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55 BCE
Caesar's first raid
In August 55 B.C. (55 years before Jesus was born) the Roman general, Emperor Julius Caesar invaded Britain. He took with him two Roman legions. After winning several battles against the Celtic tribes (Britons) in south-east England he returned to France. -
54 BCE
Caesar's second raid
The following summer (in 54 B.C.) Caesar came to Britain again landing at Walmer near Deal in Kent. This time he brought with him no fewer than five legions (30,000 foot soldiers) and 2,000 cavalrymen (horse riders). This time the Romans crossed the River Thames. After more fighting, the British tribes promised to pay tribute to Rome and were then left in peace for nearly a century. -
43
Third and final invasion
Nearly one hundred years later, in 43 A.D. (43 years after Jesus was born), Emperor Claudius organised the final and successful Roman invasion of Britain. General Aulus Plautius led four legions with 25,000 men, plus an equal number of auxiliary soldiers. They crossed the Channel in three divisions, landing at Richborough, Dover, and Lympne. -
Period: 43 to 410
The Romans in Britain
The Romans tried to conquer Briatin -
61
Boudicca's rebellion
fter attempting to fully annexe East Anglia, Boudica leads a rebellion of the Iceni against the Romans. After burning down Colchester, London and St Albans, Boudica was eventually defeated at the Battle of Watling Street. -
70
Still fighting
Many tribes tried to resist the Romans. It took about four years for the invaders to finally gain control over southern England, and another 30 years for them to conquer all of the West Country and the mountains and valleys of Wales. The battle for Yorkshire and the remainder of northern England was still underway in AD 70. -
70
Why did the Romans leave Britain?
Their homes in Italy were being attacked by fierce tribes and every soldier was needed. -
80
Londium
London has grown to the point where it now houses a forum, basilica, governor's palace and even an amphitheatre. -
122
Hadrian's Wall
To strengthen the border between Roman-occupied Britain and Scotland, Emperor Hadrian orders the construction of a wall. Interestingly, many of the early forts along Hadrian's Wall face south into Brigantian territory, showing the ongoing threat posed by recently subverted tribes of northern England. -
Period: 139 to 140
The Antoine Wall
The Antonine Wall in Scotland is built, dramatically shifting the northern border of Roman occupied Britain. This new wall is built of earth and timber, and is strengthened by a series of forts along its length. -
209
Hadrian's wall peace treaty
After years of protracted conflict with the nothern tribes, the Romans lead an army to Hadrian's Wall border to engage the Caledonians. With the Romans aiming to meet the rebels in pitched battle, the Caledonians instead opt for guerilla warfare.
