Highlights: Roman Britain

Imperialism

- Defined as “an unequal economic, cultural, & territorial relationship… based on domination.”

- Differentiated from migration and colonialism; imperialism is akin to a sustained raid rather than temporary presence.

Expansion of the Roman Republic to 44 BCE

- The Roman Republic was a dominant power and a significant threat to neighboring regions, including Gaul (modern-day France).

Julius Caesar

- First to invade the British region, credited with attempts in 55 and 54 BCE.

- Part of the political Triumvirate with Crassus and Pompey. His initial invasion failed, and subsequent attempts were hindered by supply issues.

- Military action by the Romans toward Britain did not resume until Claudius’s reign.

Emperor Claudius

- Unexpectedly became emperor; focused on military intervention in Britain to secure his power.

- Launched an invasion in 43 CE, deploying 40,000 troops to expand Roman control, starting with undefended locations.

- Successfully involved himself in battles, notably visiting Colchester on an elephant.

Boudicca’s Rebellion (60 CE)

- Following Claudius’s death in 54 CE, the region faced unrest under Nero’s rule.

- Boudicca d a major rebellion against Roman control but ultimately Roman forces maintained dominance.

Gnaeus Julius Agricola

- Served as Governor from 78-84 CE. His strategies were influenced by the Boudicca rebellion.

- Aimed to further expand Roman influence into Scotland, facing resistance from the Caledonii.

- Achieved a significant victory at the Battle of Mons Graupius but faced challenges that led to a withdrawal of troops under Emperor Domitian.

Hadrian’s Wall

- Constructed under Emperor Hadrian (117-138 CE) to fortify boundaries against the Caledonii.

- Built around 128 CE, featuring forts such as Housesteads that housed military personnel and civilians.

- Antonine Wall was later constructed, marking another attempt at northern expansion.

Daily Life in Roman Britain

- Governance under the Roman Empire involved local Roman officials, with about 4 to 6 million people living in the province, contributing to urbanization.

- Key towns included London (Londonium), York (Eboracum), and Silchester, each playing significant military and civilian roles.

Economy

- Roman Britain was integrated into the broader Roman economy, importing luxury goods and exporting natural resources.

- Key pottery styles included Castor Ware and New Forest Ware, indicating local craftsmanship.

Religion in Roman Britain

- A diverse religious landscape existed, with Celtic polytheism and Roman polytheism blending over time.

- Evidence of various gods and religious practices, including sacrifices in natural settings.

- Tensions existed between Druids and Roman authorities, especially concerning emperor worship.

New Religious Movements

- Mystery cults such as those dedicated to Serapis, Isis, and Mithras emerged, with evidence of their presence after 200 AD.

Christianity in Roman Britain

- Spread slowly, facing sporadic persecution for refusing emperor worship.

- Earliest records by Tertullian, Origen, and later Bede indicate Christian presence and martyrdom in Britain.

- Christianity gained legal status under Emperor Constantine in 312 CE.

Bede’s Ecclesiastical History of the English People

- Documents early Christian history and records martyrdoms, highlighting the establishment of Christianity during the Roman period.

Christian Councils and Heresies

- The Council of Arles in 314 established church hierarchy.

- Heresies such as Pelagianism and Arianism prompted reactions from various Church figures, emphasizing theological debates and conflicts.

Conclusion

The Roman influence in Britain transformed the region economically and culturally, leading to significant military engagements and societal changes. The introduction of Christianity, the complexities of governance, and the interactions between Roman authorities and local populations shaped early British history. The resistance against Roman rule, exemplified by figures like Boudicca, and the later emergence of Christianity laid foundational changes in the social and religious landscape of the British Isles.