In 410 AD the Roman troops that had been stationed in Britannia for nearly 360 years simply packed up and sailed home! They were recalled to Rome to protect their land from Barbarian attacks, and they never returned to rule Britain.
I’m sure it was a shock to some of the Britons to see them go. I’m also sure that many of the Britons held their collective breath for months, maybe years, before they believed the troops had gone for good, and started to think that they were free to be themselves again.
No more wine?
Meanwhile, the physical trappings of Roman civilization that had been laid overtop Celtic civilization began to fall apart. Why did that happen? Why would a people who had reaped the benefit of a more luxurious and comfortable culture not take pains to keep it up? Why would they give up soft beds, underfloor heating, heated baths, good roads, and solid, waterproof roofs? And why would they voluntarily give up wine, and olive oil?
Obviously there had been huge resentment toward Roman rule that had been stamped down by the mighty Roman Empire. But after they had left, the Britons could go back to the way they had always ruled. They could worship their own gods and administer their own laws. They may have purposely decided to let the fancy buildings, the arenas and villas and mansios fall into disrepair. Or they may not have had the tools and skills to repair them. They apparently didn’t need or want the Roman roads that had been built, in many cases, right over their own ancient trails. And, heaven knows why not, but they apparently didn’t need wine or olive oil!
How did Aethelreda’s people feel?
There is almost no hard evidence of what took place in the years immediately following 410 in Britain. That may be an issue for historians, but it is a boon for writers! As I imagined life in the fifth century, I could imagine the seething animosity that some Britons had for the Romans - leaders like Aethelreda’s father, Carvilius, who hid his people from the Romans and continued their way of life, out of sight. I could imagine the animosity there was for the local Britons who had collaborated with the Romans, like Blaedswith and her husband. I could empathize with those who had been pushed to the fringe of society, like the Druids, because they did not follow the official religion of the Romans, which was Christianity. And I could feel admiration for those who were leading the fledgling Christian communities.
Bound by an Oath is set two years after the Romans had left Britain. Aethelreda is a new kind of leader, seeking connection with her neighbors, not separation. She has to lead her people in a time of transition. But she is up to the task.
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