ROMAN BRITAIN Meaning and
Definition
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Roman Britain refers to the period of history during which the island of Britain was under Roman rule. Beginning in 43 AD, when the Roman Empire invaded Britain, and lasting until around 410 AD, when Roman forces withdrew from the island, this period marked a significant chapter in the history of Britain.
During this time, the land now known as Britain was transformed by Roman influence, with the construction of cities, roads, walls, and other infrastructure. The Roman Empire brought about significant political, social, and cultural changes in the region. Roman Britain also saw the introduction of new technologies, trade networks, and legal systems.
The Roman occupation of Britain brought a clear distinction between the indigenous Celtic tribes living there and the Roman conquerors. The Britons adopted Roman ways of life, including language, architecture, and religion. Christianity, for instance, spread throughout Roman Britain during this period.
Furthermore, Roman Britain saw an influx of Roman settlers and a thriving economy due to increased trade. Land was divided into provinces and governed by Roman officials, with notable towns and cities serving as administrative and cultural centers.
The end of Roman rule in Britain marked the transition into the medieval period. Various factors led to the withdrawal of Roman forces, including military pressures elsewhere in the empire and a decline in central control. Roman Britain, however, left a lasting legacy on the island's cities, culture, language, and legal systems, which can still be observed today.
Etymology of ROMAN BRITAIN
The term "Roman Britain" refers to the period in British history when the island of Great Britain was under Roman rule. The etymology can be understood by examining the origin of the two constituent parts of the term: "Roman" and "Britain".
1. Roman: The word "Roman" is derived from the Latin term "Romanus", which means "citizen of Rome" or "relating to Rome". It is derived from the name of the city of Rome, which was the capital of the Roman Empire.
2. Britain: The term "Britain" derives from the Latin "Britannia", which was the Roman name for the island of Great Britain. The Romans likely adopted this term from the Celts, the indigenous inhabitants of the island, who referred to it as "Prettanike" in Common Brittonic, which roughly translates to "land of the painted people".
