Romans

Roman Britain

Britain was part of the Roman Empire for over three and a half centuries. From the invasion under the emperor Claudius in AD 43 until rule from Rome ended in the early 5th century, the province of Britannia was part of a political union that covered most of Europe. 

Use the links below to discover the impact and legacy of the Roman era on the landscape, buildings, life and culture of Britain. You can also follow links to the many Roman sites that English Heritage cares for – from villas and towns to the forts along Hadrian’s Wall, the empire’s north-western frontier. 

Introduction to Roman Britain

Invasion and Conquest

  • The Roman invasion of Britain

    In AD 43 Emperor Claudius launched his invasion of Britain. Why did the Romans invade, where did they land, and how did their campaign progress?

  • Cartimandua – Queen of the Brigantes

    Ruler of the Brigantes, an Iron Age people of northern Britain, Cartimandua was an important ally of the Roman Empire during the conquest.

  • Emperor Hadrian

    Discover the man behind Hadrian’s Wall, which was the most impressive statement of his policy of securing the empire’s existing borders.  

  • Romans: War

    Find out how the Romans organised the army, how they controlled the northern frontier of their empire, and how they protected Britannia from attack. 

Life in Roman Britain

  • Roman Bathing

    Read about Roman bathing – an essential part of Roman life – and discover what Roman bath-houses reveal about the culture and people of the time.

  • Country Estates in Roman Britain

    An introduction to the design, development and purpose of Roman country villas, and the lifestyles of their owners.

  • Roads in Roman Britain

    Discover how, where and why a vast network of roads was built over the length and breadth of Roman Britain.

  • The Romans in the Lake District

    Find out about the network of forts and roads the Romans built in the Lake District to control this area on the empire’s frontier.

  • From across the Empire

    Explore a map of the Roman Empire to find out where some of the objects found at Richborough Roman Fort in Kent came from.

  • Roman Amphitheatres in Britain

    The amphitheatre came to British shores around AD 80–90. We chart the rise and fall of gladiators, games and amphitheatres in Britain. 

  • Roman Religion

    The Romans were tolerant of other religions, and sought to equate their own gods with those of the local population.

  • Daily Life in Roman Britain

    The daily experiences of most people in Britain were inevitably touched by its incorporation into the Roman Empire. 

  • Roman Food and Health

    Discover how the Roman conquest changed what people in Britain ate, and how they looked after their health. 

People and Stories

Discovery and excavation

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