Roman Norfolk

This is part of a series on the History of Norfolk

Roman Norfolk began after the first contact by Julius Caesar in his expeditions of 55 and 54 BC and the eventual invasion of England by Emperor Claudius in 43 AD. After this century of co-operation, during which the Roman client states held power, the infighting and other troubles led to the Roman invasion in 43 AD. The Iceni were in power in Norfolk during that period from 55 BC to 43 AD and further problems between them led to eventual war between Boudica and the invading Romans.

A shipwreck was discovered in 2010 off the coast of south Devon which is dated to around 900 BC just before time of the transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age and is believed to have been coming to Britain from Europe. No hull remains were recovered, however the cargo found so far consisted of 259 Copper ingots, 27 tin ingots, 3 gold bracelets several slingshots and a bronze leaf sword which in those days was an extremely valuable cargo.

Although Bronze Age production was still under way when the Iron Age arrived in Britain around 600 BC the change to Iron implements soon came. The Celts arrived in around 400 BC and brought with them the first Iron Age tools for farming. These tools and other implements such as axes allowed more efficient methods of cutting and ploughing and so heavier soils could be turned allowing agriculture to spread.

This influx of Celts brought significant changes to the religious practices as well. It is about this time that the peoples of Britain first began to call themselves Britons. From around 350 BC we find the start of burials as worship or offerings to the gods.

The first written records of Britain were produced by a Greek man called Pytheas of Massilia(Marseilles) who sailed completely around the coast of Britain between 330 and 320 BC. It is here that we learn of the Cornish tin trade with the Mediterranean and he also says that Britons were "peacable but formidable in war" as well as describing horse drawn chariots which the Britons used in battle.

By 200 BC the two metals were still being worked alongside and it is from this time we find some of the most interesting pieces.

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Wikipedia