
audiobook
by T. Rice (Thomas Rice) Holmes
This volume offers a sweeping view of Britain’s earliest peoples, weaving together archaeological findings and historical narrative to reveal how the island’s culture evolved long before the Romans set foot on its shores. The author balances detailed descriptions of monuments such as Stonehenge and the enigmatic trading hub of Ictis with broader insights into the social customs, burial practices, and metalwork that defined prehistoric communities. By grounding the story in tangible evidence—from coinage to burial sites—the book paints a vivid portrait of a world that, while distant, still resonates with modern life.
The narrative then turns to Julius Caesar’s first expedition, recounting the limited intelligence he could gather from Gallic traders and his own observations upon landing. Readers are guided through the challenges Caesar faced in deciphering the island’s geography, tribal divisions, and fighting methods, all while the author scrutinizes long‑debated questions about the exact landing site and the identity of the ancient port known as Portus Itius. The work remains accessible, inviting anyone curious about Britain’s deep past to explore its foundations before the Roman conquest.
Language
en
Duration
~26 hours (1514K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Wayne Hammond and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2018-06-15
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1855–1933
Best known for vivid studies of Julius Caesar’s campaigns and the Roman Republic, this English historian wrote for readers who enjoy careful research and big historical questions. His books helped bring ancient Britain and classical history to a wide audience.
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