Allectus

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Allectus. Imperial usurper based in Britain, ad 293–6. In 293 the western Roman empire was administered by Maximian and his junior Constantius Chlorus, and the usurper Carausius was operating in Britain and northern Gaul. In 293 Constantius took Boulogne, and Carausius was assassinated by his finance minister Allectus. Allectus himself then became a usurper. Recent archaeological excavations in London, south of St Paul's cathedral, indicate the presence of a palace which dendrochronological studies suggest dates to 293–4; Allectus may well have built it. In 296 Constantius invaded Britain and Allectus was slain in a battle near Silchester.

Eleanor Scott

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