In what year did Julius Caesar first invade Britain?

Julius Caesar first invaded Britain in 55 BC. The expedition took place during the Gallic Wars, after Caesar had spent several years campaigning in Gaul and decided to investigate Britain’s links with his enemies across the Channel.

Caesar sailed from the coast of Gaul with two legions, supported by transport ships and cavalry that struggled to join the main force. The landing in Kent was difficult: British warriors gathered on the shore, and Roman soldiers had to disembark in deep water under attack. A standard-bearer famously leapt into the sea to encourage the hesitant troops.

The Romans secured a foothold and won several encounters, but storms damaged much of the fleet and disrupted supplies. Caesar did not conquer Britain or establish a permanent base. He withdrew to Gaul before the campaigning season ended.

Caesar returned in 54 BC with a substantially larger force, reaching the Thames and forcing the British leader Cassivellaunus to surrender. Even that second expedition produced no lasting Roman occupation; the permanent conquest came almost a century later, beginning in AD 43 under Claudius.