Why did the Romans invade Britain? - Info sheet

The Roman invasion of Britain stands as a pivotal point in the rich tapestry of British history, leaving an indelible mark that has shaped the nation's language, culture, geography, architecture, and even its thought processes. Prior to the arrival of the Romans, Britain was a land under the dominion of various Celtic tribes. However, the expansionist ambitions of the Roman Empire, which had been growing its territories across Europe for over a century, turned towards the British Isles, lured by the promise of its abundant resources. Britain was known to possess valuable commodities such as gold, tin, iron, and cattle, which made it an attractive target for conquest. The pursuit of glory and the desire to annex Britain into the Roman Empire motivated many Roman emperors to attempt its invasion.

The initial Roman incursions into Britain were met with mixed success. In 54-55BC, Julius Caesar embarked on an invasion attempt that ultimately did not succeed in establishing Roman control. It wasn't until AD43 that the Roman Empire, under the command of Emperor Claudius, launched a decisive invasion. Roman forces landed on the beaches of Kent and, with relentless determination, spent the following year battling through the hillforts and suppressing the resistance of the native tribes. This military campaign marked the beginning of Roman occupation in southern England, which would lead to profound changes in the British way of life and set the stage for the Romanisation of Britain—a period of significant cultural and infrastructural transformation influenced by Roman customs, governance, and urban development.