AD 43–410
What did the Romans leave behind?
The Romans stayed in Britain for about 400 years. During that time, they:
Built roads
Put up public buildings
Set up a system of law
Brought new plants and animals
Christianity also reached Britain during this time. The first Christian communities in Britain appeared in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD.
In AD 410, the Roman army left Britain to defend other parts of the empire, and it never came back.
With the Romans gone, Britain's door was open again. The next people to cross the sea were tribes from northern Europe, and the language they spoke would one day become English.
Quiz
Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE? Roman rule in Britain lasted roughly four centuries, ending when the Roman army pulled out in AD 410 to protect other parts of the empire.
True. From AD 43 to 410 is roughly 400 years. A trick to remember it: AD 43 and 410 both start with a 4, and about 400 years lie between them.
Key facts
| Hunter-gatherers | Britain's first people; in the Stone Age a land bridge joined Britain to the continent |
|---|---|
| 10,000 years ago | The Channel separated Britain from mainland Europe for good |
| 6,000 years ago | The first farmers arrived; their ancestors probably came from south-east Europe |
| Stonehenge | Wiltshire; a gathering place for seasonal ceremonies |
| Skara Brae | Orkney; northern Europe's best-preserved prehistoric village |
| Bronze Age | Began about 4,000 years ago; roundhouses, round barrows, fine work in bronze and gold |
| Iron Age | Iron tools, hill forts (Maiden Castle, Dorset), Celtic languages, the first coins with kings' names |
| 55 BC Julius Caesar | Invaded, without success |
| AD 43 Claudius | A successful invasion; the Romans occupied most of Britain |
| Boudicca | Queen of the Iceni in eastern England, who fought the Romans; her statue is by Westminster Bridge |
| Hadrian's Wall | Built to keep out the Picts; forts at Housesteads and Vindolanda; a World Heritage Site |
| AD 410 | The Romans stayed about 400 years (roads, buildings, law, plants and animals) and left in 410 |