Touche. Of course you've seen Alternate History that posits some POD in the ancient world and then asks "Now how does this effect the Second World
War?" My main point is that Britain was not an obscure backwater with a negligible impact on the rest of the Empire. Changes there could result in
different Emperors down the road.
As for Hibernia I think the Romans would not try to occupy the entire island. I see their main presence in counties Waterford and Wexford probably with a garrison at Kilkenny which is one of those natural locations for a trading town. Much of Ireland would never see a Roman soldier. There is some mineral wealth in Waterford which started to get exploited big time in the late 18th century. It became known as the Copper Coast (though it also included some lead). I am not an expert in mining to say whether it was within the prowess of the Romans to develop this but even if a fraction of it is available I think it would provide an incentive for them to remain but again not moving too far inland.
Tom
As for Hibernia I think the Romans would not try to occupy the entire island. I see their main presence in counties Waterford and Wexford probably with a garrison at Kilkenny which is one of those natural locations for a trading town. Much of Ireland would never see a Roman soldier. There is some mineral wealth in Waterford which started to get exploited big time in the late 18th century. It became known as the Copper Coast (though it also included some lead). I am not an expert in mining to say whether it was within the prowess of the Romans to develop this but even if a fraction of it is available I think it would provide an incentive for them to remain but again not moving too far inland.
Tom
