London Before London

450,000 BC – AD 50

Medieval London

410-1558

Roman London

AD 50-410

Discover how Londinium came to life and what daily life was like in the city 2000 years ago

The Romans built the city where London now stands, bridging the Thames and creating Londinium. From around AD 50 to 410, this was the largest city in Britannia and a vital international port.

Not to be missed on your visit

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At 19, Claudia Martina is Roman Britain’s youngest recorded wife. Her tombstone suggests her husband spared no expense – even though he was a slave working for the local government.

Tombstone to Claudia Martina, AD 150-200

At 19, Claudia Martina is Roman Britain’s youngest recorded wife. Her husband spared no expense on her tomb – even though he was a slave working for the local government.

Austalis tile, AD 50-410

Working in a local brickyard, Austalis left his name scratched in to one of the bricks. Read what one of his co-workers added afterwards to see what they thought of him!

Carved intaglio jewel, 3rd century AD

This carved gemstone shows a Roman warship, being rowed by four marines. Somehow, this precious object ended up in the river Thames, and was found buried in the foreshore.

Hoard of 43 Roman gold coins dating AD65-147

This hoard of golden coins was buried sometime in the 3rd century, probably to keep it safe from thieves. The owner never retrieved the hoard, and it was discovered in 2000.

Looking from the gallery over the remains of London’s wall you are looking at a mix of Roman, medieval and Victorian building. Here you are outside of Roman London, looking in to what was once the fort and later part of the city wall. 2000 years ago who might have been looking back?

View of the wall, AD 120-1900

From the gallery you can view what remains of London’s city wall, a mix of Roman, medieval and Victorian building. 2000 years ago, this was a fort guarding the edge of the city.

Bucklersbury Mosaic, AD 250

This mosaic caused a sensation when it was discovered in Queen Victoria Street in 1869. Over the three days before it was removed from the ground 50,000 visitors came to see it.

Londinium Bridge

This model shows how the Romans built the first bridge across the River Thames, where London Bridge now stands.

The discovery of a Temple to Mithras in 1954 was a London sensation. This men-only mystery cult worshipped in a building on the banks of the Walbrork River for 100 years. Ulpius Silvanus set up a dedication in the temple that showed Mithras slaying the bull whose blood brought eternal life.

Temple of Mithras, AD 240-410

The discovery of a Temple to Mithras in 1954 was a London sensation. This men-only mystery cult worshipped in a building on the banks of the Walbrook River for 100 years.

Stone figure of a soldier, 1st - 2nd century

This statue represents one of the Roman legionary soldiers who occupied Britain from AD 43. After the Romans departed, it was re-used as building material for a Saxon house.

Londiniensi inscription, AD 160-170

This inscription is the first written record to use the word ‘Londoners’.

Gallery access

The gallery is open during the museum's normal hours:

10am-5.40pm

The gallery is on the entrance floor and can be accessed by lift.

Entry is free, no ticket required.

Roman London also of interest

Bull-slaying statute from the Temple of Mithras.

Redecorating the Romans

We've refreshed our Roman gallery around the Temple of Mithras.

Pupils meet a Roman soldier at London’s Roman amphitheatre

Walk around Londinium

Discover Roman landmarks, now quite hidden beneath our 21st century skyscrapers.

Plan your visit

Roman Dead

A free exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands.

Discover our Londoners

Discover London Through History

FatCam: watch fatberg live

Smithfield Market 150: monks, meat and merriment

David Rodigan: 40 years of London nights

The surprising diversity of Roman London

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