The Greeks and Romans in antiquity had a rather vague idea of Britain. Caesar, during his conquest of Gaul (58-50 B.C.), undertook two expeditions there, the purpose of which was a kind of battlefield reconnaissance. He also intended to punish the Britons who supported his opponents on the continent. In August 55 BC Caesar assembled 80 ships on which he put two legions, allied troops and cavalry.
The Britons learnt of the impending invasion and managed to raise a militia. Their army followed the Roman fleet along the coast. Near Dubra, having driven back the Britti troops by the fire of throwing machines, Caesar landed and fortified himself on the shore. Advancing inland, he encountered fierce resistance and unfamiliar tactics of the Britons, who used chariots in battle. The Romans succeeded in routing the enemy, but due to the lack of cavalry they were unable to build on their initial success. After Caesar realised that the forces taken were not enough.
The Britons learnt of the impending invasion and managed to raise a militia. Their army followed the Roman fleet along the coast. Near Dubra, having driven back the Britti troops by the fire of throwing machines, Caesar landed and fortified himself on the shore. Advancing inland, he encountered fierce resistance and unfamiliar tactics of the Britons, who used chariots in battle. The Romans succeeded in routing the enemy, but due to the lack of cavalry they were unable to build on their initial success. After Caesar realised that the forces taken were not enough.