The ancient Britons and the Roman invasions 55BC-61AD : an analysis of tribal resistance and response : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Defence Studies at Massey University

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to analyse the response to the Roman invasions of 55BC to 61AD from the tribal groupings of southern Britain. Much has been written of the activities of the Roman commanders and soldiers, but this thesis looks to analyse this period of invasion from the position of the tribes of southern Britain. The opening chapters will provide a descriptive account of the land and people who occupied southern Britain and a survey of tribal response to the Roman invasions. The reasons behind the differing responses to Rome will be offered with an analysis of the tribal politics that existed in southern Britain between Caesar's invasions of 55-54BC and the Claudian invasion of 43AD. Three case studies consider the central response to the Roman incursions. The first looks at the resistance offered to Caesar by the British warlord Cassivellaunus. The second case study highlights the initial response to Rome in 43AD by Caratacus and his brother Togodumnus. Following the initial fighting to stop the Roman invasion, Caratacus moved westward to carry on resistance to Rome in Wales. This thesis will follow those steps and will discuss the next stage of Caratacus' response. The third case study explores the Iceni revolt of 60ADunder the warrior queen Boudicca. The case studies allow comparisons between three periods of military response.Analysis of these three case studies enables the identification of a British tribal style of fighting while discussing the successes and failures of these tactics.