The early history of Britain was shaped by successive invasions over centuries. The Celts first arrived in Britain around 700-600 BC and built structures like Stonehenge. The Romans then invaded in the 1st century AD and controlled southern Britain until 410 AD, leaving behind constructions like Hadrian's Wall. Following the Romans' departure, the Anglo-Saxons invaded and established kingdoms across Britain in the 5th-6th centuries AD. The last invasion was by the Normans in 1066 AD under William the Conqueror.

1. EARLY BRITAIN
A HISTORY OF INVASIONS

2. Summary
1. The Celts
2. The Romans
3. The Anglo-Saxons
4. The Normans

3. 700/600 B.C.
Celts appear in Britain

4. Stonehenge
Druids worshipped the Sun and Moon at
Stonehenge

5. Celtic tradition

6. Celtic House

7. Celtic cross

9. The Romans
• In 55-54 Julius Caesar
reaches Britain
• In 43 Emperor
Claudius invades
Britain and
accomplishes the
conquest

10. Hadrian’s Wall
The Roman advance was
halted south of what is
now the border between
England and Scotland.
The Scottish refused to be
colonized and Emperor
Hadrian built a wall to
keep raiders out of Roman
Britain

11. HADRIAN'S WALL is the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain. It is the
best known frontier in the entire Roman Empire and stands as a reminder of past glories of one of
the world's greatest civilisations. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1987, Hadrian's Wall ranks
alongside the Taj Mahal and other treasures of the great wonders of the world.
Spanning nearly 2,000 years of history, dramatic and wild landscapes, towns and cities, a visit to
Hadrian's Wall is a must for anyone living in or visiting the North of England. Forts, museums
and events bring Roman history to life, walks lead you through spectacular countryside. Time
spent exploring this unique Roman heritage in its ever changing setting will leave you with an
unparalleled sense of awe and wonder.
NEW* Win A Break on Hadrian's Wall: rules for entrants to our "Walker's Guide" competition.
or other enquiries, please contact us at info@hadrians-wall.org

12. "It is the land of far horizons,
where the piled or drifted shapes
of gathered vapour are for ever
moving along the farthest ridge of
hills, like the procession of long
primeval ages that is written in
tribal mounds and Roman camps
and Border towers on the breast
of Northumberland."
GM Trevelyan

13. 410 the Romans leave Britain
Jutes, Angles
and Saxons
invade Britain

14. The anglo-Saxon
kingdoms
The Anglo-Saxons established
7 Kingdoms in Britain:
Northumbria
Mercia
East Anglia
Essex
Kent
Sussex
Wessex

15. King Arthur
He leds the Celtic
Britons in their
resistance against
the Saxon invaders

16. Alfred the Great
• He was the greatest
Anglo-Saxon king and
came from Wessex.
• He translated latin
works in Anglo-Saxon
language.

17. 1066 The Normans invade
Britain