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Why did the Romans invade Britain?

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Where the Romans invaded Britain.

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The Roman invasion of Britain was a determined military and political effort to project Roman power in the Northeastern Atlantic.

Although Julius Caesar had visited Britain in 55BC (Before the birth of Christ) and reported that the soil was good, there was plenty of food and people that could be used as slaves, the Romans did not have a large enough army to invade and conquer Britain.

It was AD (Anno Domini [after the birth of Christ]) 43 before the Romans, under the Emperor Claudius, were ready to conquer Britain.

The Romans crossed the Channel from Boulogne and set up a base at Richborough in Kent. Different legions were sent to conquer different parts of Southern Britain. The 2nd legion set up their first base at Fishbourne, near Chichester in Sussex, then continued to Exeter where they set up their main base. The 20th legion, established their base at Colchester, the 14th legion at Leicester and the 9th at Longthorpe near Peterborough. Eleven British Kings surrendered to Claudius immediately while King Caratacus was easily defeated by the 20th legion and escaped to Wales.

By AD 47 half the country had been conquered but some Kings, like Caratacus still resisted the Romans. Caratacus lost another battle to the Romans near the river Severn in AD 51 but escaped again and hid in the camp of the Brigantes tribe. However, the Queen of the Brigantes told the Romans that Caratacus was hiding with them. The Romans captured Caratacus and sent him to Rome as a slave.

In AD 60, King Prastagus of the Iceni tribe, who had signed a peace treaty with the Romans, died. His wife, Boudicca, became Queen and intended to remain at peace with the Romans. However, the Romans said that all Prastagus's land and possessions now belonged to them. They attacked the Iceni tribe, took their land and Prastagus's two daughters. Boudicca was not happy and planned revenge on the Romans.

Boudicca joined forces with the Trinovantes and together they raised an army to fight the Romans. Boudicca's army captured and burned London, Colchester and St Albans. The Romans were forced to raise the largest army they had ever had to defeat Queen Boudicca. The Romans killed anyone who had fought them. Boudicca poisoned herself to prevent the Romans from capturing her.

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The Romans - Invasion of Britain - History

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The Roman invasion of Britain was a determined military and political effort to project Roman power in the Northeastern Atlantic. Although Julius Caesar had visited Britain in 55BC (Before the birth of Christ) and reported that the soil was good, there was plenty of food and people that could be used as slaves, the Romans did not have a large enough army to invade and conquer Britain.

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Roman Invasions and the Roman Empire.

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What is an Invasion?

An invasion is the movement of an armed force into another country with the intent to conquer or take over that country.

What Countries did the Romans Invade?

The Romans came from Italy and invaded many modern European countries and parts of North Africa. The following countries were invaded by the Romans: Britain, Austria, Corsica, Crete, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, Switzerland, Syria and Turkey

The Invasion of Britain

In 55 BCE the Roman leader, Julius Caesar, took his army across the English Channel with the intent to invade Britain. He wanted to make Britain part of the Roman Empire. However, this invasion was not successful and he returned to Rome.

In 54 BCE Caesar tried to invade Britain again, this time bringing a bigger army with 30,000 soldiers. Although the Romans had more advanced weapons, Caesar felt that the war would continue for a long time and decided to return to Rome.

In 43 CE the new Roman Emperor, Claudius, tried to invade Britain again. This was nearly 100 years after Caesar's failed attempts. Claudius brought with him four legions and finally managed to conquer the Southern half of Britain.

What did the Romans bring to Britain that still exists today?

Today many of the Roman influences still exist in our society, for example, many motorways that can be found in Britain exist upon the old Roman roads.

Hadrian's Wall was built in 122 CE by the Emperor Hadrian between England and Scotland with the intention of controlling the Celts and marking the boundary of the Roman Empire. It was also a display of power. Hadrian's wall can still be seen today.

Much of our language is based on Roman (Latin) words and the word Britain was in fact a word that was created by the Romans.
The Romans were the first to introduce coins for trading in Britain. Another thing that the Romans introduced to Britain was the building of towns.

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An invasion is the movement of an armed force into another country with the intent to conquer or take over that country. The Romans came from Italy and invaded many modern European countries and parts of North Africa.

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The Roman Invasion of Britain: When and Why?

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When did the Romans invade Britain?

Over the course of nearly one hundred years, the Romans attempted to invade Britain three times.

In 55 B.C. Julius Caesar invaded Britain with two Roman legions. The Romans fought several battles against different Celtic tribes before returning to Gaul (France).

In 54 B.C. Caesar returned to Britain with a much larger army. He crossed the English Channel with five Roman legions, landing near Deal in Kent. The Romans marched inland and crossed the river Thames. Again they fought against the Celtic tribesmen and demonstrated the strength and power of the Rome. Caesar agreed to leave Britain, but only if the tribes agreed to make a tribute (payment) to Rome.

In 43 A.D. Emperor Claudius launched a third and final invasion of Britain. Four Roman legions, led by General Aulus Plautius, landed in three locations on the coast of Britain - Richborough, Lympne and Dover. A large battle was fought between the Romans and the Celtic tribes near to the River Medway. The Romans emerged victorius, but it took many years to gain control of Britain, as many tribes (such as the Iceni led by Boudicca) continued to fight against Roman rule. The Roman invasion of Britain was a gradual process.

Between Caesar's second invasion and the final invasion under the Emperor Claudius, Roman traders and merchants had established trading relationships with the Celtic tribes living in Britain. As a result, some areas in the South of England were being influenced by the Romans and their culture before the final invasion.

Why did the Romans invade Britain?

The Romans were constantly making moves to extend the Roman Empire and push the boundaries of the land under Roman control. Having subdued the Celtic tribes in Gaul (modern day France), the Romans turned their attention to the tribes living in Britain. Britain was full of natural resources, and the Romans believed that it would be of great benefit to the Empire if the island could be successfully invaded.

What next? Find out more facts about the Romans, or learn about Boudicca, the leader of the Iceni tribe, who fought back against the Romans in East Anglia.

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The Roman Invasion of Britain: When and Why? - Primary Facts

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When did the Romans invade Britain? Over the course of nearly one hundred years, the Romans attempted to invade Britain three times. In 55 B.C. Julius Caesar invaded Britain with two Roman legions. The Romans fought several battles against different Celtic tribes before returning to Gaul (France). In 54 B.C.

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Facts about the Romans.

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Facts about Romans for Kids - Roman Britain Homework help

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Information, photographs and facts on Roman life in Britain for kids - including Roman food, Roman clothing and a large section on Roman soldiers.

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The Romans.

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BBC Bitesize - How the Romans conquered Britain.

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The Roman invasion of Britain could be the most significant event ever to happen to the British Isles.The Romans affected our language, our culture, our geography, our architecture and even the way we think.

Around 2,000 years ago, Britain was ruled by tribes of people called the  Celts. But this was about to change.

For around 100 years (a century), the Roman army had been building an empire across Europe.

The Romans wanted Britain's precious metals gold, tin and iron - and its cattle.

A number of Roman emperors wanted the glory of conquering Britain and adding it to the empire.

Video Transcript Video Transcript

Why did the Romans invade Britain?

Over 2,000 years ago, the Romans first arrived in Britain. Although that was way back in the past, many clues still survive which tell us what life was like during Roman times.

From the remains of ancient forts to the jewellery, letters and household items still being dug up by archaeologists today. We can find out brilliant details of what they ate, what their homes looked like and even what they did for fun.

And thanks to a book written all those years ago by the famous Roman commander, Julius Caesar, we also know one reason why the Romans wanted to come to Britain in the first place - they wanted to make use of the amazing natural resources to be found here.

Caesar wrote, " The Britons have a huge number of cattle, they use gold coins or iron bars as their money, and produce tin and iron." That description helps to explain why Caesar and his army decided to pile over here to Britain to try to invade. Rome wanted to get its hand on all those British resources to make itself even richer.

Back then, before the Romans invaded, we didn't have one king or queen ruling over the nation. Britain was made up of different groups, or tribes, known as the Celts or native Britons.

We get an idea of what the native Britons looked like thanks to a description of them in here. But do remember, of course, they were Caesar's enemy, so his opinion might be a little bit one-sided. " All Britons used woad to dye their bodies a blue colour, which makes them terrifying when they are fighting in battle."

The Celts also put lime in their hair to make it stiff and thick, which made them look even more ferocious. " They used their chariots in battle, steering them in all directions while hurling their weapons, generally causing the enemy to separate apart. Then one of the warriors leaps from the chariot and fights on foot."

It was all just too much for Caesar. He invaded the country twice, but he never actually managed to take over. That would have to wait until 100 years later when the Emperor Claudius tried again and this time, he succeeded. And that is how we became part of the Roman Empire.

Who attempted to invade Britain?

In 54-55BC Julius Caesar tried to invade but failed.

In AD43, ordered by Emperor Claudius, a big Roman army landed on the beaches in Kent.

Over the next year it battled inland, storming through hillforts and conquering anyone who stood in their way.

If the Celts made peace with the Romans, they agreed to obey Roman laws and pay taxes. In return, they could keep their kingdoms.

However, some Celtic leaders chose to fight.

After years of heavy taxes and the Romans taking their land, some Celtic tribes were desperate for revenge.

In AD60, one leader who chose to fight was  Queen Boudicca  of the Iceni tribe.

Video Transcript Video Transcript

Boudicca: I am Boudicca, Queen of the Iceni. When my husband died, he left his kingdom both to me and the Roman emperor, Nero, to share.

It was meant to keep the peace between us.

Narrator: It is 60AD. The Romans have invaded and taken over much of southern Britain.

Some of the native British tribes have agreed to support and work with the Romans, but others are not so happy.

The Roman army is heading to North Wales, but elsewhere, trouble is brewing - led by Boudicca.

Boudicca: But the Romans want it all!

Nero had me whipped in front of my people. He demands we pay taxes on land that belongs to us.

Beretta: She is magnificent.

Boudicca: Fight with us.

Beretta: I want to fight too. I want to be like Boudicca.

Beretta's Father: No, Beretta.

Beretta: You named me Beretta, Beretta means strong.

Beretta's Father: Yeah, that was a mistake.

Narrator: Beretta and her father follow Boudicca and her army. They head for Colchester, an important Roman town, and burn it to the ground.

Boudicca: What's your name?

Beretta: Beretta.

Boudicca: You live up to your name. And now, onto Londinium.

What did Boudicca do?

She raised a huge army and burned the Roman towns of Colchester and London, before heading north to St Albans.

When the Roman army heard about this, they turned back from Wales to face her.

Even though the Romans were outnumbered by Boudica's 200,000 warriors, they were better trained and had better armour. Both sides clashed in a fierce battle, but the Romans won.

Watch: What happened to Boudicca?

Video Transcript Video Transcript

Was Boudicca's rebellion a success?

After burning down Colchester, Boudicca's army destroyed the Roman town of London, before heading north to St Albans.

Meanwhile, the Roman army is busy conquering Wales. But messengers soon bring them news of Boudicca's campaign, and their plans are changed.

" The Britons have done too much damage. If we don't defeat them now, we will have to leave these islands and all the riches they contain. We must end their revolt once and for all. "

Native British warriors blow war horns, known as carnyx, to put fear into the Romans and are experts at driving two-wheeled chariots. They use iron-tipped spears and long slashing swords, but wear little armour. They don't fear death, believing they will come back braver and stronger in their next life.

" Charge! "

Roman soldiers are put into groups of around 6,000 men known as legions. The Roman army is well armed, very skilled at working together and heavily protected by armour.

Britons outnumber the Romans by up to 20-to-1, but the Roman soldiers are highly trained. Boudicca and the Britons are defeated. Around 80,000 Britons are killed. Rome will control most of Britain for the next 350 years.

" Welcome, men, this is Roman Britain. "

Over the next 300 years, Britain remained a peaceful and successful province of the Roman Empire.

New cities, roads, villas and baths were built.

Many Celts became Roman citizens and spoke Latin.

Activity 1: Roman emperors

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Activity 2: Quiz - Roman invasion of Britain

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When did the Romans come to Britain? Learn about the Romans and find out when they invaded Britain and who fought back with this BBC Bitesize year 5/6 primary history guide.