London

Important port and capital town of Roman Britain by about 100 AD, probably replacing the originally intended capital at Clochester. The site, on a previously unoccupied gravel plateau on the north side of the River Thames, was probably chosen as the lowest crossing point at the time of the Roman invasion in 43 AD. Use began as a supply depot and a trading center as it was a convenient starting point for the growing network of Roman roads. Burnt and ravaged by Boudicca in 60-61, the town soon revived, and capital status brought a large forum (Leadenhall Market), governor's palace (Canon Street), and a legionary fort (area of London Wall). Although damaged by fire again in c 125-130, the settlement continued to consolidate its position, and a wall was added to protect it between 183-217. Continuous occupation since the Roman period has prevented much extensive excavation. The Museum of London holds marble heads of Mithras, Serapis, and Minerva from the Mithraeum and the British Museum holds the Tomb of Julius Alpinus Classicianus, procurator of Britain after Boudicca's revolt. A section of wall may be seen in Trinity Place near the Tower of London, and the Mithraeum has been reconstructed to the west of its original site, in front of Temple Court, Queen Victoria Street.

[Roman Londinium]. Capital town of Roman Britain by about 100 ad, probably in replacement for an originally intended capital at Colchester. The site, on a previously unoccupied gravel plateau on the north side of the River Thames, was probably chosen as the lowest crossing point at the time of the Roman invasion in 43 ad. Use began as a supply depot and a trading centre. The location was also convenient as the starting point for the growing network of Roman roads. Burnt and ravaged by Boudicca in 60-61 the town soon revived, and capital status brought a large forum (Leadenhall Market), governor’s palace (Cannon Street), and a 4.5-hectare legionary fort (area of London Wall). Although damaged by fire again in cl25-30, the settlement continued to consolidate its position, and a wall was added to protect its some 134 hectares between 183 and 217. Continuous occupation since the Roman period has prevented anything but piecemeal remains and excavation. Major evidence is collected in the Museum of London, (e.g. marble heads of Mithras, Serapis and Minerva from the Mithraeum) and in the British Museum (Tomb of Julius Alpinus Classicianus, procurator of Britain after Boudicca’s revolt). A good section of wall may be seen in Trinity Place near the Tower of London, and the mithraeum has been reconstructed to the west of its original site, in front of Temple Court, Queen Victoria Street.