The departure of the Romans from Britain in the early 5th century AD marked the beginning of a transformative and uncertain era. In his works, historian and archaeologist Max Adams explores this turbulent period, shedding light on how Britain evolved after the collapse of Roman rule. He describes a landscape of shifting power, economic decline, and cultural transformation as native Britons, incoming settlers, and emerging warlords vied for control of the island.

The End of Roman Rule in Britain

By the early 400s AD, Roman Britain was struggling. The empire itself was under pressure from invasions on multiple fronts, and its resources were stretched thin. In 410 AD, Emperor Honorius famously told the Britons to "look to their own defenses," effectively ending Roman support for the province. Without the Roman military, administration, and economy to sustain them, British towns and cities declined, and political authority fragmented.

Max Adams describes this transition not as a sudden collapse but as a gradual unraveling. The infrastructure of Roman Britain—roads, towns, and forts—fell into disrepair, and many once-thriving urban centers were abandoned. Trade with the wider Roman world dwindled, leading to economic hardship and a return to localized, self-sufficient economies.

The Rise of Local Lords and Kingdoms

With Roman governance gone, power shifted into the hands of local leaders, often former Roman officials or military commanders who adapted to the new reality. These warlords and tribal chieftains carved out territories for themselves, leading to the emergence of early medieval kingdoms. The political landscape became fragmented, with small regional rulers competing for dominance.

One of the key figures in this period, according to Adams, was Ambrosius Aurelianus, a Romano-British leader who may have led resistance against the encroaching Anglo-Saxons. This period also saw the origins of Arthurian legend, as stories of a heroic leader defending Britain against invaders began to take shape. shutdown123