In AD 43, under the orders of Emperor Claudius, the Romans conquered England and made it part of the Roman Empire. England was given a new Roman name, Britannia, and the first written records of England’s history began. The invasion was massive, similar in scale to the D-Day invasion of World War II after 1900. Thus began the 400-year period of Roman Britain.
If the great Julius Caesar had conquered England more than 90 years ago in 55 BC, it might have taken 500 years. However, his trip was more for personal gain and a PR exercise to convince the Romans that it was a good idea to go home and invade Britain. It took 100 years before the Romans re-invaded Britain. Emperor Claudius enters London triumphantly – on an elephant.
Within the first century of Roman occupation, they controlled much of what is now south-east England. There was some resistance, but none succeeded. They were supported by many Englishmen who already had some links to the empire through trade in Gaul (France).
The Romans were also very lax conquerors. It was not their way of forcing the people they conquered to follow Roman culture, beliefs or traditions, all they cared about was paying their taxes on time. These qualities of the conquerors made them easier for the populace to accept.
The Romans were largely successful in annexing England – although they never fully conquered it. They had to maintain a strong military presence, as spontaneous uprisings, rebellions, etc. – especially Queen Boudica – came from various tribes that had not yet been defeated.
Northern Britain, especially Scotland, and even Ireland and Wales in the west, were never fully conquered. In AD 122, Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of the now famous Hadrian’s Wall, which marked the northern border of the Roman Empire. Much of the wall is still standing today.
As the Roman Empire began to decline in other parts of the world, Roman troops were slowly brought back to Europe to assist with larger campaigns and threats to the crumbling empire. With only a cadre of troops left, the British decided in 409 to drive out the last remnants of Roman authority. Anglers, Saxons, Scots, and German tribes immediately invaded.
Britain actually wrote to the Roman Emperor Honorius for help in 410, less than a year after expelling her. But sadly, he famously wrote back telling them to “watch your defenses” and refusing to offer any help. That’s it – game over for Roman Britain.
Roman Britain is an exciting and dynamic part of British history. Her enduring legacy goes beyond the name “Britannia” and Hadrian’s Wall. They brought trade and exotic goods, as well as architecture, town planning and introduced Christianity. They built fortresses, roads, cities and palaces. They also provided locals with public services and buildings, such as amphitheatres and bathhouses, where they could relax and socialize. Most importantly, they left a sense of citizenship and nationhood for the first time in British history.
Directed by: Eric TenWolde
