The Roman Invasion of Britain: 1st Century Conquest

Romans Invade Britain: AD 43 – The Beginning of Roman Britain

The Romans invaded England (Britain) in the 1st century AD. The conquest began in AD 43 under Emperor Claudius, commanded by General Aulus Plautius.

Campaign Timeline

• AD 43: 40,000+ legionaries/auxiliaries land (Richborough/Kent). Defeat Catuvellauni at Medway & Thames. Capture Camulodunum (Colchester). Claudius arrives for victory parade.
• AD 43–47: Rapid expansion: Legio II Augusta (Vespasian) subdues Southwest (20+ hillforts); Legio IX & XIV push to Lincoln, Leicester.
• AD 47–50: Fosse Way frontier established; client kingdoms (Iceni, Brigantes) managed.
• AD 60–61: Boudicca's Revolt – London, Colchester, Verulamium burned; crushed by Suetonius Paulinus.
• AD 70s–80s: Agricola campaigns in Wales, North, Scotland (Mons Graupius AD 83).
• AD 84: Roman occupation consolidates to Hadrian's Wall line (later).

Why Invade?

• Claudius needed military prestige.
• Mineral wealth (gold, silver, iron, tin).
• Strategic security (prevent Gaulish rebels using Britain as base).

Legacy

• 400 years of Roman rule: cities, roads, law, Latin, Christianity.
• Frontier zones (Hadrian's Wall, Antonine Wall) define northern England/Scotland border.
• Archaeology: Bath, York, Chester, London, Cirencester, Fishbourne.

The 1st-century invasion made Britain a Roman province—shaping the island's destiny for centuries.