The history of Londinium

Prime Site, AD43-60

After the invasion of AD43, the Romans consolidated their position. They made Colchester, a British tribal centre, their capital. Then, seven years after they invaded Britain, they started to build a new settlement - London.

Above: London in AD60:
The first settlement, after ten years of development, covered about 15 hectares.
David Bentley (MoLAS)/Peter Froste

The first London lasted little more than ten years. It spanned both sides of the river Thames. The largest sea-going ships could reach it, making it an excellent centre for trade with the rest of the Roman Empire. It seems probable that once the army had established a crossing point, foreign merchants, traders and land speculators moved into the area. Local people, displaced by the invasion, must also have been enticed by the opportunities a new settlement offered.

The town that grew up was named 'Londinium' by the Romans. The word is partly pre-Roman in origin and may have been derived from the original British placename.

• Forward: Capital Growth, AD61-200

• High Street Londinium at this time

Exhibition sponsored by

Roman London | Background Information | High Street Londinium Main Page

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