César’s analogue photographs from the Boris Johnson protests aimed to ‘stop the coup,’ reflecting widespread discontent and opposition to Johnson’s leadership and Brexit strategy. They serve as a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of political upheavals. In these images, the echoes of history resonate as they parallel the events of 409 AD when Britain slipped from the control of the Roman Empire, drawing an ironic connection between the modern-day struggle for political autonomy and the historical quest for independence.
Historical evidence suggests that late Roman Britain faced similar challenges to personal and group identities as those being stirred by the current Brexit debate. It is plausible that individuals who now align themselves as Leavers and Remainers would have engaged in fervent debates over issues like foreign immigration and the benefits of remaining within the Roman Empire had they lived in the 5th century. As we reflect on this historical parallel, it is crucial to consider the potential repercussions. We must hope that the more drastic transformations experienced in the 5th century, such as the decline of urban life and the collapse of a monetary economy, do not manifest as their 21st-century equivalents.