Conquest

The Roman Invasion of Britain

Ferdinand Addis

The epic, monumental story of the Roman conquest of Britain, from Caesar's first invasion attempt in 55 BC to the fall of the Roman Empire.

Britain wasn't conquered in a day.

Caesar invaded twice, in 55 and 54 BC, but he didn't attempt a complete a conquest of the island. It was only when Claudius and his legions arrived in AD 43 that true colonization was possible. Forty years later, almost the whole of southern Britain was under Roman control, where it stayed until the final decline of the empire, when the weakness of the colony's defenses and the quarrels of Roman generals brought the grand experiment to an end.

Piecing together evidence from the often-propagandistic Roman literary sources—including the writings of Caesar, Tacitus, and Livy—and making brilliant use of archaeological and anthropological research, acclaimed historian Ferdinand Addis paints a vivid portrait of Roman and British life both in prehistoric times and during the first century AD. The narrative brings the violence and intrigues of British tribal life into vivid relief, but also evokes the ways in which these diverse peoples lived, their monumental burial sites, their customs, their trade with continental Europe, their military organization, and the kinds of war they practiced.

Ultimately, Conquest gives readers fresh insight into the deep history of the island that the Romans fought so hard to conquer.

Ferdinand Addis has been fascinated by Rome since reading Livy as a teenager. He studied Classics at Oxford, then worked in film and journalism before giving it up to write history. He lives in East London with his wife and daughter.

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Endorsements & Reviews

Praise for Ferdinand Addis’s The Eternal City:

"Addis breathes new life into nearly 3,000 years of tumultuous Roman history, citing the elusive nature of Rome’s historical meaning as the impetus for this sweeping chronicle. The tale of Rome’s many incarnations is one of splendor and death, impressively told with passion, analytical expertise, and wit." Publishers Weekly (starrred)

"As he moves through the centuries, Addis casts a keen eye over not just the big figures of history but also its crowds, mess, and detritus. He appreciates that the multilayered, 'palimpsestic' quality of Rome is both a cliche and a profound truth. He encourages an approach to the city’s myths that is properly skeptical but still open-mouthed." The Guardian

"Written with pace and panache. By juxtaposing the personal with the public, the particular with the general, almost every chapter becomes a tour de force, and the energy scarcely fades.” Nigel Spivey, The New Criterion

"Addis writes clearly and effectively. Those enthralled by Rome will find this a worthy companion, if one that might prompt nostalgia for golden ages of yore." Kirkus Reviews

"This book reminds us about past greatness. It is impossible not to be moved, inspired, incensed and outraged by some of the messages." Tribune Magazine

"This perfectly formed book reveals the fascinating stories behind some of the most powerful words ever spoken. Instant inspiration." The Shortlist