Cassivellaunus

Cassivellaunus , fl. 54 BC, British chieftain, a leader in the resistance against the invasion of Julius Caesar in 54 BC Caesar crossed the Thames River into Cassivellaunus's home country. Aided by discontented British tribes, he attacked Cassivellaunus in his strong fort in the marshes (probably at Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire) and drove the Britons out with heavy losses. Cassivellaunus sued for peace, which Caesar granted in return for hostages and an annual tribute.

Cassivellaunus, Cassibela(u)nus. Roman name for a British chieftain north of the Thames who commanded the forces resisting Caesar's second invasion (54 BC). He was defeated and sued for peace. Known as Cassibelen in Shakespeare's Cymbeline (1610–11), he may have contributed to the character of Caswallon in Welsh literature. Sometimes thought of as the brother of Lludd.

Cassivellaunus British chief or king. Cassivellaunus is known only from the war diaries of Julius Caesar and Dio Cassius' later derivative account of Caesar's invasions of 55 and 54 BC. Nevertheless, he may have been a key figure in south‐eastern Britain before the Roman conquest. His territory is described as beginning some 75 miles from the sea, and on the far side of the Thames. This places him in the Chilterns and suggests that he may have founded a kingdom there under the tribal name of the Catuvellauni. His abilities as a leader are confirmed by his selection by the British to lead the opposition to Caesar.