The Legend of Julius Caesar's British Conquest

Overview

• Discusses the medieval legends surrounding Julius Caesar's invasion of Britain.
• Highlights Geoffrey of Monmouth's account as a significant source of these legends.
• Examines various literary treatments and interpretations of Caesar's conquest over different periods.

Pre-Geoffrey of Monmouth

• Geoffrey of Monmouth invented Crocea Mors (Yellow Death), Caesar’s mythical sword.
• Caesar’s first battle with the British described as a significant blow to his reputation.
• Geoffrey was not the first to depict Caesar’s British campaigns negatively.
• Some inspiration derived from Caesar’s own commentaries on the Gallic War.
• Caesar's first expedition to Britain was marked by difficulties and a storm that left him stranded.

Caesar's Expeditions

• First Expedition
  • Caesar returned to Gaul after a storm damaged his fleet.
  • There was a tense peace negotiation with the British.
• Second Expedition
  • Achieved an unopposed landing, but his fleet was again disrupted by a storm.
  • British forces united under Cassivellaunus.
  • The Romans faced guerrilla tactics from the Britons.
  • Caesar imposed tribute upon Britain but did not secure a lasting conquest.

Influence of Myth-Making

• Cicero’s skepticism about Caesar's commentaries and their stylistic embellishments.
• Valerius Maximus and Tacitus among classical authors contributing to the myths.
• Various tales about Caesar’s invasion, including a mythical encounter with an elephant.

Geoffrey of Monmouth's Account

• Expanded upon Orosius's account, adding new elements like Nennius and the sword Crocea Mors.
• Describes Caesar facing rebellion upon returning to Gaul post-defeat.
• Geoffrey's narrative serves as a critical source for later medieval literature.

Developments in Medieval Literature

• Henry of Huntingdon: Expanded on Bede’s and the Historia Britonum’s accounts.
• Wace's Brut: Offered a Romano-British perspective, honoring Caesar's abilities.
• Layamon's Brut: Added dramatic expansions to the narrative.
• Li Fet des Romains: Mixed Geoffrey’s narrative with Caesar's own accounts, introducing unique elements like dealing with stakes in the Thames.

Welsh and Other Versions

• Welsh adaptations of Geoffrey's legend appear in several versions.
• Welsh triads possibly influenced by Geoffrey’s Historia Regum Britanniae.

Later Developments

• Perceforest: Blended Caesar's story with Arthurian legends.
• Trivet's Chronicle and Fordun: Introduced new elements like magic and constructions attributed to Caesar.

Fifteenth and Sixteenth Century

• Lydgate’s "Serpent of Division" uses the legend to illustrate moral lessons.
• Ponticus Virunius: Adds character descriptions of Caesar’s opponents.
• Polydore Vergil and others: Debate over Geoffrey’s historical accuracy.

Conclusion

• Despite skepticism, Geoffrey's narrative persisted in literature.
• The legend of Caesar's British conquest inspired a variety of interpretations and adaptations throughout history.