3rd century in Roman Britain facts for kids
 3rd century in Roman Britain |
| Other centuries |
| 2nd century | 3rd century | 4th century |
The 3rd century was a busy time for Roman Britain. This period saw many changes, including new emperors, big battles, and shifts in how the province was governed. Roman Britain was a part of the vast Roman Empire. It covered much of what is now England and Wales.
Contents
Roman Emperors and Northern Tribes
The century began with serious challenges from tribes in the north. Roman leaders had to work hard to keep control.
Emperor Severus's Campaigns
In 206, the governor of Britain, Lucius Alfenus Senecio, asked the Emperor for help. He needed support against the northern tribes. He also repaired parts of Hadrian's Wall, a famous barrier.
By 208, Emperor Septimius Severus himself came to Britain. He brought his son, Caracalla, to lead the army. They wanted to deal with the northern tribes directly.
In 209, Severus and Caracalla led a big expedition. They marched against the Caledonii tribe. They also built new forts at Cramond and near the Tay estuary.
Caracalla led another expedition in 210. This time, he fought against the rebellious Maeatae tribe.
Severus's Death and Caracalla's Return
On February 4, 211, Emperor Severus died in York. He was preparing for another fight against the northern rebels.
After his father's death, Caracalla became Emperor. He decided to give up the land north of Hadrian's Wall. He then returned to Rome, leaving Britain.
Britain Divided into Provinces
Around 214, Britain was split into two smaller provinces. These were called Britannia Superior and Britannia Inferior. This made it easier to manage the large territory.
London became the main city for Britannia Superior. York was the administrative center for Britannia Inferior.
Coastal Defenses and Raids
The Roman province faced threats from the sea as well as from the north.
Saxon Raids Begin
Around 220, new raiders appeared. These were the Saxons, who attacked the south-east coast. To protect the land, the Romans built forts. These included forts at Reculver and Branodunum (Brancaster).
London's Riverside Wall
In 255, work started on a new wall in London. This wall was built along the riverside. It helped protect the city from attacks coming from the River Thames.
Saxon Shore Forts
By 270, more forts were needed. Construction began on a series of forts along the Saxon Shore. These forts were built to defend against the increasing raids from the sea.
St Albans Stone Walls
In 273, stone walls were built around the town of St Albans. This helped to protect the people living there.
The Gallic Empire and Roman Reunion
For a time, Britain was part of a separate empire.
Postumus and the Gallic Empire
In 259, a rebel leader named Latinus Postumus declared independence. He made Britain part of his "Empire of the Gauls." This empire also included parts of Gaul (modern France) and Spain.
In 274, the Gallic Empire rejoined the main Roman Empire. This happened under Emperor Aurelian.
New Laws and Settlers
In 277, an important new law was passed. It removed old rules that limited British wine production. This was good news for local farmers.
Also in 277, a general named Victorinus stopped a revolt. He settled Burgundian and Vandal prisoners in Britain. These groups were from other parts of Europe.
The Britannic Empire
Towards the end of the century, Britain had its own independent ruler for a short time. This period is known as the Britannic Empire.
Carausius Takes Power
In 287, a man named Mausaeus Carausius took control of Britain. He declared himself Emperor of Britain.
Carausius even defeated the Roman Emperor Maximian in a naval battle in 289. This showed how strong his new empire was.
Allectus and the End of the Britannic Empire
In 293, Carausius was murdered by his finance minister, Allectus. Allectus then took power himself. He hired Frankish mercenaries, who were soldiers for hire.
The Britannic Empire ended in 296. Julius Constantius, a Roman general, defeated the Britons near Silchester. Allectus was killed in the battle. Constantius also stopped the Frankish mercenaries from attacking London.
After the Revolt
In 297, work began to rebuild forts near Hadrian's Wall. Constantius then returned to Gaul (modern France).
Also in 297, the Picts were mentioned for the first time in Roman records. They were a group from the north who attacked Roman territory.
See also
