Aulus Plautius

Plautius commanded the Roman invasion force of four legions that landed in Britain. He defeated the local tribes led by Caratacus at the Battle of the Medway and the Battle of the Thames, establishing a bridgehead for Roman conquest.

Plautius captured the tribal capital of the Catuvellauni at Camulodunum (modern Colchester). This victory broke the main resistance in southeastern Britain and allowed the Romans to establish a fortified base and administrative center.

Emperor Claudius appointed Plautius as the first Roman governor of the new province of Britannia. Plautius oversaw the initial organization of the province, including the establishment of a client kingdom for the Iceni and the construction of roads.

Plautius was granted an ovation (a lesser triumph) by Claudius for his conquest of Britain. He was the first Roman general to receive this honor for a campaign in Britain. The ovation included a procession and the display of captured spoils.