Rouen

In Roman times, Rouen was an important center. Here ruled Carausius, a man who came from the region of present-day West Flanders, a Menapian. He rose through the ranks and would crown himself "Roman Emperor." Carausius was a Menapian, who distinguished himself during Maximianus' campaign in 286 against the Bagaudae rebels in northern Gaul. This success and his earlier profession as a pilot earned him an appointment as commander of the Classis Britannica, a Roman fleet stationed in the Channel, with the responsibility to eliminate Frankish and Saxon pirates who were troubling the coasts of Armorica and Gallia Belgica. However, he was suspected of holding back plundered treasures and allowing the pirates to conduct raids and enrich themselves before taking action against them. He is also said to have recruited former pirates as crew members for his fleet.

Around 293, Constantius Chlorus gained control over Northern Gaul and had recaptured the port of Gesoriacum (Boulogne-sur-Mer). He also had won the support of the Gallic legion. These strongholds were of great importance to Carausius. However, he was murdered in 293 by his steward Allectus.

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