Britannia Prima facts for kids
Britannia Prima (which means "First Britain" in Latin) was one of the Roman provinces in Britain. It was part of the larger "Diocese of Britain," a group of provinces created by the Roman Empire around the end of the 3rd century. This happened after a Roman leader named Constantius Chlorus defeated a ruler called Allectus in AD 296.
Britannia Prima was listed as a Roman province around AD 312. We are not entirely sure where its exact borders were or what its capital city was. However, it was likely closer to Rome than another province called Britannia Secunda. Today, most experts believe Britannia Prima covered areas like Wales, Cornwall, and the lands connecting them.
Many scholars now think its capital city was Corinium Dobunnorum (modern-day Cirencester). This idea comes from an old Roman inscription found there. But some old records, like a list of bishops from a meeting in AD 315, suggest the capital might have been Isca Augusta (Caerleon) or Deva Victrix (Chester). These cities were important Roman army bases.
History of Roman Britain
After the Romans conquered Britain, the land was first ruled as one large province. Its capital was first at Camulodunum (Colchester) and then later moved to Londinium (London).
Later, around the end of the 2nd century, Britain was split into two parts: Upper Britain (Britannia Superior) and Lower Britain (Britannia Inferior). Their capitals were London and Eboracum (York).
Around AD 296, the Roman Empire reorganized its provinces. Britain became part of a larger administrative area called the "Diocese of the Britains." This diocese was then divided into several smaller provinces. These new provinces were likely named Prima, Secunda, Maxima Caesariensis, and possibly Flavia Caesariensis and Valentia.
The exact locations and capital cities of these later Roman provinces in Britain are still debated by historians. However, old Roman records show that the governor of Britannia Prima was of a lower rank than some other governors. This suggests that its capital was probably not London, which was a very important city.
Some older ideas about Britannia Prima's location were based on legends. For example, a writer named Gerald of Wales thought it was in Wales because of an old story about Britain's first settlements. Later, in the 1700s, a fake historical document led people to believe Prima was in southern England, south of the Thames River. However, modern studies and discoveries have shown these ideas were wrong.
Today, thanks to an inscription found at Corinium Dobunnorum (Cirencester), many historians agree that Cirencester was the capital of Britannia Prima. This inscription mentions a Roman official named Lucius Septimius, who was a "rector" (a type of governor) of Britannia Prima.
Roman Legions
The famous Second Augustan Legion and the Twentieth Valerian Legion were important Roman army units. They might have been based in Isca Augusta (Caerleon) and Deva Victrix (Chester), respectively, during the time Britannia Prima existed. However, this is not entirely clear from historical records.
Valentia Province
Around AD 369, a Roman general named Count Theodosius created or re-established a province called Valentia. This new province was made from lands that the Romans had taken back from their enemies.
Historians are still discussing where Valentia was located. Some believe it was in northwestern Wales, with its capital at Deva Victrix (Chester). If this is true, Valentia was probably created to help protect the area from Irish pirates and raiders who were attacking Britain at that time.
