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In 43 CE the newly elected emperor Claudius, wanting to legalize his rule, began an invasion of unclaimed Britain. Britain was also considered a particularly attractive land because of the many mines and slaves. The main commander of the operation was Aulus Plautius.
Background of events
The unsuccessful attempt to invade Julius Caesar in 55-54 BCE on Britain caused that for decades the idea of conquering the island was not taken or even considered. The situation on the continent in the last years of the life of Julius Caesar, after his death and during the reign of Augustus.
Conquest plans revived during the reign of Caligula (37-41 CE), but they were not implemented. Suetonius gave an interesting story in this matter an interesting story. The island eventually became the prey of Emperor Claudius, wanting to gain military credibility of his authority, undertook an expedition to Britain in 43 CE. Britain was also considered a particularly attractive land because of the many mines and many slaves. Another reason for the invasion was the shelter of Gallic rebel groups on the island – thus they remained unpunished against Roman rule.
Officially, the reason for Rome’s aggression was the desire to bring the fugitive king of Atrebat to Britain, Veryka. Important forces were involved in the war. Four legions (IX Hispan, II Augusta, XIV Gemina and XX Valeria Victrix, plus about 20,000 auxiliary troops, including the Thracians and Batavians) became the Roman senator Aulus Plautius Silvanus. Aulus Plautius became the first governor of Britain in the abovementioned 43 CE. Other prominent politicians also took part in the invasion: II Augustus’s Legion was commanded by the future emperor Vespasian; brother of Vespasian – Titus Flavius Sabinus II; Gnaeus Hosidius Geta; and Gnaeus Sentius Saturninus.
The main striking force of the Romans divided into three parts. Boulogne was used as a place of reflection of the Roman fleet, while Rutupiae (now Richborough or the east coast of Kent1) was used. However, none of the locations listed is one hundred percent sure.
Togodumnus and Caratacus, sons of the deceased king Cunobelinus, who controlled the area in south-east England as the leader, led the British tribes resisting the Romans Celtic tribe Catuvellaunich. Major Brit forces encountered the Romans on the river at the place where it is now accepted to claim the city of Rochester. There was a battle on the Medway River that lasted two days. During the clash, one of the high-ranking Roman commanders – Gnaeus Hosidius Geta – was almost captured. Eventually, he managed to avoid defeat and contributed to the victory of the Romans, for which he was later allowed to take the triumph.
After the defeat, the Britons withdrew behind the Thames. The Romans chased the enemy into the river. Then came another riverside battle. The Romans launched an attack either on the existing bridge or on the newly built, which, however, was associated with large losses. It is certain that one of the auxiliary troops – the Batavian infantry – swam across the river as a special strike force. Shortly after the battle, Togodumnus died.
Plautius managed to capture the southern and central parts of Britain at the moment. The greatest resistance was encountered when trying to capture Camulodunum – the capital of the state of Cunobelinus. The Roman offensive stopped, and the commander made an official request to Emperor Claudius for help in further surgery. Cassius Dion tells us in his work “Roman History” that indeed Plautius was asking the ruler for support in suppressing the agitated army of barbarians. Suetonius, in turn, claims that Claudius did not actually fight a battle, but only because Plautius Silvanus had done the actual conquest on his behalf before.
Claudius eventually reached the island with adventures.
On the voyage thither from