The Roman Town 'Londinium'

The old London is called Londinium. The name Londinium is thought to be pre-Roman. Londinium was build by the Romans during an invasion of Great Britain. Archaeologists now think that London  was an inhabited settlement on the north bank of the Thames around the year 50. A wooden drainage canal, found along the side of a Roman road, was dated to the year 47, which is probably the foundation date.
 

After the city was founded, ten years later the city was looted by queen Boudica. Excavations have shown a lot of fire damage around that time, which suggests that the city was set on fire. There were also military buildings found in the city, which proves that the Romans the city maybe used as a base against the insurgency. Boudicca destroyed everything she looked like something Roman and the Roman city of Londinium was probably as a clear symbol of Roman presence.

The insurgency of Boudicca was beaten down and they could start rebuilding. The city was rebuilt within 10 years and quickly grew further until reached its peak in terms of population around 140. With its 45,000 inhabitants Londinium was one of the largest cities outside Italy.

In 375 Londinium was a small but rich community that was protected by full defense, it was the people expected to accept responsibility for their safety.



Around 410 ended the Roman domination of Great-Brittain. After the departure of the Romans Londinium was a fortified city. The people of the surrounding area in 457 escaped to the city when they were threatened by invaders. Slowly the city fell into disrepair and the defenses were not restored. Around 510 Londinium was taken by the Saxons.

 

 

 

Questions for classmates:

 

How did they call the 'old London'?

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Who was Boudicca and what has she done?

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