Cassivellaunus

Cassivelaunus was the legendary king of the Britons during the time of the Roman occupation according to Geoffrey of Monmouth and was the first recorded king of the Catuvellauni tribe of Celts according to the Gallic Wars by Julius Caesar. He was the son of King Heli and regent for his nephew Androgeus, the son of King Lud.

Soon after Lud's death, Cassivelaunus was crowned king in favor of his two young nephews whom he had been serving for as regent. He gave to his elder nephew the duchy of Kent and Trinovantum (London), and gave to his youger nephew, Tenvantius, the duchy of Cornwall.

Sometime in the beginning of his reign, Julius Caesar requested the British to pay tribute to Rome as a means of avoiding warfare between the two kingdoms which claim descent from the Trojans. Cassivelaunus refused the offer and Caesar invaded the country along the banks of the River Thames. After much fighting, Nennius, Cassivelaunus's brother, stole Caesar's sword and led the army of the Britons successfully against the Romans. They pushed the Romans back to their ships where they fled to Gaul and brooded over their loss.

The Romans waited two years until they returned to Britain. Cassivelaunus rebuilt city walls and defences throughout Britain while awaiting Caesar's attack. Most famously, he commanded that large spikes be placed in the water beneith the Thames so that the bottom of the Roman ships would be gutted as they floated down the river. Mass conscription went out among the Britons and barracks were constructed all along the river.

Around 54 BCE, the Romans finally invaded again and were devestated in the river and along the shores of the River Thames. After numerous charges, the Romans were defeated and forced off Britain once again. Cassivelaunus celebrated the victory with massive sacrificing of animals in London.

It was at this celebration that Androgeus and Cassivelaunus fought over the death of a relative. Cassivelaunus became angry and ravaged the lands of Androgeus causing Androgeus to seek the aid of Caesar. Caesar invaded for a third time and occupied London due to the help of Androgeus. Cassivelaunus counterattacked but was not able to defeat Caesar so he fled to a hill outside the city and held his ground. All night Caesar attacked them then he continued a seige of the hill for two days, starving out the Britons.

Fearing doom, Cassivelaunus wrote to Androgeus seeking peace with him and Caesar. Androgeus discussed terms with Caesar and Cassivelaunus agreed to pay tribute annually to Rome. Caesar and Cassivelaunus became friends over that winter while Caesar remained in Britain, then Caesar returned to Gaul and did not return.

Cassivelaunus died six years after that winter and was buried in York. His nephew, Tenvantius, succeeded him to the kingship.

Preceded by: Androgeus (Cassivelaunus as regent)	Mythical British Kings	Followed by: Tasciovanus
King of the Catuvellauni