effects of Roman rule Flashcards
Aim of Romanisation?
To stimulate economic prosperity, and make the Britons as ‘roman’ as possible to prevent rebellion
What does the Mendip lead pig show?
From c.49AD, it is a lead ingot that shows that the Romans exploited the metal resources of Britain
Where was the mendip pig found?
8KM from Charterhouse, which was a town that probably grew from the process of the Second Legion Augusta extracting the lead and silver from the Mendips
What was pre-Roman Colchester like?
Hill forts and low-lying oppida
- stater of Cunobelinus (c.20-40)shows that Colchester was his seat of power
- Roman amphorae and earthenware from Gaul were used, showing that there was already extensive trade with the Roman world
Which legion’s fortress directly led to the development of the town of Colchester?
Twentieth Legion
Which buildings do we know for certain were in the first Roman town in Colchester, and what can we assume?
We know there was a temple to Claudius and a theatre. We can assume there would have been a forum, basilica and public baths
What was the population of the colonia at Colchester?
Up to 15,000
Other areas that coloniae for veterans were established, outside of Colchester?
Lincoln (9th legion)
York
Gloucester (2nd Legion Augusta)
What did the veterans at Colchester do, prior to the invasion, which Tacitus criticises?
They had removed the pre-Roman defences, thus leaving the town open to attack
‘his object was to accustom them to a life of peace and quiet by the provision of amenities’
Tacitus on Agricola’s aim of urbanisation
‘schemes of social betterment’
how Tacitus refers to what would now be called ‘romanisation’
What does Tacitus’ statement that children of chiefs were educated in the Roman way show?
- that Romans were interested in Romanising the generation born during the occupation
- that the elites of British society had accepted the Roman rule and wanted their children to receive this education
vici
civil settlements which grew near military bases, yet could exist as small towns in their own right
coloniae
town built for veterans, generally converted from an old fortress
municipia
a civitas capital which had special status above other civitates. St Albans and London were probably Municipia. Local magistrates would be awarded Roman citizenship
civitates
the town from which a tribal area was controlled or administered
the forum
central business district of the town with shops and markets
significance of the Verulamium and Wroxeter forum inscriptions?
They give evidence of the Roman layout of towns with public buildings in central forums
What would local elites do to increase their standing in their town?
Pay for public buildings like baths
Benefits of the road network, originally built by the soldiers for military purposes?
- farmers for trade
- quicker import of foreign goods
- new customers for existing and new industries
Significance of the Vindolanda tablet of accounts for journey from Vindolanda to York?
It records the supplies needed for a trip from York to Vindolanda. In a 6 day journey the travellers spend 94 denarii, demonstrating the economic boost caused by the road system
Would the lives of most Britons be different during the Roman occupation?
No. Farmers would not have a huge difference, except we know that food contributions were required as tribute so there may have been some small change there.
Roman tools for farming adopted by Britons?
Ploughshares, two-handed scythes, durable axes, corn-drying granaries so that crops could be stored over winter
Who is presumed to be the resident of Fishbourne? Also why?
Client King Cogidubnus. Though it might be assumed a governor lived there, the Chichester Dedication Slab shows that Cogidubnus was being honoured and rewarded as ‘Great King’ of Britain, by the Romans so perhaps the palace was part of that
What was the site of Fishbourne originally and how do we know?
An inscription from 59AD shows a dedication from soldiers at Chichester. The site was oirginally a supply base for the Second Legion Augusta
Feature of Fishbourne, prominent sign of wealth?
Private bath house with hypocaust
Religious romanisation
merging of celtic and roman deities
‘to encourage a people living in isolation and ignorance to adopt a life of peace’
Tacitus on the aim of romanisation. It can be seen that by 410AD, this had been achieved though by the end of our time period it was still accumulating
Sulis Minerva
merged Roman and celtic deity
