Roman Britain
In AD 43, Britain became a province of the Roman Empire when it
was invaded by an army under the emperor Claudius. Its links with
the Empire, however, had already been long established through
trade, population movement and political alliances.
Nevertheless, there was understandably native resistance,
notably by Boudicca. But by the 70s AD, much of the island was
under Roman control.
Britannia, as it became known, covered the areas of modern
England and Wales. Modern Scotland was never fully conquered. By
the end of the second century AD, Hadrian’s Wall was the
northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire, whilst Ireland always
remained outside. Roman rule finally came to an end in the early
fifth century AD.
The British Museum collection includes thousands of objects that
reflect these four centuries of Roman rule, and show how Roman and
native culture became mixed. The Romans built towns and villas of
stone, brick, tile, plaster and mosaics, and roads to link them.
Latin became the official language, and the law, administrative
system and currency of Rome were all introduced.
The range of imports increased, and settlers arrived from other
Roman provinces in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Native
religions and classical beliefs became interlinked. Other cults
from the east were introduced, and Christianity became increasingly
popular in the fourth century AD.
All this created a complex and diverse society, which is
reflected by objects in the British Museum.
Image caption: Bronze head from a statue
of the Emperor Hadrian
Roman Britain, 2nd century AD. Found in the River Thames near
London Bridge (1834)