No CrossRef data available.
We use cookies to distinguish you from other users and to provide you with a better experience on our websites. Close this message to accept cookies or find out how to manage your cookie settings.
We use cookies to distinguish you from other users and to provide you with a better experience on our websites. Close this message to accept cookies or find out how to manage your cookie settings.
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 June 2012
It is well known that Julius Cæsar made two military expeditions to Britain, in the autumns of two consecutive years, [B.C. 55 and 54]. His place of embarkation in Gaul, was Portus Itius for his infantry (lib. v. 2, 5.), and another port (not named) eight miles distant from it, probably Boulogne for his cavalry (lib. iv. 22). M. D'Anville has decided that Portus Itius was Witsand Bay, situated between the Capes of Grisnez and Blancnez; and directly facing Dover. Cæsar says that it was at the point nearest to Britain. Boulogne might perhaps have been a more convenient place for embarking cavalry.
page 501 note a By the Chart of General Roy, in vol. lxxx. of the Philosophical Transactions, plate 13, it appears that the shortest distance across, between the lands of England and France, is just about 20 statute miles: and that the approximating parts on the side of England, are the points of Dover Bay; and on the side of France, the Capes of Grisnez and Blancnez.
page 503 note b See the preceding note a.
page 503 note c That is, reckoned along the coast, as Cæsar does.
page 505 note d It may beremarked, that Caesar, on the day after he landed, on his second Expedition, marched in quest of the British army, which he found posted in a strong position, on the bank of a river: and where they disputed the passage, and were completely defeated. The distance of this post from Cæsar's camp, was 12 Roman miles (lib. v. 9.); and would appear to have lain in the direction of the retreat of the Britons towards the Thames.
This renders it probable, that the river in question was the Stour; and that the fortified Post was in the quarter, where the western road intersects the course of that river, in the neighbourhood of Canterbury: and, of course, is in favour of the foregoing opinion.