The Influence of Romans on Britain

Introduction

• The Romans changed Britain significantly through conquest and colonization.

Roman Conquest of Britain

• AD 43: Roman Emperor Claudius invaded Britain with 40,000 soldiers.
• Motivation for Conquest:
  • To gain prestige and solidify Claudius's status.
  • Conquering allowed for acquiring wealth, slaves, and resources (lead, tin).
• Initial victories against tribes in the southeast; Claudius visited to celebrate.
• Some tribal leaders surrendered while others resisted, led by Druids and Queen Boudicca.

Resistance and Control

• AD 60: Boudicca led a major revolt against Roman rule.
• Romans defeated Boudicca, quelling resistance and destroying Druid influence.
• The Romans established control over most of Britain.

Roman Contributions to Infrastructure

• Military Engineering:
  • Roman soldiers built hundreds of forts across the province.
• Road Construction:
  • Over 8,000 miles of roads built in the 1st century AD; many modern roads follow these routes.
• Hadrian's Wall:
  • A significant structure, 73 miles long, up to 6 meters high and 3 meters thick, took 15,000 men 6 years to complete.

Urban Development

• Romans founded important towns:
  • London, York, Bath, Chester.
• Urban life included:
  • Shopping streets, temples, takeaway food, hotels, and public baths.
  • Entertainment included amphitheaters for executions and animal hunts.

Cultural Changes

• Introduction of new foods: apples, pears, plums, cucumbers, walnuts.
• New language: Latin.
• Innovations in farming, medicine, and pottery.
• Wealthy Roman Britons lived in luxury with grand houses, villas, and amenities like underfloor heating.

Life Post-Roman Departure

• 410 AD: Roman army left Britain.
• Results of Roman withdrawal:
  • Decline of Roman infrastructure: towns and forts abandoned, roads fell into disrepair, industries collapsed.
• Adaptation to new reality: new leaders emerged, farmers continued their work.
• After nearly 400 years, Roman Britain was left in ruins.