Basic Facts about the Influence of the Roman Empire in Britain
Around 55 B.C. the Romans conquered the southern part of Britain. They did not conquer Scotland. They introduced the law as well as the customs of the great empire. They built in Britain a system of very good Roman roads which have survived to this day. In order to protect themselves from the avenging raids of the Celts in the north they built great fortifications such as Hadrian’s Wall.
For about 20 years after the Roman invasion, the Britons continued fighting. In 60 AD, a tribe called the Iceni, revolted, led by their queen, Boadicea. The rebellion was suppressed. Boadicea poisoned herself rather than allowing herself to be captured by the Romans. Today, near Westminster Bridge, London, one can admire the statue of Queen Boadicea driving her chariot drawn by horses.
The Romans developed the present site of Bath soon after they landed in Britain in AD 43. Hot baths were essential to a Roman. Aquae Sulis (which is the name the Romans gave to the city of Bath) offered the foreign invaders ideal conditions. The hot baths and warm rooms were heated by the Roman hypocaust - a method of underfloor heating.
By the end of the 4th century, Rome had to withdraw its legions as the Roman Empire itself was in trouble. The Romans gave the names of all months in English; some of the British modern laws are based on Roman laws.