Ancient Britain was a landmass on the northwest of the continent of Europe first occupied by humans c. 800,000 years ago prior to it becoming an island c. 6000 BCE due to flooding which separated it from the mainland. Agriculture began to develop in the region c. 4200 BCE encouraging the development of civilization.
More about: Ancient BritainDefinition
Timeline
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12000 BCEPaleolithic seasonal camp at Howburn Farm in Biggar, Scotland, visited regularly.
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10500 BCE - 7000 BCEMesolithic settlements established (many seasonal) in Scotland.
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c. 6500 BCEPossibly the last time there was a land bridge between Britain and the continent.
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6000 BCEBones and antlers used as tools, ring and cup marks on stones begin appearing in Scotland.
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c. 3500 BCEThe vast stone complex known as the Ness of Brodgar in use in Orkney.
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c. 3100 BCENeolithic village of Skara Brae inhabited.
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c. 3100 BCE - c. 2500 BCEMegalithic Period in which majority of standing stone sites were constructed.
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c. 3000 BCE - c. 2800 BCEThe Neolithic chambered cairn known as Maeshowe constructed and in use.
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c. 2500 BCEMigration of the so-called Beaker People to Scotland.
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2000 BCE - 1500 BCEWessex culture introduces bronze working to Britain.
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c. 2000 BCE - c. 1400 BCEEarly Bronze Age in Scotland.
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c. 1400 BCE - c. 900 BCEMiddle Bronze Age in Scotland.
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c. 900 BCE - c. 400 BCELate Bronze Age in Scotland.
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c. 900 BCECeltic Migration begins in Europe with many Celts landing in Scotland.
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55 BCE - 54 BCEJulius Caesar's expeditions in Britain.
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55 BCECaesar attempts to invade Britain.
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54 BCECaesar successfully invades Britain but withdraws to Gaul.
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54 BCE - 43 CERoman influence grows in Britain owing to trade.
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43 CERomans invade Britain under Aulus Plautius.
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43 CE - 47 CERomans conquer South Britain and claim the territory as part of Roman Empire.
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43 CEClaudian invasion of Britain, includes the Legio II Augusta.
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51 CEBriton rebel leader Caratacus defeated, rebellion crushed.
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60 CE - 61 CEBoudicca's Revolt in Britain.
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60 CE - 61 CEBoudicca revolts, the Legio II Augusta does not respond to a call to arms.
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75 CE - 77 CERomans defeat the last of the Northern tribes; Roman conquest of Britain complete.
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122 CEConstruction begins on Hadrian's Wall.
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142 CEThe Antonine Wall built under Antoninus Pius, north of Hadrian's Wall.
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286 CENaval commander Carausius (Marcus Aurelius Mausaeus Valerius Carausius) declares himself emperor in Britain and Northern Gaul.
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293 CEEmperor Carausius assassinated by Allectus.
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410 CERome withdraws forces from Britain.
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450 CEAngles and Saxons settle Britain.
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c. 500 CEKingdom of Dal Riada conquers the region of Scotland.