The Northern Advances

In the year 71 CE, the Roman Empire, under the leadership of Governor Quintus Petillius Cerialis, began its northern advances. The primary target of these advances was the territory of the Brigantes, a powerful Celtic tribe in what is now Northern England.

Cerialis, a seasoned military leader, had previously served in the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 CE and had been appointed governor of Britain in 71 CE. His appointment marked the beginning of a new phase in the Roman conquest of Britain.

The Brigantes Territory

The Brigantes were the largest and most powerful tribe in Britain at the time. Their territory stretched from the River Tyne to the River Humber, encompassing modern-day Yorkshire, Lancashire, and parts of Northumberland, Durham, and Cumbria.

Despite their strength and size, the Brigantes were not unified. They were a confederation of smaller tribes and clans, each with its own local ruler. This lack of unity made them vulnerable to the Roman advances.

The Roman Pressure

Cerialis's strategy was to apply pressure on the Brigantes, forcing them to submit to Roman rule. He led a series of military campaigns into Brigantes territory, establishing forts and garrisons along the way. These campaigns were marked by both military victories and diplomatic successes, as Cerialis managed to win over some of the local rulers.

Despite the resistance of some Brigantes factions, the Roman pressure eventually led to the submission of the Brigantes and the incorporation of their territory into the Roman Empire.

Sources

The main sources for this period are the writings of the Roman historian Tacitus, who was a contemporary of Cerialis.