When the Romans Came to Britain

When the Romans
Came to Britain

By Kate Wilkinson-Brindle
Illustrated by Amy Robinson

Great Britain Before the Romans

Before 55 BCE

Before the Romans invaded, Great Britain was inhabited by many

different tribes. Each tribe had its own chief. Can you CCAALLEEDDOONNIIAA
find the name of the tribe that lived in your area

over 2,080 years ago? The ancient Britons lived BBRRIIGGAANNTTEESS
in roundhouses, ate bread and porridge, drank HHIIBBEERRNNIIAA

beer and wore colourful, woven clothes. They MMOONNAA IICCEENNII
also grew crops and raised farm animals. The OORRDDOOVVIICCEESS CCAATTUUVVEELLLLAAUUNNII
tribes used weapons such as spears, swords
and shields to defend themselves.

Julius Caesar’s First Invasion Attempt

On the 26th August, 55 BCE, the Roman emperor, Julius Caesar,
crossed the English Channel with two legions of soldiers. Caesar
had planned to land in Britain and then wait for his cavalry to
arrive before attacking the Britons. However, the cavalry was forced
to sail back to France because of stormy weather. This meant that
Caesar had only 10,000 foot soldiers, so he decided to return
to France.

Roman Invasion Timeline

August, 55 BCE Caesar tries September, 54 BCE Caesar
to invade Great Britain. leaves Great Britain.

July, 54 BCE Caesar tries to invade Summer, 43 CE Claudius
Great Britain a second time. invades Great Britain.

Copyright © 2019 Learning by Questions Ltd

Caesar’s Second Invasion Attempt

In July, 54 BCE, Caesar returned to Britain. This time he
brought five legions of soldiers and 2,000 cavalry! Caesar also
used ships that were more suitable for the stormy seas around
Britain. Caesar was better prepared for this invasion, but the
Britons were ready to defend their land.

jajavveelilnin hheelmlmeett
wwoooolllelenn sshhoouuldldeerr
ttuunnicic pplalatteess
bbooddyy
sswwoorrdd aarrmmoouurr

sshhieieldld

ssaannddaalsls

Defending Britain

The Roman army was well-trained, but the ancient
Britons were fierce warriors and excellent horse
riders. The Britons realised that they couldn’t beat
the Roman army in a large battle. Instead, they
used chariots and warriors on horseback to
attack small groups of soldiers. As the Romans
marched, Britons on horseback would attack
part of the army. Then they would quickly gallop
away before the Romans could react.

Copyright © 2019 Learning by Questions Ltd

Did Caesar Have a War Elephant?

Some ancient writers suggested that Caesar
used a war elephant during his second
invasion of Britain! War elephants
carried archers on their backs and
were said to be trained to fight.
They may also have worn armour
to protect them from the Britons’
spears and swords.

Many other historians have suggested
that it was actually Emperor Claudius who used a war
elephant when he invaded Britain in 43 CE.

Caesar’s Retreat

Even though the Romans were strong and powerful, the
Britons continued to fight back bravely. Cassivellaunus, the
chief of the Catuvellauni tribe, brought several tribes together
to attack the Romans. Despite their efforts, the tribes couldn’t
stop the Roman army crossing the river Thames. Eventually,
the tribes surrendered, and Caesar made them promise to pay
a tribute to Rome every year. Caesar finally left Britain to fight
in Gaul (the name for France at that time). The Britons were
left in peace by the Romans for the next 100 years.

by Questions lbq.org/search

Copyright © 2019 Learning by Questions Ltd Enter 12881