The history of Londinium

Capital Growth, AD61-200

After the destruction of the first London during Queen Boudica's revolt in AD60, the Roman Emperor Nero sent Julius Classicianus, a civilian administrator ('procurator') to work alongside the military governor to re-establish peace in Britannia.

Above: London in AD120:
After redevelopment, the second settlement grew and prospered
David Bentley (MoLAS)/Peter Froste

London was rebuilt as a planned Roman town, boasting major public buildings and administrative centres north and south of the river. The new town rapidly expanded and by AD100 replaced Colchester as capital of the province of Britannia.

By AD122, when the Emperor Hadrian visited Britain, and probably London, both the Roman Empire and Londinium were at their height. But, by the 3rd century AD, political instability and economic recession were to cause London to decline. Whole areas of the city were dismantled and not redeveloped.

• Forward: Tightening Recession, AD200-85
• Back: Prime Site, AD43-60

• High Street Londinium at this time

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