RESOURCES FOR HISTORY

Explore the struggle betweeen the Celts and the Romans
Gauis Julis Caesar

VENI, VIDI, VICI

"I came, I saw, I conquered" - Gauis Julius Caesar

Photo by Andrew Bossi [CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons


The Celts and Romans in Britain

The Celts in Iron Age Britain

In the Iron Age, the people of Britain lived in tribes. Today these people are often called 'Celts'.

The Celts controlled most of central Europe and by 700BC they also conquered the lands of Northern Spain. The Celts were a force in Britain by 480BC. Celtic tribes continued to migrate to Britain and to dominate the country.

Use our interactive map of Celtic Lands and the Roman Empire to find out more about events that shaped their history. On the map you will see how their lands expanded but how they eventually were overtaken by the Romans. The map has features to read about their history on the timeline and to see where their key settlements and trade routes were.

Or use the resources below to find out more about the culture and social history of the Celts and the Romans.


Castell Henllys Roundhouse
The British Celts lived in roundhouses. We know this from the archaeological remains that have been excavated and dated to the Iron Age. ...
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Celtic Resistance to the Roman Invasion of Britain

Celtic_Warrior_Caer_Caradog
Caractacus and his brother Togodomus led the initial British resistance against the Roman invasion, commanded by Aulus Plautius. ...
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Celtic Farming in the Iron Age

Celtic_Farming

The people of Britain began farming about 5,000 years ago during the Neolithic period (New Stone Age). The Bronze and Iron Ages witnessed a number of advances in farming. ...
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The Romans in Britain

The Romans with their well-organised armies became the dominant power in the ancient world. Julius Caesar entered the history books when he led his Roman legions to conquer Gaul and then in 55BC he attacked Britain. The Romans did not settle in Britain until they renewed their attack on the island nearly a hundred years later. Then they ruled much of Britain until the legions departed to protect Rome nearly four hundred years later.

Use our resources to discover more:

Roman Food in Britain

Food in Romano Britain

The Roman invaders contributed to the long-term improvement of the British diet by introducing proper vegetables to the island.

They brought new farming practices and crops and new breeds of animals.

Learn how the rich and the poor and even the Roman Army ate.

Discover more


Roman Lady Dining

Image courtesy © 'Grosvenor Museum, Chester City Council'


Technology in Romano Britain

Goldmine Water Wheel
WHAT DID THE ROMANS DO FOR US?
An interactive tour of a Roman gold mine. Includes an animation of a water wheel used to empty the Dolaucothi gold mine of water. ...
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History Books and Resources

Read reviews of history books and history websites.


Search Resources For History for historical information and find interactive history resources related to the Romans and Celts in Britain.