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Arvirargus of Kent

Arvirargus (19-62 AD) was Duke of Kent from 35 to 62 AD. He was a leader of Britonnic resistance to the Roman conquest of Britain before allying with the Roman Empire, marrying the Roman emperor Claudius' daughter Genvissa and founding the city of Gloucester in Claudius' honor.

Biography[]

Arvirargus was born in 19 AD, the son of King Cunobelinus of the Britons and the brother of King Guiderius. After his brother's death in battle with the Romans, Arvirargus put on his brother's armor and led the army of Britons against the Romans. He killed the Roman general Lelius Hamo at a landing site which became known as Southampton in his honor, but the Roman emperor Claudius captured Portchester and forced Arvirargus to flee to Winchester. Claudius made peace with Arvirargus, who married one of Claudius' daughters, Genvissa, and he helped Claudius with his conquest of Orkney from the Picts; he later founded Gleawceaster (Gloucester), naming it after Claudius. Following Claudius' departure, Arvirargus rebuilt the Briton cities and became feared by his neighbors, and he then ceased paying tribute to the Roman Empire. Claudius responded by sending Vespasian to Britain, landing at Totnes in Devon. Arvirargus fought Vespasian to a draw at Exeter, and Genvissa negotiated a peace between the two men. Arvirargus reigned peacefully until his death in 62 AD.

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