4th century in Roman Britain facts for kids

4th century in Roman Britain

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This article explores important events that happened in Roman Britain during the 4th century. This was a time when the Roman Empire still ruled parts of Britain, but also faced many challenges.

Key Events in Roman Britain

Early 4th Century: New Emperors and Changes

Emperor Diocletian's Rules (301)

In the year 301, Emperor Diocletian made new rules. He set fixed prices for goods like British wool and beer. This was done to control the economy and stop prices from getting too high.

A New Emperor in York (306)

On July 25, 306, Emperor Constantius Chlorus died in Eboracum (which is now York). He had been leading military campaigns against the Picts, a group of people living in what is now Scotland. After his death, his son, Constantine the Great, was chosen by the soldiers in York to be the new Emperor. This was a very important moment in Roman history.

Britain's New Structure and Christianity (314)

By 314, the changes made by Emperor Diocletian were fully in place. Britain was divided into four smaller areas, called provinces. The military and the civilian government were also separated, meaning different people were in charge of the army and daily life. This year also saw the beginning of an organized Christian church in Britain. Three bishops from Britain even traveled to the Council of Arles in Gaul (modern-day France) to discuss church matters.

Mid-4th Century: Imperial Visits and Challenges

Emperor Constans Visits (343)

In January 343, Emperor Constans visited Britain. He worked to make the northern frontier stronger and also improved the defenses along the Saxon Shore. The Saxon Shore was a series of forts along the southeastern coast, built to protect against raids from Germanic tribes like the Saxons. During this time, the Pevensey Fort was also built.

Punishment and Paganism (353)

In 353, the Roman Emperor Constantius II took action against people in Britain who had supported Magnentius. Magnentius was a leader who had tried to take over the Empire but was defeated. Constantius II also tried to stop the practice of paganism, which was the worship of many gods, and encouraged Christianity.

Julian Takes Charge (355)

In 355, Julian the Apostate was given control over Britain and Gaul (modern-day France). He was a skilled leader who helped manage these important parts of the Empire.

Britain's Role in the Army (359)

By 359, Julian decided that Britain would become the main place for growing grain to feed the western Roman army. This showed how important Britain was for providing food supplies.

Attacks from the North (360)

In 360, the northern frontier of Roman Britain faced attacks from the Picts and people from Ireland. These raids were a constant threat to the Roman control of the region.

The Great Conspiracy (367)

The year 367 saw a major crisis known as the Great Conspiracy. There were many attacks by the Picts, Irish, and Saxons all at once. Hadrian's Wall, a famous Roman defense, was abandoned in some areas. The Roman military commander, Fullofaudes, was either captured or killed during these widespread raids.

Late 4th Century: Recovery and Retreat

Count Theodosius Restores Order (368-369)

In 368, Count Theodosius arrived in Britain with a special military force. He worked to bring back order and restore the Roman government. He was helped by Governor Civilis and commander Dulcitius. By 369, Theodosius had defeated the invaders. He also built new watchtowers along the coast, from Filey to Huntcliff, and made the northern frontier stronger again.

Magnus Maximus's Rise (382-383)

In 382, Magnus Maximus defeated the Picts and Scots, showing his military strength. However, in 383, Maximus tried to take control of the entire Roman Empire. To do this, he took many troops from Britain, which weakened the defenses there. As a result, Roman forts at Chester and in the Pennines were abandoned.

Saint Ninian and Christianity (397)

In 397, Saint Ninian began converting the people around Galloway (in modern-day Scotland) to Christianity. This shows how Christianity continued to spread in Britain even as Roman power began to decline.

See also

• End of Roman rule in Britain
• Sub-Roman Britain
• 5th century in England