the roman conquest Flashcards
(20 cards)
- When did the Roman conquest of England begin?
43 CE, under Emperor Claudius
- What cultural and political impact did the Roman conquest have on Britain?
- Britain became part of the Roman Empire, with Roman laws, government, and cities introduced.
- The Romans built roads, towns, baths, and Hadrian’s Wall.
- Roman culture influenced language, architecture, religion, and trade.
- A mix of Roman and native (Celtic) cultures developed in many areas.
- What effect did Roman rule have on Scotland and Ireland?
- Scotland (Caledonia) resisted Roman control; the Romans never fully conquered it.
- Hadrian’s Wall was built to mark the Roman frontier in the north.
- Ireland was never invaded by the Romans, so it remained outside Roman influence.
- However, there was limited trade and contact with Roman Britain.
- Who were the Picts, and when did their kingdom appear?
- The Picts were a group of tribal peoples in northern Scotland.
- Their kingdom emerged around the 3rd century CE.
- Known for resisting Roman invasion and for their symbol stones (standing stones carved with mysterious symbols, animals, and patterns.) and warrior culture.
(“painted people”) was given by the Romans, likely referring to their tradition of body painting or tattooing.)
- Who led the first Roman invasion of Britain, and when did it occur?
- Julius Caesar led the first Roman invasions of Britain in 55 BCE and 54 BCE.
- These were brief expeditions and did not lead to permanent conquest.
- When did Emperor Claudius order a significant expedition against Britain?
- Emperor Claudius launched a full-scale invasion in 43 CE.
- This marked the beginning of permanent Roman rule in Britain
- How long did it take for the Romans to subdue much of Britain after the AD 43 expedition?
- It took the Romans around 30 years to conquer most of southern and central Britain.
- However, resistance in the north and west continued for much longer.
- What evidence indicates the rapid Romanization of Britain?
- Construction of Roman-style towns, roads, villas, baths, and amphitheatres.
- Adoption of Latin in administration and inscriptions
- Why were highlands and moorlands in northern and western regions less settled by the Romans?
These areas were difficult to farm, had harsh terrain and weather, and were home to hostile tribes.
* The Romans preferred more fertile, accessible lowlands.
- What were some factors contributing to the rapid Romanization of Britain?
- Urbanization (new towns and roads)
- Roman laws, language (Latin), and culture
- Adoption of Roman lifestyles by local elites
- Presence of Roman soldiers and settlers
- How did the Roman conquest affect trade patterns in Britain?
- Britain became part of the Roman trade network.
- Imported goods like wine, olive oil, pottery appeared.
- Exports included metals, wool, and grain.
- What were some key aspects of Roman influence on Britain’s social and economic structures?
- Rise of Large Landowners and Villa Farming
Wealthy local elites owned large estates after the Roman conquest.
They built Roman-style villas, which were big farms and homes.
Villas had slaves or workers and produced food and goods for trade.
- Growth of Towns as Centers of Trade and Administration
Romans built new towns like Londinium and improved others.
Towns had markets, baths, forums, and temples for trade and government.
Roman roads connected towns, making travel and trade easier.
- New Tax Systems and Currency Use
Romans introduced taxes paid in money or goods to support the army and roads.
Roman coins replaced barter and helped Britain join the Roman economy.
- Introduction of Slavery and Social Hierarchies
Slavery grew, with slaves working in farms, homes, and mines.
Society was divided into Roman officials, local elites, farmers, and slaves.
Roman citizenship became a status symbol for some Britons.
- What was the purpose of Hadrian’s Wall?
- Built to mark the northern boundary of Roman Britain (c. 122 CE)
- Controlled movement and trade
- Helped defend against northern tribes (like the Picts)
- Who invaded Britain in AD 43, and what was the outcome?
- The Romans, under Emperor Claudius, invaded in 43 CE.
- Britain became a Roman province, with long-term military occupation and Romanization
- Who initiated the decline of Roman influence in Britain, and how?
- The decline began in the late 4th century due to barbarian invasions, internal conflicts in the Roman Empire, and reduced military presence.
- Roman legions were recalled to defend other parts of the empire, leaving Britain vulnerable and increasingly independent.
The decline began under Emperor Honorius, who in 410 AD issued the Rescript of Honorius, telling the cities of Britain to defend themselves, formally ending Roman support. Before this, in 407 AD, the Roman general Constantine III withdrew troops from Britain to support his claim to the throne in Gaul, leaving the province militarily vulnerable. The Roman Empire was too weakened by internal strife and barbarian invasions (e.g. Visigoths, Vandals) to maintain distant provinces. Without military and administrative support, Roman rule in Britain collapsed.
- What was the significance of the Emperor Honorius’s communication in AD 410?
- In 410 AD, Emperor Honorius told the British cities to look after their own defense.
- This marked the official end of Roman rule in Britain, as the empire could no longer protect the province
- Who led the first Roman invasion of the British Isles, and what was its outcome?
- Julius Caesar led the first invasions in 55 and 54 BCE.
- They were short campaigns, and although Caesar claimed a form of submission, there was no lasting Roman control established at that time.
- What were some notable Roman towns in Britain, and how were they governed
- Londinium (London) – a trade and administrative hub
- Eboracum (York) – military and regional capital
- Verulamium (St Albans), Camulodunum (Colchester) – early administrative centers
- These towns were governed by local councils made up of wealthy citizens (often Romanized Britons) and followed Roman law and customs.
- Describe the social distinctions in Roman Britain.
- Roman officials and landowners held top power.
- Local elites who adopted Roman culture were respected.
- Free citizens included merchants, artisans, and farmers.
- Slaves made up the lowest class and worked in homes, mines, and farms.
Roman elites: Officials and landowners, wealthy citizens.
• Local elites: Tribal leaders who adopted Roman ways.
• Soldiers: Gained status; some earned citizenship.
• Townspeople: Traders, craftsmen, some citizens.
• Rural poor: Farmers, mostly non-citizens, less Romanized.
• Slaves: No rights; could be freed and gain status.
- What marked the end of significant Roman influence in Britain?
The Roman legions’ withdrawal in 410 AD marked the end of significant Roman influence in Britain.
