Roman Britain
British history
Roman Britain
Roman Britain was those parts of the island of Great Britain controlled by the Roman Empire
between 43 and about 410. The Romans referred to their province as Britannia. Prior to
the Roman invasion, Iron Age Britain already had cultural and economic links with Continental
Europe, but the invaders introduced new developments in agriculture, urbanization, industry
and architecture, leaving a legacy that is still apparent today.
Historical records beyond the initial invasion are sparse, although many Roman historians
mention the province in passing. Most of the knowledge of the period stems from
archaeological investigations and especially epigraphic evidence.
The invasion force in AD 43 was led by Aulus Plautius.It is not known how many Roman
legions were sent; only one legion, the II Augusta, commanded by the future emperor
Vespasian, ...