55 B.C. Julius Caesar invades Britain. Roman rule, firmly established by 85 A.D., brings peace to Celtic tribes.
c. 410. Last Roman legions leave Britain after fall of Rome to the Visigoths.
449-577. Saxon pirates overrun England.
597. Rome's St. Augustine brings Christianity to Britain.
783. First Viking raids. Norsemens' victories in 1016 bring Denmark's Canute to throne, unify England.
1066. William of Normandy conquers England. Last successful invasion of Britain establishes kingdom's ties with Europe. By mid-12th century, England rules all western France to Pyrenees.
1337-1453. Hundred Years' War between France and confident, aggressive England. Vastly outnumbered, superior English...
