Roman Withdrawal from Britain
History: KS2 National Curriculum, topic 3.1.1
Roman Withdrawal from Britain
Political Reasons
- The Roman government needed soldiers closer to Rome.
- Romans had problems in other parts of the empire.
- Roman officials wanted to keep control of those dangerous parts.
- In AD 410, the Roman Emperor Honorius told Britain to look after itself.
Economic Reasons
- The Roman Empire spent too much money defending Britain.
- Britain could not pay enough taxes to support Roman soldiers.
- Roman roads and towns in Britain needed repairs.
- The Roman economy in Britain became weaker over time.
Military Reasons
- Roman soldiers in Britain faced constant attacks from local tribes.
- The Romans had stronger enemies near Rome.
- Britain had fewer soldiers after the Roman army moved.
- Roman soldiers in Britain could not defend the land fully.
Test yourself on Roman Withdrawal from Britain
Why did the Roman government decide to withdraw from Britain?
What happened in AD 410?
Which Roman Emperor told Britain to look after itself?