How the Romans Conquered Ancient Britain
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Published 2024-03-13
It had not been an easy task. In his first attempt to conquer Britain, Caesar took with him only two legions, and achieved little beyond a landing on the coast of Kent. His force was heavily contested as soon as it landed on the beaches near Dover and had only managed to break inland through a combination of grit, determination and advanced military weapons and tactics.
Caesar's second invasion consisted of 628 ships, five legions and 2,000 cavalry. The force was so imposing that the Britons did not dare contest Caesar's landing in Kent, waiting instead until he began to move inland. Caesar's force penetrated into Middlesex and crossing the Thames, forcing the British warlord Cassivellaunus to surrender as a tributary to Rome.
Yet the great Caesar did not stay in Britain long. Instead, he returned to Rome in triumph, utilizing the success of his distant conquest to bolster his eventual dictatorship.
In this series, bushcraft and survival expert Ray Mears explores the surviving evidence we have of Caesar's invasions of Britain over 2000 years ago and then recounts the Claudian invasion of Britain in 43 AD and explores the ensuing Battle of the Medway in the lands of the Iron Age tribe of the Cantiaci. Featuring historians Dr Simon Elliot, Dr Steve Willis, Professor Matthias Strohn, and Roman reenactor David Richardson.
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All Comments (21)
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History Hit please get more Ray Mears, he makes everything interesting and is the best presenter around these days. Especially for anything regarding the UK.
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It’s great to see Ray Mears again, I’ve not seen him on tv in ages .
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It's amazing that Ray Mears is in this video, it brings it from a 8.5/10 to an instant 10/10 with the Goat of presenters. ❤
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I'm really disappointed that there hasn't been an epic movie or series about the Roman invasion of Britain. It is probably the most important event in British history and not only that but it has all the characters to make it interesting like Julius Caesar.
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Honestly, I love Ray Mears what a legend.
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Always a pleasure to view these documentaries. The content is first class, and the presenters radiate knowledge and enthusiasm. I would like to see Ray Mears present further episodes.
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"But in a way that most many politicians aren't today. He had another quality. he was also a brilliant General" He was competent at the tasks he had to perform, unlike the vast majority of current ones.
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Love Ray Mears and his stylised, simplified way of delivery of history which draws you in and want to stay. Thank you Ray. ❤😊
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"Caesar, sir. Our information on Britannia is spotty at best. We know almost nothing about these Britons apart from their hostility towards us. We have no information on a good place to anchor our fleet, the seas in the area are often tumultuous, we have no maps of the area, and we don't even know if the resources on the island can sustain our army." "Sounds fun! All aboard!"
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Ray Mears, along with Michael Palin, is the greatest presenter of all time.
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A contested amphibious landing- one of the toughest military missions.
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It's soooo good to see Ray again . Bring back Ray Mears bushcraft!
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The UK has the best documentaries
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I loved watching Ray Mears as a child, he’s such a good story teller.
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Brits, let's talk about getting paid reparations.
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One of the most important events in history. It set off a series of events that gave us modern Britain. Britain gave us the modern world.
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Wonderful video.Not a good day for the Britons when Rome under Claudius turned its full attention on conquering the island. The Roman army was a well organized, formidable opponent.
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That was great ...I learned so much more. Great Channel. Thank you.
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Hard to find something as well done as this to watch these days good job Ray proper enjoyed it
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I find myself routing for the Romans, and I'm a celt! This is so compelling.
