 These forts became defensive holding points for the rebel Carausius, who in 285 was given the task of solving the Saxon piracy problem in the English Channel.When Carausius was charged with keeping the pirates' booty for himself, he retreated to Britain and proclaimed himself Emperor.The revolt went on for almost 10 years while other Roman generals tried and failed to dislodge him, until he was eventually murdered by Allectus, one of his aides, in 293, and Britain was finally taken back by 296.