6. Roman

43 AD - 410 AD

samianpot1

Samian Ware bowl (about AD 70-90)

probably from a burial.

London Road, Staines.
Image: David Bird

After a few failed attempts, Emperor Claudius successfully conquered Britannia. Rome was a super power, and the Iron Age natives were exposed to the military skill, technological advances and home comforts of the empire, whether they liked it or not!

People

At the time Iron Age Britain was divided up into factions of warring chiefdoms. The Emperor in Rome appointed a Governor to control the province, and form a working relationship with the chiefs. The Romans had an exceptional army, and military prowess was used to crush opposition to their newly imposed way of life. A Roman soldier’s life was desirable. They were highly skilled and well looked after. Many Britons joined up, and this in turn helped quell local rebellion when they were posted overseas!

Places

The Romans imposed their town structure on existing tribal centres or built new forts and towns. The towns contained market places, administrative centres, baths and amphitheatres. The Roman army constructed roads across the country to link up the existing tribal centres and towns of the province. London became the capital for the first time, and was a central hub of activity and administration during the Roman occupation. Local farmsteads were called upon to supply the growing town centres, which benefited the Iron Age farmers. Some became very wealthy, and constructed opulent villas, which contained under floor heating and mosaics.

Times

The Romans introduced an education system for the first time, and had historians and philosophers to record events. With the Empire’s trade routes already established, there was no end to the exciting and exotic goods to buy. New temples were built which incorporated both Christian and native gods.

The province remained peaceful and prosperous for some 250 years after the conquest. But when nearly all of the Empire’s frontiers were under threat from barbarian raiders in 410 AD, Britannia was left to fend for itself.

Roman Surrey

Roman Staines was important as a crossing point of the Thames, a military base, and may have been a centre for medical treatment. Finds include a collyrium stamp used to mark eye remedies, and a group of surgical instruments (spoon-probe, scoop-probe, double-ended spatula/probe and a scalpel handle).
An Iron Age and Roman period settlement was found during excavations at Thorpe Lea Nurseries
A Roman farmstead was found during excavations at Broad Street, Worplesdon. It included a house or villa, a series of ancillary buildings and enclosures, surrounded by open pasture and woodland.