The Romans (c.55 BC-449AD)
When the Romans came along, they improved the land’s drainage, digging more ditches and defining tracks across the landscape. The growth of towns, such as Dorchester, provided a market for rural produce.
Chickens were introduced, modern bread wheat and grapes for wine. A hay meadow was introduced on the floodplain, increasing the numbers of animals that could be kept over winter. Woodland may have become less important due to the Roman use of stone, instead of wood, as a building material.
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An overview of Roman Britain www.bbc.co.uk/history For schools... Learn about how the Romans lived in Britain www.bbc.co.uk/schools/romans |
