Cassibellaun

Family: Britons · Role: brother of Lud · First appears: Book I 15–17

Cassibellaun was one of the three sons of Heli, alongside Lud and Nennius. After Lud’s death, because Lud’s sons Androgeus and Tenuantius were too young to govern, their uncle was made king: “their uncle Cassibellaun was preferred to the kingdom in their room.” Once crowned, he granted Androgeus Trinovantum and the dukedom of Kent, and Tenuantius the dukedom of Cornwall, while retaining sovereignty over them.

When Julius Caesar demanded tribute and submission to Rome, Cassibellaun rejected the demand and prepared Britain for resistance. His forces defeated Julius Caesar at the Thames; later, Cassibellaun fortified the cities, repaired the walls, armed the ports, and sank Roman ships on stakes in the river before defeating the surviving army. He rewarded those who had distinguished themselves in the victory, declaring to Julius Caesar, “Know then, Caesar, that we are ready to fight for that and our kingdom, if, as you threaten, you shall attempt to invade Britain.”

Cassibellaun later ordered Evelinus brought before him for punishment and threatened Androgeus’s country when Androgeus would not surrender him. He invaded and ravaged Androgeus’s provinces, but at Dorobernia Androgeus attacked his rear, forcing his army to flee. Cassibellaun then made peace with Julius Caesar and agreed to pay a yearly tribute; after seven years, he died and was buried at York. In the later account of the conflict against Modred, Cassibellaun is listed among the fallen on Arthur’s side, against Cheldric, Elasius, Egbrict, Bunignus, Gillapatric, Gillamor, Gistafel, and Gillarius.