Romano-British culture

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Romano-British culture refers to the culture that arose in Britain under the Roman Empire, following the Roman conquest in AD 43, and the creation of the province of Britannia. It arose as a fusion of the imported Roman culture with that of the indigenous Britons, a people of Celtic language and custom. It survived the 5th century Roman departure from Britain, eventually evolving into the medieval culture of the Anglo-Saxon period.

History[edit | edit source]

The Roman conquest of Britain in AD 43 began a process of cultural synthesis between the Roman and British cultures. The Romans introduced many elements of their culture, including their architecture, art, religion, and legal system. The Britons, in turn, adopted and adapted these elements, creating a unique Romano-British culture.

Society[edit | edit source]

Romano-British society was a mix of the Roman and native British traditions. The upper classes of society were heavily Romanised, particularly in the southern parts of Britain. They lived in Roman-style villas, enjoyed Roman luxuries, and adopted Roman names. The lower classes, however, maintained a greater degree of their native traditions, particularly in the more remote regions of Britain.

Religion[edit | edit source]

Religion in Romano-British culture was a blend of Roman and native traditions. The Romans brought with them their pantheon of gods, but they also adopted and syncretised local deities. The cult of the Emperor also played a significant role in Romano-British religion.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

The legacy of Romano-British culture can be seen in many aspects of British life today. The Roman influence on British law, language, and infrastructure is still evident. The Romano-British period also laid the groundwork for the subsequent Anglo-Saxon period, which further shaped the culture of Britain.

See also[edit | edit source]




Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD