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List of governors of Roman Britain facts for kids

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Roman Britain was a part of the Roman Empire for almost 400 years. During this time, it was ruled by special officials called governors. These governors were very important. They were in charge of the Roman army in Britain and made sure Roman laws were followed.

When Britain first became a Roman province in 43 AD, its governors were usually high-ranking Roman politicians. They had to have already served as a consul in Rome. A consul was one of the most important elected officials in the Roman Republic and Empire.

Over time, as Roman Britain was divided into smaller provinces, the governors could be from a slightly lower rank. Not all governors are known to us today. Many names come from old writings found on stone or metal, or from letters like those found at Vindolanda. After the famous governor Gnaeus Julius Agricola left in 85 AD, it's harder to know the exact dates for many governors.

Roman Governors of Britain

This section lists the main governors of Roman Britain when it was a single province.

Early Governors (Claudian Era)

These governors served during the time of Emperor Claudius and his immediate successors.

Flavian Governors

These governors served during the Flavian dynasty of emperors.

Trajanic Governors

These governors served during the time of Emperor Trajan.

Hadrianic Governors

These governors served during the time of Emperor Hadrian, who built Hadrian's Wall.

Antonine Governors

These governors served during the Antonine dynasty of emperors.

Severan Governors

These governors served during the Severan dynasty of emperors.

Some old records mention a second governor named Ulpius Marcellus, thought to be the son of the earlier governor. However, it's now believed this was a mistake, and it refers to the first Ulpius Marcellus.

The sons of Emperor Septimius Severus, Caracalla and Publius Septimius Geta, also helped manage the province. This was during and right after their father's military campaigns in Britain between 208 and 211.

Division of Roman Britain

Around 213 AD, Roman Britain was divided into two smaller provinces: Britannia Superior (Upper Britain) and Britannia Inferior (Lower Britain). This made it easier to manage.

Governors of Britannia Superior

Governors of Britannia Inferior

  • Gaius Julius Marcus (by 213)
  • Marcus Antonius Gordianus (by 216)
  • Modius Julius (by 219)
  • Tiberius Claudius Paulinus (around 220)
  • Marius Valerianus (221 – 222/223)
  • Claudius Xenophon (223)
  • Maximus (by 225)
  • Claudius Apellinus (sometime during 222–235)
  • Calvisius Rufus (sometime during 222–235)
  • Valerius Crescens Fulvianus (sometime during 222–235)
  • Tuccianus (by 237)
  • Maecilius Fuscus (sometime during 238–244)
  • Egnatius Lucillianus (sometime during 238–244)
  • Nonius Philippus (by 242)
  • Octavius Sabinus (sometime during 260–269), serving under the Gallic Empire, which was a breakaway part of the Roman Empire.

The Diocese of the Britains

Later, the island was divided even further by Emperor Diocletian. It became four separate provinces:

A fifth province called Valentia also existed for a short time, probably in the far north. Each of these new provinces had its own governor. All these governors were overseen by a higher official called a vicarius. Later, the governor of Maxima Caesariensis had to be a high-ranking consul again.

Here are some of the few names of officials from this later period, covering almost 100 years until around 408 AD, when the Roman government left Britain.

Vicarii

These officials oversaw all the provinces in Britain.

  • Pacatianus (around 319)
  • Flavius Martinus (around 353)
  • Alypius of Antioch (361–363)
  • Civilis (369)
  • Victorinus (probably sometime during 395–406)
  • Chrysanthus (probably sometime during 395–406)

Governors of the Divided Provinces

Other Important Figures in Roman Britain

Besides the official governors, other powerful people ruled or led groups in Roman Britain.

Emperors and Leaders in Britain

Sometimes, leaders in Britain tried to become emperors themselves, challenging the main Roman Empire.

  • Around 278, an unknown governor rebelled but was quickly defeated.
  • Carausius (286–293), a leader in Britain who declared himself emperor.
  • Allectus (293–296), Carausius's successor.
  • Magnentius (350–353), a rebel emperor who controlled much of Western Europe.
  • Another Carausius, sometimes called Carausius II, might have tried to take power between 354 and 358.
  • Magnus Maximus (383–388), recognized as an emperor of the west by Emperor Theodosius I.
  • Marcus (406), declared emperor by the Roman army in Britain.
  • Gratian (407), another British-based emperor.
  • Constantine III, a Roman soldier from Britain who also tried to become emperor in the West.

Native Rulers

Before and during Roman rule, local British tribes had their own leaders.

Military Leaders

These were high-ranking army commanders in Britain.

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