Roman Britain and the Origins of London
The storia di Londra in breve begins with the Roman invasion of Britain. Julius Caesar first attempted to conquer Britain in 55-54 BC, but it wasn't until 43-47 AD that Emperor Claudius successfully conquered the country. This marked the beginning of Roman rule in Britain, which would last until 409 AD.
Highlight: The Romans had a significant impact on Britain's infrastructure, building public baths and an impressive 9,600 km of roads across the country.
The origine di Londra can be traced back to this Roman invasion. The Romans built the first London Bridge across the River Thames, which became a central point in their network of roads. A settlement grew on the north side of this bridge, which the Romans named Londinium. This settlement would eventually evolve into the modern city of London.
Vocabulary: Londinium - The Roman name for London, derived from a pre-Roman Celtic name.
One of the most important monuments from the Roman period is Hadrian's Wall, a defensive fortification built across the width of Britain. This impressive structure showcases the Romans' architectural and military prowess.
Example: The Vallo di Adriano (Hadrian's Wall) stretched for 117.5 km across northern England, from the River Tyne to the Solway Firth.
In 409 AD, the Romans withdrew their soldiers from Britain due to increasing pressure from barbarian raiders. This marked the end of Roman rule in Britain and paved the way for the next chapter in London's history.
Definition: Barbarian raiders - Non-Roman groups, often from Germanic tribes, who attacked and plundered Roman territories.
After the Romans left, Anglo-Saxons from Germany and Scandinavia began to settle in the area, marking the beginning of a new era in British history. This transition from Roman to Anglo-Saxon rule would significantly shape the future development of London and Britain as a whole.
Quote: "The origin of London can be traced to the Roman invasion." This statement underscores the profound impact that Roman occupation had on the founding and early development of London.
