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Cassivellaunus
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Cassivellaunus

British chieftain
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Also known as: Cassivelaunus
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Article History
Quick Facts
Also spelled:
Cassivelaunus
Flourished:
1st century bc
Also Known As:
Cassivelaunus
Flourished:
c.100 BCE - c.1 BCE

Cassivellaunus (flourished 1st century bc) was a powerful British chieftain who was defeated by Julius Caesar during his second raiding expedition into Britain (54 bc).

Cassivellaunus led his tribe, the Catuvellauni (a Belgic people who lived in modern Hertfordshire), against the Roman invaders, making effective use of guerrilla tactics and chariot warfare. Finally Caesar captured the principal fortified settlement, since identified as a site in present-day Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire. The British leader was granted peace when he agreed to provide hostages and pay an annual tribute to Rome. These promises, however, were probably not meant to be kept, and it appears certain that the tribute was never paid.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.