Great Britain -- History -- Anglo-Saxon period, 449-1066; Middle Ages -- Sources
As soon as the winter was over, those that were sent for Claudius's
daughter returned with her, and presented her to her father. The
damsel's name was Genuissa, and so great was her beauty, that it raised
the admiration of all that saw her. After her marriage with the king,
she gained so great an ascendant over his affections, that he in a
manner valued nothing but her alone: insomuch that he was desirous to
have the place honoured where the nuptials were solemnized, and moved
Claudius to build a city upon it, for a monument to posterity of so
great and happy a marriage. Claudius consented to it, and commanded a
city to be built, which after his name is called Kaerglou, that is
Gloucester, to this day, and is situated on the confines of Dimetia and
Loegria, upon the banks of the Severn. But some say that it derived its
name from Duke Gloius, a son that was born to Claudius there, and to
whom, after the death of Arviragus, fell the dukedom of Dimetia. The
city being finished, and the island now enjoying peace, Claudius
returned to Rome, leaving to Arviragus the government of the British
islands. At the same time the apostle Peter founded the Church of
Antioch; and afterwards coming to Rome, was bishop there, and sent Mark,
the evangelist, into Egypt to preach the gospel which he had written.
CHAP. XVI.--_Arviragus revolting from the Romans, Vespasian is sent into
Britain._
After the departure of Claudius, Arviragus began to show his wisdom and
courage, to rebuild cities and towns, and to exercise so great authority
over his own people, that he became a terror to the kings of remote
countries. But this so elevated him with pride that he despised the
Roman power, disdained any longer subjection to the senate, and assumed
to himself the sole authority in every thing. Upon this news Vespasian
was sent by Claudius to procure a reconciliation with Arviragus, or to
reduce him to the subjection of the Romans. When, therefore, Vespasian
arrived at the haven of Rutupi,[180] Arviragus met him, and prevented
his entering the port. For he brought so great an army along with him,
that the Romans, for fear of his falling upon them, durst not come
ashore. Vespasian upon this withdrew from that port, and shifting his
sails arrived at the shore of Totness. As soon as he was landed, he
marched directly to besiege Kaerpenhuelgoit, now Exeter; and after lying
before it seven days, was overtaken by Arviragus and his army, who gave
him battle. That day great destruction was made in both armies, but
neither got the victory. The next morning, by the mediation of queen
Genuissa, the two leaders were made friends, and sent their men over to
Ireland. As soon as winter was over, Vespasian returned to Rome, but
Arviragus continued still in Britain. Afterwards, when he grew old, he
began to show much respect to the senate, and to govern his kingdom in
peace and tranquillity. He confirmed the old laws of his ancestors, and
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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