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6000 BCE
The British Isles are formed as water levels rise separating them from mainland Europe.
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Period: 5000 BCE to 55 BCE
Stone Age Britain
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2200 BCE
The construction of Stonehenge is completed.
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Period: 800 BCE to 600 BCE
The Celts
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600 BCE
The Celtic peoples begin to arrive and establish their culture.
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55 BCE
Roman leader Julius Caesar invades Britain, but withdraws.
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Period: 55 BCE to 440
Roman Britain
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43
The Roman Empire invades Britain and makes Britannia a Roman province.
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50
The Romans found the city of Londinium (which later becomes London).
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122
Roman Emperor Hadrian orders the construction of Hadrian's Wall.
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410
The last of the Romans leave Britain.
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Period: 440 to 1066
Anglo-Saxon and Viking Period
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450
The Anglo-Saxons begin to settle in Britain. They rule much of the land until the Vikings arrive.
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597
Christianity is introduced by Saint Augustine
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617
The kingdom of Northumbria is established as the dominant kingdom.
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793
The Vikings first arrive.
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802
The kingdom of Wessex becomes the dominant kingdom.
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866
The Vikings invade Britain with a large army. They defeat Northumbria in 867.
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871
Alfred the Great becomes king of the Wessex.
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878
Alfred is nearly defeated by the Vikings. He narrowly escapes. Alfred gathers an army and defeats the Vikings at the Battle of Edington.
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926
The Saxons defeat the Vikings and retake the Danelaw.
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1016
The Danish conquer England and King Canute of Denmark becomes King of England.
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1066
The Norman Conquest occurs. William of Normandy becomes king.