Page 22 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - London

20  INTRODUCING L ONDON

Roman London

When the Romans invaded Britain in the 1st century AD, they
already controlled vast areas of the Mediterranean, but fierce
opposition from local tribes (such as Queen Boudicca’s Iceni)
made Britain difficult to control. The Romans persevered,
however, and had consolidated their power by the end of the
century. Londinium, with its port, developed into a capital
city; by the 3rd century, there were some 50,000 people living Extent of the City
here. But, as the Roman Empire crumbled in the 5th century, AD 125 Today
the garrison pulled out, leaving the city to the Saxons.

Site of present-day
Public Baths Museum of London
Bathing was an
important part Roman fort
of Roman life.
This pocket-sized
personal hygiene Site of present-
kit (including day St Paul’s
a nail pick) and
bronze pouring
dish date from
the 1st century.

Basilica
Forum Londinium
Roman London was an
important centre on the
site of the present-day City
(see pp146–63). On the
Thames, it was in a good
position to trade with the
rest of the Empire.

Temple of Mithras
Mithras protected the Forum and Basilica
good from evil. This About 200 m (600 ft) from
2nd-century head London Bridge were the forum
was part of a statue (the chief market and meeting
in his temple. place) and the basilica (the town
hall and court of justice).

55 BC Julius Caesar
invades Britain 200 City wall built 410 Roman troops
begin to leave
AD 61 Boudicca attacks
100 200 300 400 500

AD 43 Claudius establishes Roman London
and builds the first bridge

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