Roman Africans who contributed to Britain. Their presence dates back nearly two thousand years, and it bears witness to the multiculturalism of the Roman Empire.

1. Multicultural Empire:

• The Roman Empire was vast, stretching from northwestern Europe to North Africa and the Near East.
• By the 3rd century AD, evidence shows that African people began making their way to Britain through trade, military movements, and migrations.
• The multicultural nature of the empire facilitated this movement.

1. The First Black Briton:

• In East Sussex, an ancient skeleton was discovered at Beachy Head. Through modern forensic techniques, it was revealed that she lived around 200-250 AD.
• This lady, with sub-Saharan African ancestry, is the first known black Briton.
• Her discovery suggests that people from beyond the North African Roman border were also present in Britain during this time.

1. Ivory Bangle Lady:

• In York, another discovery contradicts the assumption that all African people in Britain were likely slaves.
• The Ivory Bangle Lady, buried in a stone coffin, held a high-ranking position within Roman York.
• Isotope analysis revealed her early years in a warmer climate, and her skull shape indicated some North African ancestry.

1. Written Evidence:

• While archaeological findings provide insights, written evidence is scarce.
• The Romans recruited men from conquered territories to join the army and contribute to infrastructure.
• Septimus Severus, the Emperor of Rome, was born in Lepcis (Libya) and had mixed African and Roman heritage. He rebuilt parts of Hadrian’s Wall in Britain.

In summary, these African Romans played a significant role in shaping Britain’s history, and their stories continue to inspire us today¹²³⁴.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Source: panafrican.email, 3/28/2024

(1) The history of black Britain: Roman Africans. https://www.history.co.uk/article/the-history-of-black-britain-roman-africans.

(2) 3 Seeing Black: Africans in Roman Britain – Oxford Academic. https://academic.oup.com/book/3628/chapter/144946467.

(3) ROMANS EARLY RESIDENTS AFRICANS IN UNIFORM WRITERS – Historic England. https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/education/explorer/african-lives-northern-england-leaflet-pdf/.

(4) Black Londoners through time: African Romans | Museum of London. https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/families/black-londoners-through-time/african-romans.