Roman Sites and Roman Remains in Britain Aldborough Roman Site, Yorkshire Urban Centre Once the capital of a Romanised tribe of native Britons, visitors today can still see two beautiful Roman mosaics as well as the remains of the town wall and a museum exploring the history of the town. Ambleside Roman Fort, Cumbria Roman Fort Dating back to the reign of the Emperor Hadrian, this fort was originally built for two purposes; to protect the Ravenglass to Brougham Roman Road as well as acting as a supply base for Hadrian's Wall to the north. Aesica Roman Fort Hadrian's Wall Fort Excavated in the late 19th century, Aesica is the ninth fort on Hadrian's Wall. A Roman bathhouse has also been discovered a short distance south of the fort. Agricola's Ditch Roman Road / Ditch This enormous earthwork follows the route of Hadrian's Wall from coast to coast, although its purpose has long been argued. It is now thought that Agricola's Ditch (also known as the Vallum) was built as a boundary for the militarised zone around Hadrian's Wall, i.e. so that the local civilians would keep their distance!

Arbeia Roman Fort, Northumberland Hadrian's Wall Fort Once a maritime supply fort for Hadrian's Wall, today Arbeias barracks and gatehouse have been reconstructed and a museum set up to showcase the history of the site. Ardotalia, Derbyshire Roman Fort This unexcavated fort could have once housed up to 1000 troops and until the late 18th century, the stone remains could still be seen. Unfortunately the remains of the fort now lie underground although it is still possible to make out the ramparts. Beckfoot (Bibra) Fort, Cumbria Roman Villa Although the mighty Hadrian's Wall stood as the main defensive feature protecting the northern extent of the Roman Empire in Britain, the coastline close to the Scottish border was still exposed to attack. To plug this gap in their defences, the Romans built a series of milefortlets extending down the Cumbrian coast from Hadrian's Wall, linked by a road rather than a wall. Although many of these defences have now been lost, one of the major forts was located at Beckfort.

Now just a series of crop marks, the fort was manned by the Romans until around AD 407 and was once home to the Cohors II Pannoniorum, a 500-strong infantry unit from the province of Pannonia, now a region of the Czech Republic. Excavated in 1879, evidence of a civilian settlement, or vicus, was also uncovered. Bignor Roman Villa, Sussex Roman Villa Boasting some of the most complete Roman mosaics in the country, Bignor Roman Villa was discovered in 1811 by a local farmer and has been a popular visitor attraction ever since. The villa dates from around 200AD and was demolished or burnt down around 200 years later. Birdoswald Roman Fort, Cumbria Hadrian's Wall Fort This well preserved fort on Hadrian's Wall was built around 110AD and included barracks, granaries, officers mess and even an exercise building (i.e. a Roman gym). There is also a visitor centre which includes displays and artifacts from the fort, and rumour has it that the tea rooms here are also very good!

Binchester Roman Fort, County Durham Roman Fort This large Roman fort was established around AD80 as a defensive measure for the newly built Dere Street. There is still a wonderfully preserved stretch of Roman road at the site, as well as remains of a bath house with underfloor heating. Brading Roman Villa, Isle of Wight Roman Villa This large Roman villa and courtyard was built in the 1st century AD and despite frequent Anglo-Saxon raids and the occasional fire, remained in use until the 4th century AD. Today all of the 12 ground floor rooms can still be seen, including a fabulous mosaic in the main entertaining room. Bremenium, Northumberland Roman Fort Bremenium was once an extremely well defended Dere Street fort complete with artillery defences. Remains of catapult emplacements have been found, once used by the Romans to fire boulders at marauders coming down Dere Street from the north. Bremetennacum, Lancashire Roman Baths This cavalry fort actually sits in the middle of the modern day village of Ribchester. Although only small parts of the fort have been excavated, there have been some fantastic finds uncovered over the centuries including the Ribchester Hoard.

Burgh Castle, Suffolk Roman Fort This third century Saxon Shore Fort was built to defend the south coast of Britain against invaders from Denmark and Germany. Today the walls still stand up to an impressive 4 and half metres high. Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk Roman Fort Although nowhere near as well preserved as its neighbour Burgh Castle just a few miles away, this Saxon Shore Fort was partially excavated in the 1950s although much of the fort now lies under modern housing. The excavated part of the site is now managed by English Heritage and is open to the public free of charge. Caistor St. Edmund (Venta Icenorum), Norfolk Urban Centre Once the capital of the Iceni tribe (of Boudica fame), Venta Icenorum soon became one of the most important Roman settlements in East Anglia. Today the most visible part of the remains is the town wall which still stands at around 20 feet high. Much of the rest of the site still lies unexcavated. Calleva Atrebatum, Hampshire Urban Centre This relatively well preserved town is unique in that it did not become completely abandoned after the end of the Roman rule in Britain.

Instead, the Anglo-Saxons decided to make nearby Winchester their home, leaving the remarkably intact remains that can still be seen today, including the city walls and the amphitheatre. Camulodunum (Colchester), Colchester Urban Centre Camulodunum (or modern day Colchester) was the home of the first permanent Roman fortress to be built in Britain in AD 43. Over the next 400 years the fort grew into one of the largest Roman cities in the country and even, for a short time, the capital of Britain. If visiting, be sure to check out Balkerne Gate right next to the Hole in the Wall pub: this is the best preserved Roman gateway in Britain. Carrawbugh, Northumberland Roman Temple Once the most northern fort on Hadrian's Wall, today the only visible remains of Carrawburgh fort (a.k.a. Brocolitia) are earthworks and a small Temple of Mithras. The site of a small Roman town, fort, amphitheatre and mines. Only earthworks remain.

Chedworth Roman Villa, Gloucestershire Roman Villa Although the structure of this villa dates from around AD120, it went through a dramatic extension and improvement in around AD310. Today the site is managed by the National Trust and is one of the largest villas of its type in the UK. Be sure to look out for the amazing mosaics, some of which were unearthed as recently as 2011. Chester Roman Amphitheatre, Cheshire Roman Amphitheatre Currently the largest amphitheatre ever found in Britain, only half of the site has actually been excavated. It is thought that the arena was rebuilt more than once, and that the remains of the current amphitheatre date from around 280AD. At its peak, the amphitheatre could have seated up to 8,000 people. Chesters Bridge , Northumberland Roman Bridge This Roman bridge would have spanned the North Tyne River for some 60 metres, carrying the weight of both a military road and Hadrian's Wall upon its arches. Unfortunately very little remains of the western side of the support abutments, but on the eastern side there is still considerable stonework to be seen.

Chichester City Walls, Chichester Roman Wall A surprisingly large amount of the original Roman core remains in Chichester's city walls, although most of the visible stonework is the result of 18th century restoration. Cilurnum, Nothumberland Hadrian's Wall Fort Cilurnum was the supporting fort to Chesters Bridge, and today is considered the best preserved Roman fort along Hadrian's Wall. There is also a museum at the site which houses a collection of Roman finds from the nearby area. Cirencester Roman Amphitheatre, Gloucestershire Roman Amphitheatre The remains of one of the largest Roman amphitheatres ever found in Britain although unfortunately no stonework can be seen, only earthworks. At its height the amphitheatre could have seated over 8,000 people. Concangis, County Durham Roman Fort Little remains of this Dere Street fort except for a small excavation of the officers quarters which is located in the centre of Chester Le Street. Corbridge Roman Site, Nothumberland Urban Centre Starting life as a Hadrian's Wall fort, Cordbridge developed into a large civilian centre sometime in the late 2nd century AD.

Amongst the remains here are some of the best surviving examples of military granaries in Britain. There is also a museum on the site which displays the Corbridge Hoard. Crofton Roman Villa, Kent Roman Villa The only publicly accessible Roman villa in London, Crofton is situated next door to Orpington Station and features some quite substantial remains including tessellated floors and a hypocaust. There is also a museum on site. Cunetio, Wiltshire Urban Centre First discovered in the 1940s, Cunetio was a Roman town between the 2nd and 5th century AD. Today all of the remains lay underground with only minor earthworks being visible. Dere Street Roman Road Dere Street was once the main supply route and only major road between York, Hadrian's Wall and onwards to the Antonine Wall in Scotland. Today the route is still used by many major roads including the A1, although the occasional Roman milestone still remains. There are also sections of the original Dere Street which have not been built on, such as at West Woodburn in Northumberland and Gilston in Scotland.

Devils Causeway, Northumberland Roman Road A spur road leading from Dere Street to Berwick-upon-Tweet, the route of which can still be made out in several places. Dubris, Kent Urban Centre and Roman Lighthouse Dubris, now known as Dover, was one of the most important sites in Roman Britain. Originally a base for the Roman fleet of the Classic Britannica (a branch of the navy designed to protect the English Channel), the town quickly grew into a major trading centre due to both its proximity to Gaul and its positioning at the start of Watling Street. Today there are considerable remains of both a Roman villa and the west wall of a fort at the Roman Painted House (which also includes a museum). The remains of a Roman lighthouse can also be seen within the grounds of Dover Castle. Durovernum Cantiacorum (Canterbury) Urban Centre (User Submitted) Once the capital of a Celtic tribe called the Cantiaci, Canterbury was captured by the Romans in the 1st century AD and renamed Durovernum Cantiacorum (meaning 'stronghold of the Cantiaci').

By the 3rd century AD the city had been rebuilt and grown into an area of around 130 acres, enclosed by a massive city wall with seven gates and a substantial earth bank. Unfortunately not much remains of Roman Canterbury, however sections of the original city wall around the North Gate area can still be seen. There is also a Roman gate still visible, albeit blocked up and incorporated into the medieval city walls. If visiting, be sure to stop in at the Roman Museum which, amongst a host of finds from the city, includes an in situ mosaic dating from the late 2nd century AD. Eboracum (York) Urban Centre (User Submitted) Founded in AD71, Eboracum started out as a Roman fort but soon grew into a urban centre with residents from throughout the Roman Empire. Remains that can be seen today include the military headquarters which is open to the public and located underneath modern day York Minster, as well as a Roman bath (located under the Roman Bath pub in St Sampson's Square), a temple and a portion of city wall in the Museum Gardens known as the Multangular Tower.

Epiacum (Whitley Castle), Cumbria Roman Fort This peculiar lozenge shaped fort was thought to have protected Roman lead mine interests in the area, as well as acting as a support fort for nearby Hadrian's Wall. The site is currently unexcavated but is popular with mole hill archaeologists, i.e. rummaging through mole hills looking for Roman remains! Ermine Street Roman Road A major Roman road that ran from London to York via Lincoln. Most of the route has now been incorporated into the A1, but there are still parts (namely just south of Lincoln) where the original Roman road is a public footpath. Exeter City Wall, Devon Roman Wall Over 70% of the original Exeter city wall still exists, and although much of it dates from Anglo-Saxon and medieval times, there are still large portions of the original Roman stonework. Fishbourne Roman Palace, West Sussex Roman Villa Larger than Buckingham Palace and easily the largest Roman residence north of the Alps, Fishbourne Roman Palace was built in the 1st century AD although it is not known who for. Today there are some fantastic mosaics on display, as well as a museum and a reconstructed Roman garden.

Fosse Way Roman Road The Fosse Way was one of the most important Roman roads in Britain, linking Exeter, Bath, Cirencester, Leicester and ending in Lincoln. Many sections of the road are now public footpaths. Gabrosentum, Cumbria Roman Fort and Civilian Settlement This former fort and adjoining settlement was built during Emperor Hadrian's reign and was in use until the late 4th century AD. Excavations have revealed official buildings including the commanding officers house, as well as numerous civilian buildings, a fort and a small natural harbour. Gadebridge Roman Villa, Hertfordshire Roman Villa Excavated in the 1960s and again in 2000, Gatesbridge Villa once housed the second largest swimming baths ever found in Britain. Now that the excavations have been completed the villa has been recovered with grassland. Great Witcombe Roman Villa, Gloucestershire Roman Villa Built in the first century AD, it is thought that Great Witcombe Villa once housed a fabulous water garden. Today the remains consist of a latrine, bath house and hypocaust, as well as the outline of the walls of the villa and a mosaic floor.

Habitancum, Northumberland Roman Fort Only ditches and a small amount of stonework at the north-eastern corner of this Dere Street fort can still be seen. Hadrian's Wall, North of England Roman Wall Hadrian's Wall is the most prominent and important monument left by the Romans in Britain, spanning the entire width of the country. Read our full article about Hadrian's Wall here . Halton Chesters, Northumberland Hadrian's Wall Fort Located at the juncture of Hadrian's Wall and Dere Street lies Halton Chesters Fort (also known as Hunnum), although only earthworks can still be seen. Originally an Iron Age hill fort, the Romans captured the site from the Britons in AD45. Hardknott Roman Fort , Cumbria Roman Fort Built between AD120 and AD138 during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, Hardknott Fort (Mediobogdum) appears to have been occupied initially only briefly before being re-occupied probably in the late 2nd century. It housed a cohort of 500 men, the fourth Cohort of Dalmatians, infantry soldiers from Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro.

Read our full article on Hardknott Roman Fort here . Housesteads, Northumberland Roman Fort Built to house around 800 soldiers, Housesteads is one of a series of Hadrian's Wall forts and is relatively well preserved. In fact, rumour has it that Housesteads boasts the best preserved Roman latrine in all of Britain! Jewry Wall, Leicester Public Building Standing up to 8 metres high, this strikingly well preserved wall was once part of a Roman bath house. The reason it has survived for almost 2000 years is that the wall was once used in the structure of a nearby church. Letocetum, Staffordshire Urban Centre Letocetum was once a significant Roman settlement with temples, villas, a basilica, forum and amphitheatre. Although the majority of the remains now lie under the modern village of Wall, a bath house and official stopping place (mansio) can still be seen. Littlecote Roman Villa, Wiltshire Roman Villa The remains of Littlecote Roman Villa is perhaps most famous for its well preserved Orpheus mosaic which dates from the latter half of the 4th century AD.

London Wall, London Roman Wall From around 200 AD, the shape of London was defined by one single structure; it’s massive city wall. Lost for centuries, many sections of the wall were uncovered during WW2 bombing and can now be seen from Tower Bridge all of the way to Farringdon. Click here for our full walking guide. Longovicium, County Durham Roman Fort Yet another Dere Street fort, Longovicium is situated some 20 miles south of Hadrian's Wall. Although it is not currently open the public, there are plans by local authorities, Durham and Newcastle Universities and English Heritage to allow public access to the site. Lullingstone Roman Villa, Kent Roman Villa Built in around 100AD, Lullingstone Villa is a family friendly site boasting fantastic mosaics and wall paintings, as well as the remains of a bath-suite and temple. Lunt Fort, Warwickshire Roman Fort Built in AD60 to support the Roman army in their campaign against Boudica and the Iceni, Lunt Roman Fort has now been fully excavated and is open to the public.

The fantastic wooden gateway was built in the 1970s with the same tools and equipment as would have been used by the Romans. Lydney Park, Gloucestershire Roman Temple Once a Iron Age fort, Lydney Park was used by the Romans for the mining of iron ore. In the 4th century AD a temple was built on the site, the remains of which can still be seen today. Carvoran Roman Fort, Northumberland Hadrian's Wall Fort One of sixteen forts along Hadrian's Wall, Carvoran is not the most spectacular or most excavated site in the area, but it is the home to the Roman Army Museum which is well worth a visit. Highfield Barrow, Hemel Hempstead Roman Barrow (User submitted by Stephanie Nield) This well preserved Roman barrow is at the junction of Queensway and High Street Green in Hemel Hempstead, and although not currently open to the public it can be seen from the side of the road. Maryport (Alauna) Fort & Senhouse Roman Museum, Cumbria Roman Fort An early Roman fort, rebuilt around AD122 as a supply base for the coastal defences of the mighty Hadrian's Wall.

The coastline to the south of the wall being vunerable to attack was defended by a series of Roman milefortlets extending down the Cumbrian coast. Maryport represents the southernmost fort of these defences, guarding a crossing of the Solway Firth. An observation tower in the museum grounds reveals the extensive remains of the site. Restricted opening times and entrance charges apply. Milefortlet 21 Hadrian's Wall Fortlet Although the mighty Hadrian's Wall stood as the main defensive feature protecting the northern extent of the Roman Empire in Britain, the coastline close to the Scottish border was still exposed to attack. To plug this gap in their defences, the Romans built a series of milefortlets extending down the Cumbrian coast from Hadrian's Wall. Although many of these defences have now been lost, including the watchtowers that stood between each milefortlet, Milefortlet 21 is the first to be fully excavated. Free and open access at any reasonable time.

Moresby (Gabrosentum) Fort, Cumbria Hadrian's Wall Milefortlet Although the mighty Hadrian's Wall stood as the main defensive feature protecting the northern extent of the Roman Empire in Britain, the coastline close to the Scottish border was still exposed to attack. To plug this gap in their defences, the Romans built a series of milefortlets extending down the Cumbrian coast from Hadrian's Wall, linked by a road rather than a wall. Many of these defences have now been lost, and only the earthwork remains of Gabrosentum are visible. Occupied until the early 4th century, St Bridget’s church and graveyard now stand on the north-east corner of the fort. Newport Arch / Lincoln City Wall, Lincoln City Wall and Arch Newport Arch was built in the 3rd century to carry Ermine Street through the city of Lincoln and is still used by traffic today. There is also a small section of Roman city wall to the east of the arch. Noveum Museum & Roman Baths, Chichester Public Baths A purpose built museum designed to show the remains of the city’s Roman bath house, previously hidden under a car park.

Excavated in 1975, the public baths served the local Romano-British community between the 2nd and 5th centuries. The museum also includes other collections, charting the social history, archaeology and geology of region. Restricted opening hours and entrance charges apply. Pevensey Roman Fort, East Sussex Roman Fort This Saxon Shore Fort was built around AD290, and although most of the structure dates from the medieval times there is significant Roman masonry in the outer curtain wall. Piddington Roman Villa, Northamptonshire Roman Villa and Museum This Roman villa was discovered by workmen in 1781 when they uncovered a complete mosaic. Unfortunately when the local townspeople of Northampton came along to see the mosaic they decided to break it up and take it away as souvenirs! Recently a museum was set up on the site displaying a host of finds and remains from the villa. Piercebridge Roman Bridge, County Durham Roman Bridge The remains of a Roman Bridge which once led into Piercebridge Roman Fort from across the River Tees. Large masonry blocks and one of the bridge abutments can still be seen to this day.

Piercebridge Roman Fort, County Durham Roman Fort Piercebridge is the southernmost of the Dere Street forts, the main road linking York to Hadrian's Wall and on to the Antonine Wall. Plumpton (Voreda) Fort Roman Fort With the earthworks still clearly visible from the adjacent A6, the fort was built upon the old Roman road that ran northwards to Hadrian’s Wall. Occupied between the first and fourth centuries, it is thought the fort was built by the 2nd Cohort of Gauls, or Cohors II Gallorum, a mounted cavalry unit recruited from the Gallic tribes of northern France. Although excavations around the fort have revealed the existence of a large civil settlement or vicus, we can find no evidence of this from the satellite image... but don’t just take our word for it, take a look for yourself! Portchester Roman Fort, Hampshire Roman Fort The best preserved of all of the Roman Saxon Shore Forts, Portchester Fort (also known as Portus Adurni) appears almost as it did the day it was built… at least from a distance!

Only four bastions have been lost in the past 1600 years, whilst inside the Roman perimeter walls is a Norman stronghold. Ravenglass Bath House, Cumbria Roman Bath House With its stone walls still standing at almost 4m high, the ruined bath house stands outside the nearby 2nd century Ravenglass Roman fort. Although now on private land, the earthwork remains of the fort are still visible from the bath house. Originally of turf and timber construction, the fort served as an important naval base guarding the nearby harbour. Free and open access at any reasonable time. Rockbourne Roman Villa, Hampshire Roman Villa This courtyard villa includes fabulous Roman mosaics, a bath house, living quarters, workshops and underfloor heating. There is also a museum of the site which includes artefacts from the villa. Roman Baths, Bath Roman Baths The Roman Baths and magnificent Temple were built around the natural hot spring which rises at 46°C and were at the centre of Roman life in Aquae Sulis between the first and fifth centuries. The remains are remarkably complete and include sculpture, coins, jewellery and the bronze head of the goddess Sulis Minerva.

Richborough Castle, Kent Roman Fort Situated on the site where the Romans first invaded Britain in 43AD, Richborough Castle was built in the late 3rd century as a Saxon Shore Fort. The castle is now managed by English Heritage and in places the walls stand at around 20 feet high. Segedunum Roman Fort, North Tyneside Hadrian's Wall Fort Lying at the eastern corner of Hadrian's Wall, Segedunum is the most thoroughly excavated Roman fort in the country. Unfortunately only the foundations of the fort still remain, although there is also a modern reconstruction of the military bath house. Stanegate, Cumbria / Northumberland Roman Road Stanegate Roman Road was built in around AD80 to link together two major forts but only became a frontier road after the withdrawal from Scotland in 105AD. The original path of Stanegate, including milestones, can still be seen in locations such as Corbridge and Vindolanda. Temple of Mithras, London Roman Temple During the post-war reconstruction of London, an archaeological treasure was found amongst all of the rubble and debris; the Roman Temple of Mithras.

Click here to read our full article about this site. Tripontium, Warwickshire Urban Centre Situated around three miles from the town of Rugby, Tripontium was originally a frontier fort built in AD50 to support the Roman invasion to the north. The following centuries saw the site grow in size and become one of the most important towns in the area. Unfortunately the site is not open to the public after excavations were completed in 2006. Verulamium, Hertfordshire Urban Centre Verulamium was settled in the first 10 years of the Roman occupation of Britain and was granted city-like status in AD50. In AD61 Boudica sacked the city and burnt it to the ground but it was soon rebuilt after the Iceni uprising had been quelled. Remains that are now visible include city walls and a theatre, although the majority of the old Roman city remains unexcavated. Vindolanda, Northumberland Hadrian's Wall Fort Built to protect the Stanegate (a road which ran just south of Hadrian's Wall), Vindolanda is perhaps best known as the site where the Vindolanda Tablets (the oldest handwritten documents in Britain) were found.

Viroconium Cornoviorum (Wroxeter Roman City), Wroxeter Urban Centre Once the fourth largest Roman city in England, Viroconium Cornoviorum (now called Wroxeter) contains the largest free-standing Roman ruin in England as well as other extensive remains. There is also a museum on the site which is managed by English Heritage. Watling Street Roman Road Running from Dover to Wroxeter via London, the path of the original Watling Street is today covered by the A2 and A5 roads although there are certain portions which are either accessible either as footpaths or bridleways. Welwyn Roman Baths, Hertfordshire Roman Baths Preserved in a steel vault under the A1(M) motorway, these fantastic remains of a large villas baths are remarkably intact. There is also a small museum which includes an exhibition about the site as well as finds which were uncovered during excavation. Wigton (Maglona) Fort, Cumbria Roman Fort Also known as Old Carlisle, the fort was constructed towards the end of the first century AD. A strategically important outpost, it formed part of a military frontier against the hostile Picts to the north.

Home to a 500 strong cavalry regiment, a small civilian settlement or vicus formed just to the south of the fort. Although much of the stonework was recycled in the 18th century to rebuild Wigton, much of the earthen ramparts are well preserved. Free and open access at any reasonable time. Winchester City Walls, Winchester Fragments of the Roman City Wall Surrounding Winchester Cathedral's grounds is the old medieval city wall, with one visible section of the original Roman wall still intact. Antonine Wall Roman Wall The building of the Antonine Wall started in AD 142 and is thought to have taken six years to complete. Running from east to west and stretching some 37 miles from modern Boness on the Firth of Forth to Old Kilpatrick on the River Clyde, the wall marked the extent of the Roman military advance northwards from the existing frontier of Hadrian's Wall. Dere Street Roman Road Roman Road Dere Street was once the main supply route and only major road between York, Hadrian's Wall and onwards to the Antonine Wall in Scotland. Today the route is still used by many major roads including the A1, although the occasional Roman milestone still remains.

There are also sections of the original Dere Street which have not been built on, such as at West Woodburn in Northumberland and Gilston in Scotland. Inchtuthil, Perthshire Roman Fort Built in AD 82 as a command headquarters for the Roman invasion of Scotland, Inchtuthil is fairly unique in that it was never built over and therefore was in remarkably good condition when excavated in the 1950s and 60s. Trimontium, Scottish Borders Roman Fort Built as a base for the Romans advance into Scotland, Trimontium would have at one time housed around 2000 soldiers and civilians. Only faint earthworks can now be seen, along with a monument which marks the site of the fort. Bar Hill Fort, East Dunbartonshire Antonine Wall Fort Situated on the highest point of the Antonine Wall, the remains of Bar Hill include a bath house, granary, barracks and fort headquarters. There are also the remains of an Iron Age fort on the site.

Bearsden Bath House, Glasgow Antonine Wall Fort / Roman Baths Almost all of the Roman fort at Bearsden is hidden under modern housing, although the fort's bath house has been excavated and is now on public display. These remains date back to around 143AD and were discovered by builders in 1973. Castlecary, North Lanarkshire Antonine Wall Fort Built in AD 80 by Governor Gnaeus Julius Agricola, the impressive remains of Castlecary Antonine Wall fort are well worth a visit and are easily accessed from the M80. Croy Hill, North Lanarkshire Antonine Wall Fort Not much remains of this Antonine Wall fort except for a single wall ditch and two beacon platforms. Pennymuir Roman Camps, Scottish Borders Temporary Roman Camp Pennymuir was once home to three temporary camps for Roman legions heading between Hadrian's Wall and the Antonine Wall. Remains that can be seen today include Dere Street as well the camp's ramparts and entrances. Rough Castle, Falkirk Antonine Wall Fort Although Rough Castle was the second smallest fort on the Antonine Wall, it is also one the best preserved with relatively well defined ramparts still visible today.

Also visible is a set of Lilas pits which would have had stakes at the bottom, as well as the line of the military road that would have linked all of the Antonine Wall forts together. Alabum Llandovery Roman Fort, Carmarthenshire Roman Fort / Roman Road Although not much of this 1st century auxiliary fort still remains, it is possible to see some scarped slopes to the north and west of St Marys Church. To the north of the church the path of a Roman road can also be seen. Finally, be sure to look out for Roman masonry which has been reused in the walls of the church. Caer Gybi, Anglesey Roman Fort, Anglesey Roman Fort Built in the 4th century AD to protect Anglesey against Irish invaders, Caer Gybi is remarkably well preserved with some parts of the original wall standing to over 4 metres in height (notably the north-western corner). The other walls have Roman foundations although were rebuilt some time later.

Caerleon (Isca Augusta), Gwent Romant Fort, Wall and Amphitheatre Built in AD75 to support the Roman conquest of Wales, Isca Augusta once housed up to 5,000 soldiers and was not abandoned until the late 4th century / early 5th century AD. There is a phenomenal amount of remains still visible including an amphitheatre, baths and barracks. Cardiff Roman Fort, Cardiff Roman Fort Although the majority of the Cardiff Roman Fort is a Victorian reconstruction, the original Roman walls can still be seen incorporated into certain portions of the Cardiff Castle. These visible remains are that of a Saxon Shore Short which was built around 300AD, although it is thought that the site housed at least two earlier forts. Cold Knap, Barry, Barry Island Roman Building, unknown use Cold Knap was once a Roman port, and the remains of a 3rd century building can still be seen along the shore. Dolaucothi Gold Mines and Luentinum Fort, Carmarthenshire Roman Mines and Fort Dolaucothi is though to have been the only Roman gold mine in Britannia, and would have been protected by an accompanying fort (known as Luentinum).

In the 18th century a large hoard of Roman gold ornaments was found (now on show in the British Museum). Moridunum, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire Roman Fort, Town and Amphitheatre Situated in modern day Carmathen, the visible remains of Moidunum are limited to an amphitheatre thought to have been the furthest west ever built within the Roman empire. Artefacts from Moridunum excavations can be seen at the nearby museum in Abergwili. Nidum, Neath, Neath Roman Fort Situated at the corner of a main road and a modern housing estate lies the remains of the south gate of Nidum Roman Fort. Sarn Helen Roman Road, Powys Roman Road One of the best preserved Roman roads in the whole of Britain, the remains of both cobbles and a ditch are still visible at the Maen Madoc stone in the Brecon Beacons. Segontium, Gwynedd Roman Fort, Town and Temple Built in around 80AD just a few years after completing their conquest of Wales, Segontium was the largest and most important Roman fort in north Wales.

The remains of many of the forts buildings are still visible, quite surprising really considering that Edward I plundered most of the stonework for his castle at Caernarfon! Tomen-y-Mur Roman Fort, Snowdonia Roman Fort and Amphitheatre Visible earthworks of a Roman amphitheatre (albeit a very small one), bath house, temple, parade ground and even a Roman road can be seen, although most of the remains here are from a much later Norman motte and bailey castle. Venta Silurum, Monmouthshire Urban Centre Unquestionably the best surviving Roman town defence walls in Britain (standing up to 5 metres in places!), the remains at Venta Silurum also include a house with underfloor heating, basilica, forum and temple. The site is open to the public. Y Gaer, Brecon Beacons Roman Fort Built in AD75 at the crossroads of two Roman roads, Y Gaer would have been occupied by a contingent of 500 Spanish-recruited cavalrymen. Visible remains today include the perimeter walls, gatehouses and guard towers. The Romans In Britain The Romans in Britain Home | Page Index | Section Index | Search 7.

The End of Roman Britain By the year 400 Britain had been part of the Roman empire for over 350 years. The people of Britain now thought of themselves as Romans and had done so for many generations. A Roman family group. Illustration by Sarah Hall, Roman Britain In the 3rd century (after about the year 250) hostile forces from outside the empire had begun to threaten many of its provinces, including Britain The Romans thought of these enemies as uncivilised barbarians. New forts were built on the coast to keep them out. Portchester Castle - a 'Saxon Shore fort'. The Roman walls and bastions, built about 290, can be clearly seen while in the foreground are the remains of a medieval castle. Photo Patrick Ottaway with the kind permission of English Heritage. In the 3rd and 4th centuries the Roman empire was weakened by disputes between rival army commanders competing to be emperor. Strong emperors like Constantine 'the Great' and Theodosius 'the Great' were able to prevent the empire from falling apart, but by about the year 400 the barbarians could no longer be resisted.

Modern bust of the Emperor Theodosius at his home town of Coca, Spain. Photo Patrick Ottaway In the early 5th century the Roman empire lost control of Britain. Its people had to defend themselves as best they could against the Anglo-Saxons who came across the North Sea and colonised eastern England. Illustration of an Anglo-Saxon warrior by Sarah Hall, Roman Britain Late Roman Britain: a Province under Threat [ Section Index | Top ] In the 3rd and 4th centuries Britain got caught up in the civil wars between rival emperors. In the late 3rd century a commander of the Channel fleet named Carausius claimed to be emperor, although he only ruled Britain and a bit of northern Gaul. Coin of the rebel emperor, Carausius, who ruled Britain 287-293. Photo: Simon I Hill, York Archaeological Trust In the 3rd century new forts were built along the south and east coasts of England because of the threat of barbarian raiders who, it was feared, might attack Britain from the sea. The walls of the 'Saxon Shore fort' at Burgh Castle (Norfolk), built in the late 3rd century.

Photo Patrick Ottaway We know about a savage barbarian attack on Britain in the year 367 because it was written about by the Roman historian Ammianus Marcellinus. He reported that a Roman commander in Britain had been killed and another had been surrounded by the enemy! Piece of late Roman red-painted pottery (Crambeck ware) showing a soldier with a sword in his right hand, an unidentified object in his left, and a large knife at his waist. Found in York. York Archaeological Trust In the year 383 a Roman general in Britain named Magnus Maximus successfully defeated an invasion by the Picts who lived in Scotland, but he then weakened the defences of Britain by setting off for Gaul with his troops to try to become emperor. Gold coin of the late Roman rebel emperor, Magnus Maximus (383-8). Did you know? The term 'barbarian' comes from a Greek word. The Greeks thought that Greek was the only civilised language and that everyone else just said 'bar bar bar'! Detail of a cavalryman's tombstone at Ribchester (Lancashire) showing a dying barbarian. Photo Simon I.

Hill, Ribchester Museum Trust Carausius: a Rebel Emperor [ Section Index | Top ] Carausius was a commander of the British fleet in the late 3rd century. He was successful in capturing raiders and pirates, but started to keep their loot for himself instead of handing it in. He was found out and threatened with execution by the emperor. To avoid execution Carausius rebelled in the year 287 and created his own breakaway empire which included Britain and northern Gaul. Coin of the rebel emperor, Carausius, who ruled Britain 287-293. Photo: Simon I Hill, York Archaeological Trust Carausius launched a campaign to convince the British that he was the rightful emperor by using coins which show him as a typical Roman. The Romans despised Carausius and one writer dismissed him as a 'man of low birth'. Roman milestone found 1.5km south of Carlisle. It was originally set up during the reign of the rebel emperor, Carausius (white lettering), and then turned upside down after his defeat and given a new inscription in the reign of Constantine the Great (306-37). Photo Simon I.

Hill, Tullie House Museum, Carlisle Carausius was murdered by his finance minister Allectus in the year 293. Allectus himself was defeated in the year 296 by the rightful emperor Constantius I. Bronze coin of the Emperor Constantius I (305-6). The wording on the reverse reads GEN POP ROM, short for Genio Populusque Romanum, which means 'to the spirit of the Roman people'. The spirit, or genius, is shown holding a patera (vessel with a handle) and cornucopia (horn of plenty). The mint mark PLG means the coin was minted at Lyon (Lugdunum), in Gaul. York Archaeological Trust In the year 306 Constantius I became the second Roman emperor to die in York. Constantius was succeeded by his son Constantine who we know as Constantine 'the Great'. He was proclaimed emperor in York by his father's troops. Bronze coin of the Emperor Constantine I when he was heir to the throne (Caesar) in 306-7.

On the reverse is a dedication to the 'spirit of the Roman people' (genio populi Romani) The mint mark is PLN = London. Yorkshire Museum, York The Saxon Shore Forts [ Section Index | Top ] The new forts built on the south and east coasts of England in the 3rd century are often referred to by archaeologists as the 'Saxon Shore Forts' because it is recorded that they were under the command of a Roman officer called the 'Count of the Saxon Shore'. He was supposed to prevent fierce Saxon raiders from attacking Britain. Map of south-eastern England showing the 'Saxon Shore forts' which were built on the coast in the 3rd century. Roman Britain At Burgh Castle in Norfolk there are towers which project from the line of the fort wall. Roman soldiers defending the fort could stop their enemies climbing up the walls or even digging underneath them if they stood on the top of the towers and shot arrows along the line of the walls. The walls of the 'Saxon Shore fort' at Burgh Castle (Norfolk), built in the late 3rd century.

Photo Patrick Ottaway At Richborough in Kent you can still see the great thick, high walls which would have faced barbarian raiders trying to attack Roman Britain in the late 3rd and 4th centuries. The late 3rd century defensive wall of Richborough Roman fort (Kent). Photo Simon I. Hill with the kind permission of English Heritage. At Portchester Castle you can see that a Saxon Shore Fort had very thick and high stone walls as well as projecting towers called 'bastions'. The fort was so well-defended that inside the Roman walls at Portchester there is a medieval castle built about 700 years after the end of Roman Britain! Bastion projecting from the wall of the Roman 'Saxon Shore fort' at Portchester Castle (Hampshire). Photo Patrick Ottaway The Late Roman Army [ Section Index | Top ] The army led by the Emperor Constantine was very different from the army which the Emperor Claudius had sent to conquer Britain over 250 years earlier. The main task of Constantine's army was to defend the empire not to conquer new territory. A 4th century Roman soldier preparing a beacon for use at a Roman signal station on the Yorkshire coast.

Drawing by Simon Chew, York Archaeological Trust When the Romans invaded Britain in the year 43 they brought 40,000 men. 300 years later in the middle of the 4th century there were probably far fewer Roman soldiers in Britain. They had been ordered to fight in wars elsewhere in the empire. Piece of late Roman red-painted pottery (Crambeck ware) showing a soldier with a sword in his right hand, an unidentified object in his left, and a large knife at his waist. Found in York. York Archaeological Trust By the 4th century the auxiliary units had been stationed in their British forts for a very long time. The unit names still referred to parts of the empire where the soldiers had once been recruited many years before, but they were now recruited in Britain itself. Reconstruction illustration of the west gate at the Roman fort at Birdoswald on Hadrian's Wall. Illustration by John Vallender, � Cumbria County Council In the 1st century the Roman army had fought battles in open country and were usually victorious, but in the 4th century Roman soldiers had to defend themselves behind their fort walls.

This is why late Roman forts have strong stone walls and projecting towers known as 'bastions'. Portchester Castle - a 'Saxon Shore fort'. The Roman walls and bastions, built about 290, can be clearly seen while in the foreground are the remains of a medieval castle. Photo Patrick Ottaway with the kind permission of English Heritage. Many of the best soldiers in the late Roman army were barbarians recruited outside the empire. The father of Flavius Stilicho, who became the army chief of the Emperor Theodosius the Great, was a soldier from a German tribe known as the Vandals. Stilicho himself may have been the last general to defend Roman Britain against its enemies. The Roman general Flavius Stilicho (died 409). Illustration by Sarah Hall, Roman Britain The Barbarians [ Section Index | Top ] The people the Romans called barbarians who threatened late Roman Britain came from several parts of northern Europe. Some of them wanted to raid Britain because they hoped to grab gold and silver from rich villa owners. Others wanted to settle here on good farming land. The Saxons came from the north German coastal area, now known as Lower Saxony.

The Angles came from Angeln, an area in the Jutland peninsular now shared by Germany and Denmark. The Picts lived in what is now Scotland. The word Picts comes from a Latin word meaning ' the painted people'. This must mean they had tattoos! Just to confuse you the Scots, in Latin Scotti, were an Irish tribe in late Roman times. After the end of the Roman period the Scots settled in Scotland and gave the country its name. Map showing the homelands of the barbarian peoples attacking Britain in the late Roman period. Roman Britain Romans on the Yorkshire Coast [ Section Index | Top ] After the barbarians attacked Britain in the year 367 the Romans probably realised how weak their coastal defences were on the Yorkshire coast. As a result they built a series of watch towers, often known as signal stations. Map of the late Roman signal stations on the Yorkshire coast and other Roman sites and roads in the region. York Archaeological Trust The Yorkshire signal stations were all built on high headlands overlooking beaches where an enemy might draw up his boats. The site of the late Roman signal station at Scarborough, North Yorkshire, seen from the air.

The traces of the ditch and central tower can be seen on the very edge of the cliff above the sea. Photo Patrick Ottaway The signal stations had a massive central tower, probably about 20m high which stood in the middle of a courtyard. The courtyard was surrounded by a wall which had small towers at the corners. The whole site was then enclosed by a ditch. Reconstruction of the late Roman signal station at Filey (North Yorkshire). Drawing by Simon Chew and Peter Marshall, York Archaeological Trust The soldiers in the signal stations were supposed to warn local people of approaching enemies and summon the troops from forts inland. Sometimes they may have used lighted beacons on the tops of the towers to send a warning of danger. Artist's impression of the late Roman signal station at Filey by night. Illustration by Simon Chew, York Archaeological Trust The Last Years of Roman Britain [ Section Index | Top ] Until about the time the Emperor Theodosius the Great died in the year 395 Britain was still a wealthy Roman province in spite of the barbarian raids. After 395 the Romans found it more and more difficult to defend Britain against barbarian attacks.

Modern bust of the Emperor Theodosius at his home town of Coca, Spain. Photo Patrick Ottaway At the end of the 4th century the townspeople of Roman Britain could no longer make a living and had to go and work in the countryside leaving the town buildings to fall down. An impression of Roman York in about the year 400 viewed from the south-west. The fortress is at the top on the far side of the River Ouse and the town (colonia) is on the near side of the river. Illustration by Patrick Ottaway Rich people who were frightened of barbarian raids buried their treasure in the ground for safe-keeping. Gold bracelets from the late Roman hoard of treasure from Hoxne (Norfolk). Licensed by the Trustees of the British Museum, The British Museum After about the year 402 Roman coinage stopped coming to Britain. The soldiers were no longer paid and the Romans stopped collecting taxes. By about the year 410 Britain had ceased to be a part of the Roman empire! Gold coin (solidus) of the Emperor Valentinian II (375-392).

On the reverse are the emperors of the eastern and western empires holding a globe with a winged goddess of victory behind them. Yorkshire Museum, York In 410 the Roman empire suffered a great disaster when a barbarian army of Goths broke into Rome itself. The Roman emperor, Honorius, living in Arles in the south of Gaul was too frightened about what was going to happen to him to worry about Britain. A half dome in the Roman baths at Arles, France. Photo Patrick Ottaway In the 5th century the people of Britain still saw themselves as Romans, but they could not defend themselves against the invading Anglo-Saxons. The towns and villas were now almost completely deserted. Artist's reconstruction of Rockbourne Roman villa (Hampshire) falling down in the 5th century. Illustration by Michael Codd, Hampshire County Council Museum Service The Death of a Roman Town [ Section Index | Top ] By about the year 410 the population of a Roman town like York was very small. Many buildings and streets had been abandoned and soil had built up over the ruins. The traditional pleasures of town life at the baths, theatre and amphitheatre were long forgotten.

An impression of Roman York in about the year 400 viewed from the south-west. The fortress is at the top on the far side of the River Ouse and the town (colonia) is on the near side of the river. Illustration by Patrick Ottaway In York the great Roman fortress was no longer manned by soldiers, but ordinary people may have lived here protected by its walls. The 'Multangular Tower' at the west corner of the Roman fortress at York. The smaller stones in the lower half are Roman work and the larger stones above are medieval. Photo Lesley Collett A stone building near the bridge over the river had been demolished and layers of earth and refuse had begun to build up over the remains. Late Roman (4th century) dark coloured layers inside a Roman building in York (Wellington Row site). York Archaeological Trust. A building which was probably a town bath house was abandoned. The picture shows one of its massive stone walls. Stone wall of a large building in the Roman town at York. Note the arched opening made of tiles (blocked in late Roman times).

York Archaeological Trust Late Roman Treasure [ Section Index | Top ] In Roman times there were no proper banks and wealthy people had to guard their valuable things carefully. One way of preventing barbarian raiders from grabbing valuables was to bury them in the ground. Fortunately for archaeologists they were not always recovered by their owners, perhaps because they had been killed in a raid! Gold coin (solidus) of the Emperor Valentinian II (375-392). On the reverse are the emperors of the eastern and western empires holding a globe with a winged goddess of victory behind them. Yorkshire Museum, York At a place called Hoxne in Norfolk a very large hoard of treasure was found which was buried some time after the year 407. This was at the very end of the Roman period in Britain when hostile raiders were threatening the area from all sides. The hoard included over 14,000 coins, a fantastic number. Most of them were silver, but over 500 were gold! The hoard also contained some stunning pieces of gold jewellery. Gold bracelets from the late Roman hoard of treasure from Hoxne (Norfolk).

Licensed by the Trustees of the British Museum, The British Museum Perhaps the most beautiful object in the Hoxne hoard was a silver model of a panther. Silver model of a tigress from the late Roman hoard of treasure from Hoxne (Norfolk). Licensed by the Trustees of the British Museum, The British Museum This is the model of a late Roman empress in gilded silver which was used as a pepper pot. Notice her elaborate hair style and rich jewellery. Model bust (about 10cm high) in gilded silver of a late Roman empress in the form of a pepper pot. Found in the late Roman hoard of treasure from Hoxne (Norfolk). Licensed by the Trustees of the British Museum, The British Museum Roman Britons and Anglo-Saxons The first Anglo-Saxon settlers came to Britain from the countries which are now Denmark and north Germany in about the year 400. At first the Anglo-Saxons and Romans lived together peacefully. Two 4th century Roman crossbow brooches from Winchester.

Winchester Museums In the first half of the 5th century the numbers of Anglo-Saxon settlers increased rapidly and by the year 500, much of south and east of England was ruled by Anglo-Saxon kings. British people may have survived by adopting the customs and culture of their new rulers. Reconstructed Anglo-Saxon house at West Stow Anglo-Saxon village (Suffolk). Photo Patrick Ottaway with kind permission Suffolk County Council Archaeologists can recognise areas settled by the Anglo-Saxons from their cemeteries because they buried their dead in a different way from the Romans. In the 5th century the Anglo-Saxons were often cremated and their ashes were buried in a pottery urn. An Anglo-Saxon cremation urn. York Archaeological Trust Although the Anglo-Saxons conquered much of England, Roman culture, along with Christianity and the Latin language, survived in the west of Britain, especially in Wales and Cornwall. In these areas you can see tombstones put up 100 or more years after the end of Roman Britain which still have Latin inscriptions on them. 6th - 8th century gravestone with Latin inscription from Rialton (Cornwall).

The inscription reads: BO[N]EMIMORI TRIBUNI which may mean 'dedicated to Tribunus of good memory'. Photo R.A. Hall Unless otherwise indicated, all material on this site is © copyright York Archaeological Trust 2007 BBC - Primary History - Romans - Roman remains Primary History How can we find out more about the Romans? What happened to Roman Britain? From the 2nd century A.D. Roman Britain found itself under attack from people who lived outside the Roman borders. The Romans thought these people were not civilised and called them barbarians . The Roman army and navy defended Britain. By the 5th century A.D. barbarian tribes were attacking other parts of the Roman Emperor Honorius decided that the Roman legions in Britain were needed elsewhere. He sent a letter to the people of Britain telling them the soldiers had to leave. They must fight the Anglo-Saxons and invaders on their own. In AD 410 the last Romans left. Back to top Did people go on living in Roman towns? The Anglo-Saxons and other newcomers settled in Britain and set up new kingdoms. They were farmers, not townspeople. Roman stone buildings were not used or repaired.

They slowly crumbled away. People took away stones to build farmhouses or churches. People built new wooden towns inside the old Roman ones. Many Roman towns kept at least parts of their walls until the Middle Ages. Part of London's Roman Wall is still standing! Back to top What did the Romans leave behind? The Roman army left Britain over 1,500 years ago. They left behind a changed country. Britain had roads and towns. It had new plants and animals, such as parsley, sweet chestnut and chickens. Measurements (miles, feet and inches) still used by many people come from the Romans. The Romans also introduced Christianity to Britain. Many churches are still built using designs like a Roman Basilica . Back to top How did the Romans change the way we speak and write? The Romans wrote their history, their literature and their laws. Before the Romans conquered Britain, very few people in Britain could read or write. Stories and knowledge were passed on by word of mouth. From Roman times onwards, people in Britain wrote things down. Educated people wrote in Latin, but later wrote books in their own languages, English and Welsh, for example. The English and Welsh languages changed because of the Romans.

Many words in English and Welsh have links to Latin. 'Pedestrian' is one. See if you can find some more.... Back to top How can we find out more about the Romans? In Britain, there are archaeological sites and museums. Some are at places you can visit, where the Romans actually lived. In museums and site exhibitions, you can see, and sometimes touch, objects and buildings made by Roman people. You can walk round the ruins of a Roman fort, or a Roman baths, or what was once the dining room of a Roman villa . How the Roman baths worked Fun Facts Some people believe that King Arthur (of the Knights and Round Table) was a Roman-British general who fought the Saxons. For about a thousand years after the Romans left, nearly all books in Britain were written in Latin. The calendar we use dates from Roman times. The old Roman calendar had 10 months, not 12. Julius Caesar organised a new calendar in 45 B.C. He made the New Year start in January, not March. Julius Caesar had a new month, July, named after him. Another new month was later added for the Emperor Augustus (August).

That meant the 8th month October (octo means 8 in Latin) became the 10th month! BBC © 2014 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more. This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so. A to D Acropolis [a-CROP-olis] The Acropolis is a large hill in the centre of Athens. On top of it were many temples and other buildings, the remains of which can be seen today. amphitheatre A place like a stadium, where Romans went to watch animals and people fighting. aqueduct A system of pipes and channels used to bring water into towns. archaeological site A place such as a ruined fort studied by archaeologists. archaeologists People who study the past by looking at old things, often found underground. archaeology Studying the past by looking at old things, often found underground.

Aristophanes [aris-TOF-a-neez] Lived in Athens in the 5th century BC. He wrote comedies for the theatre in Athens. Aspasia [as-PAY-zia] Was a woman to taught public speaking in Athens. She was the partner of the famous general Perikles. Aspasia had much more independence than most women in Athens. barbarian A person who lived outside the Roman Empire, seen by Romans as violent and uncivilized. basilica A large building where town business was carried out (like a modern Town Hall). assembly The Assembly was the public meeting of the giovernment of the city. All citizens could take part and vote there. Athena The patron goddess of Athens. A huge statue of Athena stood outside the Parthenon. Attica [A-tik-a] A wind instrument with a reed similar to a modern oboe. capital city Main city of a country, the centre of government. catapult A machine that threw rocks or burning tar at the enemies. In Latin it was called an onager. cavalry Soldiers who fight on horseback. chariot Cart with two wheels pulled by horses.

Romans raced chariots, and Celtic warriors rode into battle on them. celts People who lived in Europe, including Britain, and who fought the Romans. centurion An officer commanding about 80 legionaries. citizen Person with special rights such as the right to vote and own property in the Roman Empire. Only men could be full Roman citizens. cohort There were ten cohorts in a legion. crossbow Weapon like a bow and arrow, only the string is pulled back by turning a handle and the bow is fired by releasing a trigger. In Latin it was called a ballista druids The priests of the old Celtic religion. E to G Process where people vote to choose the people they want to be in charge. empire A large area with many people ruled by one strong leader, called an emperor. forum An open space in the middle of a town for markets and meeting people (like a market square). It was the centre of Roman town life. fort A building with walls to keep out enemies, used by soldiers. foundations Firm base for a road or building. general leader of an army, the soldier giving the orders to everyone else. gladiator A person trained to fight other gladiators or animals in amphitheatres.

governor The ruler of Roman Britain, who worked for the Roman Emperor. H to L hypocaust Roman central heating. Hot air from a furnace (fire) flowed through gaps between walls and flooring latin The language spoken and written by the Romans legate The officer commanding a whole legion. legion The main battle unit of the Roman army, its soldiers were called legionaries. There were between 4,000 and 6,000 legionaries in a legion. legend A story made up about people in the past M to O A pattern made from coloured pieces of stones and pottery. myth A made-up story, often about gods and spirits, told to explain things such as why the sun rises and sets every day. P to Z Money paid to a retired worker or soldier. picts people who lived in Scotland republic A country without a king, queen or emperor. The Roman republic was ruled by the elected Senate. Most countries today are republics. sacred Something that is believed to be holy and to have a special connection with a god or gods. scroll Roman book, written on a long strip of paper rolled around a stick. senate The Roman government, made up of senators.

senator A person elected to the Roman Senate who helped run the government. Some countries today, like the U.S.A., have senators. sewage Dirty water and toilet waste which flows into sewers from drains and toilets. sewers Pipes or tunnels that carry away sewage. slave Someone who can be sold to another person to work for nothing. A slave is not free and has no rights. slingshot Weapon for throwing stones, made from a long strip of leather and whirled around by the thrower. standard Roman army emblem, a pole with special decorations (such as a metal eagle) carried by a soldier. Each legion had its own standards. stirrups the metal holder for a rider's foot. Attached to a horse's saddle by a leather strap. strigil A metal object used in Roman baths to scrape sweat, dirt and excess oil off. stylus A metal pen for scratching words into soft wax on wooden tablets. taxes Money or items taken by the government from people, to pay for things like the army, wars, emperor's palaces and building roads. Thatched roofs Roofs of buildings made from bundles of straw or reeds.

treadmill Machine like a big wheel inside which slaves walked round, to turn the machine. tribe A group of people who live in one part of a country and are ruled by a chief. tutor A teacher who gives lessons to a student at home. underworld A gloomy place where Romans believed your soul went after you died. villa A large house in the country. Some Roman villas were farmhouses and some were like palaces. warrior A trained soldier, someone used to fighting in wars. wreath

Question: The Roman army left Britain in what century?
Answer: 5th