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 Heritages 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 how Roman bath-houses can reveal much about the culture and people of this 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.
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 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

The People of Birdoswald

Once sworn enemies of Rome, the Dacians – from modern-day Romania –became trusted protectors of Hadrian’s Wall. Explore their story and legacy.
Septimius Severus

Learn about the Roman emperor who conducted brutal military campaigns in Parthia and Britain, and left a lasting mark on Hadrian’s Wall.
Roman Coastal Defences and the Saxon Shore

Discover what we know about the Roman forts built along the coast of east and south-east England in the 3rd century AD.
Figurine of an African warrior

Recent research into a lead figurine of a black African discovered at Wall Roman Site has led to a reinterpretation of its identity.
The Corbridge Lion and Changing Beliefs in Roman Britain

The exquisite sculpted lion discovered at Corbridge Roman Site offers a tantalising glimpse into the changing beliefs of Romans living in Britain.
THE MANY FACES OF RICHBOROUGH

See some of the remarkable faces – of gods, monsters, men, women and animals – from the objects in Richborough Roman Fort’s museum.

Discovery and excavation

Uncovering the Secrets of Hadrian's Wall

The remains of Birdoswald Roman Fort have revealed more about Hadrian’s Wall and the people who lived there than any other site along the Wall.
THE RICHBOROUGH AMPHITHEATRE: DISCOVERY AND EXCAVATION

Excavations of Richborough’s Roman amphitheatre in 2021 produced some revolutionary results. Find out what the archaeologists discovered.
GATEWAY TO BRITANNIA: RICHBOROUGH’S ARCH

The story of Richborough’s monumental arch reveals the great importance of Richborough to the Romans as the gateway to Britannia.
The Mysterious Absence of Stables at Roman Cavalry Forts

Discover how excavations on Hadrian’s Wall have revealed why it has always been so difficult to discover where Roman soldiers kept their horses.

Listen to a podcast

Listen to these English Heritage Podcast episodes to explore the archaeological discoveries made at our Roman sites, and what they can tell us about life during the Roman period.

Discover Roman Britain with our full podcast playlist.