The Britons had again gathered in great strength to repel the invaders, but when they saw so many ships they grew afraid and fled to their forests. So Cæsar landed without difficulty at Romney marsh.
At length, led by a brave chief, called Cassivellaunus, the tribes determined to try to drive the Romans from their shore.
Cassivellaunus did not conquer the Romans, but he proved a brave and skilful commander, and constantly harassed them. At last, however, his capital was taken, and he then sent messengers to treat with Cæsar.
Cæsar received the envoys and demanded from them hostages, and the promise that their tribes would pay a yearly tribute to Rome.
Then in September 54 B.C., when his fleet, which had been damaged by a storm, was repaired, he again went back to Gaul.
Here he was greeted with the sad news that his daughter Julia was dead.
Julia had often smoothed away the jealousies of her husband, the irritations of her father, and both Pompey and Cæsar mourned for her loss.
Their friends also were troubled. They foresaw that now the beautiful Julia was no longer alive, it would not be long before the two great generals quarrelled. And that was a grave thought. For the peace of Rome depended on the friendship of Pompey and Cæsar.
Cæsar’s work in Gaul was not yet finished. In 52 B.C. the tribes in the south made one more desperate stand against the power of Rome, which seemed to be pressing more and more heavily upon them.
The rebellion was led by a young chief named Vercingetorix, who had seized the town of Gergovia, the capital of his tribe and his own birthplace.