The Roman Invasion of Britain

9 Questions

What were some of the reasons why Julius Caesar decided to invade the island of Britain?

The Britons sent ships and warriors to help their relatives on the continent, and the island was an important provider of food.

What was the initial purpose of the Roman expedition to Britain in 55 BC?

To assess the military strength of the Celtic tribes and gather intelligence.

What strategy did the Romans use to govern their Celtic subjects in Britain?

Encouraging assimilation to Latin language and lifestyle, with incentives for tribal chiefs to become Roman at heart.

What characterized the Romano-Celtic culture developed by the Romans in Southern Britain?

A blend of Roman and Celtic influences, with Latin language and Roman governance.

What area roughly corresponds to the territory of modern England and Wales in terms of Roman occupation?

The area of Roman occupation corresponds roughly to the territory of modern England and Wales.

What was the final limit to the northern frontier of Roman occupation in Britain?

The wall designed by Emperor Hadrian and erected between 122 and 127AD.

Where did Roman civilization flourish in the occupied territories of Britain?

In the occupied territories, the Roman civilization flourished – the villas were plentiful, the cities were becoming larger, and the commerce developed.

What determined the course of history in Britain when the Roman Empire began to collapse and soldiers started to withdraw?

The topography of the island, owing to the geographical and cultural distinction between the occupied lowlands and unoccupied highlands.

What were some of the regions destined to be destroyed by Germanic invaders when the Roman Empire began to collapse?

The Latin districts, while elsewhere Celtic culture was destined to survive.

Study Notes

Julius Caesar's Invasion of Britain

Julius Caesar's decision to invade Britain was motivated by the need to cut off the supply of warriors and military aid to the Gauls, his enemies in France.

Initial Purpose of the Roman Expedition

The initial purpose of the Roman expedition to Britain in 55 BC was to conduct a reconnaissance and gather intelligence on the island.

Roman Governance of Celtic Subjects

The Romans used a strategy of indirect rule, where they allowed local Celtic tribes to govern themselves, but under Roman supervision and control.

Romano-Celtic Culture

The Romano-Celtic culture developed by the Romans in Southern Britain was characterized by the fusion of Roman and Celtic customs, language, and architecture.

Roman Occupation Territory

The Roman occupied territory roughly corresponds to the area of modern England and Wales.

Northern Frontier of Roman Occupation

The final limit to the northern frontier of Roman occupation in Britain was Hadrian's Wall, built in 122 AD.

Flourishing of Roman Civilization

Roman civilization flourished in the occupied territories of Britain, particularly in cities like Londinium (London), Camulodunum (Colchester), and Verulamium (St. Albans).

Course of History in Britain

The course of history in Britain was determined by the collapse of the Roman Empire and the subsequent withdrawal of Roman soldiers, which led to the fragmentation of the island into smaller kingdoms.

Regions Destined for Destruction

The regions destined to be destroyed by Germanic invaders when the Roman Empire began to collapse were the unprotected cities and settlements in the north and east of Britain, which were vulnerable to Anglo-Saxon and other barbarian invasions.