Ancient British (55 BC - 75 AD
(DBA 60)
Julius Caesar's expeditions (55 and 54 BC) and the Emperor Claudius' invasion of 43 AD, found Britain a rich land controlled by powerful celtic tribes such as the Iceni, Catuvellauni, Silures, Durotriges, Cornovii, Brigantes, Votadini and the Novantae. However, as the Roman historian Tacitus noted, "the quarrels of petty chieftains divide them; nor indeed have we any weapon...more effective than this, that they have no common purpose; rarely will two or three states confer to repulse a common danger; accordingly they fight individually and are collectively conquered."
Romans came across the channel
All dress'd up in tin and flannel.
Half a pint of woad per man'll
Dress us more than these.
Saxons, you can waste your stitches
Building beds for bugs in britches.
We have woad to cloathe us which is
Not a nest for fleas.
Romans, keep your armour.
Saxons, your pajamas.
Hairy coats were meant for goats,
Gorillas, yaks, retriever dogs and llamas.
Tramp up Snowdon with our woad on.
Never mind if we get rain'd or snow'd on.
Never want a button sewed on.
Go to it ancient B's. -- Rudyard Kipling
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Comments, questions or suggested additions to this page can be sent to Chris Brantley, brant@erols.com.
Last Updated: May 2, 2000
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