British history XV

Iron Age

Gallic revolt 50 BC

In 50 BC, Commius, chief of the Atrebates tribe of Gaul, joined a Gallic rebellion, and was quickly forced to flee to Britain. He established himself as chief of the British Atrebates, with a capital at Silchester in Hampshire, and issued his own coinage.

Between 34 and 27 BC, Octavian (Emperor Augustus) began plans for another expedition to Britain, but instead made an alliance with the Trinovantes and the Atrebates. Although Britain remained a desirable attribute for the Empire due to its tin, lead and silver mines and its wheat exports, another attempt by the Romans to conquer Britain was not made until AD 43.

In the meantime, the British tribes continued to develop and several tribes were issuing coins in a Roman style with the title 'rex' ('king') for their chief.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/timelines/britain/iron_revolt.shtml