14 Aulus Plautius was the first
governor of consular rank, and Ostorius Scapula the next. Both were famous
soldiers, and by degrees the nearest portions of Britain were brought into the
condition of a province, and a colony of veterans was also introduced. Some of
the states were given to king Cogidumnus, who lived down to our day a most
faithful ally. So was maintained the ancient and long-recognised practice of
the Roman people, which seeks to secure among the instruments of dominion even
kings themselves. Soon after, Didius Gallus consolidated the conquests of his
predecessors, and advanced a very few positions into parts more remote, to gain
the credit of having enlarged the sphere of government. Didius was succeeded by
Veranius, who died within the year. Then Suetonius Paullinus enjoyed success
for two years; he subdued several tribes and strengthened our military posts.
Thus encouraged, he made an attempt on the island of Mona,
as a place from which the rebels drew reinforcements; but in doing this he left
his rear open to attack.
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