The Druids made their final defense at the island of Anglesey which was then named Mona during the year 61 AD. The Roman Empire launched its most determined effort to destroy the religious and governmental center which British fighters used as their base.
The Battle of the Menai Strait (61 AD)
Roman Advance: Governor Gaius Suetonius Paulinus led Roman legions to cross the Menai Strait through flat-bottomed boats which transported infantry troops and swimming horses which carried cavalry units.
The Scene: According to Roman historian Tacitus the beach displayed a frightening formation of soldiers who faced the Roman troops while women in black robes with wild hair resembled Furies and Druids lifted their arms toward heaven while they shouted evil prayers.
Roman Paralysis and Victory: The spectacle brought Roman soldiers to a complete stop because they became frozen with fear. The legions under Paulinus' command launched their attack which resulted in the complete defeat of the defenders who suffered burns from their own defensive flames.
Destruction of Sacred Groves: The Romans carried out a deliberate destruction of the Druidic sacred oak forests which served as sites for Druidic human sacrifices and prophecy practices.
Aftermath and Historical Context
Boudicca’s Rebellion: The Roman victory ended when Paulinus learned about Boudicca's eastern British uprising which made him leave Anglesey to fight against the rebellion.
The island achieved complete pacification when Gnaeus Julius Agricola returned in 78 AD to eliminate the remaining Druidic organization in Wales.
The Llyn Cerrig Bach hoard which contains Iron Age weapons and artifacts discovered in a peat bog serves as evidence which shows the Druids made their last religious offerings before their defeat.
