Book 1, Chapter 3, 55 BC to 78 AD – Julius Caesar – Continued
In the year B.C. 55, he resolved on crossing the Channel, for the purpose of surveying the country, and not then with a view to conquest, as he tells us the season was too far advanced, and the design to subdue the people could not be executed until the following year. He had inquired of the Gallic merchants and mariners, but they professed their inability to acquaint him with the extent of the population, their character and warlike attainments, and the position of harbours on the south eastern coast, although on all these points, the traders must have been well informed. Suspecting that their ignorance was assumed, and arose from unwillingness, and dislike, he sent Caius Volusenus, with a single galley, to explore the coast and to observe the inhabitants, while he gathered all his available forces at Portus Itius, between Calais and Boulogne.
Volusenus hurriedly performed his mission, taking care not to land, for fear of the unknown people, and after five days returned, but with no information that could be available. Meanwhile, ambassadors came to Caesar from some of the southern tribes, to submit to his authority, and to leave hostages. These were received in a very friendly manner, and were sent back with fair speeches, accompanied by Comius, a Gaul, who had been made king of the Atrebatians, a Belgic tribe then settled in Artois. Comics was instructed to put himself in communication with as many British tribes as possible, and to do his utmost in preparing the way for a personal visit which Caesar intended speedily to make.
Chapter 3, Julius Caesar
Resolves on Crossing from Gaul to Britain
Divisions Among the British Tribes
Chapter 3, Caractacus
Proprietorships of Aulus and Ostorins
Capture of Londinium and of Verulamium
Chapter 3, The Romans Revenge
Categories: Book 1
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