The mighty Claudius

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

I don't think Claudius even command troops, let alone fought in battle.

[Africanvs]

I don't think Claudius even command troops, let alone fought in battle.

1) All I have found so far is this from wikipedia. Source:

Claudius himself traveled to the island after the completion of initial offensives, bringing with him reinforcements and elephants. The latter must have made an impression on the Britons when they were used in the capture of Camulodunum. He left after 16 days, but remained in the provinces for some time. The Senate granted him a triumph for his efforts, as only members of the imperial family were allowed such honors. Claudius later lifted this restriction for some of his conquering generals. He was granted the honorific "Britannicus" but only accepted it on behalf of his son, never using the title himself.

2) That sounds much more likely than Claudius killing some chieftain 1-on-1. I always hate when I read something like this in a book because it makes me now doubt everything I have read.

3) Upon further research I have found that the chieftain in question who resisted Claudius' invasion of Britain would have had to be Caratacus. It seems he was taken to Rome as a prisoner, likely to be executed in a triumph, but allowed an audience with the senate he gave the following speech and was allowed to live in peace in Rome. The words of Caratacus according to Tacitus, The Annals, translated by A. J. Woodman, 2004.

"If the degree of my nobility and fortune had been matched by moderation in success, I would have come to this City as a friend rather than a captive, nor would you have disdained to receive with a treaty of peace one sprung from brilliant ancestors and commanding a great many nations. But my present lot, disfiguring as it is for me, is magnificent for you. I had horses, men, arms, and wealth: what wonder if I was unwilling to lose them? If you wish to command everyone, does it really follow that everyone should accept your slavery? If I were now being handed over as one who had surrendered immediately, neither my fortune nor your glory would have achieved brilliance. It is also true that in my case any reprisal will be followed by oblivion. On the other hand, if you preserve me safe and sound, I shall be an eternal example of your clemency."

4) It is said that Caratacus was so impressed with Rome he said the following: Tacitus, The Annals, translated by A. J. Woodman, 2004

"And can you, then, who have got such possessions and so many of them, covet our poor
tents?"

5) Then there is also this from the wiki entry Conquest of Britain.

Plautius halted and sent word for Claudius to join him for the final push. Cassius Dio presents this as Plautius needing the emperor's assistance to defeat the resurgent British, who were determined to avenge Togodumnus. However, Claudius was no military man. Claudius's arch says he received the surrender of eleven kings without any loss, and Suetonius says that Claudius received the surrender of the Britons without battle or bloodshed. It is likely that the Catuvellauni were already as good as beaten, allowing the emperor to appear as conqueror on the final march on Camulodunum. Cassius Dio relates that he brought war elephants, although no remains of them have been discovered in Britain, and heavy armaments which would have overawed any remaining native resistance. Eleven tribes of South East Britain surrendered to Claudius and the Romans prepared to move further west and north. The Romans established their new capital at Camulodunum and Claudius returned to Rome to celebrate his victory. Caratacus escaped and would continue the resistance further west.

Sources: Arch of Claudius, Suetonius, Claudius

6) One would think that if an emperor were to defeat a British Chieftain in single combat, whether the emperor was physically disabled or not, someone would mention it. Looks like I'll have to write a letter to Professor Bradford and ask him where the hell he got this information.