RICHBOROUGH FORT
SILCHESTER
ST ALBANS - VERULAMIUM
ST PETER-ON-THE-WALL
STOW MINSTER
SUTTON HOO
VINDOLANDA
WALL
WHEELDALE ROMAN ROAD
WROXETER

The landscape and culture of Iron Age Britain changed dramatically when the Romans arrived in AD43. Considered to be a peripheral colony of the great Roman Empire, the invaders soon put their unmistakable stamp on the sprawling chaos of primitive settlements. 25 planned towns were created, legionary fortresses were strategically placed around the country, and long straight roads were laid down to provide ease of communication between the military outposts. In the north, the massive Hadrian's Wall was constructed to define the limit of Roman Rule, and in the southern part of the country, thousands of villas were constructed during the 360 years of Roman occupation. By the middle of the 5th century Saxons had arrived on British shores and, before the end of the 6th century, Anglo Saxon England had emerged.

The legendary Saxon Kings reigned supreme for almost 600 years. Perhaps not surprisingly, a good deal more Roman archaeology has survived than Saxon. Near complete foundations of forts, towns, and villas can still be seen, as well as many impressive stretches of Hadrian's Wall. Roman Baths, palaces, mosaic pavements, great quantities of pottery and jewellery are scattered throughout Britain, and much of it accessible to today's visitors.