Topic 5: Effects of Roman rule

Question 1

Impact on economy

Answer 1

• STRABO GEOGRAPHY - produce corn, cattle, gold and silver, an dogs suitable for hunting.
• STRABO - Had milk but could not make cheese, knew nothing of crops.
• MENDIP LEAD PIG - Extracting lead and silver from mines in Somerset.
• Shows roman birtain was not for wealth reasons alone, more personal or political.

Question 2

Develtopment of towns and settlements.

Answer 2

• Pre-roman settlements would include hill-forts, not rlly towns.
• The basilica was a judicial building and was found in the forum of the town. Also included was a temple if the imperial cult.
• VERULAMIUM FORUM INSCRIPTION - Supports the building od towns by romans.
• Included a market hall, temples, theatres, bath-houses.
• VINDOLANDA TABLET - Benefits of roman roads as they were connected to towns.

Question 3

Roman Colchester

Answer 3

• The twentieth legion came here and after they left the fortresses were used as colonia, a place for retired soldiers.
• TACITUS - Population of 115,000, to support this land was taken from the trinovantes and temple of claudius led to them joining the Boudiccan revolt.
• A theatre was provided for their entertainment as well as fod and wine being imported.
• TACITUS - Expensive pottery also, the trinovantes were treated so badly by them that they joined Boudicca.
• In 61 it was rebuilt on top of the original sight, afte the boudiccan revolt there was more active romanisation, including public baths, and theatres to stimulate the economy.

Question 4

Agriculture / Villas

Answer 4

• Pesense of a lager military force meant moe food was required so forced agriculture to expand to meet those needs.
• The growth of towns gave native farmers a reason to produce a surplus as they could now sell it.
  *Roads meant they could transport fgoods, and new technology meant efficiency and a place to store during winter.
• Imporved water-supply and drainage meant mashes could be drained and used for crops.
• Villas were nice homes that included a farm, and expressed social status. Fishborne is the best example we have of this.
• It was originally a military store base for the second legion.
• It had mosaic flooring, bath houses, heating and gardens.
• It is likwly that it was for cogidumnus as a reward for his loyalty during the Boudiccan revolt.