insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 08 - October 2015 | Page 60
DAYSOUT
A Brief History of Sussex cont.
The Bronze Age (1,400 to 1,100 BC) and the
Iron Age (1,000 to 75 BC) didn’t put an end
to this industrious part of Britain; the Sussex
settlers simply used new materials to stay on
top of British industry, and it seems that the
area around Beachy Head was the hub of it all
with large Iron and Bronze Age villages being
found there along with pottery and tools.
What did end the growing businesses
emerging in Sussex at the time was the arrival
of the Romans. When they invaded in 55BC,
they occupied the South East of Britain,
including Sussex, and everything changed.
Did it change for the better? Well, the Romans
were dedicated to enhancing the areas
they invaded, and that meant that the road
networks for one were made much easier to
use. Now Sussex was linked easily to London,
and more trade could begin.
Coins were also introduced to the area, so
bartering for goods became a thing of the
past and money started to become more
and more important. It was at this time that
the magnificent Roman villas were built,
and a good example of this can be seen at
Fishbourne Roman Palace.
The advancements, money, and roads –
despite their defensives, such as Pevensey
Castle – did nothing to prevent the natives from
deciding enough was enough and taking their
land back, driving the Romans from the country.
Peace reined ( \