Why So Fast? The Abandonment of Roman Culture and Social Identity in Post-Roman Britain
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Ashleigh Ikemoto
Abstract
Social identity is, in short, how a social group defines itself and separates itself from other groups. Roman social identity changed Britain through various metrics such as material culture, agriculture, and language, but these changes can be seen to have less initial impact and fade much more quickly than expected when compared to continental Europe, even accounting for the Germanic Invasion shortly following the relinquishment of Roman control. Through these metrics it can be demonstrated that British Celtic social identity was strong and that many populations resisted assimilation, unlike Continental Celts. This pattern is strongest in northern and rural areas. By comparing the longevity of Roman social identity in southern/metropolitan vs northern/rural areas, it is possible to track where the Roman empire had greatest social influence.
Start Date
27-3-2024 10:00 AM
End Date
27-3-2024 10:50 AM
Location
Magnolia Ballroom
Why So Fast? The Abandonment of Roman Culture and Social Identity in Post-Roman Britain
Magnolia Ballroom
Social identity is, in short, how a social group defines itself and separates itself from other groups. Roman social identity changed Britain through various metrics such as material culture, agriculture, and language, but these changes can be seen to have less initial impact and fade much more quickly than expected when compared to continental Europe, even accounting for the Germanic Invasion shortly following the relinquishment of Roman control. Through these metrics it can be demonstrated that British Celtic social identity was strong and that many populations resisted assimilation, unlike Continental Celts. This pattern is strongest in northern and rural areas. By comparing the longevity of Roman social identity in southern/metropolitan vs northern/rural areas, it is possible to track where the Roman empire had greatest social influence.