AD 43-410 Roman

In AD 43 a Roman army landed on the southeast coast with four legions and about 20,000 auxiliary troops. The army rapidly overcame local tribes and advanced northwards and westwards, capturing key strongholds and making allies of friendly tribal rulers. The army used its bases in the southeast to conquer the southwest and, eventually, the area of modern Wales. Rebellious tribes such as the Iceni in the east and the Brigantes in the north were eventually pacified. The subdued Britons now became inhabitants of the province of Britannia, and part of the vast Roman Empire.

Some existing settlements grew into flourishing towns, but the Romans also founded new towns such as Camoludunum (Colchester), Isca Dumnoniorum (Exeter), Lindum (Lincoln) and Eboracum (York). Tribal nobles, particularly in the south, had traded with the Roman world before the conquest for luxuries like wine and fine pottery. Some of them now took to Roman urban living and some built large villa estates in the country.

During the 400 years of its existence, Roman Britannia suffered periods of unrest. The north was always at risk, particularly from the fierce tribes in Scotland. However, for much of the time large parts of the province were prosperous and peaceful. When the Roman administration withdrew in 410, pockets of urban life, even some of the villas, and the legacy of the Christian church survived into the Anglo-Saxon period.