How 'Roman' was Roman-Britain? | Britannia 55BC to AD69

The British Museum
The British Museum
200,047
0
Published 2021-10-21
Back at school, you may have learned that the Romans conquered Britain in AD43, and that from that point, Britian became 'Roman'. However, history is never that straight forward. Join curators Julia Farley and Richard Hobbs as they take you through the material culture of Britannia from the 55BC to the end of Nero's reign in 69AD.

Book your tickets to this blockbuster exhibition and find out more about the show here: ow.ly/FcG030rUaKV.

Inspired by the art and architecture of ancient Rome, our shop range features homeware, books, jewellery and more. Shop the show here: ow.ly/Hd3i30rUaKx
All Comments (21)
  • @TheSuperLegoMan100
    "It also has a large temple to the deified emperor Claudius, who's now died" that's news to me. RIP big man
  • @andytopley314
    I doubt that I am the only person who could happily have watched 2 hours on this subject when it is so well presented. One of the best history programmes out there, please do more.
  • @purpurina5663
    The amphori, vases and cups are beautiful. The proportions are just perfect.
  • @stevewiles7132
    Claudius was in Britain so long, when offered wine he replied, " No, I'll have half a mild and a packet of crisps."
  • @excession3076
    If anyone is interested, Welwyn Garden City (where the amphora came from) has an amazing Roman site that many people miss. It was excavated for years by an amature(?) husband and wife team and is extensive. When they built the A1(M), literally over the top, they covered the site under a large tunnel/arch. I haven't been for a few years so I may have got some details wrong (sorry about that) but it's really well worth a visit. It's actually in Welwyn old town, just up the road to the newer Garden City, and the entrance is at the back of the small carpark. Because it's kind of underground, it has the same atmosphere as the Roman Baths in Bath. You go down a tunnel and then find yourself within the Roman Villa, very evocative. And very unexpected. Perhaps because it's council owned, not NT or EH, it just doesn't seem to be that well known.
  • @serendigity
    I really enjoy these short dips into the history of our world.
  • @suecox2308
    OMG--that's a pre-Roman tea strainer!! lol. This was all so fascinating--thank you!
  • @EyeLean5280
    For American viewers: when the British say "corn" it's a generic term and does not mean maize. Instead it's equivalent to our word, "grain."
  • @shalackma
    Thank you for these videos! They are wonderful pieces of interest and education.
  • @robster6868
    Love this,my parents moved to colchester a few years ago so it gave me a good reason to see the Roman stuff there,plenty of Roman in the south of France where I’ve lived for the past 8 years. Narbonne,Nîmes etc.Fascinating history
  • @lynnblack6493
    That was great. Really appreciated extra, and additional info, that saw Roman influence, prior to full blown conquest!
  • @johnraggett7147
    Greetings from Leipzig. Thank you for this super post. Please can we see something about London and Westminster between the Roman departure and the Norman conquest? The city re-emerged within the 600 year old Roman wall but the street pattern and all the buildings disappeared. Thank you once again.
  • @HistorySkills
    Great video. Will be using this in my History lessons.
  • @patriciapalmer1377
    The helmit is beautiful. Imagine it new and glinting in the sun topped with plumes.. This level of sophisticated design, 2000 years ago, still takes my breath away.
  • @sdamoros
    What an enjoyable and informative lecture!