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The Roman invasions: Caesar, Claudius and Boudicca

Study note

The Romans tried to invade Britain more than once. Julius Caesar first led a Roman invasion in 55 BC, but this attempt was not a success and did not conquer the country. It is important to remember that Caesar's 55 BC invasion failed, even though it is famous.

Almost a hundred years later, in AD 43, the Emperor Claudius led a successful invasion, and the Romans took control of much of Britain. So the successful conquest came under Claudius in AD 43, not under Caesar, Hadrian or Nero. Roman rule was not always accepted peacefully. Boudicca, queen of the Iceni tribe, led a famous revolt against the Romans. She was a British tribal queen, not a Roman emperor, a Viking raider or an Anglo-Saxon missionary. Remember: Caesar failed in 55 BC, Claudius succeeded in AD 43, and Boudicca led the revolt.

Memory tip: Caesar failed in 55 BC; Claudius succeeded in AD 43; Boudicca led the revolt.

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Question 1 of 3

Which Roman emperor led the successful invasion of Britain in AD 43?

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The Roman invasions: Caesar, Claudius and Boudicca: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Which Roman emperor led the successful invasion of Britain in AD 43?

    • Hadrian
    • Julius Caesar
    • Nero
    • Claudius

    Correct answer: Claudius

    The Emperor Claudius led the successful Roman conquest of Britain in AD 43.

  2. 2. Who was Boudicca?

    • A Viking raider
    • An Anglo-Saxon missionary
    • A queen who led a British tribe in revolt against the Romans
    • A Roman emperor

    Correct answer: A queen who led a British tribe in revolt against the Romans

    Boudicca was queen of the Iceni who led a rebellion against the Romans.

  3. 3. Julius Caesar's first invasion of Britain in 55 BC successfully conquered the country.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: False

    False. Caesar's 55 BC invasion failed; the successful conquest came under Claudius in AD 43.

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