The most far-reaching of Claudius’s expansions of imperial territory is the conquest of Britannia.
Claudius in 43 sends Aulus Plautius with four legions to Britain (Britannia) after an appeal from an ousted tribal ally.
Britain is an attractive target for Rome because of its material wealth—particularly mines and slaves.
It is also a haven for Gallic rebels and the like, and so could not be left alone much longer.
Aulus Plautius, aiming to subdue the intransigent tribal kingdoms, invades with an army of twenty thousand, crossing the English Channel to land at Rutupioae (present Richborough, Kent), an important natural harbor.
The Catuvellauni and Trinovantes warriors, surprised and defeated, retreat toward …
