I just joined and have lots of questions. I would like to know if there is any information on how Julius Caesar assembled a fleet to invade England. Did he have a new fleet built on the English Channel OR did he have Roman ships brought around from the Mediterranean to the English Channel for the invasion. Likewise how did Claudius accomplish his invasion a century or so later. ?? Does anyone have any info on this.
Another question is how did the Romans manage to move those obelisks from Egypt to Rome...solid stone weighing hundreds of tons?
For your British question, "Conquest: the Roman Invasion of Britian" by John Peddie, covers the planning and execution of the Claudius invasion very well.
In extremely brief summary: Ceasar had a cobbled together, mixed navy of Roman and local craft. Being heavily effected by storms during landings and withdrawal.
Claudius used significantly more planning. He brought boats up and supplies from across Gaul for months prior. Landing near 40,000 Romans ashore. He needed a political win, and used his logistical skills to ensure an effective and well developed invasion.