ok, there is not a lot bar speculation to connect the Roman change to what is now England - to Winston Churchill.
But, the conversation reminded me of reading about the change in house building when the Romans left ---------- they thought differently.
By the time we got to Churchill's time - the British thought that they were 'exceptional' - well ---------------- were they ever?
Kinda, they did build an Empire - but, on theft mostly.
What their feeling of exceptionalism did give them was arrogance - so, no problem to go and find a ME solution -
sound familiar? Sounds pretty much like the yanks these days.
Whilst the Romans also could be bastards, the negotiated more - they really were different -- as I said - just for interest
After the Romans left Britain in the late 4th and early 5th centuries, significant changes occurred in English housing and building practices. The transition from Roman architectural styles to those favored by the Anglo-Saxons marked a notable shift in construction techniques and materials.
## Changes in Building Materials and Techniques
### Decline of Stone Construction
During the Roman occupation, Britain saw the introduction of stone buildings, including villas and public structures, which utilized advanced techniques and materials such as brick, tile, and glass. The Romans built with stone for durability and strength, creating urban centers with a grid layout and diverse public buildings like baths, temples, and forums[4][5]. However, after the Romans left, the use of stone significantly declined.
The primary reasons for this decline included:
- **Economic Collapse**: The end of Roman rule led to a decrease in centralized authority and economic stability. The skills required for stone masonry and the organization needed for large construction projects diminished as populations dispersed into rural areas[2][3].
- **Resource Accessibility**: The infrastructure to support stone building, such as quarries and skilled labor, became less available. As the population shifted towards agriculture, many skilled workers like stone masons transitioned to farming, leading to a loss of specialized knowledge[2][3].
### Shift to Timber Construction
In contrast to the Roman preference for stone, Anglo-Saxon architecture predominantly used timber and thatch. The Anglo-Saxons built simple, rectangular structures that were easier and quicker to construct compared to stone buildings. This shift was influenced by:
- **Cultural Preferences**: The Anglo-Saxons had no tradition of stone building, and their architectural style favored timber for its availability and ease of construction. This led to the development of small towns and settlements that were more aligned with their agricultural lifestyle[3][5].
- **Practical Considerations**: Timber structures were more practical for the smaller, localized communities that emerged post-Roman rule. The focus shifted from urban centers to rural living, with buildings designed to meet immediate needs rather than long-term durability[5].
## Architectural Characteristics
### Types of Structures
- **Timber Houses**: The typical Anglo-Saxon house was a simple timber-framed structure with thatched roofing. These homes were often single-roomed and built using locally available materials, reflecting a more communal and less hierarchical society compared to the Roman period[5].
- **Religious Buildings**: While secular buildings were predominantly timber, the Anglo-Saxons did construct some stone churches, particularly in the later part of their era. These buildings often incorporated remnants of Roman stonework, indicating a gradual re-adoption of stone in specific contexts[3][5].
### Urban Development
The Anglo-Saxons generally preferred to establish new settlements rather than inhabit the decaying Roman cities. They built small towns strategically located near agricultural land or along trade routes, reflecting their focus on local resources and community-based living[5].
## Conclusion
The departure of the Romans marked a transformative period in English housing and building practices. The shift from stone to timber construction, driven by economic, social, and cultural changes, led to a distinct architectural style that characterized the Anglo-Saxon period. This evolution in building practices illustrates the broader societal shifts that occurred as Britain transitioned from Roman rule to a more localized, agrarian society.
Citations: [1] https://segedunumromanfort.org.uk/files/470562-roman-impact-trail-24-11-22.pdf [2] https://www.reddit.com/r/history/comments/oca5w5/what_factors_pushed_native_britons_to_move_away/ [3] https://fathereadred.com/anglo-saxon-blog/anglo-saxon-stone-buildings/ [4] https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/romans/architecture/ [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Saxon_architecture [6] https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z2dr4wx [7] https://htt.herefordshire.gov.uk/he...-romano-british-period/life-in-roman-britain/ [8] https://www.historyextra.com/period/roman/fall-roman-britain-empire-what-happened-why/
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The departure of the Romans from Britain around 410 AD marked a significant transformation in the socio-political landscape of the region. This transition was not merely a cessation of Roman governance but initiated profound changes in various aspects of life for the inhabitants of Britain.
### Political and Social Changes
After the Roman withdrawal, Britain experienced a fragmentation of authority. The centralized Roman administration dissolved, leading to a power vacuum that local leaders and warlords sought to fill. Some historians suggest that this period saw the emergence of new kingdoms, such as Rheged, as local leaders consolidated power in the absence of Roman oversight[1][3]. The political landscape became characterized by localized governance and the rise of tribal identities, as the Romano-British sought to adapt to their new reality.
### Economic Impact
Economically, the end of Roman rule resulted in a rapid decline in urban life. Roman towns, which had thrived on trade and administration, began to crumble as the supply of Roman coins ceased and the infrastructure fell into disrepair[2][4]. The use of coins diminished significantly, leading to a regression to barter systems and localized economies. The archaeological record indicates that many urban centers were abandoned, and the population increasingly returned to rural living, reminiscent of pre-Roman times[2][5].
### Cultural Shifts
Culturally, the departure of the Romans led to significant changes in material culture. New styles of dress, pottery, and burial practices emerged, influenced partly by incoming Germanic tribes. This cultural shift was particularly evident in eastern Britain, where the adoption of these new practices reflected a broader transformation in identity among the local population[1][2]. Conversely, in western regions like Tintagel, there was a paradoxical revival of Roman-style practices, suggesting a complex interplay between Roman legacy and emerging local identities[1].
### Summary
In summary, the exit of the Romans from Britain catalyzed a multifaceted transformation characterized by political fragmentation, economic decline, and cultural shifts. The once cohesive Roman province fragmented into smaller kingdoms, urban life diminished, and new cultural identities emerged, setting the stage for the subsequent Anglo-Saxon period. This era was marked by both continuity and change, as the remnants of Roman influence persisted even as new societal structures took shape.
Citations: [1] https://theconversation.com/the-roman-brexit-how-life-in-britain-changed-after-409ad-93886 [2] https://www.historyextra.com/period/roman/fall-roman-britain-empire-what-happened-why/ [3] https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/139g42l/what_happened_after_the_romans_left_britain/ [4] https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z2dr4wx [5] https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/late_01.shtml [6] [7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End_of_Roman_rule_in_Britain [8] https://www.thenational.academy/tea.../lessons/how-britain-changed-after-the-romans
