CHAPTER VI

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DEPARTURE OF THE ROMANS.

Adrian strengthens and extends the Roman fortifications-- Description of these ancient barriers, and the combats that took place before them--Wall erected by the emperor Severus--He marches into Caledonia, reaches the Frith of Moray--Great mortality amongst the Roman legions--Severus dies at York-- Picturesque description of the Roman sentinels guarding the ancient fortresses--Attack of the northern barbarians--Peace of Britain under the government of Caracalla--Arrival of the Saxon and Scandinavian pirates--The British Channel protected by the naval commander, Carausius--His assassination at York --Constantine the Great--Theodosius conquers the Saxons-- Rebellion of the Roman soldiers; they elect their own general --Alaric, the Goth, overruns the Roman territories--British soldiers sent abroad to strengthen the Roman ranks--Decline of the Roman power in Britain--Ravages of the Picts, Scots, and Saxons--The Britons apply in vain for assistance from Rome --Miserable condition in which they are left on the departure of the Romans--War between the Britons and the remnant of the invaders--Vortigern, king of the Britons--A league with the Saxons p. 50

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