Ancient Britain and the Invasions of Julius Caesar

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Ancient Britain and the Invasions of Julius Caesar

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

T. Rice Holmes reconstructs prehistoric Britain and Julius Caesar's 55–54 BC invasions using archaeology, coins, and classical sources. This work challenges accepted views on Caesar's landing sites and the ethnology of ancient Britain, offering a detailed narrative of man's life in the island from the earliest times to the Roman conquest.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Ancient Britain and the Invasions of Julius Caesar*, T. Rice Holmes presents a comprehensive reconstruction of prehistoric Britain, tracing human development from the Palaeolithic through the Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages. Utilizing archaeological evidence such as flint tools, barrow excavations, and coin finds alongside classical texts, Holmes critically examines the ethnology of ancient Britain. He rigorously debates the origins of the 'Round Barrow race,' refuting theories that they were Belgae or Goidelic Celts. Instead, Holmes argues for Alpine or pre-Aryan connections, noting that the characteristic tall, brachycephalic skulls found in round barrows differ significantly from those of the French neolithic race or later Celtic populations. He points out the lack of evidence for this specific race in Ireland and their probable arrival in the Neolithic Age, well before the historical Celtic invasions. A significant portion of the work is dedicated to a rigorous topographical analysis of Caesar's expeditions in 55–54 BC. Holmes disputes the traditional identification of Caesar's landing sites with the cliffs of Folkestone, asserting that the 'angusti montes' described by Caesar refer specifically to the cliffs of Dover. He provides detailed notes on the locations of Portus Itius, Caesar's camps near Dover and Deal, and the positions of British strongholds. Holmes corrects previous estimates regarding the chronology of the invasions, arguing that Caesar's return to Gaul occurred in mid-September rather than later in the autumn. He also addresses the credibility of Caesar's narrative, the nature of British warfare, and the specific sites of naval operations, emphasizing that scientific investigation must supersede fanciful speculation. Ultimately, Holmes aims to place historical facts in their true light, providing a definitive account of Britain before the Roman invasion of AD 43.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Archaeology