Romans In Britain: Claudius Trivia Quiz

Answer: Claudius wanted to avenge the death of his protege King Cunebolinus

Shafts had to be dug deeper and deeper to extract silver from the Spanish silvermines. There was information that extensive surface deposits of argentiferous lead ore ( galena) had been found in the South West region of Britain, and it was also known that iron was available throughout Britain.

Other reasons were that Britain was an interesting potential market for pottery and wine. Claudius was not the first to think of a more massive invasion of Britain. The Emperor Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus aka Caligula had done so already four years before him.

In preparation of such an invasion a lighthouse had already been built near Boulogne. Cunebolinus could be no reason as he was not particularly a friend of the Romans. His tribe the Catavellauni were traditionally the archenemies of the Romans. Also his successors such as Caratacus were quite unwilling to admit the Roman legions on British territory. Especially as some of the Celtic tribes were escapees from Caesar's wars in Gaul.

Answer: Lyon

Lugdunum is now the French town of Lyon. Lug was the name of a Celtic deity. Claudius was born there in 10 BC. He became Emperor in 41 AD. He died in 54 AD.

Answer: Plautius

The troops were not too enthusiastic to embark for England, and Narcissus, the Secretary of State himself, had to come to Boulogne to put an end to the delaying-tactics of some of Plautius' generals. Plautius' invasion took place in the summer of AD 43.

The main source of information about his expedition is Cassius Dio's History of Rome. There are also references to these events in Suetonius' biographies of Claudius and of Vespasianus. Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus (AD 69 - AD 122) is best-known for 'De viris illustribus' and 'De vitae Caesarum'. Tacitus (AD 56 - c.120) is the author of the Historiae (about the Roman Empire from AD 69 to 96) and the Annals (from AD 14 to 68). Gnaeus Julius Agricola (AD 40 - 93) supported Vespasian during the civil war of AD 69. Vespasian then appointed him commander of a force headed for Britain. Eight years later he was sent to Britain again, this time as governor.

Answer: True

The tactics was for the Batavians to cross the river at a spot where they could not be noticed, and then to attack behind enemy lines. They slashed at the legs of the horses intending to wound them sufficiently so they would no longer be able to pull the Celtic chariots.

While the Celts were engaged beating off the Batavians, there were more legionaries who managed to cross over and they opened a second front.

Answer: Camulodunum or present-day Colchester

Other important towns in Roman Britain were: Portus Lemanis (now Lympne) {;} Rutupiae {(Richborough);} Noviomagus {(Chichester);} and further inland: Deva {(Chester);} Eburacum (York). Londinium became the Roman capital a lot later.

Answer: Wales

The Romans had already won over some Celtic tribes to their cause. Among them the Brigantes, and their leader Cartimandua. The hill-folk of Wales however felt invulnerable and were confident that, in case of real need, they still could withdraw to what was, then, still an island unconnected to the main part of Britain: Anglesey.

Answer: True

Vespasian's Legion II Augusta moved South West through Britain taking land as they went.They fought some 30 {battles;} defeated two hostile tribes, took 20 oppida and the 'Insula Vectis' (Isle of Wight). Vespasian went as far as Devon but stopped short here as there was no need to continue: the tribes further west had already become allies of Rome. Titus Flavius Vespasianus was born AD 9, became an Emperor in 69 AD and died in AD 79.

Answer: Cambria

It was only late in 47 A.D. that the Romans began their attack against the tribes of Cambria. Especially in south-east Wales they met with heavy resistance by the Silures. Caratacus who had retreated to Wales was forced to flee to the Pennine area where he was not received well however by the locals whose Queen Cartmandua had made her own truce with the Romans and was unwilling to run any risks by protecting an archenemy of the Roman generals.

Answer: when returning to Rome Claudius let his general enter with him at the head of an honorary procession

Such an honorary procession for a non-member of the Imperial family was very exceptional.It was called an 'ovatio'. Golden crowns and triumphal arches were normally for Emperors only. Plautius was weary of war and trouble, and did not want to continue bearing the hardship of the British climate and the hostility of some of the non- subjected tribes. Caratacus for one had escaped and was certainly not going to give up his attempts to re-organise Celtic resistance.

As a loyal soldier, Plautius seems to have been happy enough with the sincere gratitude of his boss, the Roman Emperor. Claudius himself was amply celebrated for his victory by poems of commemoration, specially minted coins, the building of two triumphal arches, a solemn procession in which he and his wife Messalina had the places of honour.

The Senate even did something quite unheard of in giving her a seat on the Senate. Messalina's later behaviour may have made them regret this generosity.

Answer: she gave him a meal with poisoned mushrooms

Claudius had been married already to an Etruscan, Plautia Urgulanilla, to Aelia Pactina and then to Valeria Messalina, whom he married when she was only 14. Her licentious behaviour was so shameless that in the end Claudius 'invited' her to commit suicide.

His number four was not a success story either. By poisoning her hubby, Julia Agrippina prepared the way for her son Nero to take over the throne. And what an Emperor that one was, we all know only too well. Note: Nero's real name was L. Domitius Ahenobarbus.

He was Agrippina's son from a previous marriage. Not to be confused with Enobarbus, a character in Antony and Cleopatra.