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The Romans had been in England nearly 40 years. Some tribes were still hostile to Roman rule but these were getting less and
less. A new governor was appointed in 77AD and his name was Gnaeus Julius Agricola (and maybe the closest to John we will get). By the way according to his name
he may have been in the wrong job as Agricola in Latin means farmer.
In a bid to stop the warlike ways of the Britons, Agricola tried to sow the seeds (no maybe he was in the right job) in the minds of British leaders
that becoming Roman was a good idea. The people who did were known as Romano-Britons. At the same time he ploughed on (definitely in the right job) with his campaign to conquer all the rest of England.
Archaeologists believe that the idea to become more Roman happened really quickly and by 80AD south east England was filled with Roman-style towns and
villas. The villas would be massive buildings and many would have mosaics on the floors and/or walls. A mosaic is usually a piece of art work made from putting
together lots of little pieces of glass, stone or other colourful materials.These Romano-British aristocrats were encouraged to wear the toga, to learn Latin and
writing and to help with the costs of building these towns.
But for the peasants life had changed very little. Many still lived in their little huts and carried on their lives growing food and looking after
animals. Some became slaves and would work for the Romans and these new Romano-Britons. They would live within the large villas and, if their master was kind,
it would not be a bad life.
Here are some pictures of Romano-British life. When we set off on our journey we hope to be able to find even more pictures for you.
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