The British Museum: Roman Britain

From the earliest of Caesar’s invasions to the break-up of the Western Empire, Rome’s occupation or involvement with the island of Britain spans a period of nearly five centuries. Overshadowing the years from AD 43 to AD 410, the Romans occupied or greatly influenced the British Isles. Referring to their province as Britannia, they introduced new methods of agriculture, industrialization, industry and architecture leaving a legacy that is still visible in some parts of Great Britain today. Although the island nation had been connected culturally and economically to continental Europe prior to this invasion, Roman occupation also secured a connection to continental Europe that would exist from that time forward.

Determined to take the islands of Britain and expand their ever growing empire, the Romans attacked the islands for the first time in 55 BC, led by Julius Caesar. Their goal was to gather information about the little known island nation and to punish their enemy, the Belgae who were residing along the southern coast. This initial invasion was wholly unsuccessful however, and, after only a few skirmishes, Caesar decided to withdraw his troops. Returning to Rome, Caesar relayed the knowledge that he had gained recalling previous ideas of Britain as a primitive island of brutal tribesman. It was not until nearly one hundred years later, however, that a second attempt would be made to incorporate it into the Empire (Hibbert 20).

The first successful Roman invasion was led by Aulus Plautius in 43 AD. The complete number of Roman legions sent is not recorded and only one legion is said to have actually attacked. The main reason for invading the island was actually to defend Roman interests in the nearby country of Gaul (now known as France), providing for an easier and more accessible route between a Roman headquarters and the province (Ireland 29). There was much resistance to the Roman invaders, but, the Britons could not withstand the might of Rome and they were overtaken.

Roman legions, fanning out from the southeastern corner where they initially attacked, subdued the lowland plains of Britain, easily, within five years. They began to lay down great military roads which radiated outward from London, which was established as a center. There were few revolts from the peoples of the northern lands, notably the Celt revolt of 60 AD led by Queen Boudicca, but they were all harshly repressed (Willson 10). All of the resistant tribes were ultimately pushed back into the bordering lands of Wales and Scotland while Rome assumed complete control of the English countryside and major cities. Rome had conquered yet another province by wielding their powerful sword and now controlled countries spanning from the northernmost to the southernmost provinces of Europe itself.

The towns and villages captured in the heart of England were gradually transformed into culturally and visibly Roman villages. Most towns were arranged in a Romanesque, grid-like pattern which can still be recognized in many cities. The Romans also built up towns from scratch and erected temples, basilicas, barracks, public offices, amphitheatres, baths and workshops. Not only did Roman architecture assume control over England, Roman religion and culture accompanied the invasion. Togas seem to have been worn, many ornate mosaic patterned floors were assembled and Latin became the official language of the country, though many people also spoke Celtic (Hibbert 23-24). To further instill the political control and power of central Rome mini statuettes of emperors and other important leaders were also produced and sent to the British Isles where they were displayed. These statuettes make up a majority of what has been found in the ruins of Roman towns.

Overall, Britain was part of the Roman Empire for almost 400 years, but for a number of reasons the permanent effects of the Roman occupation are relatively small. First and foremost, resistance from the north, which solicited the building of Hadrian’s Wall, resisted Roman culture during the entire scope of the invasion. The native population was able to remain predominantly Celtic. The impact of Rome was, no doubt, far greater in the south. As historian David Willson describes, “Roman civilization essentially became urban civilization” while most of the countryside was also able to retain Celtic culture (Willson 12). Yet, despite this overall lack of influence which would propel into the future, Roman occupation would change forever the structure and importance of British commerce and industry. Having been little known or explored by mainland Europe before the Roman invasion, Roman occupation would put Britain on the map as a place of resource and importance in commerce and trade.

Works Cited

Hibbert, Christopher. The Story of England. London: Phaidon Press Limited, 2006.

Ireland, S. Roman Britain. 2^nd ed. London: Routledge Press, 1986.

Willson, David Harris. A History of England. 2^nd ed. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc., 1972.