One of the top reasons we hear from Canadian students on why they want to study in the UK is to be surrounded by the history and culture. Much of our cultural and national history is relatively "young" on the global scheme and certainly when compared with history of Britain. History and Archaeology students flock to the UK to embrace this long history. 

The Roman invasion of Britain began around 43 AD (almost 2000 years ago). During this time, the Roman army increased its control over a significant amount of what is now England, Wales and Scotland. Their occupation required military defenses and the building of structures that have since been uncovered across the UK! These spectacular relics give a window into what Roman Britain was like.

Let’s explore a few key areas and their importance to the Roman occupancy.  
 

York

During the Roman invasion, what is now “York” would have been referred to as “Eboracum”. What started as a fortress, the developed city would become the provincial capital that housed residents from throughout the Roman Empire!

In present-day York, several reminders of this powerful Roman occupancy are still present thanks to excavations and an effort to develop records of this period.  

Of the excavations that have taken place over the past two centuries, Roman walls, several buildings, civilian houses storehouses and even a Roman bath house which can be explored in the cellar of a local pub.  

In addition to the bath house, excavated Roman military headquarters are also open to the public and a section of the old city wall can be seen in the Museum Gardens. This portion of the wall is known as the Multangular Tower.  

Want to explore study opportunities in York, read more here!
 

Chester

Archaeologists have uncovered a significant number of Roman structures in what is now Chester, England. Once a military town, the city of Chester contains remnants of Roman walls, several pieces of military structures, a Roman Amphitheatre and a Roman Garden. Much of these remnants are openly available for visitors to enjoy and have even been integrated into the modern development of the city itself.  

The Roman walls surrounding Chester spanned over 2 km and date back to the very beginning of Roman occupancy. The walls were further developed by the Anglo Saxons and visitors to modern Chester can see parts of the wall beautifully maintained across different parts of the city. It is now a popular walking route with many virtual guides available to navigate the different sections.  

A great example of this is https://chesterwalls.info/chestermap.html that provides maps in addition to further history about Roman Britain.  

In addition to the walls, Chester is also the location of the largest stone-build Roman military amphitheatre in Britain! Located at the south-end of the walls, the amphitheatre has been partially excavated and is described as a ‘military’ type of amphitheatre. This would have primarily been used for training purposes due to its arena area being larger than its seating area when compared to other uncovered amphitheatres. Even so, the Chester amphitheatre would have also been open to general public for popular spectacle events including bull baiting among others.  

Want to explore study opportunities in Chester? Speak to an Across the Pond advisor today!  
 

London

Uncovered during the bombings of the second World War, London was once surrounded by a massive city wall during the Roman occupancy. Sections of this wall can be seen from the popular Tower Bridge to Farringdon. 

Sections of the wall are scattered, but (if you know where to look for them) opportunities to walk amongst this historic construction provide a wonderful look into the past. Check out Historic UK’s City Wall Walking Guide when you’re in London! 

Boudicca  

Many will be familiar with the Tudor dynasty, but monarchs have been contributing to UK history for over 2000 years. There was queen who led a significant uprising against the (then) occupying Roman forces. Queen Boudicca was the queen of the Iceni people of Eastern England (what is now East Anglia). She’s been documented as a warrior queen and between 60-61AD her forces defeated numbers around 70,000 Romans and their supporters. While her forcers were defeated, Boudicca is remembered as a symbol of resistance. The site of Boudicca’s battle and final resting place are unknown, however there is a popular story that claims Boudicca’s final resting place is underneath platform 9 at King’s Cross Station.  

You can visit a statue of Boudicca and her daughters at Westminster bridge, across the road from Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster.  

Interested in exploring London university options? Our student advisors can help!

Thanks to archaeologists, many pieces of Roman Britain have been uncovered throughout the UK. Certainly not limited to the above, the remnants of this civilization provide a unique look into the influences of this powerful force. Combined with museums and other curated collections, make sure you add some of these excavated items to your itinerary during your time in the UK! 

Just can't get enough learning about the rich history and culture of the UK? Maybe a degree in archaeology is for you!