Not elder law: Astronomers challenge historians re: dates of Julian invasion of Britain

Julius Caesar’s invasion of Britain in 55 BC could not have occurredon the dates stated in most history books, a team of astronomers hasclaimed.The traditional view is that Caesar landed in Britain on 26-27 August,but researchers from Texas State University say this cannot be right.

Dr Donald Olson, an expert on tides, says that the English Channel was flowing the wrong way on these dates.  An invasion of the south coast at Deal on August 22-23 is favoured instead.  The claims appear in the latest issue of Sky & Telescope magazine.

Caesar came to Britain with 100 warships and two legions comprising10,000 men. But as he approached Dover’s white cliffs, spear-wieldingCeltic warriors lined up along the ridge, prompting the Roman leader tolook for a better landing spot.

He ordered his fleet to move along the coast, and after travelling about seven miles they came to “an open and flat shore”.

What has been a matter of some debate is whether Caesar sailed left or right and when exactly his armada landed.

Source:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7483566.stm