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Roman Sources Need Archaeological Balance
- Our main textual sources are Roman: Caesar, Cassius Dio and Tacitus, and they mix reliable campaigning detail with propaganda.
- Archaeology, especially coin evidence, provides independent data that refines the Roman picture.
Early Roman Campaigns Were Fast And Theatrical
- The AD 43 invasion landed unopposed, enabling rapid inland advances and decisive battles at the Medway and Thames.
- Claudius staged a short triumphal visit to Colchester to secure submissions and hostages rather than long occupation.
Conquest Zone And Resentment Beyond It
- Rome created a conquered lowland zone bounded roughly by rivers and the Fosse Way, leaving buffer client states beyond.
- Heavy-handed Roman tactics in Wales and veteran settlements fuelled resentment and future rebellions.