Claudius' Invasion of Britain: AD 43

Question 1

What happened in 42 AD?

Answer 1

• There was a revolt in the provinces

Question 2

Even though the revolt of 42 AD came to nothing, what weakness of Claudius’ rule did it reveal?

Answer 2

• He had little to no support from the army or the provinces

Question 3

What is the possible reason for Claudius’ lack of military support?

Answer 3

• Unlike Augustus and Tiberius, who had experience, or Caligula, who had been constantly seen by the army as a child, Claudius’ forced isolation from the public eye meant the army simply didn’t know him

Question 4

Who led the revolt of 42 AD? What were their names?

Answer 4

• Two senators

- Vinicianus and Scribonianus

Question 5

According to Cassius Dio, why did Vinicianus and Scribonius lead revolts against Claudius? (2)

Answer 5

• Both had been considered as potential successors after the death of Caligula and so feared repercussions
• Scribonius wanted to restore the Republic rather than suffer another emperor

Question 6

According to Cassius Dio, why did the soldiers refuse to support the revolts of 42 AD? (2)

Answer 6

• They suspected it would only bring more problems (civil war)
• Claudius rewarded their loyalty as soon as they refused

Question 7

According to Suetonius, why did the soldiers refuse to support the revolts of 42 AD?

Answer 7

• They were dissuaded by bad omens

Question 8

According to Cassius Dio, how did Claudius honour the legions’ loyalty? (2)

Answer 8

• Gave titles to the legions (the “patriotic” and “loyal”, the “Claudian”) so they had a personal connection to the emperor
• Had the soldiers saluted by the Senate for their loyalty

Question 9

Who was the Roman leader who led the invasion force into Britain?

Answer 9

• Aulus Plautius

Question 10

Who was the Roman general who later became emperor? Where did he conquer?

Answer 10

• Vespasian

- Conquered the Isle of Wight

Question 11

What was the British tribe who opposed the Roman invasion?

Answer 11

• Catuvellauni

Question 12

What does Suetonius say about Claudius’ invasion of Britain? (Quote) Why?

Answer 12

• It was “of little importance”

- Perhaps because Britain already co-operated with the Romans - the Romans did not see it as a threat

Question 13

What role did Claudius have in the invasion of Britain according to Cassius Dio and Suetonius? (2)

Answer 13

• Left the campaign to the charge of Aulus Plautius. He was instructed to notify the emperor of any strong resistance
• Claudius crossed into Britain later in the campaign, led the forces across the Thames and stormed the capital of the Catuvellauni (Colchester)

Question 14

What name was Claudius’ son honoured with following his father’s victory?

Answer 14

• Britannicus

Question 15

According to Cassius Dio, what honours did Claudius receive following his victory over Britain? (3)

Answer 15

• Awarded a triumph by the Senate
• Two triumphal arches were built. One in Gaul and one in Rome
• Claudius and his son given title Britannicus

Question 16

According to Suetonius, what honours did Claudius receive following his victory over Britain? (2)

Answer 16

• Claudius allowed both governors and exiles to come back to Rome to see the victory
• The naval crown was affixed to his house alongside a civic crown as a sign that he had crossed and subdued the ocean

Question 17

Describe the Triumphal Arch AD 51-52

Answer 17

• Senate and the people of Rome set up this arch as Claudius had received 11 British Kings in submission, and was the first to bring barbarian tribes beyond the ocean under the dominion of the Roman people

Question 18

Describe the Aureus of Claudius AD 46-47. What does it show?

Answer 18

• Coin, the reverse of which shows the archway with an equestrian statue of Claudius
• Shows he is trying to send the message of his triumph throughout the Empire for all of the Roman people to see