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Roman rule and the Romans leaving Britain

Study note

The Romans stayed in Britain for a very long time, roughly 400 years. During those centuries they changed the country greatly. They built roads, many of which shaped routes still followed today, along with public buildings in their towns. They also created a structure of law, and they brought in new plants and animals that had not been seen in Britain before.

Religion changed too. The first Christian communities began to appear in Britain during the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, well before the Anglo-Saxons arrived. This is an early stage in the long story of Christianity in these islands.

Roman rule did not last for ever. In AD 410 the Roman army was withdrawn from Britain to defend other parts of the Empire that were under threat, and the soldiers never returned. Useful figures to lock in are about 400 years of Roman presence, Christianity appearing in the 3rd and 4th centuries, and the army leaving in AD 410.

Memory tip: Romans stayed about 400 years; first Christians 3rd-4th centuries; army left in AD 410.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 4

Roughly how long did the Romans stay in Britain?

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Show all questions and answers for Roman rule and the Romans leaving Britain(4 questions with explanations)

Roman rule and the Romans leaving Britain: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Roughly how long did the Romans stay in Britain?

    • About 40 years
    • About 1,000 years
    • About 400 years
    • About 4 years

    Correct answer: About 400 years

    The Romans remained in Britain for about 400 years.

  2. 2. In which year did the Roman army leave Britain?

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

    Correct answer: AD 410

    The Roman army left Britain in AD 410 and never returned.

  3. 3. Select TWO things the Romans introduced or built in Britain.

    • A structure of law
    • The printing press
    • Castles with cannons
    • Roads

    Correct answer: A structure of law and Roads

    The Romans built roads and created a structure of law, among other things.

  4. 4. The first Christian communities in Britain appeared during the 3rd and 4th centuries AD.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. The first Christian communities began to appear in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD.

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