5 facts about the Roman occupation of Britain

The Roman occupation of Britain, which began in AD 43 under Emperor Claudius, lasted for nearly 400 years until around AD 410. During this period, the Romans established numerous settlements across Britain, including the founding of Londinium, which would later become the city of London. The Romans also constructed a vast network of roads that facilitated trade and military movement, many of which form the basis of modern British roadways. They introduced new agricultural techniques and crops, and Roman law and governance structures were implemented, significantly influencing British society.

In response to the Roman occupation, the Britons employed various resistance tactics. One of the most notable resistances was led by Boudica, queen of the Iceni tribe, who in AD 60 or 61 rebelled against the Romans, leading her forces to destroy Roman settlements including Londinium. The Druids, the spiritual leaders of the Celtic tribes, also opposed the Roman occupation, particularly on the island of Anglesey, which was a stronghold of Druidic resistance until it was overrun by the Romans. Guerrilla warfare tactics were used by various tribes, taking advantage of Britain's dense forests and challenging terrain. Britons also retreated to hill forts and other defensible positions in attempts to withstand Roman advances. Lastly, there were instances of passive resistance, such as non-compliance with Roman demands and the maintenance of traditional cultural practices.