Life in Roman Britain

The larger settlements in Britain were the first to notice a change into a more Roman way of life. Those living in the countryside continued to live much as they had done for several years into the invasion. The biggest change was the development of towns and cities, much of which remain similar in location today.

The development of towns allowed for the creation of markets and more governance, including creating a legal system and changes in how leadership took place in each individual province. Another big change to every day life was the introduction of public baths, you can find several of these buildings remaining, including in the city of Bath and places like Shopshire.

The life of soldiers

The soldiers that came over as part of the initial invasion had to be housed somewhere, and many found themselves being placed in garrisons and barracks near the developing towns and villages.

Soldiers living in the legionary bases and remote forts further north enjoyed a much more relaxed life compared to those elsewhere, they were allowed to move around and although it wasn't legal, married local native women or the daughters of fellow soldiers who had been stationed at the fort. These barracks would also  have shops and other community areas, where soldiers could enjoy locally brewed beer and socialise. The sites would also have baths for the soldiers, with some being the same size as a modern day football pitch or bigger.

Entertainment in Roman Britain

One of the most prevailing remains of Roman life are the amphitheatres, which can still be seen at various places around the UK. These theatres were designed for games, shows and displays and would include seats for town’s folk and Roman leaders. Though the nature of the events that took place can’t be determined, records from the time indicate that gladiatorial contests, animal fights and slave auctions all took place there.

Fun and games were a big part of every day life and various gaming boards have been discovered during excavations.

Roman housing

Roman housing was very similar to the homes we live in today. Buildings were often made up of rectangular rooms, one of which was created for specifically as a dining area and the homes of the more well off featured underfloor heating.

Religion

One of the first things that took place under the Romans during their occupation of Britain was the suppression of the Druids, who were early versions of priests. Aside from that, records show that Romans were largely tolerant of religion, provided that their own ideas were incorporated into various forms of worship, which led to many people worshipping hybrid gods made up of both local deities and those brought over from Rome.

Many of the classical Roman Gods were honoured and worshipped at temples around Britain, for instance, Minerva at the baths in Bath. To be seen to worship these deities was seen as being loyal to the Roman emperor, however everyone was allowed a private religious life and cults were rife.

It is believed that even before the Romans, the populace had begun to believe in a supreme being, as well as a series of local gods or spirits, which was similar to Roman ideology at the time. In Bath for instance, the Roman Goddess Minerva became merged with the local God, Sul.

Christianity

It is not certain when Christianity came to Britain but it became increasingly popular around the 4^th century after the Emporer Constantine converted. Villas began to be decorated with Christian iconography, with many mosaics surviving to this day. However, Pagan traditions also remained strong for thousands of years, especially in southern Britain.