Romans in Britain Everyday life

Most Roman Britons lived in the countryside, so the normal daily round for most people was farming, planting and ploughing, storing and processing crops, managing woodlands, smelting and smithing.

Towns The Romans built towns all over Britain as centre to administer the people they had conquered. Veteran soldiers and Celtic Chieftains were rewarded with houses in the towns and would hold important jobs in the law courts or town councils

Houses Most people continued to live in Iron Age-style round houses of timber and Thatch which could be sturdy and quite warm and comfortable.

Road building While ancient Britons used tracks and paths, the Romans built paved roads - over 10,000 miles in total - linking towns and forts. These were constructed by soldiers and marked with milestones so travellers could judge distances. Major Roman arteries such as Watling Street and the Fosse Way can still be followed today.

Trade Industry in various forms was encouraged by the Romans. In their bid for the veneer of civilization the elite of Britain imported Roman wine, jewelers, and pottery.

Baths An essential part of Roman life, public baths were created in every Roman town and fort. These usually contained saunas, hot and cold pools, and exercise areas. Romans went to baths not only to get clean but also to socialize and do business.

Food

Religion The Romans brought their state gods to Britain (Jupiter, Juno, Minerva, Mars, Mercury, etc.) and the imperial cult

Latin The universal language of the Roman Empire, Latin was used widely in Britain, particularly for writing. With the fall of the Empire, Latin survived in another universal institution, the Church, but went into decline in Britain.

The end