📕 Chapter 3: A Long and Illustrious History
When did the Romans leave Britain?
Correct answer: AD 410
A 55 BC
B AD 43
C AD 122
✓ AD 410
💡 Explanation
The Romans left Britain in AD 410 to defend other parts of the Roman Empire.
Key facts to remember
- Julius Caesar invaded in 55 BC but failed
- Romans conquered Britain in AD 43 under Emperor Claudius
- Romans ruled for nearly 400 years and built roads, towns, and Londinium (London)
- Romans never conquered Scotland
- Hadrian's Wall built starting AD 122
- Wall ran from Solway Firth to River Tyne
- Romans left Britain in AD 410
- Many Britons had adopted Roman customs and Christianity
- Britain became vulnerable to invasion after Romans left
Why this is the answer
From the official Life in the UK study material — 3.1.2 The Romans:
Julius Caesar led a Roman invasion of Britain in 55 BC, but it was not successful. The Romans did not conquer Britain until AD 43, under Emperor Claudius. The Romans ruled most of Britain for nearly 400 years. They built roads, public buildings, a system of law, and many towns, including Londinium (London), which became an important trading centre.
The Romans never conquered the whole of Britain. They could not defeat the tribes in Scotland (known as the Picts and the Scots). Emperor Hadrian built a wall across northern England to keep out the northern tribes. Hadrian's Wall, built starting in AD 122, ran from the Solway Firth to the River Tyne and can still be seen today.
The Romans left Britain in AD 410 to defend other parts of the Roman Empire. By this time, many people in Britain had adopted Roman customs, the Latin language, and Christianity. When the Romans left, Britain was no longer protected by the Roman army and became vulnerable to invasion by other groups.
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