BattlefieldsCaesar's First Invasion — Landing in Kent (55 BC)
Roman Period

Caesar's First Invasion — Landing in Kent (55 BC)

-55
Kent, England
Also known as: Julius Caesar first landing 55 BC · Caesar Deal landing
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
British tribes (Cantii)
Forces
British Cantii c. 4,000–6,000
VS
Victor
Romans (Julius Caesar)
Forces
Romans c. 7,000–8,000
Outcome
Difficult landing under fire; initial bridgehead established; Caesar withdrew after storm damage to fleet
The Battle

History & Significance

Caesar's first expedition to Britain was a probing reconnaissance in force. His galleys ran into difficulty landing on the shelving beach under fire from British warriors on the cliffs and in the surf. The famous image of the eagle-bearer of the Tenth Legion leaping ashore to rally the troops dates from this landing. After some skirmishing Caesar withdrew to Gaul following storm damage; the expedition was a partial failure but proved the feasibility of invasion.

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