The same mighty sea has also in its arctic region, that is
in the north, a great island named Scandza, from which
my tale (by God's grace) shall take its beginning. For
the race whose origin you ask to know burst forth like a
swarm of bees from the midst of this island and came
into the land of Europe. But how or in what wise we
shall explain hereafter, if it be the Lord's will.

(BRITAIN)

[Sidenote: Caesar's two invasions of Britain B.C. 55-54]

II But now let me speak briefly as I can concerning 10
the island of Britain, which is situated in the bosom of
Ocean between Spain, Gaul and Germany. Although
Livy tells us that no one in former days sailed around
it, because of its great size, yet many writers have held
various opinions of it. It was long unapproached by
Roman arms, until Julius Caesar disclosed it by battles
fought for mere glory. In the busy age which followed
it became accessible to many through trade and by other
means. Thus it revealed more clearly its position, which
I shall here explain as I have found it in Greek and Latin
authors. Most of them say it is like a triangle pointing 11
between the north and west. Its widest angle faces the
mouths of the Rhine. Then the island shrinks in breadth
and recedes until it ends in two other angles. Its long
doubled side faces Gaul and Germany. Its greatest
breadth is said to be over two thousand three hundred