Finally, a large-limbed, fair-haired, fierce-eyed people invaded and
conquered the island. They came from the west of Europe. They made
their axes, swords, and spears of bronze,--a metal obtained by melting
and mingling copper and tin. These implements were far superior to
any made of stone.
The new people were good farmers; they exported grain, cattle, and
hides to Gaul (France), and mined and sold tin ore to merchants who
came by sea from the eastern shore of the Mediterranean.
This strong and energetic race, known as Celts, eventually called
themselves Britons. By the time they had adopted that name they had
made a great step forward, for they had learned how to mine and
manufacture iron,--the most useful metal known to man; from it they
forged scythes, swords, and spears.
Such were the people Caesar met when he invaded Britain, fifty-five
years before the beginning of the Christian era. The great Roman
general called the Britons "barbarians"; but they compelled him to
respect them, for they were a race of hard fighters, who fearlessly
faced even his veteran troops.