Milecastle 39 on Hadrian's Wall

Extreme drought contributed to barbarian invasion of late Roman Britain, tree-ring study reveals

17 April 2025

Three consecutive years of drought contributed to the ‘Barbarian Conspiracy’, a pivotal moment in the history of Roman Britain, a new Cambridge-led study reveals. Researchers argue that Picts, Scotti and Saxons took advantage of famine and societal breakdown caused by an extreme period of drought to inflict crushing blows on weakened Roman defences in 367 CE. While Rome eventually restored order, some historians argue that the province never fully recovered.

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Cambridge Festival Speaker Spotlight: Dr Matt Bothwell

12 February 2025

Dr Matthew Bothwell is an astrophysicist, science communicator and author, and the current Public Astronomer at the Institute of Astronomy, ̽»¨Ö±²¥ of Cambridge. Part of Matt’s work is to deliver outreach to schools, run stargazing evenings, give public lectures, and write about all things astronomical. He is also a Bye-Fellow at Girton College, ̽»¨Ö±²¥ of Cambridge.

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