Marcus Aurelius Mausaeus Carausius, British Emperor, 287 - 293

The origins of Carausius are unclear, but he seems to have been of Gallic or British birth. He was admiral of the fleet based at Gesoriacum (modern Boulogne), and was ordered by the Westen emperor Maximianus to clear the channel of Saxon and Frankish pirates. He appears, however, to have defeated the pirates, but kept the proceeds of their piracy for himself. Fearing the anger of Maximianus, Carausius declared himself emperor of Britain and Gaul. The western Caesar, Constantius I , won back the Gallic posessions, but Carausius remained unassailable in his island stronghold of Britain. He was murdered by his chief minister, Allectus in 293. Allectus then claimed the empire of Britain for himself.