Roman Britain

The Roman conquest of Britain marked a significant transformation in British history, beginning with Julius Caesar's invasions and culminating in full conquest under Emperor Claudius.

Highlight: Hadrian's Wall, constructed in 122 AD, represented one of the ancient world's greatest engineering achievements.

Example: The Latin influence on British city names remains evident in suffixes like -caster, -chester, and -cester (Lancaster, Manchester, Gloucester).

Vocabulary: Londinium - The Roman name for London, established at the lowest bridging point of the Thames.

The Romans established:

• 9,600 kilometers of paved roads
• Military and administrative centers
• Cultural institutions
• Christianity as a religion

Anglo-Saxon Period and Christianization

The post-Roman period saw the emergence of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and the reintroduction of Christianity.

Definition: The Heptarchy refers to the seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms that dominated Britain in the early medieval period.

Highlight: Anglo-Saxon society was built on strong loyalty bonds between chiefs and their followers.

Example: Canterbury Cathedral's establishment in 602 AD marked a crucial point in England's Christian history.

The period witnessed:

• Migration of Jutes, Angles, and Saxons
• Formation of distinct kingdoms
• Wessex's eventual dominance in 829
• The successful Christian mission of Augustine

Quote: "Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 602, and Augustine became the first archbishop of Canterbury, the most important role within the England Church."