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The Romans in Britain (43-410 AD)

Study note

The Romans ruled most of Britain for about 400 years, from AD 43 until around AD 410. This was a long occupation, far longer than 40 or 50 years, and it left a deep mark on the country. The Romans built many roads and towns, set up a legal system, and brought new ways of living. It is not true that they never built roads or towns; in fact these are among their most lasting achievements.

The Romans never fully conquered the far north of Britain. To keep out the Picts, who were ancestors of the Scots, the Emperor Hadrian built a great wall across the north of the country, known as Hadrian's Wall. Eventually the Roman army left Britain around AD 410 to defend other parts of their empire. Remember the span 43 to 410 AD, and that Hadrian's Wall was built to keep out the Picts.

Memory tip: Romans 43-410 AD; Hadrian's Wall kept out the Picts in the north.

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Question 1 of 3

For roughly how long did the Romans rule Britain?

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Show all questions and answers for The Romans in Britain (43-410 AD)(3 questions with explanations)

The Romans in Britain (43-410 AD): questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. For roughly how long did the Romans rule Britain?

    • About 400 years
    • About 50 years
    • About 1,000 years
    • About 40 years

    Correct answer: About 400 years

    The Romans ruled Britain for about 400 years, from AD 43 to around AD 410.

  2. 2. Why did Emperor Hadrian build a wall in the north of Britain?

    • To stop the Romans leaving
    • To mark the Welsh border
    • To divide England and Wales
    • To keep out the Picts

    Correct answer: To keep out the Picts

    Hadrian's Wall was built to keep out the Picts (ancestors of the Scots).

  3. 3. The Romans never built towns or roads in Britain.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: False

    False. The Romans built many roads and towns during their rule.

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