"Roman Britain"

History: Roman Britain:

Introduction:

In 55 BC Julius Caesar( ca 100-44 BC) invaded Britain,but the real conquest of the country took place in the years 43-47 AD under Emperor Claudius ( 10 BC-54 AD).

One of the first things the Romans did was involve the conquered tribes in the administration of the province.The Romans encouraged the growth of towns near their army bases and established special towns as settlements for retired soldiers.

They persuaded the ruling (dominate) class of Celtic aristocrats to build town dwellings,and they turned the towns into centres of vibrant commercial activity.

Roman towns and roads:

Town boundaries ( confini) contained a regular network of streets. Most towns were surrounded bu stone walls. The centre of a Roman town was the forum,or civic centre, which gave access to the basilica,or town all ( palazzo comunale). It was here that courts of justice were held, though it could also be used for merchants'assemblies. Every town ha public baths. They were open to both sexes ( entrambi i sessi), though at different times of day,and served as a healing spa (luogo di guarigione) and meeting place.

Roads joined the towns together. The Romans built over 9.600 kilometres of roads in Britain. They weren't always straight, but they were amazingly well built and made troop movement,and later the movement of commercial goods,much easier.(Ben costruite facevano muovere le truppe dell'esercito...Più tardi il movimento dei beni commerciali divenne più facile).

Possibly the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain was Hadrian's Wall, constructed as a defensive fortification and customs barrier ( dogana) from the east coast ( costa orientale) to the west coast ( costa occidentale) between England and Scotland.

The origins of London:

The beginnings of London can be dated to the invasion of the Romans in 43 AD. A bridge was built across the River Thames. This first " London Bridge" proved a convenient central point for the new network of roads which soon spread out like a fan from the crossing place.(dimostrò un conveniente punto centrale per la rete di strade che ben presto si diffuse a ventaglio dal luogo di attraversamento).

The Romans settlements on the north side of the bridge,called "Londinium",quickly (rapidamente) became important as a trading centre ( centro commerciale) for goods ( beni) brought up the river boat and unloaded at wooden docks by the bridge.( scaricate in bacini di legno nel ponte).