- During the Gallic Wars (58-51 BCE), Julius Caesar conducted two Invasions of Britannia.
- The First Invasion (55 BCE) was mainly a Reconnaissance for a better equipped and larger invasion force to arrive the following year, Caesar's Second Invasion of Britannia in 54 BCE.
The Reason for the First Invasion of Britannia (55 BCE)
- During the earlier Gallic Wars, Julius Caesar wanted to teach the Britons a lesson for having helped the Veneti and the Belgae.
- However, he did not intend to occupy Britannia on this occasion, as he only sent two legions, but they acted as a Reconnaissance Party for the Second Invasion the following year.
The Forces under Julius Caesar (August 55 BCE)
- The two Legions were protected by an unknown number of war galleys, however, neither Legion took a baggage train or siege engines.
- Legio VII Claudia
- Legio X Equestris
- 80 transport ships
The Invasion
- Julius Caesar‘s army beached near Deal, but was met by British cavalry and chariots who opposed the landing with considerable success.
- Julius Caesar describes in his Gallic Wars, that he detached the War Galleys over to the enemy’s flank, had them rowed hard onto the beach, then used the ships’ slings, bows and artillery to successfully clear a beachhead.
- Eventually, the army succeeded in setting up a temporary camp. After various skirmishes, Julius Caesar demanded the British Tribes deliver Hostages for Caesar to take back to Gaul, which some sent, whilst others promised to deliver them after Caesar had left.
The Outcome
- Julius Caesar returned to Gaul during the Autumn, and the Roman Senate voted him a Supplicatio or thanksgiving for 20 days.
- Although the first Invasion was not a success, it provided a wealth of information in terms of reconnaissance.
- This led to Caesar's Second Invasion of Britannia.
Deal, Kent