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Stone Age to Iron Age
Britain has been inhabited for thousands of years. The first people were hunter-gatherers who arrived around 10,000 years ago. Later came farmers, and then metal workers who built impressive monuments.
Key Points
Stonehenge - built about 5,000 years ago, still visible today in Wiltshire
Iron Age people built hill forts - you can still see remains today
The Romans (55 BC - 410 AD)
The Romans came to Britain and changed it forever. They brought roads, cities, and new ways of living. Although they eventually left, their influence remained.
Key Points
55 BC - Julius Caesar led the first Roman invasion
43 AD - Permanent Roman occupation began under Emperor Claudius
122 AD - Hadrian's Wall built to defend against tribes from Scotland
410 AD - Romans left Britain to defend other parts of their empire
Boudicca - Queen of the Iceni tribe who fought against the Romans
Must Know
First invasion: 55 BC (Julius Caesar)
Permanent occupation: 43 AD
Hadrian's Wall: 122 AD - northern boundary
Romans left: 410 AD
Anglo-Saxons and Vikings
After the Romans left, different groups invaded Britain. The Anglo-Saxons came from Germany and Denmark, settling and creating kingdoms. Later, Vikings from Scandinavia raided and settled too.
Key Points
Anglo-Saxons created kingdoms that became England
They spoke Anglo-Saxon (Old English) - foundation of modern English
Vikings raided from the late 8th century onwards
King Alfred the Great (871-899) - defeated Vikings, established laws
Must Know
Anglo-Saxons: created England and Old English language
King Alfred the Great: defeated Vikings, promoted education