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Ancient Roman Cities
Facts and Information about Londinium
Londinium was situated on the north bank of the river Thames
(Thamesis). The River Thames is tidal and Londinium was
situated 64 km (40 miles) from its
estuary on the North Sea. The original fort of Londinium was built between two hills (Cornhill
and Ludgate) and the original size of Londinium was 30
acres. The second building of Londinium increased the size
to to 62 acres. The city gradually increased in size and
became one of the biggest Roman cities covering over 300
acres containing a population of over 15,000 people
Description of the
City of Londinium
The city of Londinium boasted a large courthouse (basilica)
and market place (forum) which was located on the site of
present day Cornhill. The following facts and information
provides a description of the city.
Fact 1: A procurator’s palace was
built in Londinium (Cripplegate). A Procurator was a high ranking
Roman officer responsible for the finances of an imperial province,
including tax collection and the payment of troops
Fact 2: Londinium was as an important
port and trading post from which goods were imported from all over
the Roman world
Fact 3: The town hall, government
offices and courtrooms were in the basilica at Cornhill
Fact 4: The market place (forum) was
situated next to the basilica
Fact 5: Rich Romans lived in town
houses
Fact 6:
Numerous slaves served their
wealthy owners in the city undertaking household and administrative
tasks
Fact 7: The Amphitheatre was located
at the site of the Guildhall Art Galley. It was a massive structure
which could hold up to 8000 spectators
Fact 8: Many of the original wooden
Roman structures of Londinium were re-built in stone and marble
Fact 9: There was even a Fire Brigade
who were stationed around the walls and gates
Fact 10: Latin was the language
inflicted on the native people of the city
Destruction of the
City of Londinium by Boadicea
The army of Queen Boadicea army burned
Londinium to the ground and massacred the 25,000 inhabitants
who had not fled. The Romans gained controlled of the Iceni
rebels and a new Roman city at Londinium was quickly erected
following the defeat of Boadicea. The Romans had learnt the
lesson taught to them by Queen Boadicea and looked to
defending the town of Londinium. By the 200BC all except the
river side of Londinium was totally enclosed by a massive
defensive wall. A section of the Roman Wall has been
preserved in the Tower of London. The town of Londinium had
several gates and exits from the enclosure wall. The Roman
Roads led to the Londinium gates which had a 100 foot wide
gate house and was flanked by square towers.
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