This greatest of the Roman generals, and afterwards the first Roman emperor, having subdued the whole of Gaul, beyond and on this side the Alps (now France, Switzerland, and part of Italy), invaded Britain, and landing near Deal, defeated the Britons and obliged them to pay tribute, B.C. 55. The next year he led a second and larger army to Britain, and having conquered the British tribes in several battles, he took possession of the southern provinces, and paved the way for the total occupation of Britain by the Romans.
CARACTACUS.
Died A.D. 43.
A brave British general (son of a native king, Cunobolin) who resisted the Romans when, under the Emperor Claudius, they extended their conquests in Britain. Taken prisoner to Rome, and led in triumph, he expressed his surprise that a nation possessed of such magnificence could covet his humble cottage in Britain.
PAULINUS.
Died A.D. 59.
A Roman general sent to Britain under the Emperor Nero. He attacked and destroyed the Druids in the island of Anglesea, and so roused the Britains that, under their queen, Boadicea, they defeated the Romans with great slaughter, and burned London.
BOADICEA.
Died A.D. 61.
Queen of the Iceni, who occupied Norfolk and the valley of the great Ouse. She and her daughter being shamefully and cruelly treated by the Romans, under Paulinus, attacked and defeated them and burned London. She was, however, soon after defeated by them in Essex, and eighty thousand Britons were slain, when in despair she poisoned herself.