Landing of Julius Caesar

Landing of Julius Caesar: John Leech, "Landing of Julius Caesar," The Comic History of England by Gilbert Abbott A'Beckett, 1864[?], engraved steel print on paper, Drew University Archives Special Collections 

 Roman general–and later emperor–Julius Caesar, during his conquest of Gaul in the first century BCE, made an effort to invade and conquer Britannia as well. Though unsuccessful (Rome would not conquer Britannia until the first century CE), this moment was a turning point in British history. In The Comic History of England, mid-19th century illustrator John Leech depicts this invasion with a landing of Roman troops engaging with native Britons. What is notable about this illustration is how the Roman troops are stylized. The Roman military officer fighting in the foreground is wearing a tall, tube-shaped hat similar to a shako, which was in fashion for European military officers at the time, including in England (Cattley 188). In addition, the foremost landing ship has two chimneys and is bellowing steam, similar to a steam ship. The illustrator stylized the Roman soldiers and ships to look more like those of 19th century Britain. This could be a political statement from the artist; by drawing a comparison between the conquests of the Roman Empire with those of the British Empire, he could be seeking to portray Britain as being equivalent to the Romans. By associating the Romans with the 19th-century British through this artistic styling, Leech glorifies Britain as a great power on par with the ancient Roman Empire.