What is Londinium?
Londinium was the principal settlement of Roman Britain. It was a major commercial and administrative centre, located in the south-eastern corner of what is now England, and in the very centre of the London Basin. At the time of its peak, it was the largest walled Roman city in all of what is now England. Roman Londinium was the site of many significant events that included Julius Caesar’s brief tour of Britain, the building and expansion of Hadrian’s Wall, and Boudicca’s rebellion against Roman rule. Londinium was also an important port, as it was located on the tidal portion of the River Thames, which connected Roman Britain to the widerRoman Empire.
History of Roman Londinium
Londinium was founded in 43 AD by the Romans as a trading centre at the joining of the River Thames and the Walbrook River. It served as the capital of Roman Britain, replacing Camulodunum as the central focus for the Romans in the area. Londinium soon developed cultural and commercial connections with other Roman settlements along the Thames, such as Verulamium, Silchester, and Cirencester, which were all connected by a network of roads.The site was later chosen as the provincial capital, and it was home to a number of Roman temples, baths, and other public buildings, indicating its role as an administrative centre. Londinium was a very cosmopolitan city; it saw the influx of people from many different parts of the Roman Empire.
Importance of Londinium during Roman Times
Roman Londinium was considered a major administrative and financial centre, as it traded in goods from across the Roman Empire. It served as the provincial capital for Britain, where the Roman government was centred. Londinium was also the hub of activity for the shipping of goods from Britain to the continent, primarily through the port of London. It was a vital port for the Roman military, as it enabled them to transport troops and supplies to Britain. Londinium was also the centre for the important Church of England, which was founded in 604 AD.
Decline of Londinium in Roman Times
The decline of Londinium started in 410 AD when the Roman forces were recalled to Rome, leaving Britain unprotected. This was a fatal blow to Roman rule in Britain, as British tribes rose up, sacked the city and set it on fire. The city was not rebuilt until the 6th century, and then it became a religious centre known as Lundenwic. By the 11th century, it had become a bustling port and the capital of England.
Legacy of Roman Londinium
The legacy of Roman Londinium is still evident today.Many of the roads, buildings and monuments that formed part of the city’s Roman past can still be seen around London. Londinium also continues to have an influence on the culture of the city, with a number of festivals and events held each year to celebrate its history and impact. The world-famous crystal globe at the heart of the London Eye is modelled after the Roman basilica at Londinium.
Role of Londinium in the Network of Roman Britain
Londinium played an important role in the network of Roman Britain, being a major settlement and commercial centre. It was located at the joining of the Thames and the Walbrook, and connected to other settlements throughout the area by a network of roads. It was also a port, trading goods and allowing the Roman military to transport soldiers and supplies. Londinium was linked to a wide array of settlements such as Verulamium, Silchester, and Cirencester, and formed part of their vibrant economy.
Archaeology of Roman Londinium
Archaeological studies have aided in our understanding of the Roman city of Londinium. Using discoveries from Roman artifacts, including coins, pottery, and other objects, archaeologists have been able to gain insight into the daily life of the city’s inhabitants. They have also been able to trace the development of the city from its foundation to its eventual decline.
Conclusion
In conclusion, londinium was an important port and hub of activity in Ancient Rome, as it traded goods and connected the Roman Empire to Britain. Its legacy can still be seen today, in the form of buildings, monuments, festivals, and art. Archaeology has also helped in our understanding of the settlement’s history, as well as its role in the network of Roman Britain.
Suburbs of Roman Londinium
In Roman times, the suburbs of Londinium were made up of small settlements and hamlets. These settlements were enriched by the resources provided by the River Thames, and provided the people of Londinium with basic goods and services. These settlements eventually grew into the large urban sprawl of London that we know today.
Occupations in Roman Londinium
Thousands of people lived and worked in Roman Londinium. Occupations ranged from fishermen to merchants, craftsmen to builders, tax collectors to traders. Roman Londinium was a bustling place of trade as well as a cultural centre, providing employment to a wide range of individuals.
Civic Governance during Ancient Roman Times
Civic governance during Roman times in Londinium was conducted by the local magistrates, who acted as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the Roman authority. They were responsible for enforcing the laws and collecting taxes. The magistrates were both elected and appointed by the Roman government, ensuring that the citizens of the city were able to participate in the governance of their own city.
Decline of Londinium
The decline of Roman Londinium began shortly after 410 AD, as the Roman legions left Britain, leaving the city unprotected. The city was eventually sacked and set on fire by the British tribes, who slowed the progress of the city’s rebuilding until the 6th century. Londinium continued to exist as an ever-diminishing Roman settlement until the 11th century, when it was gradually replaced by a larger English settlement.
