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Mandubracius of the Trinovant (Essex area)
reported to Caesar that his father, the tribal chief , had been killed by the Catuvellauni (Herts area and north of the Thames) who were oppressing his tribe. It was as good an excuse as any for Caesar to come again, being promised a safe landing. He sailed with five legions and over 800 transports, and captured the capital stronghold of Cassivellanus (probably at Wheathampstead). Commius negotiated the terms of surrender. |
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When Caesar arrived in 55BC, he found that
Commius had been taken prisoner. He was returned with apologies. There was a temporary peace but Caesar, having thought that he would receive submission by the British tribes, was troubled with damaged transports and attacks, and got away back to Gaul with dificulty. Commius, with a cavalry detachment, helped the getaway. Some histories differ on the early Commius, treating him as king of his tribe in Britain, who had fled to Gaul in the first place. |
