British Towns and Villages Network

Timeline of Roman Britain ~ 0 - 450AD

 

   

 

 

For a period of nearly 500 years the Isle of Albion, named after the White Cliffs at Dover, was subject to the Rule of the Roman Emperors. Their interest stimulated due to the excellent natural resources namely tin, lead and gold. They brought much in return to an otherwise tribal country including the name "Brittannis" which remains with us today as Britain. Follow this link if you wish to find out what places where called in Roman times. You will also find that where known we include the Roman, or Latin, names of extant communities throughout the main pages of this site.

Below is the timeline of principle events that took place during the Roman Occupation of Britain.

Animated cartoon of a Roman Orator

 

PREVIOUS

 

     
~Year Date Occurrence Map Site

10

Cunobelinus, son of Tasciovanus and great-grandson of Cassivellanus who fought Julius Caesar now reigns over much of SE England

 

 

43

The invasion of Britain by Aulus Plautius for Emperor Claudius. Aulus became the first Governor

 

 

43

Start of the Romano-British architectural period (43-446)

 

 

45

The first Colonia founded at Colchester

Map Link

 

47

Ostorius Scapula becomes Governor. Fortress built at Cirencester

Map Link

 

52

Aulus Didius Gallus becomes Governor

 

 

59

Suetonius Paulinus becomes Governor

 

 

60

Tribes revolt under Boudicca

 

 

61

Petronius Turpilianus becomes Governor

 

 

63

Trebellius Maximus becomes Governor

 

 

67

Legio XIV withdrawn from Britain

 

 

68

Vettius Bolanus becomes Governor

 

 

71

Petillius Cerialis becomes Governor

 

 

74

Sexus Julius Frontinus becomes Governor and Legio II posted to Chester

Map Link

 

77

Gnaeus Julius Agricola becomes Governor

 

 

90

Legio II leaves Chester to be replaced by Legio XX

Map Link

 

96

Colonia founded at Lincoln

Map Link

 

97

Colonia founded at Gloucester

Map Link

 

98

Nepos becomes Governor

 

 

103

Neratius Marcellus becomes Governor

 

 

117

Pompeius Falco becomes Governor

 

 

121

Emperor Hadrian visits Britain

 

 

122

The beginning of Hadrian's Wall.

 

 

122

Platorius Nepos becomes Governor until 126 AD.

 

 

129

Forum dedicated to Emperor Hadrian completed at Wroxeter

Map Link

 

140

Q. Lollius Urbicus becomes Governor

 

 

142

Construction of the Antonine Wall

 

 

154

Q. Julius Verus becomes Governor

 

 

161

M. Statius Priscus becomes Governor

 

 

163

Sextus Calpurnius Agricola becomes Governor

 

 

177

Ulpius Marcellus becomes Governor

 

 

185

Helvius Pertinax becomes Governor

 

 

193

Albinus becomes Governor

 

 

196

Northern Britain overrun by Barbarians whilst Verius Lupius becomes Governor

 

 

208

Septimus Severus visits Britain to punish the Caledonians

 

 

220

York promoted from Municipium to Colonia

Map Link

 

287

Carausius breaks away the "Empire of Britain"

 

 

293

Carausius suppressed and is assassinated. His minister Allectus takes over the rebel forces

 

 

297

Constantius Chlorus lands in London, the revolt is over

Map Link

 

306

Constantius Chlorus's son Constantine proclaimed Emperor at York and becomes the first Christian Emperor

Map Link

 

367

Successful attack on Britain by the Picts

 

 

369

The Romans under Theodosius regain control of Britain

 

 

383

Hadrian's Wall is breached

 

 

388

Magnus Maximus withdraws Roman forces from Britain

 

 

406

Constantine III withdraws the last of the Roman Army from Britain

 

 

410

Alaric, the Goth, sacks Rome

 

 

446

Britain's last appeal to Rome for help goes unheeded

 

 

NEXT

       

 

Housesteads Fort, viewed from The Granaries, Northumberland Roman Centurion, Housesteads Fort, near Hexham © Graeme Peacock Arbeia Fort, South Shields, Tyne & Wear © Graeme Peacock View West from Milecastle 41 towards Cawfields, Northumberland

Housesteads Fort,
viewed from the granaries

Roman Centurion,
Housesteads Fort,
near Hexham

Arbeia Fort, South Shields

View West along Hadrian's Wall
from mile-castle 41 towards Cawfields

 

Photographs supplied by and ©Graeme Peacock Photographic Services>

 

 

Selected books on Roman Britain

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