Brittania (Orbis Romanum)

Timeline:  Orbis Romanum

April,28 40BCE Portus Itius Caesar arrives at Portus Itius where the shores of Brittania are visible across the sea. This is the same village where his first expedition to Brittania was launched. An armada of 1000 triremes is beached nearby.

May,4 40BCE Portus Itius The augurs, after consulting the intestines of dead birds and deliberating with some of the most experienced captains decide that this is the best day for launching the invasion. Soon the ocean is dotted with triremes, a daunting sight. The Romans come ashore at Portus Dubris. The landing is unopposed which is fortunate as most of the legionairs are seasick in spite of the efforts of the augurs.

May,5 40BCE Portus Dubris Caesar does not waste time in the beachhead. His legions march to Londinium. On the way king Commius of the Atrebates turns up and surrenders to Caesar, knowing there is no way the Britons can defeat the Romans. Hostages and tribute are arranged on the spot. Commius is ordered to disband his army.

May,7 40BCE Londinium The Roman legions enter Londinium. Such is the reputation of Caesar that the city is undefended. More hostages are taken and tribute exacted.

September,1 40BCE Brittania Julius Caesar concludes his campaign in Brittania and returns to Rome for yet another triumph. This is his fastest and most successful campaign ever. Markus Antonius remains behind for mopping up and for the invasion of Ireland. It seems that nothing can stop the Roman legions.

October,14 40BCE Rome Caesar celebrates his latest triumph and announced that one quarter of public debt is cancelled. The spoils of war make this possible. This makes him enormously popular with the masses.