Roman Rule in Britain c. 43 - 410 CE

Four Centuries of Empire at the Edge of the World

Illustration

Simeon Netchev
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published on 21 June 2023
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This map illustrates the expansion and administration of Roman rule in Britain between approximately 43 and 410 CE, tracing the transformation of the island into a Roman province. From initial military conquest to eventual withdrawal, Britannia became deeply integrated into the broader Roman world, both culturally and politically.

After Julius Caesar’s expeditions in 55 and 54 BCE across the Britannicus Oceanus (English Channel), nearly a century passed before Emperor Claudius (reign 41–54 CE) ordered the full-scale invasion of Britain in 43 CE. Roman rule introduced centralized governance, taxation, coinage, roads, towns, baths, and arenas. Over time, many Britons adopted Roman customs—wearing togas, speaking Latin, and enjoying imported luxuries. Roman control endured for almost four centuries, until relentless raids by Hibernians, Caledonians, Picts, and other northern groups strained imperial resources. In 410 CE, Emperor Honorius (reign 393–423 CE) withdrew the last Roman legions from Britain. However, not all Romans left—many veterans, administrators, and settlers remained, having no homeland to return to, marking a slow transition from Roman province to post-Roman society.

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About the Author

Simeon Netchev
Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history teacher, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. He believes every image should tell a story and invite interaction, while every map should lead on a journey — blending imagination with e

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APA Style

Netchev, S. (2023, June 21). Roman Rule in Britain c. 43 - 410 CE. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17564/roman-rule-in-britain-c-43---410-ce/

Chicago Style

Netchev, Simeon. "Roman Rule in Britain c. 43 - 410 CE." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified June 21, 2023. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17564/roman-rule-in-britain-c-43---410-ce/.

MLA Style

Netchev, Simeon. "Roman Rule in Britain c. 43 - 410 CE." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 21 Jun 2023, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17564/roman-rule-in-britain-c-43---410-ce/. Web. 18 May 2025.

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