Roman Invasion of Britain History Timeline and Biographies

55 BC

Julius Caesar's First Expedition

Julius Caesar conducted the first Roman incursion into Britain in 55 BC, marking the initial contact between the Romans and the British tribes. Although this expedition was brief and primarily exploratory, it laid the groundwork for future invasions by demonstrating the potential for conquest.

54 BC

Julius Caesar's Second Expedition

In 54 BC, Caesar returned to Britain with a larger force, achieving more significant military victories against various tribes. However, he ultimately withdrew, leaving Britain largely unconquered but more aware of Roman power and influence.

AD 43

Claudius' Invasion of Britain

Under Emperor Claudius, the Roman Invasion of Britain officially began in AD 43. A substantial military force was dispatched, leading to the rapid conquest of several key territories, including the establishment of a Roman presence in Camulodunum (modern Colchester), which became the first capital of Roman Britain.

AD 47

Consolidation of Roman Control

By AD 47, the Romans had gained control over much of southern Britain. They faced resistance from local tribes, but military campaigns helped solidify Roman authority in the region, paving the way for further expansion into the territory.

AD 60-61

Boudica's Revolt

In AD 60, Boudica, the queen of the Iceni tribe, led a significant uprising against Roman rule in Britain. The revolt was marked by the destruction of Roman settlements, including Londinium (London), but was ultimately quelled by Roman forces in AD 61, reaffirming their dominance in Britain.

AD 70s

Expansion into Wales and the North

During the 70s AD, the Romans continued their military campaigns, pushing into Wales and further north into present-day England. The conquest of the Brigantes tribe and the establishment of forts solidified Roman control in these regions as part of the ongoing Roman Invasion of Britain.

AD 79

Governor Agricola's Campaigns

The appointment of Gnaeus Julius Agricola as governor in AD 78 initiated a period of aggressive expansion in Britain. His campaigns from AD 79 onwards extended Roman influence into what is now Scotland, furthering the Roman Invasion of Britain and establishing a series of fortifications.

AD 84

Battle of Mons Graupius

In AD 84, Agricola achieved a decisive victory at the Battle of Mons Graupius against the Caledonian tribes. This battle marked one of the high points of Roman military success in Scotland during the Roman Invasion of Britain, although lasting control was difficult to maintain.

AD 122

Construction of Hadrian's Wall

In AD 122, Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of Hadrian's Wall, which marked the northern limit of Roman Britain. This monumental fortification was built to defend against tribes from the north and represented a significant point in the Roman Invasion of Britain, establishing a clear boundary of Roman influence.

AD 142

Construction of Antonine Wall

Following Hadrian's Wall, the Romans built the Antonine Wall in AD 142, extending Roman control further into Scotland. However, this was a temporary measure, and the Romans eventually retreated back to Hadrian's Wall, indicating the challenges faced during the Roman Invasion of Britain.

AD 197

The Rise of the Usurper Clodius Albinus

Clodius Albinus declared himself emperor in AD 197, leading to a civil war that affected Roman control in Britain. This period highlighted the complexities of governance during the Roman Invasion of Britain and the internal strife within the Roman Empire itself.

AD 306-337

Constantine the Great and Roman Britain

The rise of Constantine the Great, who was proclaimed emperor in York in AD 306, marked a significant period for Roman Britain. His reign saw increased stability and infrastructure development during the later years of the Roman Invasion of Britain.

AD 410

End of Roman Rule in Britain

In AD 410, Emperor Honorius sent a letter to the cities of Britain, effectively ending Roman rule and instructing them to look to their own defenses. This marked the conclusion of the Roman Invasion of Britain and the beginning of a new era in British history as Roman influence waned.

AD 410-500

Post-Roman Britain and Legacy of Roman Invasion

The period following the end of Roman rule saw the fragmentation of Britain into various kingdoms. However, the legacy of the Roman Invasion of Britain remained evident in the form of roads, architecture, and urban centers that continued to influence the development of medieval Britain.