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The Roman invasions of Britain

Study note

The Romans tried to take Britain twice, and it is vital to keep the two attempts apart. The first was led by Julius Caesar in 55 BC. This invasion failed, and as a result Britain stayed outside the Roman Empire for nearly another 100 years.

The successful conquest came later, in AD 43, when the Emperor Claudius led a fresh invasion. This time the Romans triumphed and went on to occupy almost the whole of Britain. So the pair to memorise is clear: Caesar in 55 BC failed, while Claudius in AD 43 succeeded.

The Roman takeover was not entirely peaceful. Several British tribes resisted Roman rule, and fighting continued in places even after AD 43. Be careful with the dates that often appear as wrong answers in questions. AD 410 is when the Romans later left Britain, and AD 789 is when the Vikings first raided, so neither has anything to do with the conquest itself.

Memory tip: Caesar 55 BC = failed; Claudius AD 43 = the conquest succeeds.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 7

Who led the first, unsuccessful Roman invasion of Britain in 55 BC?

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The Roman invasions of Britain: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Who led the first, unsuccessful Roman invasion of Britain in 55 BC?

    • Hadrian
    • Claudius
    • Julius Caesar
    • Boudicca

    Correct answer: Julius Caesar

    Julius Caesar led the failed Roman invasion of Britain in 55 BC.

  2. 2. In which year did Julius Caesar first lead a Roman invasion of Britain?

    • AD 410
    • 55 BC
    • AD 43
    • AD 789

    Correct answer: 55 BC

    Julius Caesar's first invasion of Britain was in 55 BC.

  3. 3. Which Roman emperor led the successful conquest of Britain in AD 43?

    • Hadrian
    • Augustus
    • Julius Caesar
    • Claudius

    Correct answer: Claudius

    The Emperor Claudius led the successful Roman invasion in AD 43.

  4. 4. Under which Roman emperor did the conquest of Britain succeed in AD 43?

    • Caesar
    • Claudius
    • Hadrian
    • Nero

    Correct answer: Claudius

    The successful Roman conquest of Britain came under Claudius in AD 43.

  5. 5. Julius Caesar's invasion of 55 BC immediately conquered the whole of Britain.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: False

    False. Caesar's 55 BC invasion failed; the conquest came later under Claudius in AD 43.

  6. 6. Which of these statements is correct?

    • Julius Caesar's invasion of 55 BC failed, and the Romans conquered Britain under Claudius in AD 43
    • Julius Caesar conquered Britain in 55 BC, and Claudius later lost it in AD 43

    Correct answer: Julius Caesar's invasion of 55 BC failed, and the Romans conquered Britain under Claudius in AD 43

    Caesar's 55 BC invasion failed; the successful conquest came under Claudius in AD 43.

  7. 7. Which of these statements is NOT true?

    • Julius Caesar led an invasion of Britain in 55 BC
    • The Emperor Claudius led the successful conquest in AD 43
    • The Romans first conquered Britain in AD 789

    Correct answer: The Romans first conquered Britain in AD 789

    AD 789 is when the Vikings first raided; the Roman conquest succeeded in AD 43.

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