed and attempted to prevent the Roman landing. They attacked the Romans on the shore and in the shallows beating them back until Caesar used warships to give missile attack, driving the Britons back and allowing Caesars forces to land, and they eventually forced the Britons to retreat. The Britons then sent ambassadors negotiating peace to Caesar including Commius (king of a Gallic tribe and trusted by Caesar) and some who had come to continent earlier. Caesar accepted their submission and hostages and more British tribes followed. The five hundred cavalry attempted to follow the fleet as planned but a massive storm hit and forced them back to continent. Further storms and high tide damaged many ships as they hit each other. After this, ambassadors from the British tribes sneaked out of the Roman camp and renewed war on the Romans after realizing their small numbers, lack of ships and resources. Caesar gathered as much corn as possible from the country, used wood from the wrecked ships to repair others, and sent messengers to continent requesting supplies. He then sent one legion to forage which the Britons attacked and so Caesar sent two cohorts and marched out to the legion and together they retreated back to the camp.
The Britons retreated and this was followed by seven days of storms where neither side could make an attack. After this the Britons gathered up large forces and so Caesar set up a defensive position in the camp. The Britons attempted an attack but were beaten back and received great losses. The British tribes sent more ambassadors to Caesar asking for forgiveness and Caesar accepted, doubling the amount of hostages and ordering they be brought back to the continent. The British tribes accepted and Caesar set sail back to the continent with the entire fleet except two ships that were blown off course and landed further down the coast of Gaul, so marching back to Port Ittius.
Caesar invaded Britain for a second time in 54BC, which was better planned and a larger scale invasion, only coming to an end due to sudden revolts in Gaul. Caesar invaded with five legions and two thousand cavalry carried in a fleet of eight hundred ships landing in the same spot as the last, this time unopposed. Leaving ten cohorts and three hundred cavalry at sea to guard the ships under Q. Atrius, Caesar found a good spot for a camp further inland and advanced twelve miles in the night. The Britons attacked the Romans from the woods where they held a fort and so the Romans in return overthrew the fort and drove the Britons away. After this a horse from Q Atrius arrived reporting that a storm had destroyed many ships (40 ships lost, remainder had to be repaired). Caesar wrote to continent to build ships and send men to repair them. Caesar also ordered the remaining ships to be hauled onto the shore in ten days and fortified the Roman camp. The Britons rallied under Cassivellaunus (they had placed him as leader after being alarmed by the size of the Roman force). The Britons cavalry and chariots made small attacks on the marching Romans but were driven back.
The Britons gathered on a hill then attacking those who were outside in fields near the camp and so Caesar sent two cohorts to aid them resulting in a large battle at close quarters until the Britons were forced to retreat after conceding many casualties. Caesar then led his armies over the river Thames against opposing Britons and forced Cassivellaunus to retreat with his forces into the woods where he observed the Romans march. The Britons plundered the lands before the Romans reached them and made small skirmishes on them.
The Trinobantes (a powerful British tribe under Mandubratius) sent ambassadors to Caesar promising him their surrender and asking for protection from the violence of Cassivellaunus. Caesar accepted (after being given 40 hostages and corn) and other tribes followed the Trinobantes. Caesar accepted their surrender and from them, learned of Cassivellaunus’s capitol town and place of hiding. Caesar advanced to it and found it heavily fortified. The Romans attacked and the Britons were forced to other side of town. Cassivellaunus sent messages into Kent near the sea where four kings resided (loyal to him) and urged them to gather their forces and attack the Roman camp. They did this but Romans beat them back and captured their leader (Lugotorix) and so the surviving Britons pulled out. After this Cassivellaunus sent ambassadors to Caesar submitting to Rome. Caesar accepted as he had plans to return to Gaul for winter due to sudden revolts in Gaul. Caesar left for Gaul in two loads due to the increased numbers(due to prisoners and men being sent from continent) after demanding hostages, prescribing the amount of tribute that Britain must pay to Rome, and forbidding Cassivellaunus to wage war on Mandubratius or the Trinobantes .
There are many possible reasons why Caesar invaded Britain. According to many secondary sources and the only primary source, Caesar’s Commentaries of the Gallic Wars, primarily Caesar invaded Britain as he became aware that aid was being given to the ‘enemy’ (Gallic tribes) from the Britons. Especially he noticed strong commercial links (trade) in Armorica (territory between Seine and Loire Rivers including the Brittany Peninsula) and political and military contacts in Belgic Gaul (Northern Gaul on West bank of Rhine). He is also said to have been frustrated by the fact that the defeated enemy could run away to Britain and regroup/ seek refuge. A major underlying reason for Caesar to invade Britain is at his time Britain was on the edge of the Romans ‘known world’, therefore the prestige and title of being the first Roman to invade Britain would have added to his already high reputation and have been extremely appealing. Other sources imply Caesar was investigating Britain’s mineral wealth (silver, iron, tin and copper) and economic potential. This could have been due to the fact that Caesar was seeing the large amounts of wealth the Britons were sending to aid the Gallic tribes suggesting that they were rich and plentiful in resource.
Overall, Caesar invaded Britain in two separate invasions, the last of which being more successful and on a larger scale, providing Rome with useful information for future reference. Reasons why he invaded Britain are numerous but the major motivation for Caesar was the fact that he realized the Britons were aiding the Gauls. This is the reason from the only primary source about the invasion at the time (Caesar’s Commentaries of the Gallic Wars) and therefore it should be considered most accurate despite being affected by bias. However there are many possible underlying reasons which could have caused Caesar to invade the mystic island of Britain which are suggested in many sources.
How and why did Caesar invade Britain?
Caesar invaded Britain in two stages or expeditions, the first in 55BC and the second in 54BC. These involved crossing the channel between Gaul and Britain, venturing into to the unknown against opposition of a relatively unheard of race. Caesar invaded Britain for a number of reasons, the main of these being that he realized the Britons were giving aid to the tribes of Gaul, during Caesars attacks, from across the channel which gave him and excuse to investigate, but there are also a number of possible underlying reasons suggested in further sources such as prestige and a search for riches.
Caesar's first invasion of Britain took place in 55BC. This expedition was roughly planned and not greatly successful apart from gathering useful intelligence. Leaving from Port Ittius, Caesar invaded Britain with two Roman legions. When he arrived offshore( at Dover) he was met with the sight of large numbers of the Britons in arms, forcing him to land seven miles further down the coast(at Deal). The Britons followed and attempted to prevent the Roman landing. They attacked the Romans on the shore and in the shallows beating them back until Caesar used warships to give missile attack, driving the Britons back and allowing Caesars forces to land, and they eventually forced the Britons to retreat. The Britons then sent ambassadors negotiating peace to Caesar including Commius (king of a Gallic tribe and trusted by Caesar) and some who had come to continent earlier. Caesar accepted their submission and hostages and more British tribes followed. The five hundred cavalry attempted to follow the fleet as planned but a massive storm hit and forced them back to continent. Further storms and high tide damaged many ships as they hit each other. After this, ambassadors from the British tribes sneaked out of the Roman camp and renewed war on the Romans after realizing their small numbers, lack of ships and resources. Caesar gathered as much corn as possible from the country, used wood from the wrecked ships to repair others, and sent messengers to continent requesting supplies. He then sent one legion to forage which the Britons attacked and so Caesar sent two cohorts and marched out to the legion and together they retreated back to the camp.
The Britons retreated and this was followed by seven days of storms where neither side could make an attack. After this the Britons gathered up large forces and so Caesar set up a defensive position in the camp. The Britons attempted an attack but were beaten back and received great losses. The British tribes sent more ambassadors to Caesar asking for forgiveness and Caesar accepted, doubling the amount of hostages and ordering they be brought back to the continent. The British tribes accepted and Caesar set sail back to the continent with the entire fleet except two ships that were blown off course and landed further down the coast of Gaul, so marching back to Port Ittius.
Caesar invaded Britain for a second time in 54BC, which was better planned and a larger scale invasion, only coming to an end due to sudden revolts in Gaul. Caesar invaded with five legions and two thousand cavalry carried in a fleet of eight hundred ships landing in the same spot as the last, this time unopposed. Leaving ten cohorts and three hundred cavalry at sea to guard the ships under Q. Atrius, Caesar found a good spot for a camp further inland and advanced twelve miles in the night. The Britons attacked the Romans from the woods where they held a fort and so the Romans in return overthrew the fort and drove the Britons away. After this a horse from Q Atrius arrived reporting that a storm had destroyed many ships (40 ships lost, remainder had to be repaired). Caesar wrote to continent to build ships and send men to repair them. Caesar also ordered the remaining ships to be hauled onto the shore in ten days and fortified the Roman camp. The Britons rallied under Cassivellaunus (they had placed him as leader after being alarmed by the size of the Roman force). The Britons cavalry and chariots made small attacks on the marching Romans but were driven back.
The Britons gathered on a hill then attacking those who were outside in fields near the camp and so Caesar sent two cohorts to aid them resulting in a large battle at close quarters until the Britons were forced to retreat after conceding many casualties. Caesar then led his armies over the river Thames against opposing Britons and forced Cassivellaunus to retreat with his forces into the woods where he observed the Romans march. The Britons plundered the lands before the Romans reached them and made small skirmishes on them.
The Trinobantes (a powerful British tribe under Mandubratius) sent ambassadors to Caesar promising him their surrender and asking for protection from the violence of Cassivellaunus. Caesar accepted (after being given 40 hostages and corn) and other tribes followed the Trinobantes. Caesar accepted their surrender and from them, learned of Cassivellaunus’s capitol town and place of hiding. Caesar advanced to it and found it heavily fortified. The Romans attacked and the Britons were forced to other side of town. Cassivellaunus sent messages into Kent near the sea where four kings resided (loyal to him) and urged them to gather their forces and attack the Roman camp. They did this but Romans beat them back and captured their leader (Lugotorix) and so the surviving Britons pulled out. After this Cassivellaunus sent ambassadors to Caesar submitting to Rome. Caesar accepted as he had plans to return to Gaul for winter due to sudden revolts in Gaul. Caesar left for Gaul in two loads due to the increased numbers(due to prisoners and men being sent from continent) after demanding hostages, prescribing the amount of tribute that Britain must pay to Rome, and forbidding Cassivellaunus to wage war on Mandubratius or the Trinobantes .
There are many possible reasons why Caesar invaded Britain. According to many secondary sources and the only primary source, Caesar’s Commentaries of the Gallic Wars, primarily Caesar invaded Britain as he became aware that aid was being given to the ‘enemy’ (Gallic tribes) from the Britons. Especially he noticed strong commercial links (trade) in Armorica (territory between Seine and Loire Rivers including the Brittany Peninsula) and political and military contacts in Belgic Gaul (Northern Gaul on West bank of Rhine). He is also said to have been frustrated by the fact that the defeated enemy could run away to Britain and regroup/ seek refuge. A major underlying reason for Caesar to invade Britain is at his time Britain was on the edge of the Romans ‘known world’, therefore the prestige and title of being the first Roman to invade Britain would have added to his already high reputation and have been extremely appealing. Other sources imply Caesar was investigating Britain’s mineral wealth (silver, iron, tin and copper) and economic potential. This could have been due to the fact that Caesar was seeing the large amounts of wealth the Britons were sending to aid the Gallic tribes suggesting that they were rich and plentiful in resource.
Overall, Caesar invaded Britain in two separate invasions, the last of which being more successful and on a larger scale, providing Rome with useful information for future reference. Reasons why he invaded Britain are numerous but the major motivation for Caesar was the fact that he realized the Britons were aiding the Gauls. This is the reason from the only primary source about the invasion at the time (Caesar’s Commentaries of the Gallic Wars) and therefore it should be considered most accurate despite being affected by bias. However there are many possible underlying reasons which could have caused Caesar to invade the mystic island of Britain which are suggested in many sources.
Monday, August 30, 2010
final blog
Here is my essay. Worked on it for about 2hours tonight. I would have added images but my computer is going so slow i dont think it could have handled it.
Why and how did Caesar invade Britain?
Caesar invaded Britain in two stages or expeditions, the first in 55BC and the second in 54BC, the latter of these resulting in Roman dominance. Caesar invaded Britain for a number of reasons, the main of these being that he realized the Britons were giving aid to the tribes of Gaul, during Caesars attacks, from across the channel which gave him and excuse to investigate, but there are also a number of possible underlying reasons such as prestige and a search for riches.
There are many possible reasons why Caesar invaded Britain. According to many secondary sources and the only primary source, Caesar’s Commentaries of the Gallic Wars, primarily Caesar invaded Britain as he became aware that aid was being given to the ‘enemy’ (Gallic tribes) from the Britons. Especially he noticed strong commercial links (trade) in Armorica (territory between Seine and Loire Rivers including the Brittany Peninsula) and political and military contacts in Belgic Gaul (Northern Gaul on West bank of Rhine). He is also said to have been frustrated by the fact that the defeated enemy could run away to Britain and regroup/ seek refuge. A major underlying reason for Caesar to invade Britain is at his time Britain was on the edge of the Romans ‘known world’, therefore the prestige and title of being the first Roman to invade Britain would have added to his already high reputation and have been extremely appealing. Other sources imply Caesar was investigating Britain’s mineral wealth (silver, iron, tin and copper) and economic potential. This could have been due to the fact that Caesar was seeing the large amounts of wealth the Britons were sending to aid the Gallic tribes suggesting that they were rich and plentiful in resource.
Caesar's first invasion of Britain took place in 55BC. This expedition was roughly planned and not greatly successful apart from gathering useful intelligence. Leaving for Port Ittius, Caesar invaded Britain with two Roman legions and when he arrived offshore( at Dover) he was met with the sight of large numbers of the Britons in arms, forcing him to land seven miles further down the coast(at Deal). The Britons followed and attempted to prevent the Roman landing. They attacked Romans on the shore and in the shallows beating them back until Caesar used warships to give missile attack, driving the Britons back and allowing Caesars forces to land, and they eventually forced the Britons to retreat. The Britons then sent ambassadors negotiating peace to Caesar including Commius (king of a Gallic tribe and trusted by Caesar) and some who had come to continent earlier. Caesar accepted their submission and hostages and more British tribes followed. The five hundred cavalry attempted to follow the fleet but a massive storm hit and forced them back to continent. Further storms and high tide damaged many ships as they hit each other. After this, ambassadors from the British tribes sneaked out of camp and renewed war on the Romans after realizing their small numbers, lack of ships and resources. Caesar gathered as much corn as possible from the country, used wood from the wrecked ships to repair others, and sent messengers to continent requesting supplies. He then sent one legion to forage which the Britons attacked and so Caesar sent two cohorts and marched out to the legion and together they retreated back to the camp.
The Britons retreated and this was followed by seven days of storms where neither side could make an attack. After this the Britons gathered large forces and so Caesar set up a defensive position in the camp. The Britons attempted an attack but were beaten back and received great losses. The British tribes sent more ambassadors to Caesar asking for forgiveness and Caesar accepted, doubling the amount of hostages and ordering they be brought back to the continent. The British tribes accepted and Caesar set sail back to the continent with the entire fleet except two ships that were blown off course and landed further down the coast of Gaul, so marching back to Port Ittius.
Caesar invaded Britain for a second time in 54BC, which was better planned and a larger scale invasion, only coming to an end due to sudden revolts in Gaul. Caesar invaded with five legions and two thousand cavalry with eight hundred ships landing in the same spot as the last, this time unopposed. Leaving ten cohorts and three hundred cavalry at sea to guard the ships under Q. Atrius, Caesar found a good spot for a camp further inland and advanced twelve miles in the night. The Britons attacked the Romans from the woods where they held a fort. The Romans then overthrew the fort and drove Britons away. After this a horse from Q Atrius arrived reporting that a storm had destroyed many ships (40 ships lost, remainder had to be repaired). Caesar wrote to continent to build ships and send men to repair them. Caesar also ordered the remaining ships to be hauled onto the shore in ten days and fortified the Roman camp. The Britons rallied under Cassivellaunus (they had placed him as leader after be alarmed by size of roman force). The Britons cavalry and chariots made small attacks on the marching Romans and so the Romans drove them back .Then the Britons attacked those who were outside in fields near the camp. Caesar sent two cohorts to aid them and the Britons and Romans attacked each other, after the Britons had gathered on a hill, and the Romans forced them to retreat. Caesar then led his armies over the river Thames against opposing Britons and forced Cassivellaunus to retreat with his forces into the woods where he observed the Romans march. The Britons plundered the lands before the Romans reached them and made small skirmishes on them.
The Trinobantes (under Mandubratius) sent ambassadors to Caesar promising him their surrender and asking for protection from the violence of Cassivellaunus. Caesar accepted (after being given 40 hostages and corn) and other tribes followed the Trinobantes. Caesar accepted their surrender and from them, learned of Cassivellaunus’s capitol town and place of hiding. Caesar advanced to it and found it heavily fortified. The Romans attacked and the Britons were forced to other side of town. Cassivellaunus sent messages into Kent near the sea where four kings resided (loyal to him) and urges them to gather their forces and attack the roman camp. They did this but Romans slaughtered them and captured their leader (Lugotorix) and so the surviving Britons pulled out. After this Cassivellaunus sent ambassadors to Caesar submitting to Rome. Caesar accepted as he had plans to return to Gaul for winter due to sudden revolts in Gaul. Caesar left for Gaul in two loads due to the increased numbers(due to prisoners and men being sent from continent) after demanding hostages, prescribing the amount of tribute that Britain must pay to Rome, and forbidding Cassivellaunus to wage war on Mandubratius or the Trinobantes .
Overall, Caesar invaded Britain for a number of possible reasons but the only reason the primary source at the time gives is because Caesar became aware of Britain giving aid to Gallic tribes and so this is probably most accurate despite being affected by some bias. Caesar invaded Britain in two separate invasions, the last of which being more successful and on a larger scale and providing Rome with useful information for future reference.
Why and how did Caesar invade Britain?
Caesar invaded Britain in two stages or expeditions, the first in 55BC and the second in 54BC, the latter of these resulting in Roman dominance. Caesar invaded Britain for a number of reasons, the main of these being that he realized the Britons were giving aid to the tribes of Gaul, during Caesars attacks, from across the channel which gave him and excuse to investigate, but there are also a number of possible underlying reasons such as prestige and a search for riches.
There are many possible reasons why Caesar invaded Britain. According to many secondary sources and the only primary source, Caesar’s Commentaries of the Gallic Wars, primarily Caesar invaded Britain as he became aware that aid was being given to the ‘enemy’ (Gallic tribes) from the Britons. Especially he noticed strong commercial links (trade) in Armorica (territory between Seine and Loire Rivers including the Brittany Peninsula) and political and military contacts in Belgic Gaul (Northern Gaul on West bank of Rhine). He is also said to have been frustrated by the fact that the defeated enemy could run away to Britain and regroup/ seek refuge. A major underlying reason for Caesar to invade Britain is at his time Britain was on the edge of the Romans ‘known world’, therefore the prestige and title of being the first Roman to invade Britain would have added to his already high reputation and have been extremely appealing. Other sources imply Caesar was investigating Britain’s mineral wealth (silver, iron, tin and copper) and economic potential. This could have been due to the fact that Caesar was seeing the large amounts of wealth the Britons were sending to aid the Gallic tribes suggesting that they were rich and plentiful in resource.
Caesar's first invasion of Britain took place in 55BC. This expedition was roughly planned and not greatly successful apart from gathering useful intelligence. Leaving for Port Ittius, Caesar invaded Britain with two Roman legions and when he arrived offshore( at Dover) he was met with the sight of large numbers of the Britons in arms, forcing him to land seven miles further down the coast(at Deal). The Britons followed and attempted to prevent the Roman landing. They attacked Romans on the shore and in the shallows beating them back until Caesar used warships to give missile attack, driving the Britons back and allowing Caesars forces to land, and they eventually forced the Britons to retreat. The Britons then sent ambassadors negotiating peace to Caesar including Commius (king of a Gallic tribe and trusted by Caesar) and some who had come to continent earlier. Caesar accepted their submission and hostages and more British tribes followed. The five hundred cavalry attempted to follow the fleet but a massive storm hit and forced them back to continent. Further storms and high tide damaged many ships as they hit each other. After this, ambassadors from the British tribes sneaked out of camp and renewed war on the Romans after realizing their small numbers, lack of ships and resources. Caesar gathered as much corn as possible from the country, used wood from the wrecked ships to repair others, and sent messengers to continent requesting supplies. He then sent one legion to forage which the Britons attacked and so Caesar sent two cohorts and marched out to the legion and together they retreated back to the camp.
The Britons retreated and this was followed by seven days of storms where neither side could make an attack. After this the Britons gathered large forces and so Caesar set up a defensive position in the camp. The Britons attempted an attack but were beaten back and received great losses. The British tribes sent more ambassadors to Caesar asking for forgiveness and Caesar accepted, doubling the amount of hostages and ordering they be brought back to the continent. The British tribes accepted and Caesar set sail back to the continent with the entire fleet except two ships that were blown off course and landed further down the coast of Gaul, so marching back to Port Ittius.
Caesar invaded Britain for a second time in 54BC, which was better planned and a larger scale invasion, only coming to an end due to sudden revolts in Gaul. Caesar invaded with five legions and two thousand cavalry with eight hundred ships landing in the same spot as the last, this time unopposed. Leaving ten cohorts and three hundred cavalry at sea to guard the ships under Q. Atrius, Caesar found a good spot for a camp further inland and advanced twelve miles in the night. The Britons attacked the Romans from the woods where they held a fort. The Romans then overthrew the fort and drove Britons away. After this a horse from Q Atrius arrived reporting that a storm had destroyed many ships (40 ships lost, remainder had to be repaired). Caesar wrote to continent to build ships and send men to repair them. Caesar also ordered the remaining ships to be hauled onto the shore in ten days and fortified the Roman camp. The Britons rallied under Cassivellaunus (they had placed him as leader after be alarmed by size of roman force). The Britons cavalry and chariots made small attacks on the marching Romans and so the Romans drove them back .Then the Britons attacked those who were outside in fields near the camp. Caesar sent two cohorts to aid them and the Britons and Romans attacked each other, after the Britons had gathered on a hill, and the Romans forced them to retreat. Caesar then led his armies over the river Thames against opposing Britons and forced Cassivellaunus to retreat with his forces into the woods where he observed the Romans march. The Britons plundered the lands before the Romans reached them and made small skirmishes on them.
The Trinobantes (under Mandubratius) sent ambassadors to Caesar promising him their surrender and asking for protection from the violence of Cassivellaunus. Caesar accepted (after being given 40 hostages and corn) and other tribes followed the Trinobantes. Caesar accepted their surrender and from them, learned of Cassivellaunus’s capitol town and place of hiding. Caesar advanced to it and found it heavily fortified. The Romans attacked and the Britons were forced to other side of town. Cassivellaunus sent messages into Kent near the sea where four kings resided (loyal to him) and urges them to gather their forces and attack the roman camp. They did this but Romans slaughtered them and captured their leader (Lugotorix) and so the surviving Britons pulled out. After this Cassivellaunus sent ambassadors to Caesar submitting to Rome. Caesar accepted as he had plans to return to Gaul for winter due to sudden revolts in Gaul. Caesar left for Gaul in two loads due to the increased numbers(due to prisoners and men being sent from continent) after demanding hostages, prescribing the amount of tribute that Britain must pay to Rome, and forbidding Cassivellaunus to wage war on Mandubratius or the Trinobantes .
Overall, Caesar invaded Britain for a number of possible reasons but the only reason the primary source at the time gives is because Caesar became aware of Britain giving aid to Gallic tribes and so this is probably most accurate despite being affected by some bias. Caesar invaded Britain in two separate invasions, the last of which being more successful and on a larger scale and providing Rome with useful information for future reference.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
progress update
Been working about 2 hours tonight on getting most of information i need. I pretty much just need to cut it down, summarise and put in essay form. My question will be... How and why did Caesar invade Briton and what was it's significance to the Romans? Here is a summarized copy of most of my information i'm working with. (some of it is basically in point form)
Why
There are many possible reasons why Caesar invaded Britain. According to many secondary sources and the only primary source, Caesar’s Commentaries of the Gallic Wars, primarily Caesar invaded Britain as he became aware that aid was being given to the ‘enemy’ (Gallic tribes) from that country. Especially he noticed strong commercial links (trade) in Armorica (territory between Seine and Loire Rivers including the Brittany Peninsula) and political and military contacts in Belgic Gaul (Northern Gaul on West bank of Rhine). He is also said to have been frustrated by the fact that the defeated enemy could run away to Britain and regroup/ seek refuge. Other sources imply Caesar was investigating Britain’s mineral wealth (silver, iron, tin and copper) and economic potential. Evidence of this is seen as afterwards Cicero refers to their disappointment at the discovery there was no gold or silver in the island. Suetonius says Caesar was said to have gone to Britain in search of pearls. At the time of Caesar Britain was on the edge of the known world to the Romans, therefore the prestige and title would add to his reputation would have been extremely inviting. Caesar was also looking for an excuse to avoid returning to Rome.
How
Caesar's first invasion of Britain took place in 55BC. Firstly he assembled many merchants of travelled the channel between Britain and Gaul to find more information but did not get any as they had only seen the coast and knew of no convenient harbors. He then sent Caius Volsenus with a war ship to acquire information and report back. Then he moved to Morini with all his forces. Orders ships from neighboring countries and fleet already built preceding summer for war with veniti. To assemble at Morini. Purposes discovered by Britons and so ones getting attacked by other Britons came, promising submission, offering tribute for protection. Promising he will not harm them he sends them back with Commius, ordering him to visit as many states as possible to persuade them to subdue to Romans. Volsenus returned reports observations from ship. Morini plead their excuse for resisting Romans. Caesar accepts demanding large amount of hostages. 80 ships collected for two legions and assigned ships of war he had to cavalry etc. 18 ships of burden prevented further down coast by wind, distributed amoung horse. Rest of army delivered to Q. Titurius Sabinus and L. Aurunculeius Cotta (lieutenants) instructed to lead into menapii and remaining morini. Ordered P sulpicius Rufus( lieutenant) to hold possession of harbor with garrison. Good weather so ordered horse to march further to 18 ships and follow rest of fleet. Set sail, reached Britain on fourth hour of the day with first squadron. Britons on hills in arms. Landing too close to cliffs so Britons could throw darts so advanced 7 miles away from place and stationed fleet at open and level shore. Britons followed with cavalry and chariots (rest of forces followed) and attempted to prevent landing. Men started jumping out in shallows to get to shore but were being beaten back by Britons, Caesar ordered ships of war to go close to open flank and attack via missiles, then more Romans charged ashore, Britons attacked Romans whilst they were in confusion but Caesar got warships to be filled with soldiers and made them give aid to soldiers being smashed by Britons. Britons were driven back and retreated. Britons sent ambassadors negotiating peace to Caesar including commius and some who had come to continent earlier. Caesar forgave and accepted hostages. More ambassadors came and after 4 days a certain peace was established. Cavalry set sail and tried to follow fleet but massive storm hit and forced them back to continent. Further stormed/high tide damaged many ships as they were hitting each other. Ambassadors sneaked out of camp and renewed war on Romans after realizing small numbers and lack of ships, resources. Caesar suspected this and so got as much corn as possible from country, used wood from wrecked ships to repair others, and sent message to continent requesting supplies. One legion sent to forage. Men on duty at gates reported dust in direction legion had marched. Caesar ordered 2 cohorts to relieve them on duty and rest to follow him to dust. Saw men were being attacked. Britons surrounded foraging legion with chariots and cavalry and were slaughtering them. Caesar advanced and drew legions back to camp. Britons departed. 7 days of storm where no attack from either side possible. Britons gathered large force. Caesar with horse from Commius and legions took up defensive position in camp. Britons could not sustain attack as got slaughtered. Ambassadors came and Caesar doubled amount of hostages and said they had to come back to continent. Caesar then set sail back to continent with fleet and all made it exept to ships whose 300 marched to camp.
Caesar invaded Britain for the second time in 54Bc. Went to port Itius with legions. Discovers 40 ships built in country of Meldi forced into port by storms. Finds rest ready to go. 4000(of Gaul) cavalry. Assemble. Left Labienus on continent with 2000 horse to defend harbors and provide corn. Left to Britain with 5 legions and 2000 horse. Matters were made difficult by changes in wind and tide but he made for same landing spot. 800 ships in fleet. Saw one enemy on shore who left (heard from prisoner there were large forces assembled earlier but left being alarmed by number of ships. Leaving 10 cohorts and 300 horse at sea to guard ships (Q Atrius to guard ships). found convenient spot for camp. Advanced 12 miles at night. Britons advanced to river started harassing/ attacking Romans. Britons were rushing out from woods (where had a fort with all entrances shut up by felled trees. Legions threw up rampart against fort and took the fort over and drove Britons out of woods. Romans fortified their camp. Next day Caesar set foot and horse soldiers in 3 divisions on expeditions to pursue Britons that fled. Horse from Q Atrius saying storm had destroyed many ships ( 40 ships lost, remainder had to be repaired). Caesar wrote to continent to build ships and send men to repair them. Brought ships on shore in 10 days with legions, and fortified camp. Left same forces on guard and set out again to same place he was before. Large force of Britons gathered under Cassivellaunus (Britons had placed him as leader after be alarmed by size of roman force). Britons cavalry and chariots made small attacks on marching Romans. Romans were winning. Romans were occupied at camp and Britons attacked those who were outside in fields. Caesar sent 2 cohorts to aid them. Britons continued small attacks. Following day enemy halted on hills in sight of camp and began to challenge horse. At noon Caesar sent 3 legions and all cavalry to forage. Britons attacked with large numbers at close quarters and Romans slaughtered them and drove them back. All other Britons forces retreated. Caesar led armies into territories of Cassivellaunus to river Thames. Enemy gathered on opposite bank defended with large wooden stakes. Caser sent forward cavalry and ordered legions to follow immediately. Britons could not sustain attack and retreated. Cassivellaunus retreats with forces into woods observing Romans march. Britons plundered lands before Romans reached them and made small skirmishes on them. One of most powerful states in this part of Britons was Trinobantes (under Mandubratius)sent ambassadors to Caesar promising him their surrender and ask for protection from violence of Cassivellaunus. Caesar accepted (after being given 40 hostages and corn) and other tribes followed Trinobantes. Caesar accepted their surrender and from them learned of Cassivellaunus’s capitol town and place of hiding. Caesar advanced to it and found it heavily fortified. Britons could not sustain roman attack and so retreated to other side of town. Cassivellaunus sent messages into Kent near the sea where 4 kings are and urges them to gather forces and attack roman camp. They did this but Romans slaughtered them and captured leader (Lugotorix) and so surviving Britons pulled out. After this Cassivellaunus sent ambassadors to Caesar. Caesar accepts as planned to return to Gaul for winter due to sudden revolts in gaul, demands hostages, prescribes what tribute Britain should pay to Rome each year and forbids he wage war on Trinobantes (Mandubratius). After getting hostages Caesar led army back to sea. Found ships repaired. Launched these. So has to get all back in 2 embarkations as not enough ships for whole army (due to ships destroyed and large numbers of prisoners). Caesar set sail on 2nd embarkation and reached Gaul at day break and brought ships into safety.
Why
There are many possible reasons why Caesar invaded Britain. According to many secondary sources and the only primary source, Caesar’s Commentaries of the Gallic Wars, primarily Caesar invaded Britain as he became aware that aid was being given to the ‘enemy’ (Gallic tribes) from that country. Especially he noticed strong commercial links (trade) in Armorica (territory between Seine and Loire Rivers including the Brittany Peninsula) and political and military contacts in Belgic Gaul (Northern Gaul on West bank of Rhine). He is also said to have been frustrated by the fact that the defeated enemy could run away to Britain and regroup/ seek refuge. Other sources imply Caesar was investigating Britain’s mineral wealth (silver, iron, tin and copper) and economic potential. Evidence of this is seen as afterwards Cicero refers to their disappointment at the discovery there was no gold or silver in the island. Suetonius says Caesar was said to have gone to Britain in search of pearls. At the time of Caesar Britain was on the edge of the known world to the Romans, therefore the prestige and title would add to his reputation would have been extremely inviting. Caesar was also looking for an excuse to avoid returning to Rome.
How
Caesar's first invasion of Britain took place in 55BC. Firstly he assembled many merchants of travelled the channel between Britain and Gaul to find more information but did not get any as they had only seen the coast and knew of no convenient harbors. He then sent Caius Volsenus with a war ship to acquire information and report back. Then he moved to Morini with all his forces. Orders ships from neighboring countries and fleet already built preceding summer for war with veniti. To assemble at Morini. Purposes discovered by Britons and so ones getting attacked by other Britons came, promising submission, offering tribute for protection. Promising he will not harm them he sends them back with Commius, ordering him to visit as many states as possible to persuade them to subdue to Romans. Volsenus returned reports observations from ship. Morini plead their excuse for resisting Romans. Caesar accepts demanding large amount of hostages. 80 ships collected for two legions and assigned ships of war he had to cavalry etc. 18 ships of burden prevented further down coast by wind, distributed amoung horse. Rest of army delivered to Q. Titurius Sabinus and L. Aurunculeius Cotta (lieutenants) instructed to lead into menapii and remaining morini. Ordered P sulpicius Rufus( lieutenant) to hold possession of harbor with garrison. Good weather so ordered horse to march further to 18 ships and follow rest of fleet. Set sail, reached Britain on fourth hour of the day with first squadron. Britons on hills in arms. Landing too close to cliffs so Britons could throw darts so advanced 7 miles away from place and stationed fleet at open and level shore. Britons followed with cavalry and chariots (rest of forces followed) and attempted to prevent landing. Men started jumping out in shallows to get to shore but were being beaten back by Britons, Caesar ordered ships of war to go close to open flank and attack via missiles, then more Romans charged ashore, Britons attacked Romans whilst they were in confusion but Caesar got warships to be filled with soldiers and made them give aid to soldiers being smashed by Britons. Britons were driven back and retreated. Britons sent ambassadors negotiating peace to Caesar including commius and some who had come to continent earlier. Caesar forgave and accepted hostages. More ambassadors came and after 4 days a certain peace was established. Cavalry set sail and tried to follow fleet but massive storm hit and forced them back to continent. Further stormed/high tide damaged many ships as they were hitting each other. Ambassadors sneaked out of camp and renewed war on Romans after realizing small numbers and lack of ships, resources. Caesar suspected this and so got as much corn as possible from country, used wood from wrecked ships to repair others, and sent message to continent requesting supplies. One legion sent to forage. Men on duty at gates reported dust in direction legion had marched. Caesar ordered 2 cohorts to relieve them on duty and rest to follow him to dust. Saw men were being attacked. Britons surrounded foraging legion with chariots and cavalry and were slaughtering them. Caesar advanced and drew legions back to camp. Britons departed. 7 days of storm where no attack from either side possible. Britons gathered large force. Caesar with horse from Commius and legions took up defensive position in camp. Britons could not sustain attack as got slaughtered. Ambassadors came and Caesar doubled amount of hostages and said they had to come back to continent. Caesar then set sail back to continent with fleet and all made it exept to ships whose 300 marched to camp.
Caesar invaded Britain for the second time in 54Bc. Went to port Itius with legions. Discovers 40 ships built in country of Meldi forced into port by storms. Finds rest ready to go. 4000(of Gaul) cavalry. Assemble. Left Labienus on continent with 2000 horse to defend harbors and provide corn. Left to Britain with 5 legions and 2000 horse. Matters were made difficult by changes in wind and tide but he made for same landing spot. 800 ships in fleet. Saw one enemy on shore who left (heard from prisoner there were large forces assembled earlier but left being alarmed by number of ships. Leaving 10 cohorts and 300 horse at sea to guard ships (Q Atrius to guard ships). found convenient spot for camp. Advanced 12 miles at night. Britons advanced to river started harassing/ attacking Romans. Britons were rushing out from woods (where had a fort with all entrances shut up by felled trees. Legions threw up rampart against fort and took the fort over and drove Britons out of woods. Romans fortified their camp. Next day Caesar set foot and horse soldiers in 3 divisions on expeditions to pursue Britons that fled. Horse from Q Atrius saying storm had destroyed many ships ( 40 ships lost, remainder had to be repaired). Caesar wrote to continent to build ships and send men to repair them. Brought ships on shore in 10 days with legions, and fortified camp. Left same forces on guard and set out again to same place he was before. Large force of Britons gathered under Cassivellaunus (Britons had placed him as leader after be alarmed by size of roman force). Britons cavalry and chariots made small attacks on marching Romans. Romans were winning. Romans were occupied at camp and Britons attacked those who were outside in fields. Caesar sent 2 cohorts to aid them. Britons continued small attacks. Following day enemy halted on hills in sight of camp and began to challenge horse. At noon Caesar sent 3 legions and all cavalry to forage. Britons attacked with large numbers at close quarters and Romans slaughtered them and drove them back. All other Britons forces retreated. Caesar led armies into territories of Cassivellaunus to river Thames. Enemy gathered on opposite bank defended with large wooden stakes. Caser sent forward cavalry and ordered legions to follow immediately. Britons could not sustain attack and retreated. Cassivellaunus retreats with forces into woods observing Romans march. Britons plundered lands before Romans reached them and made small skirmishes on them. One of most powerful states in this part of Britons was Trinobantes (under Mandubratius)sent ambassadors to Caesar promising him their surrender and ask for protection from violence of Cassivellaunus. Caesar accepted (after being given 40 hostages and corn) and other tribes followed Trinobantes. Caesar accepted their surrender and from them learned of Cassivellaunus’s capitol town and place of hiding. Caesar advanced to it and found it heavily fortified. Britons could not sustain roman attack and so retreated to other side of town. Cassivellaunus sent messages into Kent near the sea where 4 kings are and urges them to gather forces and attack roman camp. They did this but Romans slaughtered them and captured leader (Lugotorix) and so surviving Britons pulled out. After this Cassivellaunus sent ambassadors to Caesar. Caesar accepts as planned to return to Gaul for winter due to sudden revolts in gaul, demands hostages, prescribes what tribute Britain should pay to Rome each year and forbids he wage war on Trinobantes (Mandubratius). After getting hostages Caesar led army back to sea. Found ships repaired. Launched these. So has to get all back in 2 embarkations as not enough ships for whole army (due to ships destroyed and large numbers of prisoners). Caesar set sail on 2nd embarkation and reached Gaul at day break and brought ships into safety.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
progress update
Been researching from around 1pm-4pm this afternoon found a good wkipedia sitehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesar's_invasions_of_Britain#Outcome and also have looked at some other secondary sources such as (Frere, Sheppard. 1987. Britannia: A History of Roman Britain (3rd edition). London. Routledge & Kegan Paul) and
(Holmes, T. Rice. 1907. Ancient Britain and the Invasions of Julius Caesar. Oxford. Clarendon Press). Now i think i have finally done enough research so im going to force myself to write part of the draft essay tonight and most of it tomorrow.
(Holmes, T. Rice. 1907. Ancient Britain and the Invasions of Julius Caesar. Oxford. Clarendon Press). Now i think i have finally done enough research so im going to force myself to write part of the draft essay tonight and most of it tomorrow.
progress update
Done about 2hrs research tonight to get a better idea of the whole picture. i.e. motives for caesars invasion of britain, what was britain like before caesar/romans, result/impact of the invasion, etc...rather than just looking into the actual invasion/s . Going to start writing (and hopefully finish) draft tommorrow. Found a really good little 2 part documentary on ancient britain before roman influence on this site http://www.cosmolearning.com/documentaries/britain-bc-1217/1/?ie6=1 and plan to use it to get a better idea of the impact, of caesar's invasion of britain, on britain.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
progress
Still not definate about my question but have been researching and found out a primary source i can use which is caesar's commentries of the Gallic war(Commentarii de Bello Gallico.....just because it sounds cool ) book 5 ( his first-hand, personal account which he wrote in third person...strange) on this site http://www.forumromanum.org/literature/caesar/gallic_e5.html and then i have another good site on which they explain caesar's commentaries which is http://www.athenapub.com/caesarg1.htm and lastly a site which tells a bit about the actual invasion....http://www.athenapub.com/caesar1.htm. Still doing more research in order to get more sources and starting to think a bit about my essaay structure.
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