The period during which most of Britain was part of the Roman empire. Britain was first visited by the Romans under Julius Caesar during the Gallic wars. It was then the home of Gallic tribes and later a refuge for defeated allies of Vercingetorix. Claudius invaded Britain in 43 ad, attracted by the island’s minerals and grain. At first the Belgic tribes were subdued as far north as the Fosse Way. The frontier was then extended into native Celtic territories and established by the building of Hadrian’s Wall. Native culture absorbed many Roman ways: enlarged former tribal capitals adopted a Roman lifestyle. Army veterans settled there after discharge, as did traders, scholars, craftsmen, and soldiers from all parts of the Roman empire. Universally acknowledged Christian bishoprics were established. Roman villas, Roman roads, and titles abounded, but little Latin was spoken and the people remained essentially Celtic. In 406 and 409 the Britons rebelled against Roman rule. The Romans withdrew from Britain in 410. The period of Roman decline and the early history of the Saxon kingdoms remains obscure.