Roman Britain

Period in British history from the two expeditions by Julius Caesar in 55 and 54 BC to the early 5th century AD. Roman relations with Britain began with Caesar's expeditions, but the actual conquest was not begun until AD 43. During the reign of the emperor Domitian, the governor of the province, Agricola, campaigned in Scotland. After several unsuccessful attempts to conquer Scotland, the northern frontier was fixed between the Solway and the Tyne at Hadrian's Wall.

The process of Romanization was enhanced by the establishment of Roman colonies and other major urban centres. Most notable was the city of Colchester (Camulodunum), which was the location of the temple dedicated to the Divine Claudius, and the focus of the revolt of Boudicca. Other settlements included London, York, Chester, St Albans, Lincoln, and Gloucester, as well as the spa at Bath, dedicated to the worship of Sulis Minerva, a combination of local and Roman deities. England was rapidly Romanized, but north of York few remains of Roman civilization have been found.

The province was garrisoned by three Roman legions based at Caerleon in South Wales, Chester, and York. These troops were supplemented by auxiliaries placed on the frontier regions such as Wales and northern Britain, especially along Hadrian's Wall. The development of the province was aided by the creation of a network of roads. These still form the basis of some of the main routes of the country, such as Watling Street from London to Wroxeter (near Shrewsbury), the Fosse Way which runs southwest through places such as Cirencester, and Ermine Street from London to Lincoln and York.

The Romans were quick to exploit the natural mineral resources of Britain, such as lead from the Mendips and Derbyshire, and even gold from Dolaucothi in southwest Wales.

During the 4th century Britain was raided by the Saxons, Picts, and Scots. The Roman armies were withdrawn in 407, and the emperor Honorius wrote a famous letter telling the province to look to its own defence, but there were partial reoccupations from 417 to about 427 and about 450.

For further details of early British history, see England: history to 1485, Wales: history to 1066, and Scotland: history to 1058.