From Pre-Celtic to Roman Britain
The history of Britain saw significant changes with the arrival of various peoples and cultures over time. This page covers the period from the pre-Celtic era to the Roman occupation and subsequent Anglo-Saxon migration.
The Celts were among the earliest known inhabitants of Britain, arriving from northwest Germany around 700 BC. They brought with them their distinct culture and language.
Highlight: The Celts were skilled farmers, hunters, and metal workers.
A crucial aspect of Celtic society was the role of the Druids.
Definition: Druids were Celtic priests who held multiple important roles in society.
The Druids served as judges, educators, and healers, making them highly respected figures in Celtic communities. Celtic religion was deeply connected to nature, with worship centered around natural elements like the sun, moon, trees, and rivers.
The Roman invasions marked a significant turning point in British history. There were two notable invasions:
- The first, led by Julius Caesar, is not considered a full conquest.
- The second, also under Julius Caesar in 23-47 AD, resulted in a more substantial Roman presence in Britain.
Highlight: The Romans were attracted to Britain due to its iron-rich soil and strategic position.
One of the most iconic remnants of Roman Britain is Hadrian's Wall, constructed in 122 AD under Emperor Hadrian's orders. This massive structure marked the northern border of Roman control in Britain.
Example: The Romans left a lasting impact on Britain's infrastructure, building over 9600 km of paved roads that remained in use for centuries.
The Romans also constructed aqueducts, bridges, and army camps. Many modern British town names still reflect their Roman origins, particularly those ending in "-caster" or "-chester", derived from the Latin "castra" meaning camp.
Example: Lancaster, Manchester, and Gloucester are examples of towns with names originating from Roman army camps.
Londinium, now known as London, was the most important Roman town in Britain.
Roman influence extended beyond infrastructure to culture, language, and religion. They introduced Latin and Christianity to the island.
Roman control of Britain ended in 409 AD when Roman forces were recalled to defend the Empire's borders elsewhere. This left the Romanized Celts vulnerable to invasions from Saxon tribes coming from the North Sea region of Europe.
The Anglo-Saxons began arriving in Britain during the 5th century, seeking farming land. Their society was organized around loyalty to family or clan, with the hall serving as the center of community life.
Definition: The hall was a gathering place where Anglo-Saxons pledged loyalty to their chiefs in exchange for protection.
A map included on the page illustrates the Anglo-Saxon migration in the 5th century, showing the movement of various tribes including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes from continental Europe to Britain.
